Our Founder, Neil Hawkes is honoured to be a Global Partner of the Self-Leadership Collaborative and is thrilled to connect the inspirational Joanna with other Affiliates and world change-makers. Joanna writes...

In the field of learning, there is so much we want students to do. We want them to focus and engage, to produce and perform academically, to collaborate and contribute their gifts, to connect and respect each other. What supports optimal results from all this doing? What best enables students to connect to their innate gifts, nurture their potential and work together?  What empowers them to act from common human values?

The foundation for all that we need to do in education is our state of being.  It is our mental, emotional and physical state that allows us to show up as our best selves. How do we do that? At the Self-leadership Collaborative, we have been inspired by the Internal Family Systems (IFS), a unique psychotherapeutic model for living developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. (Click here to listen to Dr. Neil Hawkes talking with Dr. Schwartz.) IFS offers a lens to understand the continuous ebb and flow of emotions and behaviors that play out in our learning communities.  IFS also offers core skills that can shift how we perceive the world around us - changing how we are being amidst all we are doing.

What aspects of the IFS paradigm best serve us in school? First, IFS provides a unique explanation for the self-protective responses that arise when we don’t feel safe, socially, emotionally or physically – for example, when we are defensive, blaming, or reactive.  IFS recognises that all of these responses arise from Parts of us that have developed over time as our best strategy to get our needs met when we are stressed.  Here are some of our common parts and their strategy: Act smart so people are pleased with you. Don’t even try so you won’t fail or disappoint. Be cute and funny to get attention. Be loud and disruptive so others focus on you. When we begin to understand the positive intent of these parts, it’s a game changer. Both within ourselves and with colleagues and students, when we start to recoginize our protective responses as well intended, we become more curious, patient even compassionate as we work towards solutions together.

The second powerful concept from IFS is a recognition that we all possess an alternative physiology to our self-protective stress response. When we are not under stress, our whole system - body, mind and heart - can function optimally, and we are available to effectively engage, learn and teach. As this state of being is actually wired in our nervous systems, we all possess the potential to recognize moments when we are “ourselves “and, with practice, we can learn to access and lead from this state of being. When we are in a state of greater connection to our core selves, “Self-leadership”, we naturally exhibit qualities, such as calm, compassion, courage, and confidence. In this state of being we are more attuned to and concerned with the impact of our choices and actions on the greater good. Our activity arises from shared human values that are recognized across the globe, regardless of culture, country, language, or religion.

At the Self-Leadership Collaborative, we are convinced that we can purposefully practice accessing and taking action from the state of Self-leadership. This simple shift in our way of being is the fundamental and transformative change we need at this time, not only in the field of education but at a societal and global level as well.  To learn more about the work of the Self-Leadership Collaborative you are welcome to visit our website at: www.selfleadershipcollaborative.com

"Additionally stay tuned for Joanna's book, which will be published in late 2025 with pre-sales starting soon: The Self-Led Educator: An IFS-inspired Guide to Create Calm, Compassionate, & Confident Learning Communities. "

News Update 22.4.2025

Dear Affiliates and Friends of IVET

World events make the Foundation's mission needed more than ever.  Thank you for all you are doing to make your values-based voice heard in the world.

Please take a look at the inspirational IVET Videocast page.  

I am so delighted that Affiliates are linking with each other  - see the directory of Affiliates.  You can find all their details including emails on this site.    Remember if you consider you are leading a values-based life then please apply to become one of our esteemed Affiliates.

Other News

I am honoured to feature on videos and podcats, spreading the good news of the IVETFoundation through these opportunities.  As an example, you can see me talking with the Global Citizenship expert Emiliano Bosio by clicking on:  https://youtu.be/9x3Jbyl9D-c?si=jJhMHFDoaU-RloZ

Please keep in touch with me and make suggestions about how we can further strengthen our IVET Foundation. Together we are making a difference, especially by encouraging others to join us and let their voice be heard.

Dr Neil Hawkes

Founder of the IVET Foundation and Values-based Education (VbE)

Trustees: Neil Hawkes, Bridget Knight, Nigel Cohen, Jane Hawkes and Sue Jones