MESSY EventsThis is the place to find all things MESSY ...
Watch this space for updates as we continue to add new MESSY-related events and content.
Whether you're interested in finding out where our next speaking engagement is, want to join an upcoming webinar or podcast, keen to catch-up with past recordings or browse other MESSY assets, you're in the right place.
We'll be updating this page with new dates as they come up so make sure to visit regularly.
MESSY keynotes
Global conferences we have spoken at and some upcoming sessions:
AASA Conference, San Diego | February 2024
Next Level Leaders Academy, Seattle | February 2024
World Education Summit (Virtual) | March 2024
ULead24, Canada | April 2024
Canadian Association of Principals | April 2024
UNITED, The National Conference on School Leadership, powered by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Nashville, Tennessee | 15 July 2024
EduTech Solutions Summit, Bali, Indonesia | 05 - 07 September 2024
Leading in MESSY Times, an UNGA 79 Event at the Empire State Building, NYC on Tuesday, September 24 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. EST and streamed online from 5:50 p.m.
ACEL Conference, Adelaide, Australia | 30 September to 02 October 2024
Coming soon ...
ASCD Leadership Summit, Nashville | 18 - 20 October 2024
Learning Forward, Aurora, CO | December 2024
MESSY webinars
Webinars focusing on the findings of our MESSY Leadership research:
New Zealand Ministry of Education | 08 December 2023
NIIE Singapore | 22 February 2024
US & UK school leaders | 05 June 2024
Leading in MESSY Times | 24 September 2024
This in-person event at the BTS New York office will also be streamed between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST
Coming soon ...
TBC
MESSY podcasts
Podcasts featuring interviews with the authors of Embracing MESSY Leadership:
Principal Matters | The School Leaders' Podcast
Transformative Principal Podcast
Let's Learn with Wisconsin ASCD
Just Schools, Baylors Center for School Leadership
Coming soon ...
Leader of Learning PodcastThe School House 302: Leading Better and Growing Faster
eSchool Media
MESSY in the news
Media coverage about the book and exploring MESSY Leadership in general:
The case for embracing MESSY Leadership in schools | EdSurge
MESSY reviews from school leaders
Below are just a few of the comments made by school leaders from our pre-publication book review group about Embracing MESSY Leadership. Encouragingly, every one of our reviewers said they would recommend the book to others:
"The 'superhero' mindset of the principal in the case study is applicable for many. In my opinion, this mindset is not conducive or helpful, so dispelling the myth that we need to operate in this mode is spot on!".
"I booked this [time] into my calendar for the week, and took time to reflect. The patterns were alarming, and crazy I had not picked them up. It actually helped that this chapter was at the end, so I could identify other parts of my behavior. I used the ETC process, and it worked wonders – a game changer. Thank you".
"The 'in-the-box' and 'out-of-the-box' actions were good. It certainly made me reflect on my day-to-day situations and how I reacted to different situations – and therefore the impact it had on me and the way I am perceived by others".
"I see myself being the 'Pessimist' when I am 'in-the-box'. Building stress, and not being my best. However, I reflected strongly that I fall into the martyr trap and do not fully reflect on the personal toll, and the toll it has on my leadership. I need to get 'out-of-the-box' when faced with certain situations, and regain my leadership effectiveness".
"The mind traps questionnaire reinforced what I already know, which is I am – in common with so many other school leaders – a 'Pleaser'. But the questionnaire was also a good way to reflect on what it means to be a 'Pleaser' and how I can use the core qualities that come with that".
"If you read anything in this book, read the 'Y' chapter. It's a game changer!".
"Reflecting back on all of the chapters, I feel I have a greater awareness of myself as a leader and the impact I can have, either positive or negative, depending on my actions and what I say".
"It's OK to acknowledge that leadership can be difficult, but there are tools you can work through. And the case studies are universal – you are not unique in your leadership situation".
"Don't be hijacked by your feelings!".
"The ETC tool/process is one I plan to print and post on my desk. Yes, I have emotions, the truth as a grounding point, and ultimately a choice regarding action".
"I think the seizing the moment chapter had the most impact on me. I have an underperformance situation and working through this chapter clarified my thinking about what I needed to do. And while I knew I needed to do this, I was heading towards avoiding it for a bit longer. Having worked through this chapter I have been deliberate in my actions and started a formal process with this staff member".
"Once I have taken time out to reflect I have then thought about how to utilise what I have read when working with leadership colleagues in my own school and within my academy trust. Rather than passively accepting some situations I have not been happy with, I have actively and positively worked for change, and have encouraged others to do the same".
"Reflection is so critical and the tools throughout this book are such a great way to encourage reflection. I can't wait to get a copy of the book and also plan on buying a copy for everyone in my team, Thank you for the opportunity to be part if this review group – I have thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is an easy read for busy people, has lots of practical applications, and is so relatable for school leaders".