Gavin Grift | Educational Speaker, Author & Leadership Coach

“Emergence is when something comes into view.
From the Latin emergere, meaning to bring to light.
It happens when something appears from nothing.”

Gavin Grift, Emerge

“Improvement does not come from doing more.
It comes from doing the right work, together, with intention.”

Gavin Grift, Collaborative Teams That Work

“Being brave is not about having certainty.
It is about choosing to act with care and courage
when certainty is unavailable.”

Gavin Grift, Five ways of being

“The most important leadership work
does not happen in the future. It happens in the now,
in the moments we are most tempted to look away.”

Gavin Grift, Emerge

Helping educators grow through awareness, collaboration and leadership.

Gavin Grift is a leading educational speaker and author who helps individuals, teams, and organisations reconnect with purpose so meaningful growth can endure. With more than thirty years of experience across classrooms, leadership, system reform, and global consultancy, his work blends clarity, humanity, and practical insight. Known for his authentic and grounded style, Gavin turns complex ideas into clear, usable practices that strengthen identity, collaboration, and culture. His sessions are personal, challenging, and designed to create lasting change well beyond the room.

What's Your Next
Growth Step

Emerge Seminar

A powerful seminar inspired by the book Emerge, designed to help middle leaders and emerging leaders surface their beliefs, develop deeper self awareness and build leadership identity rooted in purpose and clarity. Emerge helps participants understand the ways their inner story shapes how they lead, influence and contribute. It is ideal for middle and emerging leaders seeking alignment between their values, vision and everyday leadership.

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Relational Intelligence Retreat

A retreat focused on deepening relational and interpersonal awareness among leaders and teams. It supports participants to examine how identity, self awareness and relational dynamics shape culture, leadership and collaboration. The retreat helps build emotional agility, empathy and clarity of presence — vital qualities for those leading teams or working across roles where relationships and influence matter.

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Cognitive Coaching Seminar

Offered in partnership with Thinking Collaborative (USA), this internationally respected seminar develops reflective, self directed educators and leaders. Participants learn to nurture metacognition, reflective practice and coaching mind-sets — essential skills that foster autonomy, agency and continuous learning in both individuals and teams.

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Collaborative Teams That Work

Leadership Retreat and Online Course Based on the co-authored book Collaborative Teams That Work, this powerful suite helps teams transform their collaborative practices from routine or surface-level teamwork into effective, high impact collaboration that improves both educator and student outcomes. Whether through a one or two day retreat, observation and critique, an accredited mentor pathway or the fifty-two lesson online course, teams will learn concrete, evidence-based actions for successful collaborative work. This includes effective meetings, shared accountability, planning and reflective cycles of learning. It is ideal for teams seeking genuine partnership and a culture of continuous improvement.

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What others say about Gavin

Hear from the educators and professionals who have experienced Gavin’s leadership, guidance, and commitment to transforming teaching and learning.

Thank you, Gavin. I appreciate the way you present. I’ve been to your CC sessions too and I can’t think of many other professional learning sessions I’ve attended over 25 years of teaching, where I have felt so at ease and engaged.

Kate

United World College of SEA

Working with Gavin and Collaborative Teams That Work has transformed our teachers’ mindset and practice, fostering true collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility for student learning. This shift has improved teaching strategies, student support, and curriculum consistency, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact on our College.

Liz

West Moreton Anglican College

Gavin is an exceptional facilitator. His ability to create a safe, reflective space while delivering practical tools is unmatched.

Chris

Emerge Seminar Participant

I’m so grateful to have been a part of it, Gavin. You’ve given me tools for taking on the deep work and I feel so much more confident that I’m able to weigh up different factors and consider more perspectives than I previously was.

Melissa

Russell School, NZ

Cognitive Coaching has transformed the quality of conversations across our school. Trained staff engage more deeply with both colleagues and students, and for me, the impact has extended far beyond conversations. It has reshaped my thinking about leadership, systems, and how schools can better support learning. The training with Gavin sparked a journey of professional growth that continues to shape my work as a leader.

Lee

International School of Phnom Penh

My team has developed their leadership skills and confidence. Hester’s teaching and learning growth would not have been possible without your programs and coaching.

Sally

Hester Hornbrook Academy

Podcast Guest Spots

Books Written by Gavin

Gavin’s books are widely read across schools, systems, and countries. They offer practical strategies, clear frameworks, and deep thinking that support educators in strengthening culture, collaboration, leadership, and identity.