Picture for author Joanna Povall

Joanna Povall

Joanna Povall is the Principal of Wales International School, Abu Dhabi, UAE. She has over 25 years of leadership in the UK, France and the UAE. Alongside working as a Principal, she supports school improvement around the world in her role as a Lead Improvement Partner for the Council of British International Schools. She is an advocate of kindness as a powerful leadership tool that transforms school culture, raises morale, and strengthens professional relationships. Joanna was awarded TES International Principal of the Year in 2024, and her CHASE Kindness framework of leadership was shortlisted for the TES International School Staff Wellbeing Initiative of the Year in 2025.

Articles and interviews available

Joanna is available for interview, expert comment or bylined articles on a range of topics, such as:

  • How to Be Kind and Still Hold People to Account
  • The Cost of Unkind Leadership on Staff Retention
  • Kind Leadership During Difficult Conversations
  • Creating a Kind Culture Under Pressure

View the press release for Kind Leadership here.




Books by Joanna Povall