Allen Bird is the director of education for Fortes Holdings. The Briton, who moved to the UAE in August last year, has more than 11 years of experience in senior management in the sector. He has also held senior leadership and headship positions in a number of schools.
What are your favourite things to do on weekends?
There is so much to choose from in Dubai, and certainly with two teenage boys we enjoy the outdoors. Since I arrived here we have not really had a quiet weekend. We went to the Gary Barlow concert, enjoyed a comedy evening with new friends and dined out in several locations across Dubai following the recommendations of friends and colleagues. We have cycled at Al Qudra several times and been to Yas Island for the water park and then for the food festival.
What do you consider to be your favourite hobby?
My favourite hobby is cycling. I have cycled seriously for a number of years, and before coming to Dubai I was fortunate enough to be taken away by my UK friends to cycle The Mini Marmotte and Alpe D’Huez. Although Dubai is a little flat it has a dedicated cycle facility such as Al Qudra and an amazing cycle community. Cycling remains my favourite hobby.
What can’t you live without?
Before coming here I would have said something superficial such as the internet. However, when we arrived in Dubai we were without the internet for a few weeks and it was actually pleasant. So now I’m forced to think a little deeper, and I would have to say my family and in particular my wife. My family supports me in everything I do, and when in a foreign land or even when at home there is nothing more powerful than knowing your family is behind you. Living and working in Dubai is very much a family effort and made even better when we also relax and enjoy the free time as a family.
What do you consider the secret to your success?
Success is a difficult term and all relative. I believe you are only as successful as the effort and investment you put into the project before you. I would also attribute my successes to outstanding mentoring and coaching by a number of colleagues and line managers over the years. We are the sum of the experiences we have, and in my case I have been fortunate to work with a number of outstanding educational leaders. However, with all this said the most important ingredient for success is hard work.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
I would advise anyone starting out in education to make sure they are clear what their motivation to work with children is. Capturing this at the start and revisiting it will ensure that you stay true to your values and principles and maintain the clarity of why you joined the profession. Alongside this I would recommend patience in terms of career progression. Learn the craft, enjoy the classroom, master the skills in establishing amazing learning environments. I have seen too many young teachers jump into leadership too early and struggle to balance their work. Never regard yourself as just a teacher; you are charged with one of the most important tasks in society, which is to ensure that our children grow and develop into happy, well-trained members of society.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Working smart. I approach my workload systematically, ensuring that I finish a task before moving onto the next. Joining a cycling club ensures that I have a commitment to do something recreational. Additionally, a good solid family at home ensures balance, and of course going and watching the children play football or rugby guarantees a highlight for me.
How do you relax after the working day?
Probably the same as everyone else. I make sure that I have dinner with the family and that I sit and relax through listening to music, reading or doing something with the children.
If you weren’t director of education, what else would you be doing?
I can’t imagine doing anything else.
mkassem@thenational.ae
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