8BILLIONIDEAS | EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Bringing together the cutting edge of education
In today's educational landscape, embracing innovation is essential. Our esteemed advisory board guides us in spearheading groundbreaking ideas and propelling progress across the sector.
Shaping the future of education
We take great pride in our Educational Advisory Board. Formed to encourage us to think and dream big, the Board plays a crucial role in shaping our vision. They are granted early access to our sector-related work, ensuring that we solve current problems and anticipate future challenges.
Sharing expertise
EAB members get an exclusive look at our latest solutions before anyone else. This is also an opportunity to provide expert thoughts and feedback.
Accessing events
We bring EAB members together for exclusive webinars and in-person events. This includes one gathering in the UK in spring and one in the Middle East in autumn.
Networking
The Board facilitates connections with top education leaders from all over the world. This is an avenue for expanding networks and engaging in cutting-edge discussions.
Fostering an inclusive vision
8billionideas is dedicated to being at the forefront of education. We firmly believe that being inclusive is an integral part of achieving this.
For that reason, we value a broad range of representation in the EAB. To us, this is essential to our mission of giving every student on the planet the skills and belief to change the world.
A group of world-class educationalists
The EAB includes some of the most influential educationalists and EdTech experts in the world. Our members come from around the globe and represent various industries, including academics, policymakers, and industry innovators.
Maryssa O'Connor
Senior Vice-President, |
Maryssa O'Connor, appointed as CEO of GEMS Wellington International School in 2018, transformed it into a globally recognized institution. As a Senior VP at GEMS Education, she influences educational strategy across the group. |
Sir Clive Woodward
Exec. Coach, Director of Sport, Apex2100 |
Sir Clive Woodward is the Rugby World Cup winning Head Coach who led England to glory in Australia in 2003. He has been the Director of Sport for Team GB at multiple Olympic Games, and is currently Director of Sport at Apex2100 Int'l Ski Academy. |
Dr. Linda Rush
Education Expert, |
In 2023, Dr. Rush became the 'Education Expert' at UAE's Ministry of Education, overseeing teacher training. Previously, as Global Director of Accredited Schools for High Performance Learning, she managed CPD services for 39 schools worldwide. |
Chris Thomson
CEO, |
As the CEO of Apex2100 International Ski Academy, Chris excels in educational space design, team building, and fostering culture. With degrees from UCL and Oxford, he brings vast experience in education and business. |
Anita Gleave
CEO, |
With extensive experience, Anita is the CEO of Chatsworth Schools in the UK and Blenheim Schools with international presence. Her achievements include awards for excellence, as she focuses on inclusive education for a brighter future. |
Ann Haydon
Headmistress, Harrow Hong Kong |
Ann Haydon serves as the Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong, a globally top-ranked institution since 2020. She is an accomplished educator with numerous awards and significant leadership experience. |
Lisa Capper, MBE
CEO & Prin., Stoke on Trent FE College |
CEO of Stoke on Trent FE College since 2022, achieved Ofsted good rating. Lisa transformed Nacro and was recognised for her work with an MBE. Her career spans civil service, academia, and advocacy for disadvantaged youth. |
William Goldsmith
Head of St George's, Windsor Castle |
With nearly two decades in UK Primary education, William is the Head of St George’s School Windsor Castle. He's passionate about skill-based learning, mental health, and outdoor education. William holds a Master's from Oxford University. |
Silas Edmonds
Principal, |
Silas Edmonds (MA, NPQH) sits on the Board of Directors at The Society of Heads. He's the Principal of Ewell Castle School, promoting creativity and intellectual curiosity, and is also active in diverse and inclusive education initiatives. |
Iain Burns
Managing Director at Smartwaytodoit LLP |
Iain is an experienced and creative executive in the IT industry. Passionate about teaching creativity, he is a Director and Trustee of the UK Creativity Centre Educational Trust. Focusing on sustainability, he authored the world's first paper on how IT can reduce global emissions. |
Wendy Parry
Assoc. Director HE, Shrewsbury Intl. School Bangkok |
An experienced educational leader committed to fostering student well-being, academic excellence, and leadership development. Wendy has a passion for creating enriching learning and living environments, and is dedicated to merging technology with education. |
Brian Cooklin
RMD, Nord Anglia Education Europe |
Currently the RMD for Nord Anglia Education’s Europe region, Brian has over 40 years of teaching experience, 25 of them as a School principal as well as managing a group of schools in India. He is passionate about education and all the opportunities it can provide for young people. |
Adrian McLean
Dir. of Personal Dev., Wellbeing and Belonging, SAET |
With more than 20 years in Secondary Education, Adrian currently serves as an Executive Leader within Severn Academies Trust, a Multi Academy Trust. In May 2022, Adrian was made an Ambassador for Character by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue in recognition of his work in this field. |
Ed Lawless
Exec. Dir. at Qatar Foundation Pre-University Education |
Edward Lawless boasts 35 years of global education management experience. He's held key roles in commercial as well as education organisations in various countries, emphasising international school operations, professional development, and EdTech innovation. |
Una Barras-Hargan
Primary Principal, Lusaka International Community School |
Una, with more than 30 years globally in teaching and leading international schools, is the Primary Principal at Lusaka International Community School, Zambia. There, she is focused on diverse opportunities, fostering a holistic environment for student thriving. |
Sonal Chatrath
Head of Prep, John Lyons School |
Over two decades experience teaching in Prep schools, with special interest in Early Years. Passionate about ensuring that formative years in a child’s learning journey are exciting, positive and inspiring to enable successful, free spirited young learners. Keen to drive forward creative curriculums to equip children with critical skills to become confident global citizens. |
Martin van der Linde
Head of School, British School |
Martin van der Linde, is the Head of School at The British School Manila. There he is championing lifelong learning with an active drive in pioneering initiatives in pedagogy, well-being, and global citizenship education. |
Join the best educationalists in the world
This is a unique opportunity to connect with more than 25 like-minded individuals who share your passion and drive for creating a better tomorrow for learners everywhere. Join remarkable people like:
Sir Clive Woodward
Get an exclusive look at our latest solutions before anyone else, as well as the opportunity to provide your thoughts and feedback.
Name 2
Attend exclusive webinars and in-person events. This includes one gathering in the UK in spring and one in the Middle East in autumn.
Name 3
Connect with other top education leaders from all over the world. Expand your industry network and engage in cutting-edge discussions.
Name 4
Connect with other top education leaders from all over the world. Expand your industry network and engage in cutting-edge discussions.