The complexity and unpredictability of independent school headship make it one of the most challenging careers imaginable, and the appointment of a Head of School is the most important decision school Trustees ever make. We help you decide whether to seek interim or permanent leadership. We guide you so that you select the most suitable search consultant. If necessary, we provide short-term interim leadership in an emergency. We offer executive coaching for interim or permanent leaders so that they are effective for your school more quickly.

In his coaching and consulting, Stephen Bowers helps people discover truths about themselves. Through careful listening and precise questioning, he encourages people to make their professional desires and ambitions real through action. Stephen brings profound respect for his clients and for their aspirations to his work. Clients know he can be counted on for support and guidance.

Stephen brings many years of experience as a leader of independent schools and as a teacher. He is deeply interested in how organizations work and how people can influence and improve them. He fully subscribes to Einstein’s idea that “there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of others.”

Stephen holds a certificate in evidence-based coaching from the Fielding Graduate University.

Clients include:

Your school's story and purpose should be obvious to visitors and friends who walk your halls, see your website, are applying for teaching positions or admissions, or are potential donors. We help you articulate your mission and core values and beliefs so that your message is clear. We assist you to see your school the way the public sees it. We move your written and spoken communications and the content of your website from ordinary to compelling.

A religiously affiliated school has a wonderful dimension to offer families and students, but along with all of the good comes an extra layer of complexity in all governance and leadership issues. Our experience with religiously affiliated schools and with regional, state, and national religious school organizations will help you capitalize on the positive nature of this relationship and understand the possible conflicts and challenges.

Abrupt changes in leadership and the turmoil that results define the history of many schools. Hindsight often reveals that while many signs pointed to an impending crisis, few of those involved saw what was coming. Consultants can be called in too late and only help to clean up a situation after the damage has been done. We will help you avoid the tumult that a precipitous change in direction can bring by analyzing the situation at your school and making specific recommendations to address the issues. We will help you carry out those recommendations and monitor their effects as part of a long-term relationship designed to keep your school healthy.

What do you do when the news cameras are at your door? We help you formulate a plan for emergency communication and action, and we assist you when a crisis occurs. The most important communication for which you will ever be responsible is the announcement of a crisis or setback. We ensure that your message is clear and reassuring.

Schools are highly relational, and with the relationships come special responsibilities for the ways we treat each other. Staff and faculty will become more aware of the implications of their words and actions, both among themselves and with parents and students. For California institutions, we will help you meet new state mandates for training in ways that are particularly helpful for your circumstances.

Starting a new school is an exciting venture. With our successful experience as founding heads of two very different schools, we can help guide your process so that you use your resources wisely and efficiently, avoid unnecessary pitfalls, and plan for a stable and successful future for your school.