A reflective Q&A with award-winning educator, author, researcher, and pilot-in-training Clare Erasmus — contributor to eYs Magazine.
“Vulnerability isn’t a setback — it’s your superpower.”
— Clare Erasmus
Clare Erasmus writes with heart and leads with vision.
A nationally award-winning educator in both Taiwan and New Zealand, Clare is known for her courageous leadership in the classroom, child wellbeing, her ground-breaking PhD research exploring how teachers support children exposed to extreme events, and her creative storytelling through the Kia Kaha children’s book series. She is also training to become a pilot — a path inspired by her father’s legacy and her deep commitment to a growth mindset.
In this exclusive Q&A, Clare shares her journey from classroom to cockpit, from crisis to creation — and reminds us that vulnerability is not weakness, but the start of every great takeoff.
Q: Clare, you’re a published author, an award-winning educator, and now a pilot-in-training. How do all these roles connect?
A:
For me, it all comes down to storytelling — and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether I’m teaching, writing for children, mentoring new teachers, or flying a Piper Warrior, I’m always thinking about mindset, perspective, and purpose. Each role feeds the others. I want people — especially children — to know that you don’t have to be fearless to grow. You just need to be willing to try, to back yourself, and to stay open to the lessons along the way.
Q: You’re also involved in humanitarian work. Can you tell us how that started?
A:
It began with a moment of connection. I met Jasmina Siderovski, Editor-in-Chief of eYs Magazine, at an author signing event we were both attending. We instantly clicked. She invited me to join her on some extraordinary humanitarian projects, and we’ve never looked back. It’s been a privilege to work alongside someone so committed to creating meaningful, real-world impact. That experience has expanded my purpose far beyond the classroom.
Q: You’ve shared that your aviation journey is tied to your father. Could you tell us more about that?
A:
Yes — my father was a major inspiration. He lost two brothers — one in a motorcycle accident, and the other, along with his pregnant wife, in a tragic plane crash. Despite the trauma, my father learned to fly. He faced his fear and transformed it into something freeing. That decision stayed with me.
When he passed away, I decided to take flying lessons. For me, it’s a tribute to him — but also a living example of choosing growth over fear, and backing yourself when you don’t have all the answers. I don’t fly because I’m fearless. I fly because I choose not to be held back.
Q: What has flying taught you about leadership?
A:
Everything. In aviation, attitude determines altitude — not just the position of the plane, but your mindset. If you lead with openness, humility, and awareness, you can navigate almost anything — turbulence, pressure, or change.
Leadership isn’t about having control. It’s about staying present, adjusting your course when needed, and keeping everyone safe, calm, and connected. That applies in the sky, the classroom, and any space where people are learning and growing together.
Q: You’ve used storytelling to support children through crisis. How did your Kia Kaha series begin?
A:
After the Christchurch earthquake, I witnessed how children were absorbing trauma, not just the physical shaking, but emotional uncertainty. I wanted to create something gentle and empowering — a story that could help them reframe the experience. The Kia Kaha stories invite tamariki (children) to look around and notice the small, good things happening during hard times: kindness, courage, care.
These books have been used in schools across New Zealand, especially in times of disruption. They’re not about ignoring fear. They’re about anchoring children in hope.
Q: You speak often about vulnerability. Why is it such a key theme for you?
A:
Vulnerability is where real growth begins. It’s where trust is built. It’s the foundation for empathy, courage, and creativity. People often think of vulnerability as a flaw — I see it as a superpower.
Being vulnerable enough to try something new, to admit you don’t have the answer, to say “this is hard” — those are acts of leadership. That’s how we model strength. That’s how we connect authentically. Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s the greatest human strength we have.
Q: And your research speaks to that humanity as well. What’s the focus of your PhD?
A:
My research explores how teachers support the well-being of children aged 5–8 who are exposed to extreme events, from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, to community traumas like the Christchurch mosque attacks. Teachers are often on the front lines, yet many feel underprepared.
My goal is to bring attention to this gap — and to contribute evidence that helps build stronger, more supportive frameworks for teacher education and student wellbeing. This isn’t just research. It’s personal, it’s urgent, and it’s deeply human.
Q: What has being part of eYs Magazine meant to you in this journey?
A:
It’s been transformational. eYs Magazine is not just a platform — it’s a movement. It amplifies stories that matter. It allows people like me to speak truthfully, vulnerably, and powerfully about what leadership, growth, and purpose really look like.
Through eYs, I’ve connected with global change-makers, contributed to thought-provoking publications, and been part of humanitarian work that aligns with my values. I’m proud to be part of this mission. I’m truly grateful to Jasmina Siderovski of eYs.
Q: Last question: What would you say to someone afraid to take the leap, whether that’s flying, writing, teaching, or simply changing direction?
A:
Start small — but start. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a bit of courage, a lot of heart, and the willingness to learn in motion.
You can do hard things.
You can grow through discomfort.
You can rise — even if your hands shake on the controls.
At the end of the day, every takeoff is a decision to believe in yourself.
That’s where the magic is.
“Challenges are solutions turned inside out.”
— Clare Erasmus
About the Author
Clare Erasmus is a nationally award-winning educator (Taiwan and New Zealand), researcher, children’s author, and pilot-in-training. She is completing a PhD focused on how teachers support young children exposed to extreme events. Clare is the creator of the Kia Kaha book series and a proud contributor to eYs Magazine, where she shares stories that inspire courage, connection, and leadership grounded in humanity.
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