During the late afternoon session of the CAIS Heads and Chairs Conference, we were treated to a once in a career experience. The event was so special, that I am certain I’ll not be able to give it adequate gravity or credence in a simple blog. With that, I’ll do my best.
To set the stage, I need you to imagine one simple PowerPoint slide, two podiums and a room with nearly 250 independent school heads and chairs present. In a room where phones and computers are the standard accessory during presentations, there was not a single device to be seen. The entirety of the population sat in anxious anticipation of what was about to come.
Susan and Hal Hanaford were called to the podium. Susan led them up, they both took a sip of water and a deep breath. As they settled into their positions on the stage, if you were watching and listening closely, you would have seen Hal turn towards Susan and quietly say, ‘are we ready?’ and Susan responded, ‘yes.’
From there, what followed was roughly 60 minutes of dialogue between Susan and Hal, detailing their journey through parenthood, headship and life. It was a frank conversation about mental health, physical health, vulnerability, leadership and support. In my lifetime, I have never seen or experienced such extreme disclosure and transparency from anybody, ever. Susan and Hal shared the most intense moments of their life with us, all in an attempt to inspire each of us to strive to be our best in physical and mental health, in an attempt to understand what it means to struggle and what it means to love. The modeling of the peaks, and valleys, of their journey was empowering to everyone who were lucky enough to hear their words.
There were many reflective moments, laughs and tears. The audience leaned in, pulled back and ultimately sat forward and took the opportunity to have deep moments of personal and professional reflection. As Susan and Hal delivered their final words, the entire audience spontaneously rose to their feet for a prolonged standing ovation.
I’d love to quote them, however I don’t think it would be appropriate to go into the details of Susan and Hal’s keynote here. With this said, I will say, if you ever have the chance to see the two of them deliver their transformative address - do not miss the opportunity.
I will take this chance to thank Susan and Hal for their strength, compassion, service, mentorship, guidance and, more than anything, for their friendship.
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