Mike Lambert, Global Education Director of Inspired, on AI in schools and the perils of credentialism
This podcast episode is sponsored by Inspired as part of a paid promotion. The content remains editorially independent.
On this week's episode of Heads & Tales, we're joined by a bona fide big fish of the education world. Michael Lambert is the Global Education Director of Inspired Education Group, an ever-expanding network of 120 schools across six continents that oversees the education of over 90,000 students. Before Inspired, Mike spent over a decade at the helm of Dubai College, where he led on seismic change within the school and devised early and innovative strategy to plan for the covid pandemic.
Now five months into his role, Mike discusses the mindset and priorities that shape his leadership across a global network of institutions. He speaks openly about building an AI curriculum that is ambitious yet age-appropriate and why true educational quality depends not just on outcomes, but on the culture and values that underpin them.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Mike recounts how a casual conversation in a Dubai bar in early 2020 sparked Dubai College's full strategic response to the covid pandemic, weeks before official closures were announced.
He shares insights from his time leading DC, including why the UAE's inspection model is tough, but world-leading in its ambition.
He discusses designing an age-appropriate, context-sensitive AI curriculum for Inspired's 120 schools.
Mike breaks down Inspired's DNA: rigorous academics, elite sport and performing arts and embracing tech innovation.
He tackles the VAT debate in independent schools and why, despite market indications, premium schools like those in the Inspired group will remain resilient.
He gives his advice to aspiring educators on the importance of change in your career, both for your own sanity but also long-term progression.
He outlines his two-year plan: to visit every school in the Inspired group and meet every head in person.