“Born to Solve: Energizing and Problem-Solving with a Smile.”
About Me: I have dedicated over 36 years to education, with more than 30 years in senior leadership roles across schools in several local authorities. In 2002, I was honoured to become Portsmouth’s first Black Headteacher, serving as a leader in the city for nearly a decade.
In 2013, I founded Aspire Coaching Consultancy, a headteacher consultancy, focused on “enabling change.” Over the years, I have taken on diverse leadership roles, including Executive Headteacher, Headteacher, Operations Officer for a Trust, and Consultant Headteacher. My work primarily involves troubleshooting challenges in schools and supporting them on their journey toward improvement.
At the heart of my consultancy is a commitment to leaving each school in a significantly better place than I found it. My driving force has always been to make a meaningful difference—this remains my ultimate goal.
Two Truths and a lie time:
- – My handicap score in golf is 6.
- – I am a trained voiceover
- – I sang for Sade ( the singer)
Joining the Tribe: I attended the awards ceremony in 2024 for the first time and was moved by the stories of the amazing women in this city. The event left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the Pamodzi tribe.
Experience: Being a Trailblazer is as much about who you are as what you do. Initially, I never aspired to be a teacher; it was more of a default path. However, I am profoundly grateful that I chose to become a leader in education. It is a true privilege to play a role in shaping the life journey of young people and to offer guidance through the knowledge and experience I have gained. Making a difference in the lives of others is an incredible honour. As a senior leader, I am especially thankful for the opportunities to support and mentor other leaders, sharing insights and experiences I have gathered along the way.
Life Lessons:
- Life is far too short—stop to enjoy it, smell the roses, and watch the sunsets.
- If you don’t know, then ask.
Community: My father was a kind, strong, and fair man who always stood up for what is right. Despite my parents missing out on their own education, my father instilled in me the importance of seizing every opportunity to learn. He often said, “Once you have your education, no one can ever take it away from you.” His words and actions have been a guiding light throughout my journey.
Reflect: If I could speak to my younger self, I would say, “Reach for the stars as nothing is impossible—chase your dreams and remember to always shine brightly.” To those following the trail I set ablaze, I would encourage them to do the same.
Ice Breaker Answers: The truths were:
- I undertook voiceover training, taught by a well-known voiceover artist—Steve Hudson (famous for “Because the Lady loves Milk Tray” advert) in the late nineties.
- I sang gospel in front of Sade with a group of singers on one New Year’s Day in Camden Town in the late nineties.
The lie: I can’t play golf at all; my older sister has a golf handicap of 6!
