episode 7 - Andy & Gwyn
This week on the podcast, we celebrate the exceptionally good leadership of Andy Sprakes and Gwyn Ap Harri—two inspiring leaders I’ve had the good fortune to know on my leadership journey.
Andy and Gwyn co-founded XP Trust, one of the largest groups of “free” schools in the UK, similar to charter schools in the US. XP schools are widely recognized for their innovation and success. Starting with XP in Doncaster, England, they expanded into Newcastle, Gateshead, and beyond. Andy serves as Chief Academic Officer, and Gwyn as CEO. Now those are big titles but their humility and humanity are what stand out when you talk with them.
Doncaster reminds me of my hometown… a once thriving industrial town that was in need of reinvention. When you think of Doncaster, think of a mid-sized town in Pennsylvania, but with more fish and chips and people call pants “trousers.”
When I visited XP last spring, I was blown away by their culture.
Imagine a school where character feedback is public and supportive. Imagine a workplace like that! Andy and Gwyn have built such an environment across nearly a dozen schools.
Andy previously served as Deputy and Head Teacher at Campsmount Academy, while Gwyn, before his time in education, was an ed-tech startup leader, a computer science major, and a member of a band called Brazil. Oh, and he lives in a movie theater.
But most importantly they have taken their many many talents and skills and used them for social good. This conversation is sure to offer gems of valuable insights for anyone on their leadership journey.
And with that, dive in!
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0o17XBxcgDY0PMmdL6BaOE?si=8DB2a_VxQ8KiFX025_Teww
Andy & Gwyn