This book beautifully captures what we strive for in education – leadership rooted in kindness, integrity, and optimism. It reminds us that true influence lies not in authority but in the compassion and respect we show every day. It is an inspiring call to lead with purpose and to build communities in which both staff and students flourish.

Joanna Povall’s book is set to make a profound impact on schools by championing kind leadership through the CHASE Kindness framework, challenging us to reflect on whether we are truly chasing kindness in our daily practice and fully aware of the lasting weight our words carry on confidence and self-belief. By asking how kindness shapes each learner’s journey, this book encourages educators to create environments where thoughtful words and compassionate leadership unlock deeper growth and transform school culture.

When it comes to improving schools, many leaders take a firm approach and by doing so create a climate of fear. Not so Joanna. She leads through kindness and the result is a school where students and teachers know they matter and are valued. Joanna is leading the way in pioneering compassionate leadership – and with this culture of respect everyone gives of their best and the results improve accordingly. This has to be a better way to educate our children.

In Kind Leadership, Joanna Povall offers a compelling and grounded case for why kindness is not a soft option in school leadership, but a strategic and moral necessity. Through honest storytelling, reflective questions, and the clear CHASE Kindness framework, she shows how leaders can hold high standards while remaining deeply human.

What makes this book particularly powerful is its authenticity. It neither romanticises leadership nor shies away from the difficult conversations and decisions that define the role. Instead, it provides reassurance, challenge, and practical guidance in equal measure. This is a thoughtful, credible, and much-needed contribution to the leadership conversation, and one that many school leaders will recognise themselves in.

At a time when we as school leaders navigate ever-changing landscapes and strive for lasting impact, Joanna Povall’s work makes for essential reading. This timely and thought-provoking book explores what it means to lead with kindness, and why this key strength is central to building resilient school communities and realising meaningful success. A must-read for all reflective, values-led leaders, reminding us that the transformative impact of these qualities creates authentic, thriving school cultures.

Joanna has a unique ability to make you think deeply about leading with real warmth.

The mentor you have been looking for in book form, Joanna is extremely well respected and has deep expertise, yet her writing is full of humility.

Joanna shows us that there is no weakness in kindness. On the contrary, there are high standards, clear boundaries, and proper support.