Professor John West-Burnham is a writer, teacher and consultant in education leadership with a particular interest in leadership learning and development, and learning in schools and communities. He has been a school teacher, teacher trainer and education officer, and has held posts in five universities. He is Professor of Educational Leadership at St Mary's University College, Twickenham. John is the author or editor of 23 books and he has worked in 21 countries.

Vanessa regularly speaks at conferences and seminars at both regional and international level.