We Help Organizations Ask the Questions That Lead to Transformation
Reflections from Our Collaborators
“Every time I listen or read anything that either Will or Homa are writing or saying, I feel a connection. They provoke my thinking while also affirming my own ideas. Time spent with both of them simply flies past. I always gain something from every single session.”
Lesley Tait
Head of School, Lincoln Community School, Accra
“The Big Questions Institute provided me opportunity to sit with knowledgeable and thoughtful educators to discuss the tremendous shifts in the world today and why education will need to change to prepare students for the future. You guys are awesome!”
Laura Farrell
Head of School, Merion Mercy Academy
“Thank you both for such an enriching experience. I have engaged in conversations regarding Big Questions every day this week at work. I know, it is only Tuesday… The powerful question of WHY really re-frames whatever situation you look at through a very different, more powerful lens.”
Valerie Prucnal
Assistant Head of School, Merion Mercy Academy
“Thank you for all you are doing to bring innovation into our 195 assisted schools. Your research, publications, presentation skills, and, for that matter, your crystal ball looking into the future work so well together to keep us all awake to what we dare not miss for the young people we serve. You have engaged us in the provocative work of setting a vision for a preferred future that is at once accessible, possible, and achievable. You have given us the confidence to keep moving. We need your voices and perspective on what our schools must become."
Mark UlfersDirector, Office of Overseas Schools, U.S. Department of State 
“Here at Mulgrave, the International School of Vancouver, we used the 9 Big Questions from the BQI as the foundation for our strategic planning and 'fearless enquiry' ahead of the 2025 launch of our new Strategic Directions. The questions were enormously helpful and aligned to our community thinking and really directed the difficult task of mobilising different stakeholder views into an authentic foundation for strategic thinking. The team's thought leadership in this space chimed perfectly with our emerging view to drive forward on purpose driven education addressing the biggest global challenges facing our youngest students graduating in 2040.”
Craig DavisHead of School, Mulgrave School, The International School of Vancouver 
“Over the years, I have done a lot of professional learning about system transformation with the aspiration of improving the all-day everyday experiences of learners in our schools. Over that time, I have yet to see a body of work so powerful and impactful as the 9 Big Questions to shape and influence the mindsets and beliefs of teachers and school admin. With the teaching, guidances, and thoughtful provocation that you have provided to us, I feel we are finally learning how to do this transformation work.”
Jon ReverAssistant Superintendent, Central Okanagan (BC) Schools 
“Thank you for delivering an outstanding conference! You gave us inspiration and insight on how the future our students will face is shifting beneath our feet; that we must think like futurists, unlearn and re-learn what success looks like, and that our governance must reflect that.”
Scott Pollack
CEO Coach and Board Member, Shanghai American School
“Homa not only inspired us, she challenged us with new and refreshing perspectives on how each of us, from whatever background, can help create environments that welcome, support and guide our diverse communities. Her sessions were a rare combination of grand, blue sky thinking and practical ‘nuts and bolts’ strategies to help us on our way.”
Colm Flanagan
Head of School, Seoul Foreign School
“Thank you for your webinar. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I watched many webinars about the afterlife of schools post pandemic, and they usually focus on details about specific situations. What a breath of fresh air to hear big picture thinkers speak about what really matters and cut through the clutter. Thank you; that was time well spent.”
Nienke de Jong
Assistant Head, Malaysia
Inspired by these experiences?
Let’s start a conversation about your questions, challenges, and hopes.
"I was in today´s session and I need to tell you that it was awesome!! I´ve been an educator for 45 years, and since 2008 I´m the Academic Principal of a private school in Guatemala. I consider myself to be a creative, innovative person who´s always looking for new and better ways of doing what we do, that add value while preserving our essence and personality. But I must tell you that today´s session blew my mind! I appreciate your out-of-the-box futures thinking very much. I found so many things that are in sync with our way of thinking, and several aha! moments that opened my mind as to where to go next. Thank you, thank you!"
Priscilla BianchiPrincipal, Valle Verde School, Guatemala City 
“Being a member of one of the Mastermind sessions, hosted by Homa and Will, has benefited in ways I hadn't imagined. I rarely have the opportunity to learn from a different generation of educational leaders. Their experiences and strategies are reenergizing. Another benefit is to learn from the "masterful" skills of two incredible facilitators: Will and Homa."
Rose PufferSuperintendent, International School of Islamabad, Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) Board President 
“The BQI helps to pull you away from the reactivity and instead encourages you to think deeply about learning in its purest form. If we come to school change through the lens of deep, engaged learning, we will naturally be able to satisfy the many needs of our various constituents. I left the BQI with more questions than when I arrived, but they are the right questions moving me in the right direction for our school."
