Earlier this year, a group of senior leaders from across ISP came together in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a leadership experience designed to challenge perspectives, strengthen relationships and create meaningful impact.
The ISP Senior Leadership Programme (SLP) brings together a small cohort of colleagues from different regions, functions and roles—from Principals and Regional Heads to Group colleagues—inviting them to step away from their day-to-day work and into something entirely different.
This year’s programme took place at Ban Mai Sawan School, a rural school in northern Thailand that serves children from the surrounding Hill Tribe communities. Many of the students live away from their families during term time to access an education. The school, though rich in warmth and community spirit, is short on resources—and it was here that the programme unfolded.
Over five days, the group worked side-by-side to restore parts of the school site, including repainting classrooms and transforming an outdoor play area. For some, it meant physically building something for the first time in years; for others, it meant stepping into a classroom to deliver a lesson. Most importantly, it meant working together—across job titles, time zones and languages.
“It wasn’t a conference room in Harvard—it was hands-on, grounded in service and led by learning,” said Jackie Watson, ISP’s Group Head of Talent, who designed and led the programme.
The experience was built around three core ideas:
- Leadership through service
- Learning through doing
- Connection through shared experience
A Human Experience
What emerged over the course of the week went far beyond the scheduled sessions.
There were early morning tuk tuk rides, shared meals in the local village, spontaneous conversations over paint pots and quiet moments of reflection. The impact of the school, its students and staff was deeply felt. One participant wrote in a message afterwards:
“The Chiang Mai experience gave me far more than I ever imagined giving. It not only deepened my understanding of myself and my role but also reshaped my perspective on service and giving back.”
Another added:
“This was more than a leadership programme—it was a space for connection, growth and genuine impact.”
That sentiment was echoed by Juanita Arias, Head of School at Colegio La Colina, who shared her reflections while waiting to board her flight home:
“My eyes were brimming with good tears, and my heart overflowing with gratitude. I feel deeply humbled and overjoyed by all that I am leaving behind.”
“No image could truly capture what happened there. The power of unity, professionalism, surrender and joy came together through an extraordinary group of individuals, creating an experience that was nothing short of transformative.”
Juanita also recalled how the group—despite being drawn from vastly different backgrounds, roles and cultures—came together with an ease and energy that was remarkable:
“Whatever algorithm or intuition was behind the selection of this group, it worked wonders.”
Hugo Liz de Castro, Head of School at Liceo Panamericano, shared a similar perspective. He described feeling “deeply engaged in the enriching conversations, experiences, and diverse perspectives shared by an extraordinary group of individuals.” He spoke of leaving with “a renewed sense of purpose, a broader leadership toolkit, and a network of exceptional colleagues,” and added, “Each person, in their own unique way, contributed something invaluable to my personal and professional growth—insights, lessons, and reflections that I shall carry forward.”
While the physical projects completed at the school were tangible, much of the value came from the group dynamic. The cohort, drawn from across ISP’s regions and functions, quickly formed a close-knit team. Participants shared experiences, debated challenges and supported one another—often across areas they hadn’t previously worked together in.
“The synergy among 12 individuals from vastly different backgrounds… who worked, dreamed, built, painted, laughed and even danced so effortlessly together—is truly worth studying further.”
“I had a renewed sense of purpose, a broader leadership toolkit and a network of exceptional colleagues who share the same challenges, ambitions and commitment to making a difference.”
A Different Kind of Development
The SLP is not a conventional leadership programme. It doesn’t include keynote speakers or lectures. There is no branded merchandise nor formal certificates.
Instead, the experience is designed around ISP’s values: collaboration, learning, humility and care. The setting may be informal, but the impact is lasting.
“This opportunity reinforced my life mission of service. I learned a lot about myself, my role as a leader and how to support my team—as well as get support from them.”
Participants returned to their schools and teams with renewed energy, new perspectives and stronger cross-regional connections. Many continue to stay in close contact, and several have already initiated follow-up conversations and collaborations sparked by their time in Thailand.
Reflecting on the programme’s purpose, Watson concludes:
“We wanted to build something that helped our senior leaders understand what it means to be a leader at ISP. That means leading with empathy, acting with purpose and staying grounded in the realities of our schools. This programme is one way we do that—together.”
