In this episode Mat and Luke Chat with Dr Julie Harris about here experience as Principal at Carmel School - A Jewish School in the Northern Suburbs of Perth.

Today’s guest is Mina Dunstan, Head of School at the Australian International School Hong Kong.

Mina has spent much of her career leading schools in Hong Kong, having previously held leadership roles in Australia before making the move into international education. Across that journey she has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of community, relationships, culture and creating schools where young people are genuinely at the centre of the decisions being made.

In this episode, we explore Mina’s journey into education and school leadership, what initially took her to Hong Kong and why she has made the city such an important part of her professional and personal story.

We also talk about the unique experience of leading an Australian school in an international context, building a strong sense of community in a highly mobile city, and the opportunities that international education can provide for both students and educators.

The conversation touches on leadership through change, the importance of relationships with parents and staff, creating clarity and stability within a school, and the responsibility leaders have to keep looking ahead while remaining connected to the day-to-day experience of students.

We also explore the value of stepping outside the familiar, why an international experience can be such a powerful part of a leader’s development, and what Mina has learnt about herself and leadership through working across different cultures and contexts.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, opportunity and the experiences that shape us as educators.

In this conversation we talk about some of the challenges of middle leadership with Ash Abdou - Head of Mathematics at Somerset College.

This was recorded in mid 2025 - so its one that got lost in the vault!