Connection is the key - and #WomenEd get it!

'People are the most important thing to you,' said a close colleague and friend the day after I handed in my notice for my most recent Headship. 

'Errrr, yes, clearly' I thought! 

Why did I not understand this about myself, or know how utterly vital it is for me to thrive? It took 18 months in a job, that I let steal my soul, to come to this realisation, and the help of my friend over a wintery pub dinner! 

So, during a very long notice period, 6 months, I had time to reflect and unpick what was important to me, what I needed to thrive and what my values were. Questions like 'why was it so hard?', 'why couldn't I make it work?', 'What was missing?' swirled around my brain, often at 3am when I had woken up in a blind panic about a data document or an assembly plan I had forgotten to prepare. 

It wasn't until I had time to really reflect on my own values, helped by the amazing Diana Osagie and Hannah Wilson at the Academy of Women's Leadership retreat, that I hit the nail on the head. 

Connection!

I need to feel a connection to the people I work with and the place I work in, to be aligned to the values in order to thrive. And the truth was that the right connection in that role just wasn't there. As a result of my experience, I started to explore the concept of connection more, read some research and be curious about the impact it can have. Turns out it's pretty powerful stuff! When we share experiences and feel connected to others, mirror neurons in our brains are fired up and there are numerous positive impacts including increased self-esteem, confidence and well-being.

Connection is one of the #WomenEd values, and if ever an event embodies its values, the Unconference in London on 30th September was absolutely one! 

Everything from the initial communication, when I bravely offered to lead a workshop, to the genuine warmth when greeted at the event, the humour and love from the Global Strategic Leaders and the encouragement and support from fellow attendees. 

Connection was key all day. 

It was so refreshing to be in a space full of fellow women in Education who were there to connect, to listen, share and learn from one another. It didn't feel like working on a Saturday, it felt like being immersed in a comfy book interspersed with Ted type talks and friendly networking in a fabulous venue with wonderful food!

I was nervous about the workshop, the brave feelings from my initial offer had faded fast, and I couldn't decide if it was more scary if no-one turned up or if someone did and I actually had to speak! Luckily 10 lovely, supportive and kind women turned up and joined me for 50 minutes of talking about connection. I was vulnerable, sharing a personal experience from my childhood and the group, in turn, were vulnerable themselves, creating a strong connection very quickly. 

It turns out the culture at #WomenEd makes us feel safe to share, explore and support each other and it's incredibly uplifting.

The speakers that I had the privilege of hearing were individual, empowering and all had beautiful messages to share. 

It was a fantastic event! 

I didn't share my pledge at the end of the day using the microphone in the theatre, I decided I'd done more than my 10% braver efforts for one day! 

But, I made a personal pledge and that is to share the positive work and culture of #WomenEd by recommending every woman working in education follow their work, buy the books and attend any events they can. 

Together we can amplify each other's voices and, through our connections, make the change we need to be, and see, in education right now.