Name: Carolyn Mason Parker

Title: Head of School

Organisation: KIS International School

Carolyn Mason Parker is the Head of School at KIS International School in Bangkok, where she brings a dynamic approach to leadership and community building. With over two decades of international experience in education, spanning the UK, USA, Ghana, and Qatar, Dr. Parker is celebrated for her ability to inspire positive change in schools, fostering environments where students and educators thrive.

Carolyn’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. In previous roles she was instrumental in creating personalized learning pathways that empowered students to discover and follow their passions, while also strengthening safeguarding and well-being initiatives.

Her focus on holistic development has consistently elevated school communities, creating cultures of care and innovation. At KIS, Carolyn has remained passionate about cultivating a strong sense of belonging and collaboration across the school community. She believes that education is not just about academics but about preparing young people to be compassionate, resilient, and forward-thinking global citizens.

Beyond the professional Carolyn has a personal passion for exploring the intersection of education and culture. Having lived and worked in diverse countries, she values creating spaces where different perspectives are celebrated. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband.

Together, they share a love for inspiring learners and nurturing communities. Looking to the future, Carolyn is dedicated to leading KIS, building on its strong foundations while embracing innovation and the evolving needs of students and families in today’s world.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Carolyn's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

One of the most rewarding challenges as an educational leader has been guiding schools through change while honoring their traditions and values. Schools are deeply rooted in their communities, and those traditions are a source of pride and identity. At the same time, education is an evolving field, and staying innovative and responsive to the needs of students and families is essential.

Balancing these priorities requires thoughtful change management. It's about listening deeply, engaging stakeholders, and co-creating a shared vision that respects the past while embracing the future. For example, when leading initiatives around inclusion or personalized learning, I focus on showing how these changes build on the school’s strengths and enrich the community.

I’ve learned that change is most successful when it’s framed as an evolution rather than a disruption—when people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the process. The greatest reward comes when you see a school community thrive—when students, staff, and families not only adapt to change but feel ownership of it, with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into educational leadership was shaped by a combination of personal values and professional experiences. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by the importance of community and the belief that education has the power to transform lives. My parents instilled in me the value of resilience and the joy of lifelong learning, which became the foundation for my approach to leadership.

My path began as a classroom teacher, where I discovered the impact I could have on not just individual students but also on the broader school community. Each new role—from teacher to curriculum specialist to Head of School—was an opportunity to embrace challenges, refine my skills, and grow as a leader. Along the way, I sought out professional development, engaged with diverse communities, and prioritized building meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues.

For me, leadership is about empowering others, creating environments where everyone feels valued, and honoring the traditions that make each school unique while fostering a vision for the future. These principles continue to guide my journey as I strive to make a lasting, positive impact on every community I serve.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My day starts early—very early. I’m naturally a morning person, so I’m up by 3:15 a.m., and my first stop is the gym. Starting my day with physical activity not only energizes me but also provides a moment of clarity and focus before the day’s demands take over. Afterward, I enjoy breakfast, shower, and head to the office, usually by 5:30 a.m.

I treasure the quiet morning hours in the office. From 5:30 to 7:00 a.m., it’s just me and my thoughts—a perfect time to plan, prioritize, and set the tone for the day ahead. It’s in these moments that I organize my schedule, reflect on key goals, and prepare myself for the lively rhythm of campus life.

By 7:00 a.m., the school starts to buzz with energy. Students, families, faculty, and staff bring the campus to life, and from that point until 4:00 p.m., my day is filled with interactions, relationships, and connection-building. I believe education is fundamentally relational, and my role is to ensure that people—students, families, and staff—always come first. Whether it’s meetings, classroom visits, or hallway conversations, these connections are at the heart of what I do.

I aim to leave the office by 6:30 p.m. so I can enjoy dinner at home with my husband. Our evenings are a time to unwind, whether it’s watching a favorite TV show, listening to a podcast, or getting lost in a good book. Before bed, I do one last check of emails to ensure I’m prepared for the next day. With such an early start, I’m usually in bed early too, ready to recharge for another fulfilling day.

This routine keeps me balanced and allows me to stay present, energized, and focused on what matters most: the people and the purpose that make educational leadership so rewarding.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

A recent lesson I’ve re-learned as an educational leader is the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, as framed by Daniel Goleman’s theory. Emotional intelligence emphasizes self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management as core components of effective leadership, especially in navigating interpersonal dynamics and fostering a positive school culture.

This lesson became evident during a transition where a team member was being moved to a different role better suited to their strengths. While the decision aligned with the school’s strategic goals, it was crucial to approach the conversation with empathy and sensitivity to ensure the staff member felt valued and supported. By recognizing and validating their emotions, openly communicating the rationale, and framing the change as an opportunity for growth, I was able to maintain trust and morale within the team.

The experience reminded me that leadership, like education, is deeply relational. Technical decisions are important, but how they’re communicated and the emotional tone have a lasting impact. Leadership is not just about decision-making but about understanding and managing emotions—both your own and those of others. So important in building and maintaining a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

An unexpected book that has shaped my perspective on leadership is George Orwell’s "1984." While it’s a dystopian novel about control and manipulation, it offers a powerful lesson about the importance of culture. The oppressive world Orwell depicts highlights how toxic environments can destroy trust, suppress individuality, and stifle growth, environments to be avoided in schools.

When compared with Daniel Coyle’s "The Culture Code," the contrast is striking. While "1984" shows the devastating impact of fear-based cultures, "The Culture Code" focuses on creating environments built on trust, collaboration, and psychological safety.

Together, these reinforce the idea that culture isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a powerful tool for shaping a thriving, connected community. Both education and leadership are built on fostering trust and belonging, knowing that the culture we build impacts everyone in the community.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

It sounds a little trite, but my advice to a young educator aspiring to be a leader is simple: focus on building relationships. Leadership is fundamentally about people—understanding them, supporting them, and inspiring them. Take the time to truly listen, show empathy, and value the diverse perspectives within your school community.

As a leader, you won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is creating an environment where people feel safe to contribute, take risks, and grow. By prioritizing relationships, you’ll not only earn trust but also build a strong foundation for collaboration, innovation, and shared success. Leadership isn’t about doing it all alone; it’s about bringing others along on the journey.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out is when a parent and student shared their reflections during a school-wide initiative focused on enhancing personalized learning. While transitions can sometimes feel uncertain, this moment highlighted the power of collaboration and shared purpose within the community.

The parent spoke about how their child had flourished under the new approach, crediting specific teachers and leaders for their dedication and care. They emphasized how a teacher had inspired their child to reach new levels of confidence and engagement, and how a leader’s vision had brought a renewed sense of focus and connection to the school.

The student added their perspective, describing how the experience had helped them feel more supported and understood. It was a powerful reminder of how the efforts of a school community can make a profound and lasting impact on individual lives. This experience reinforced for me that leadership is about people—their growth, their relationships, and the culture we build together.

It’s a reminder of the importance of empowering teachers and fostering trust and collaboration to create an environment where students and families truly thrive. Moments like these reaffirm why I’m so passionate about cultivating connection and purpose in education.