Women Leading The Way: An Interview with Yasmin Sawar, Chief Education Officer at Oxford International College
Feeling inspired by our freshly sharpened pencils, new school clothes and heavy bookbag, we spoke to Yasmin Sawar Chief Education Officer at Oxford International Collge (OIC). She shared her insights as a female leader in the educator sector to inspire us for the new school year.
Yasmin joined OIC in 2017, and under her academic leadership, OIC has become the UK’s No.1 A-Level college. Before joining OIC, Yasmin co-founded one of the most successful A-Level colleges in the UK and one of the top A-Level destinations for international students. Yasmin has also achieved many awards, including Welsh Asian Business Woman (2015), the Pearson Teaching Award for Science Teacher of the Year and a Pearson Teaching Awards Fellowship (2011).
The BBC recently reported that companies with better gender diversity at Executive level perform better, why do you think that is?
People of different genders and different backgrounds inevitably increase the mix of knowledge and experience in any business. I think it stands to reason that the greater the diversity of individuals at the top level in any company, the better able it is to understand and support its workforce and the people it is serving. This, in turn, will lead to smoother running of the business and a greater likelihood of success.
How do you think the education sector can become more gender-diverse?
On balance, I think we have a good gender mix within the education sector. However, we need to encourage women to take on the teaching of STEM subjects which, in turn, will encourage more girls to study them. Also, as with any organisation, it is important that women’s skills are recognised and that they are given the encouragement to go for promotions wherever possible. There is still work to be done on getting more women into the leadership positions in the education sector – as heads of schools, trusts, governing bodies – these posts are still male-dominated. We also need to make sure that we can be flexible in terms of working hours. This applies to both men and women with caring responsibilities.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
I have learned many. I think the most important are: firstly, surround yourself with good and able people, people who are more able than you and from whom you can learn; secondly, be prepared to fail and to learn from failure – resilience is a crucial skill; thirdly, have a strong set of guiding principles.
What has been your most significant career achievement so far?
I am very proud of starting my own sixth form college (in Cardiff) and seeing its huge success. I am also proud of the work I have done since joining OIC and being instrumental in its ranking as No 1 for A-Level results in 2019. The academic excellence of our students and the corresponding university destinations and ensuing careers is a significant source of pride for all of us.
Who has inspired you in your career, and why?
I would have to say, my mother. She gave me the skills I needed to succeed – a strong work ethic, resilience and the ability to embrace failure without being discouraged by it. She was also a constant source of support and encouragement.
What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?
My advice would be to work hard and recognise your strengths – women are prone to underestimate their skills. Be prepared to take feedback – both positive and negative! Seek advice and guidance from those whose leadership qualities you admire. And… if you are lucky enough to find something that you are passionate about you are at least halfway there!