Heads & Tales - Oli de Botton
Oli is the CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company – our national body for careers education.
Going back further, Oli was Headteacher (and co-founder) at School 21 which pioneered new ways of working with employers - including the introduction of extended work placements for all Year 10s and 12s. He co-founded the national charity Voice 21 which works with schools to promote and develop communication skills for young people. Oli was one of the first cohort of Teach First teachers in 2003 and has extensive teaching experience in a range of roles. He has also worked in education policy and strategy as a government education advisor.
Oli once said that the most important thing he learnt about inspiring young people about the world of work is “when you give young people high quality experiences, they rise to the challenge – they grow in confidence and find their voice.”
Who’s your mentor?
Well, I've had two mentors in my life. Firstly, there's Peter Hyman. He's my close friend from School 21 and Voice 21. Peter's a bit unconventional. He rejects the norm on almost everything, and that's crucial when we're talking about supporting young people. Questioning the status quo, especially when it doesn't align with the best interests of young people, is something I've carried forward. Peter also instilled in me the belief that vision, and ideas, matter as much as process and leadership. It's about thinking big and imagining something better. Lastly, there's a kindness to him that I deeply appreciate.
Secondly, Howard, a ‘wise old bird,’ as I like to call him! He's a former head teacher with years of experience. What sets him apart is his enduring passion for being in the classroom day in, day out. Public service, innovation, and a practical approach to leadership really define him. His ability to navigate difficult situations with confidence, having seen it all, has been a valuable lesson for me.
What were you like as a student, and do you have a memorable anecdote from those days?
Well, I always liked learning and found school enjoyable. Maybe let me share a standout moment from year 6...Back then, when Sky TV swooped in and took domestic football rights, I thought it was an outrage. So, I wrote to my local MP, Hartley Booth. Not Margaret Thatcher, as I'd hoped, but her successor. We had tea, the local Gazette featured us, and while it didn't change the world, it was a moment of me being that annoying child but with an opinion! It taught me that kids having opinions and a voice is a good thing, and it sets you up well in life.
What's been the most challenging moment in your career?
Leading a school during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was exceptionally tough. The prolonged uncertainty, decision-making about school closures, and concerns for the well-being of the community created a complex leadership environment. My wife was also recently pregnant, so it made for a challenging set of circumstances! Balancing the anxieties of staff, community, and personal concerns added layers of complexity. It was a period that demanded resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the school community.
On a more positive note, what's been the peak so far in your career?
When I got this job, (CEO of the Careers of the Enterprise Company) my Mum said: “What are you doing, careers advice is terrible!”. Everyone’s got a story about having bad career advice at school. However, the OECD recently recognised the effectiveness of career education in England, providing evidence that impactful work is being done. Additionally, achieving positive results and recognition for School 21 during Ofsted inspections marked a high point, showcasing the possibilities of a well-executed educational approach. These moments of validation and success contributed to a sense of accomplishment and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of innovative education.
What’s something you’d recommend our audience listen/watch?
I’d recommend a podcast called These Times - they take an issue in current politics such as the events in the Red Sea. They always start the conversation way back in the 1900s. They go way back to how things started, and it gives you a grounding, gives you context. When I think about the media I consume, it’s always an attempt to give me a long view.
What’s your most unpopular opinion?
I think it’s probably how important History is. History has huge explanatory power. Also, although the theme of differing learning styles as a method has been kind of ‘debunked’, when I zoom out, I still think the purpose of education should be to build more variety for students. At the macro level, it’s about building high quality interactions in different settings. We should be aiming to build a broad and porous education system.
What advice would you give to individuals starting a career in the education sector, especially those looking to make a positive impact?
My advice would probably be always to maintain a sense of vision. Success in the education sector often involves chance, so holding onto your beliefs and having a commitment to your values is crucial. Embrace challenges, refine your ideas, and be open to diverse perspectives. Stand out by having a compelling argument and a dedication to making a positive impact. I’d say it's about having a clear vision, being adaptable, and staying true to the principles that drive positive change. Embrace the messiness of education, stay committed to your beliefs, and be open to the transformative power of varied experiences in shaping young minds.