In this episode of the Leaders in Business podcast, host Marlene Lowe interviews Ken Thompson, a recently retired principal of Forth Valley College. Ken shares his fascinating journey from aspiring animal behaviourist to a leader in education, discussing his innovative approaches to leadership, the importance of creating a culture of innovation, and his experiences engaging with staff and students.
He emphasises the significance of belief in leadership and the need for collaboration across disciplines to foster creative learning initiatives. In this engaging conversation, Ken Thomson shares his innovative approaches to health and safety training, emphasising the importance of real-world experience for students. He discusses the significance of passion in job interviews and the need to streamline bureaucracy in education.
Ken introduces his 'Pandas' initiative aimed at identifying and eliminating unnecessary processes while also highlighting the importance of empowerment and responsibility in leadership. He reflects on the value of learning from experience, taking risks, and the role of innovative projects in education. The discussion also touches on leadership lessons, the importance of reflection and journaling, and Ken's fulfilling life after retirement.