In this episode, host Becky Dawson welcomes James Aidoo, CEO and chief storyteller at Innerscope, an organisation dedicated to applied emotional intelligence in education. James draws on his extensive background as an award-winning youth practitioner and his work in alternative education to discuss tackling complex student engagement issues. The conversation explores how coaching, emotional intelligence, and a "both-and" approach to support and challenge can transform school culture for both students and staff. James emphasizes that for interventions to have long-term impact, educators must look beyond personal heart-to-hearts and address the social and structural contexts of a young person’s life.

Viewers can expect to learn how to move from unintentional interactions to purposeful leadership by asking, "What is it like being on the other side of you?". James shares powerful personal anecdotes about the lasting influence of educators and provides a roadmap for schools to embed a culture of coaching that fosters student agency and personal accountability. This episode is a deep dive into how understanding identity and narrative can help young people rewrite their stories and thrive within the education system.

• The three pillars of impact: Long-term change requires a blend of personal (heart-to-heart), social (peer culture), and structural (school rhythms) interventions.
• High support and high challenge: Effective behaviour management and empowerment happen when educators maintain high standards and accountability while providing deep emotional support.
• Emotional intelligence is a hard skill: Applied EI involves the difficult work of self-reflection, regulation, and intentionally managing the "imprint" we leave on others.
• Addressing the identity crisis: Many behavioural challenges are actually "identity crises" where students perpetuate negative stories they have internalised about themselves.
• The power of the youth work approach: Education can learn much from youth practitioners who excel at building empowering relationships in high-pressure, informal settings.
• Embedding a coaching culture: Leaders should experience coaching themselves first, then train staff in key skills like active listening and solution-focused questioning.

00:01 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces James Aidoo and his history with Innerscope.

01:29 - The Innerscope Story - James discusses his journey from an Islington estate to becoming a youth practitioner.

03:30 - Beyond Personal Interventions - Why the social and structural context is vital for long-term student success.

08:05 - Emotional Intelligence in Leadership - Asking the fundamental question: "What is it like being on the other side of you?".

11:36 - Leaders as Learners - Overcoming blind spots and courageously evaluating leadership habits.

13:54 - Support and Challenge Matrix - Balancing relational warmth with high expectations and accountability.

16:36 - The Weasel Story - A personal anecdote on how high challenge from a teacher can change a student’s life.

19:31 - Learning from Youth Work - The "secret sauce" of building relationships with marginalized young people.

23:19 - Identity vs. Behaviour - Helping students separate their exam results from their inherent value to rewrite their narrative.

28:34 - First Steps to Coaching - Practical advice for school leaders on implementing coaching strategies.

32:01 - Closing Remarks - Call to action and contact information.

Connect with us: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review to help other educators find these important conversations. For feedback, questions, or to share the brilliant work you are doing in your setting, email us at: teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.

Connect with James here https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-aidooleadershipspeaker/