Introduction
Jonathan Ullmer MBE is a multifaceted educator with a passion for enhancing the lives of students globally.
Notable for his role as the first director of education for CATS Colleges in London, UK.
Committed to informing and preparing foreign students for higher education and future employment opportunities.
2. Education Background
Undergraduate studies in English Literature at Durham and Oxford Universities. Post-graduate work culminating in an MSc from University College London. Concurrently pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School while serving as the founding director of education at CATS Colleges.
3. Early Career
Worked in Canada as a teacher, therapist, and musician. Teaching role at the University of Victoria focused on incorporating creativity into education. Part-time instructor at the Institute for Arts in Education and Therapy, specializing in therapeutic music classes for youth with disabilities.
4. Further Education and Specializations
Earned an MA from the University of Victoria. Obtained an LRAM designation as a teacher from The Royal Academy of Music. Certified in Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts from IATE&T.
5. Career Progression
Started as an English and drama instructor at Swanley School in Kent. Moved into managerial roles at Sawyers Hall College of Science and Technology. Appointed as vice principal at CATS College Cambridge. Head of Haileybury School in Kazakhstan.
6. Personal Traits
Recognized for intelligence and kindness. Enjoys laughter and a good time while maintaining professionalism. Possesses exceptional people skills and a genuine desire to see others succeed. Jonathan Ullmer MBE's extensive background in education, combined with his dedication to student success and personal qualities, makes him a highly respected figure in the field. 7- Advocacy and Philanthropy: Beyond his professional endeavors, Jonathan Ullmer MBE is actively involved in advocacy and philanthropy initiatives. He tirelessly champions causes related to education accessibility, mental health awareness, and cultural exchange. Whether through fundraising efforts, public speaking engagements, or community outreach programs, Jonathan seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. His philanthropic endeavors align with his core values of empathy and social responsibility, further solidifying his reputation as a compassionate leader in education.
8- Global Perspective and Cross-Cultural Competence: Having worked in various countries and engaged with diverse student populations, Jonathan possesses a deep understanding of global issues and cultural nuances. His experiences abroad have enriched his perspectives, allowing him to effectively navigate cross-cultural interactions and foster international cooperation. Jonathan's global outlook is instrumental in promoting cultural exchange and fostering a sense of global citizenship among students, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
9- Innovation and Educational Reform: Jonathan Ullmer MBE is a proponent of innovation and educational reform, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the learning experience. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at integrating technology, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and adapting curriculum to meet the needs of the 21st-century learner. Jonathan's forward-thinking approach has earned him recognition as a thought leader in education, inspiring colleagues and stakeholders to embrace change and drive positive transformation within educational institutions.
10- Mentorship and Leadership Development: As a seasoned educator and leader, Jonathan is deeply committed to mentorship and leadership development. He recognizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of educators and leaders, imparting invaluable knowledge and skills to empower them for success. Jonathan's mentorship extends beyond formal roles, as he takes a genuine interest in the personal and professional growth of his mentees. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and mentorship circles, Jonathan cultivates a culture of continuous learning and professional development, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education.
Jonathan ’s CreativeMornings activity
I had this crazy idea in my head. And I did it. I made it happen and I felt really good about it.
Stop following your dreams. ... What I want you guys to do is develop your dreams. Build your dreams. Don't follow them. Work on them.
Me encontré con grandes miedos que cuestionaron mi capacidad, mi adaptación, mi verdadera vocación, y la más fuerte de las adversidades, que era ser mujer
As I’ve spent time in the academic and popular literatures, which is my job – to read, I quickly realized that our foundational understanding of what it means to be an effective leader has not adapted as the demographic topography of leadership has shifted. This is holding us all back from reaching our potential and success.
No hay nada con lo que me pueda quedar, que me pertenezca a mí. Hay que soltar
Al ir soltando me encontré con algo más importante: mi pasión
To the so-called illegal aliens, persecuted minorities, women and LGBTQ folks fleeing patriarchy, people fleeing war, the list could go on and on: May you remain invisible to those who seek to harm you.
To any plant or animal (human or nonhuman) trying to evade colonization, standardization, homogenization, manipulation, marketization, domination: May you stay invisible to those who want to carve the world apart.
To the uncontacted tribes of the the Amazon; I was told you were nearby when I visited but saw no trace: May you remain invisible to eyes who will see you only through the lens of profit.
To the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals deep in the earth’s belly, those that have yet to be labeled “oil reserves” and even those that have: May you stay in the ground undiscovered, undisturbed and undisturbing.
Build your own momentum. Take something negative in the world, turn in into a positive
May you be a powerful diversifying force. May you be seen only by those who will leave you be, and … by kin.
"The positives and the negatives you were born with are unearned"
Enjoy the time we have here on earth. That’s what I came here for. I came to celebrate the wonder of it and I don’t need to know everything. There are people out there – “What about this?” – always trying to stay in control. I know I am finite. I won’t be here forever. I get to leave a little legacy here, a mural there.
People who don’t believe in the science have their own science, a different version of science. So for me, it always starts with empathy – what is your common connection to the person you’re talking to and then use that as a basis to talk about things that matter to you: family, friends, loved ones and how do you save their lives. Use that as a way to move the conversation forward.
Per come funziona oggi la comunicazione social, si vedono sempre le ultime cose che vengono fatte da chiunque, invece a noi interessa raccontare anche la genesi del progetto
What is your story? What is the struggle you got through? And it has to be internal or external or both. Nobody wants to watch the movie where guy gets girl; they buy a beautiful car; they go to a beautiful house with a perfect fence, perfect child and perfect dog –boring. What they want to hear is that it’s hard, that you struggled and you got out to the other side, that you had these limited beliefs but you figured out how to get out of them.
Try not to focus on cultural fit, but focus on cultural add
I have to remind myself of all the people who were along the way. All those forks in the road that I didn't want to take. All those circumstances that seemed incredibly negative and almost the end where I was, you know, up at eleven o'clock at night...wondering where I was going to get the next dollar from. All of those events shaped and created this incredibly unlikely thing. To the point that I am standing here, on this stage with you guys. And, I would never be here if all those things hadn't happened.
Isn't it all about passing our story forward in a way that helps others?