Leadership and Wellbeing: The Most Interesting Woman in the World

Posted on by luanarbuckle

“I am not the most interesting woman in the world, but I do laugh at myself and I can be very serious about research…”

Researcher & Artist, Luan Arbuckle

The poster below, is an attempt at peer pedagogical humour, and not the reason for my study but one of the findings I have observed and experienced in research and my MEDL program.  Recognizing the importance of laughter in a class setting I have selected humour as the narrative of this creative work and lead with “Leadership and Wellbeing” in the title, and end with “The Most Interesting Woman in the World” as the joke. XX 😉

The use of humour as a narrative can reflect, challenge, and reveal tensions within a given society’s construct.  Humour manages ambivalence, reduces stress and enhances leadership. 

My research asks:

1. What was the experience of transitioning to alternative delivery in K -12 schools in BC during COVID-19?

2. What learnings can be surfaced, in order, to plan for future alternative delivery offerings in K-12?

3. How can learnings inform content and delivery in teacher education and education assistant post-secondary programs?


My research examines wellbeing and the relationship it clearly plays with students, educators, and families in their communities, local school districts and independent schools and is the goal behind this research. Aligned with the lifecycle framework identified in VIU’s Strategic Plan: Scholarship, Research and Creativity Activity (2017-20), specifically collaborating and co-creating knowledge that can be shared with the public realm, I aim to serve our communities and schools during this time of crisis.

In addition to the anticipated outcomes and knowledge sharing events I will be well positioned to seek external funding to expand the breadth and depth of the research through opportunities like Vancouver Foundation’s Participatory Action Research grants.

Creative Poster

10 thoughts on “Leadership and Wellbeing: The Most Interesting Woman in the World”

  1. Hi Luana. This is a very interesting perspective on leadership and well-being. I really like your poster and it made me smile. I agree that humour is so important, especially in times of stress or transition. I guess that is why laughing yoga has gained popularity since COVID began. I think that your idea of expanding your research to co-create knowledge with different community members is excellent and I want to wish you well in your endeavours.

  2. Luana, I love your poster! Humour is an important ingredient when facing any challenge, COVID19 included. As someone who airs on the intense side, I appreciate your funny quotes and positive outlook. I am curious about your findings around relationships in broader communities. For example, did your research show any differences between the wellbeing and relationships in the public school districts and the independent school communities? Or were their experiences of these challenges similar? And why do you think that is? Thanks for the smiles! You stay happy and thirsty too!

    1. Hi Andrea,
      Thanks for your comments.
      My early impression is there are some differences and a clue is, how they define themselves. One comment I recall, the participant said they needed a new definition of vulnerable for their students.
      Teacher and student needs differed with school focus and organization over time. Many experiences and challenges reported were similar in description yet not all reactions and responses ere the same. Some individuals thrived and others struggled at the same time, the differences are interesting.
      I enjoyed your questions, is there anything else you would like to ask? L.

  3. Hi Luan, it is so great to see you moving forward with your research! You have never wavered from your goal of supporting communities in crisis. Whose voice will you be seeking to help answer your research questions?

    1. Hi Wendy,
      Thanks for your comment and help earlier.
      I can be heard saying, “we are all in this together” and “every day is a new day”
      and the voices I seek to listen to share their wellbeing experiences and their subsequent learnings that could lead to meaningful change in education as communities understand and react to COVID-19 and the rapid transition to alternate delivery in K-12 central Vancouver Island schools. Cross-case analysis of the findings will be used to inform content and delivery in teacher education and education assistant programs and hopefully enhance student and staff wellbeing.
      Thanks for checking out my research progress! L.

  4. Luan, I am so impressed at your ability to be vulnerable! Your write-up made me want to hear more, and your poster is so much fun. Putting that kind of self-reflection out to the world feels scary for me. I don’t know if it was for you. I can’t wait to learn more about your research!

  5. Hi Zoe,
    Thanks for your comment. Emotional vulnerability is an exercise in openness. I like to try new things and have fun doing it. My research allows me to discover and learn about other peoples experiences and stories of wellbeing and vulnerability. When I am vulnerable I am free of hierarchy and arrogance. Bye for now.. L.

  6. Hi Luan,
    I love your approach. I laughed out loud at your poster quotes…and I will be asking you if I can borrow a couple of them (cite you of course!). I look forward to meeting you at your upcoming session.
    Sincerely,
    Bonnie

  7. Hi Bonnie,

    Thanks for your comments, I am so happy you laughed. I needed to have some fun and an outlet to be creative and todays’ conference has served me well! Thanks for your help today.
    The idea came from a past event in my life that was funny and involved “The Most Interesting Man in the World” we both say a lot of the same stuff.
    Cheers,
    Luan

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