Michael Guzder, Special to Gulf News

Michael Guzder is Senior Vice-President of Education at GEMS and a former Principal.

Articles from the author

What a seat can reveal about leadership and perspective

Sometimes the smallest shift in position uncovers what was always there

Where we sit shapes what we see. From one angle, fluent speakers dominate. From another, you notice the pauses, the ideas almost spoken, the quiet energy in the room.

Best friends forever? How friendship changes as we grow

From schoolyard exclusivity to mature companionship and gratitude

Friendships are less about permanence and more about presence: who shows up, who stays kind when things are messy, who remembers who we are when we are still becoming.

Biscuit tins to money plants: The joy of holding on

How everyday objects, reused and remembered, carry stories of thrift, memory and care

Placed in bottles that once held something else and thriving in water alone, the money plant turns ordinary containers into something decorative.

Saying ‘no’: A leadership skill we must reclaim

Why saying ‘no’ makes you a stronger, smarter leader

In theory, saying ‘no’ seems simple - in practice, it rarely is.

Beyond marks: Helping students thrive in board exams

A clarion call to focus on preparation and self-belief — not just results

Families should remember that today’s learners — Generation Z — study differently. Some focus best in silence, others with music or background noise.

Year of the Family: Rediscovering the art of connection

Why slowing down and being fully present matters more than ever in distracted homes

In the UAE, the focus on family is deliberate and inspiring: the Year of the Family encourages households to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate bonds.

An Allahabad winter, wrapped in Christmas cheer

Remembering small-town holidays where cold days brought warm hearts

The cold winds, Christmas cards on the mantle, and twinkling lights on well-decorated trees and houses — all of it blended into a warm, sparkling tapestry.

How conversations shape a lifetime of negotiations

A look at how daily exchanges build decisions, relationships, and a sense of agency

Life is full of conversations, but not all serve the same purpose.

2025: A gentle reflection on how life reshapes us

A look back at unseen moments, hidden struggles and small miracles that defined our 2025

As 2025 winds down, take a moment and ask yourself — did this year lift you to dizzying highs, drag you through unseen lows, or drift quietly, leaving subtle echoes behind?

What if happiness was here all along?

Happiness is not a destination - it is the way we choose to live each day

Happiness is about appreciating what we have, noticing small blessings, and choosing to see the good in our lives.

Lessons from classroom: Why teachers inspire curiosity

How spontaneity, trust, and shared discovery turn ordinary lessons into lasting memories

When pupils love the teacher and the teaching style, they invariably fall in love with the subject too.

Kindness: The leadership secret too many people ignore

How small acts of care can inspire, build trust, and leave a lasting legacy

In a world that is fast, divided, and distracted, kindness is not soft; it is essential.

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