Steve Barkley

Since my last article, the global news has only reinforced how polarized and uncertain our world has become. We are clearly living in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, and now, even BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) offers another lens for understanding today’s challenges. Regardless of the acronym, the goal remains the same: to stay grounded and present.

A Head of Department I worked for previously, when contacted by the Principal of a school I was applying to, said, “If you judge Sara only by what’s on her CV, you won’t be able to see what she can bring.” That probably helped to get me hired. I’ve been very fortunate in my career because every time I’ve needed it, someone’s given me a shot.

When schools are made better for neurodivergent individuals, they become better for everyone. This series profiles current international school leaders who identify as neurodivergent — including those with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, bipolar disorder, and hypersensitivity.