Erica D'AgostinoAssistant Head of School, Moravian Academy 
"I admit that committing to the monthly sessions in the midst of everything else on my plate was not easy. But during and after each session, I was reminded of why I joined. These expertly moderated sessions provided a critical opportunity for me to lift my head up and connect with diverse colleagues managing unique leadership challenges. In both sharing with and supporting colleagues, I was reminded of what's important in leadership, routinely recommitting to the difficult work in front of us. This learning commitment helped me to keep moving forward."
Ben ThrashHead of School, Barrie School, Washington, DC 
“Will and Homa have a gift of working together to challenge, inform, model. motivate and assist. My mind is stretched every time.”
Tom Welch
Constructivist,
Chicago, IL
“In all my years as a school leader, I’ve never heard such high praise for professional development sessions as for the ones we did with BQI.”
Dr. Heather Rogers Beck
Head of School, Awty International School, Houston, TX
“Different from many other consultants, you are a true partner in the work. I can feel that you really care and want the best for our school.”
Nick Glab
Director, Colegio Jorge Washington, Cartagena, Colombia
"The Deeper Than Diversity: Exploring Transformative Principles in the Quest for Racial Justice workshop is one I believe EVERY teacher should experience. It opened my eyes to the way I handle my diverse students in a positive way influencing me to change some of my practices which I had thought were "safe" but, indeed, were alienating. I did not have to change just be more mindful. The lecture, the conversation and the music blended well and created an enriching experience for me."
Jodi EtraFort Lee (NJ) High School 
“The BQI Retreat helped Board members and school heads understand our role as governance/leadership partners in stepping back and addressing bigger ideas and questions, especially in the current pandemic and economic scenarios we're facing. Will and Homa helped us understand both the WHY and the HOW to address those issues and opportunities together. It was especially valuable to be doing this with Board members and school leaders from around the world."
Jim LaneyDirector, American International School of Mozambique 
"I think that the work you are doing with people is very deep, planting seeds within for the future. While people are running around reacting to moment by moment changes, the two of you are holding ground for this critical work. It is visionary, and as usual, ahead of many who are not yet open to this type of thinking. I thank you again for your
guidance, love and caring."
Anna SugarmanProfessional Learning Coordinator, Shenendehowa (NY) Central SD 
"I participated in the Mastermind cohort during one of the most intense and challenging periods of my professional career. The expert coaching and camaraderie with other school leaders, helped me navigate beyond immediate fires, consider new modes of thinking, and integrate different ideas and points of view to identify solutions that were even better than before."
Dr. Michelle KleissHead of School, American School of Warsaw 
Expert Facilitation That Brought Our Community Together
“We had the privilege of working with Big Questions Institute throughout our recent strategic planning process and their guidance was transformative. From the outset, they were instrumental in uniting our community, creating a space where every voice could be heard and valued. They were able to foster meaningful dialogue among diverse stakeholders – students, parents, staff, and community members, ensuring that the process was inclusive and reflective of our shared values.
What truly set them apart was their commitment to challenging our thinking in the most constructive way. They asked the hard questions, encouraged us to dig deeper, and helped us see possibilities we might have overlooked. Yet, throughout the process, they were careful to empower us as the owners of our vision. They provided expert guidance without ever overshadowing our voice, allowing us to craft a mission and strategic plan that genuinely reflects who we are as a community and our aspirations for the future.
Thanks to their expertise and thoughtful facilitation, we now have a clear, inspiring roadmap that embodies our collective hopes and dreams. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and would highly recommend them to any organization looking to engage in a strategic planning process that is both rigorous and deeply authentic.”
Ruth Allen
Superintendent
The Columbus School, Medellin, Colombia
“The Big Questions Institute delivered on its promise: to push us beyond what we’ve always done and to embrace a thoughtful and innovative future. Will and Homa’s paired leadership is both grounded and inspiring!”
Anna More
Board Member, American School of Brasilia
“Futures thinking is a gap in the toolkit for many leaders. The workshop is a first step on the journey of any leader to beginning building a new competency for change.”
Randy Zeigenfuss
Superintendent, Salisbury Township (Pa.) School District
“I want to thank you for your work and for your efforts to help educators challenge the future landscape of learning. You are both truly inspiring and have been a welcome light in 2020. Keep going!“
Karl Poulin
Middle School Principal, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
"The collaboration between Homa and Will and their Five lenses are a wonderful pairing as they look at, as they say, 'the no normal' and how the education systems around the world need to respond to meet the needs of today and tomorrow because these systems are clearly designed for a bygone era. The BQI draw on current evidence and research to look at the world and how we as educational leaders need to lead the way as the world as we knew it will not return. This session focuses on conversations with people from around the world who are all looking to improve their work through inquiry. Well worth participating in this learning experience. Thought provoking, educational and motivating."
Hugh AlexanderPrincipal, Rutland Senior Secondary School, Kelowna, BC 
"Big Questions Institute has been out reliable guide and partner through Board capacity-building, robust collaboration, meaningful innovation, and strategic growth."
