Lessons in Leadership: What schools can teach the tech industry

David returns to his old school, Bedlington Academy, for a powerful conversation with Deputy Head Simon Collins. On the surface, it’s a story about education. But listen closely and it’s a story every business leader needs to hear. Simon reveals how modern schools are navigating AI, digital literacy, and real-world career paths—while building resilience, independence, and ambition in communities too often overlooked.

From AI in the classroom to unlocking aspiration in post-industrial towns, this isn’t just a lesson in pedagogy—it’s a call to industry to meet education halfway.

Education and tech have more in common than you’d think—fast-moving environments, shifting expectations, and a duty to prepare people for the future. In this episode, Simon Collins unpacks how schools like Bedlington Academy are embracing AI, personal development, and creativity to prepare students for careers that didn’t exist a decade ago. He’s clear: the tech world needs to show up, not just with advice—but with collaboration, empathy, and opportunity.

Tech Talks Podcast 

Tech Talks is a podcast that probes the minds of tech leaders, hosted by Technology Evangelist David Savage. Each week, the show releases three episodes with new guests, covering the latest tech news, exploring new products and cultural transformations that drive the tech industry.

Founded in 2015 Tech Talks has published over 650 episodes and attracts over 18,500 streams a month from a global audience. The podcast offers insights and ideas from leading technologists on culture, innovation, finance, growth, sustainability, and more, providing a platform for the c-suite, founders, and senior figures to hear from others facing similar challenges and tap into a wider community.

Find out more about Tech Talks here.