Business and Education Leadership is all about character
With his unique skill set, Matt combines international professional sporting experience, and an educational leadership background with the positive mental health and wellbeing aspects of transformational change.
During his years as Founding Principal of Atrium Studio School in Devon (when Ofsted praised him as “inspirational”), students and staff flourished under his clear, focused and engaging leadership. Principles of integrity, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference are the foundations of his work, underpinned by extensive experience and a solid track record of successful outcomes in New Zealand and the UK.
"Maintaining strong relationships is key: people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
“I have had the pleasure to hear Matt speak at two events now, on both occasions he captured the audience's interest and enthusiasm with his story telling and very relevant examples. The exercise where he asks everyone to assess their well being in the four different areas really makes one think about truly getting good work – life balance and what we need to do as leaders to ensure our organisations encourage this. Similarly, his approach to leadership by developing strong coaching and mentoring skills is a topic that all those who have responsibility for people should embrace. Engaged, inspired people certainly do create more successful organisations but also ones where people love to come to work. Matt inspired me and the team and I look forward to more insights from him.”
Sandra Breene
CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC
“Matt has worked with a number of senior leaders and headteachers at Marches Academy Trust and the outcomes have been significant. Our leaders have developed resilience; solutions-focused thinking; confidence; and are able to lead effectively under pressure. Matt is a coaching expert who has empowered our leaders to thrive in challenging times”.
MARCHES ACADEMY TRUST, 2022
“Matt has been exceptional coaching our leaders; building self-belief in colleagues throughout the school and has been an integral part of the recovery we have been through. This guy is the real deal!”
CLIFTON GREEN PRIMARY, YORK, 2022
Matt's potted history
- Leadership Coach for Business and Education Leaders (2018-present)
- ‘Inspirational’ Principal (Ofsted, 2018)
- NPQ Senior Leader Training Facilitator (2018-present)
- Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Mental Health England, 2018)
- Leadership & People Development Award (CESW, 2016)
- PGCE Educational Leadership and Management (Auckland University 2014)
- Senior Leader at Howick College, New Zealand (2011-2014)
- Growth International Coach (Auckland, 2014)
- FIFA, Premier League Referee (2001-2006)
Culture precedes performance
Matt has developed a culture of principle-centred leadership within all the organisations in which he has worked.
This has resulted in staff taking responsibility for results, using their initiative, having a clear vision and strategy, remaining consistently aligned with priorities, and developing positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
As a Premier League and International Football Referee, Matt was constantly under the microscope of the international media, and therefore was required to make crucial, immediate decisions under immense pressure. He was not only an elite athlete, he was managing a multi-million-pound business during every game. Managing conflict and stress, communicating decisions effectively to an audience of millions and making spontaneous split-second judgement calls whilst exuding an aura of calm were all part of the job.
Resilient Future Construction Leaders
I am privileged to work with Alison Watson MBE at classofyourown as I have always had a passionate and vested interest in young people's futures and believe that the DEC (Design Engineer Construct!) learning programme is framed by ethical considerations and empowers young people to become global problem-solvers to tackle the big issues that our global society faces.
Leading on the 'Resilient Future Construction Leaders' programme allows me to work with young people to develop the skills they will need to contribute to delivering a better future for the planet and its people; resilience building; mental health and wellbeing; leadership; confidence; career-readiness; performing under pressure; people-management; and emotional intelligence.
I'm motivated by this programme that 'future-proofs' student learning and is sowing the seeds for an agile future workforce who will be prepared to strive for excellence in their career of choice.
VISIT CLASS OF YOUR OWN
Polaris Outdoor Recommendation
Polaris Outdoor is an outdoor education company with a difference. Started by teachers and world class outdoor leaders, the Polaris Outdoor programs were built and tested in schools. They have worked with Sir David Attenborough, Sir Rannulph Fiennes, The Natural History Museum, Trained the Bear Grylls production team, taken out the Royal Family and many more. They have been to over 100 countries, leading groups of professionals and students to remote areas including the Arctic, jungles, deserts and mountains.
See a wonderful Arctic video here and more on the Polaris Youtube Channel. I have been on this expedition and it is a life-changing experience for young people (and not so young!) Polaris also has a personal development program that is second to none. If you want your students to gain some incredible skills from world class outdoor professionals and become world ready individuals give them a call.
I am very happy to recommend Polaris Outdoor as an expert and inspiring partner in education.
Meet the Edsplorers
I have recently been involved with Edaplorers - advisers, trainers, speakers and writers who partner with schools internationally:
Founded by Leo Thompson, we explore education, sharing innovation, research and actionable insights to help schools resolve issues in their unique contexts. Empowering every child’s learning and well-being so that they can achieve their true potential and thrive.