Anabella MartinezDirector, Colegio Marymount Barranquilla 
"If you are an educator or advocate of education, the Big Questions Institute offers insightful, research-based data to support the upcoming changes in education, especially during these unknown times when the Pandemic is causing disruption in learning as we once knew it. This training session provoked thought and inquiries about the future of education. I found it to be beneficial, even as a seasoned teacher."
Sandy TolbertEducator and Learning Designer at the Campbell School of Innovation 
"Every month I look forward to my Masterminds cohort meetings. They have become a part of my professional growth plan, and are a balance of both a healthy challenge pushing me to learn and grow, and a balm and salve on my heavy aching heart. I have done the Masterminds program five times, and it has still not lost either its value and novelty for me! I continue to show up each season to learn from and with my colleagues from around the world, and to continue to build my network of support!.The team works tirelessly to create a safe space for vulnerable conversations and provocations, and facilitate what I see as the harvesting of wisdom and advice from the group! Count me in as long as the program continues! We are truly better together!"
Jessica GilwayExecutive Director, Inter-American Academy, Ecuador 
“The partnership with the Big Questions Institute is the best I’ve had in my career.”
Jason Fine
Superintendent, Bexley (OH) Schools
“Homa is a leader that inspires and moves people to action.”
Maddy Hewitt
Executive Director, Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools
“I cannot tell you enough how energizing it was to be a part of your session.”
Anthony Poullard
Singapore American School
“I have attended several online professional development sessions offered both by local school boards and international organizations. Your summer leadership session which focused on an inquiry based approach was outstanding on many levels: relevant and timely content, structure and format. Your sessions were my monthly ‘opium’!!"
Suelyn CheongPrincipal, Unionville High School, Markham, ON 
“I found the two day Racial Literacy workshop to be very helpful in looking at the many issues and topics related to race and how we can support our community of color as well as educate and support the entire community. Your workshop reinforced the importance of being able to express, articulate and understand at a deeper level when speaking about race."
Patrick LeeAssistant Principal, The American School of London 
"Homa and Eric’s realistic, personalized touches allowed me and many others to reflect on implicit biases, cultural lenses and nuances, and interpersonal interactions in realistic ways. I walked away feeling uplifted and so empowered...Thank you for setting the tone for reflection and action!!!"
Tracy RuckerAward-winning French teacher, Kentucky 
“Mastermind cohort sessions provided a welcome respite and a lifeline of reflection and ideas. Regular meetings and a stable group foster a unique collegiality and a degree of solidarity that help sustain challenging and thought-provoking reflections. I recommend it to all aspiring and current leaders in search for a meaningful and enjoyable professional learning experience”.
Dr. Emmanuel BoninFormer Head of School, French International School of Hong Kong 
Professional Learning with Heart and Purpose
“AISA school leaders were privileged to participate in the “Putting Soul Work Before School Work” professional learning institute led by Homa Tavangar and Will Richardson. Over the six sessions, Homa and Will brought their vast knowledge, expertise, and passion to every aspect of the institute, making it one of the most thoughtful and engaging professional learning experiences I have ever had. The discussions were deep and discursive, encouraging AISA school leaders to reflect, reset, and reinvent their practices and beliefs and challenging us to think critically about the purpose and meaning of education.
What set this transformative programme apart was (as the title suggests) an emphasis on putting soul work before school work. Homa and Will helped us understand the importance of investigating our own practice while nurturing in the hearts and minds of our students a positive, inclusive, and compassionate school culture. They created a safe and welcoming environment where we could openly share our thoughts, concerns, and ideas and provided invaluable feedback and guidance. Their genuine care for our growth and development as educational leaders was evident in every interaction.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from Homa Tavangar and Will Richardson, and I highly recommend their professional learning programmes to any educator committed to creating schools that prioritize the well-being and humanity of students.”
Peter Bateman
Former Executive Director
Association of International Schools in Africa
"I really appreciate how Will and Homa continue to push our thinking. This was two days well spent exploring meaningful conversations that I will bring back and engage in with my colleagues to help my organization create coherence around learning. It was a fantastic experience!"
Katie McFarlandDirector of Professional Development, Canandaigua (NY) Schools 
"Meeting with Will, Homa, and the rest of my Mastermind cohort is a highlight of my month. The depth of experience, the hard-gained knowledge, and the genuine camaraderie of the group ensure that I walk away with deeper insight into and a stronger commitment toward my vocation."
Joshua GarrettDirector, International School of Skopje, Macedonia 
"New Leadership Lenses as presented by Homa and Will gave me the opportunity to reflect on a deeper level, while sharing with others with regards to what our school could look like once we are able to return. What should we take with us through the portal? And what should we leave behind?"
Rosemary Fatta MariActivities Director at The Lincoln School, Buenos Aires, AR 