From Curiosity to Culture: Navigating AI Adoption inwith Claire Foster, CEO of Boston College

🎧 Episode Title: From Curiosity to Culture: Navigating AI Adoption in FE with Claire Foster, CEO of Boston College

🎙️ Podcast: The AI Works Podcast Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher

🔍 Episode Overview

How can further education leaders navigate the uncertainties of adopting artificial intelligence, balancing curiosity and caution? Claire Foster, Principal and CEO of Boston College UK, joins us to openly share her personal journey and practical experiences of introducing AI in her college. From first encountering AI as an unfamiliar concept to actively championing its adoption among students and staff, Claire’s insights highlight the human aspects of technological transformation in education.

Claire discusses openly about:

• Starting her leadership during the Covid-19 lockdown and rapidly adapting to digital learning
• Building a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and shared learning around AI
• Overcoming fear and scepticism among educators and students
• Addressing equity and access to AI tools in education
• The importance of adaptability and lifelong learning as core educational values

This conversation offers authentic, thoughtful reflections on how educational institutions can embrace AI as a meaningful tool for learning, inclusion, and creativity.

🧭 What We Cover
✔️ How Boston College began its AI journey from early experimentation to strategic implementation
✔️ Creating psychological safety around AI adoption among educators
✔️ Practical ways AI tools (e.g., Copilot) can reduce workload and stress for teachers
✔️ Using AI inclusively to support learners with language and additional learning needs
✔️ Addressing digital equity concerns for both students and the broader community
✔️ Building an adaptable learning culture that prepares students for evolving job markets 👤

About Our Guest
Claire Foster is Principal and CEO at Boston College in Lincolnshire, UK. With a professional background rooted deeply in further education, Claire has successfully led her college through challenging times, including Covid-19 and digital transformation. Her leadership philosophy emphasises curiosity, openness, and continuous learning, creating an environment where technology meaningfully enhances the educational experience.

🔗 Links & Mentions

Boston College UK: https://www.boston.ac.uk
Claire Foster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-foster-46424515
Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher
Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz

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