From Admin to Jakarta: My First WISE Adventure!

In January 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the WISE (Women in International School Empowerment) Conference 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This experience marked two important firsts: my first WISE conference and my first international trip for professional development. It was both an exciting and stretching opportunity that deepened my understanding of leadership, well-being and inclusive practice in international schools.

As one of the few administrative leaders attending, I was reminded that every role within a school shapes its culture, well-being, and overall impact. Most importantly, the experience reinforced that leadership development belongs to everyone, regardless of title or position.

Stepping onto the plane to Jakarta felt like stepping into a new chapter of growth. Sometimes professional learning requires us to move beyond familiarity, both geographically and personally.

Attending WISE affirmed that leadership is about purpose, courage, and community. When we invest in self-awareness, inclusive systems, and compassionate communication, we build schools where people do more than perform; they thrive.

Key Insights and Learning 
A central theme throughout the conference was that leadership is rooted in self-awareness. It is not defined by position, but by understanding one’s values, reflecting on impact, and committing to growth. Mentorship was highlighted as a powerful accelerator of leadership development. Strong mentor–mentee relationships build confidence, resilience, and clarity of purpose. For us at BSM, creating intentional spaces for mentoring, reflection, and peer support can unlock potential across departments, both teaching and non-teaching alike.

A particularly impactful session challenged a common narrative: burnout is often a systems issue, not a personal failing. Sustainable leadership requires clear professional boundaries, alignment between values and actions, and structural support for wellbeing. Rather than simply encouraging individuals to “be more resilient,” schools must examine workload structures, communication norms, and expectations. For our community, even small system adjustments, clearer processes, defined recovery time, and open communication can significantly improve collective well-being. When we care for our systems, we care for our people.

Another powerful takeaway was the value of coaching-style conversations. Leadership does not always require immediate solutions; often, it requires curiosity. Deep listening, open-ended questions, and encouraging ownership foster trust and accountability. When we pause to ask rather than assume, we build trust. When colleagues feel genuinely heard, they are more engaged and empowered. At BSM, incorporating coaching techniques into meetings, performance conversations, and team discussions can strengthen accountability and collaboration.

Several workshops explored ethical leadership and the unique challenges women often face in leadership roles. Women are frequently encouraged to be open yet criticised for being “too emotional,” or told to be assertive yet labelled confrontational. The message was clear: courage and compassion are not opposites; they are complementary strengths. Authentic leadership means setting clear boundaries, speaking with integrity, leading with empathy, and challenging bias respectfully. We do not have to choose between being strong and being kind; the most effective leaders embody both.

Finally, a fascinating session explored the neuroscience behind emotions. Research shows that accurately labelling emotions, even silently, improves emotional regulation and decision-making. This “name it to tame it” strategy reminds us that pausing before reacting can create clarity and composure. In our daily school life, a brief moment of reflection before responding to stress, conflict, or pressure can transform conversations and outcomes.

Application to Practice
As Assistant HR Manager and Data Privacy Officer, this experience reaffirmed the strategic role HR plays in shaping school culture. I plan to strengthen mentorship opportunities, integrate well-being pulse checks into engagement processes, and continue refining inclusive recruitment practices.

I will also embed coaching-style conversations into leadership and performance discussions to promote reflection, ownership, and emotional awareness. Ultimately, WISE reinforced that leadership development belongs to everyone; both administrative and academic colleagues contribute to the experience of our students and community.

Takeaways for Colleagues

• Leadership starts with self-awareness and reflection.
• Mentorship strengthens confidence and professional growth.
• Wellbeing is systemic, advocate for clarity and healthy boundaries.
• Coaching questions build trust and shared accountability.
• Pause before reacting, emotional awareness improves outcomes.
• Courage and compassion belong together in effective leadership.

Further Reading

• Coaching-style leadership and reflective practice
• Research on mentoring in international schools
• Neuroscience of emotional regulation (“name it to tame it”)
• Inclusive recruitment and intersectionality frameworks

WISE 2026 was more than a conference; it was a reminder that growth begins when we step beyond the familiar. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working alongside you to strengthen our collective impact.

About the Author

Jemaimah E. Puyat wears a lot of hats. She is the Assistant HR Manager and Data Privacy Officer at BSM and a dedicated mother and wife. Her 20 years of work strengthened her expertise in compensation and benefits, recruitment, data privacy, performance management, safeguarding, HRIS, payroll, budgeting, and compliance, and loves building people-centred systems that help communities grow and thrive.

WISE 2026 was her first international CPD! It reinforced her passion for inclusive growth, wellbeing-driven leadership, and lifelong learning.

When she's not laser-focused at championing the the rights, welfare, and well-being of every member of her school community, you can find her jamming to The Beatles, Tom Jones, and The Carpenters with her husband and two children.