Leadership as a Force for Meaningful Change
A highlight of the conference was Laura Beneroso Otáduy’s session, Architects of Change, where she shared how ICS is intentionally building a strong coaching culture across the school. Through a live coaching demonstration, Laura illustrated that authentic change goes beyond strategy or initiatives, it is grounded in connection, empathy, and empowering others to grow.
Reflecting on the experience, Laura shared:
“Coaching has fundamentally changed the way I lead and learn. When we create space for reflection and trust, we enable others to find their own strengths, take ownership, and approach change with confidence and courage.”
This message resonated strongly with conference participants, many of whom commented on the power of seeing coaching in action. The session reinforced a shared understanding that leadership today is not about having all the answers, but about creating the conditions in which others can thrive.
Coaching as a Catalyst for Growth at ICS
At International College Spain, coaching is a key driver of professional growth and leadership development. It supports colleagues to deepen self-awareness, strengthen collaboration, and approach challenges with curiosity rather than certainty.
For those involved, the impact of coaching has been both professional and personal, shaping how leaders empower teams and how they navigate change. Discussions during and after the session highlighted how coaching can influence not only individuals, but also teams, schools, and the wider communities they serve.
This reflects ICS’s commitment to authentic leadership, aligning vision with values, investing in people, and building a culture where growth is shared and sustained over time. Reflective Learning for a Changing World Alongside leadership and coaching, Dr. Barnett contributed to conversations focused on Student Learning and Metacognition. Attendees explored the Metacognition Exposition, which featured initiatives such as Delta and Flag Time, developed in collaboration with Harvard Project Zero and Boston College.
These projects demonstrate how reflective practices deepen learning, strengthen student agency, and prepare young people to navigate complexity with confidence.
As Dr. Barnett shared during the event:
“Sharing how reflective practices amplify learning and prepare our young people for the future is truly rewarding.”
This emphasis on reflection, for both students and educators, is a hallmark of learning at ICS.
Gratitude and Partnership
This work is made possible through collective vision and strong partnerships. We extend our thanks to theSenior Leadership Team at International College Spain for their continued commitment to developing leaders and nurturing a coaching culture. We are also grateful for the purposeful partnership with Making Stuff Better (MSB), whose expertise supports meaningful professional learning across the school.
A Journey That Is Just Beginning
The NAE Europe Academic Conference reaffirmed an essential belief at ICS:leading change is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
By embracing a coaching mindset, empowering our people, and staying grounded in reflection and connection, we are building the conditions for long-lasting impact, for our teams, our students, and our wider community.
We are proud to have been represented at this important regional event and grateful to be part of a journey that is not only about learning, but about leading change together.
And this journey? It’s only just beginning.
