Reflections of School Leaders
We delve into the journeys of resilient school leaders, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through powerful stories and shared experiences. From navigating complexities and overcoming challenges to celebrating triumphs, each episode delivers a powerful dose of motivation, where vulnerability meets empowerment. We also share insights from our collaborative work at Well-Nest with school leaders, sparking discussions and inspiring fresh ideas for your leadership journey. Tune in and become part of our like-minded community of dedicated and driven school leaders shaping the future of education!
Episodes
25 episodes
When Disaster Strikes: A Principal's Journey Through Cyclone Seroja
In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Ben Will, Principal at Holy Spirit in Western Australia, who shares his extraordinary experience of leading a school community through the devastating impact of Cyclone Seroja and its aftermath....
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Episode 25
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33:34
Navigating Parent Demands
In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Ceanlia Vermeulen, who shares her challenging experience of supporting a demanding parent during the unprecedented difficulties of COVID-19. Ceanlia reveals the delicate balance she maintai...
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Episode 24
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24:47
Beyond Broken Narratives: A Journey from Frustration to Transformation
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Phil Hart, Head of School at the British International School of Wroclaw. Phil shares his challenge of leading in an environment where the prevailing narrative suggests that things are broken and hopeless...
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Episode 23
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31:02
The Middle Leadership Challenge: Finding Your Way
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Mitchell Bristow, a school Principal who shares his experience of navigating a challenging leadership position where he couldn't fully be himself. Mitchell talks openly about the strain of w...
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Episode 22
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30:15
From Crisis to Connection
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Lisa Thorpe who shares her candid story of leading a school in crisis early in her career. In that previous role, Lisa found ...
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Episode 21
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31:34
Transforming Mathematics in Education
In this episode, I am joined by Donna McNeight, a dedicated Numeracy Learning Specialist and Classroom Teacher, who shares her candid journey of implementing sustainable change in mathematics education. We dive deep into her experie...
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Episode 20
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35:50
Be Brave: Transforming School Culture Through Immersive Social Impact
In this transformative episode, I am joined by Sue Floro, Head of the Preparatory School at Knox Grammar School, who shares her bold journey of reimagining their house system through the lens of belonging and social impact. We explore how her t...
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Episode 19
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29:25
Navigating Professional Transitions in Education
In this insightful episode, I am joined by Celia Mara, Deputy Principal atSt Martins Lutheran College. We dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of adapting to a completely new educational environment while navigating multiple changes a...
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Episode 18
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27:41
From Comfort Zone to Construction Zone: Building a High School from Scratch
Join us for an honest look at what it really takes to start a high school in NYC from scratch. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by William Campbell, Founding Head of Franklin School, USA. We talk about the mix of excitement and nerves that ...
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Episode 17
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34:35
The Power of Partnership: Leading Through Change
In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Steven Middleton and Executive Assistant Kristine Niven. Together, they share their unique story of navigating the complexities of school leadership through trust, collaboration and shared purpose as ...
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Episode 16
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42:31
The Weight of Expectations on Educators
In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney Morgan, an insightful school leader who sheds light on the immense pressure faced by teachers today. We dive into the challenges of balancing rising expectations for student performance with the pressing ...
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Episode 15
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30:17
From Vision to Reality: Creating a Junior School from Scratch
In this episode, I’m joined by Joel Weekes, the Inaugural Head of Junior School at St Gregory’s College. Joel shares his exciting yet challenging journey of building a new school from the ground up.We discuss the vital importance of find...
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Episode 14
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40:03
Leadership Beyond Titles
In this episode, Aimee sits down with Andrew McCausland, a passionate classroom teacher who carved his own leadership path when traditional roles didn’t align with his interests. Andrew shares his inspiring journey of seeking out and creating l...
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Episode 13
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27:45
Small Steps, Big Impact: Transitioning to a New Role
In this episode, Paul Ainsworth and Aimee delve into the complexities of transitioning from a large, well-established Multi-Academy Trust to a smaller, startup MAT. Paul opens up about the challenge of moving from a secondary setting where he w...
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Episode 12
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27:03
Navigating the Path for Emerging Leaders
In this episode, Ellen Moffat and Aimee dive into the unique challenges of being a young leader with limited experience. Ellen shares her journey of stepping into leadership roles early in her career and the overwhelming pressures that come wit...
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Episode 11
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28:51
Engaging Parents in Supporting Social-Emotional Learning
In this episode, Airlie Washington and Aimee explore how to bridge the communication gap between home and school by engaging parents in supporting social-emotional learning. Airlie shares how transitioning from overwhelming emails and phone cal...
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Episode 10
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27:44
Setting the Pace as School Leaders
In this episode, Steven Trotter and Aimee tackle the often overwhelming pressure school leaders face to act immediately. They share profound insights on navigating this challenge effectively, emphasising the importance of prioritising the right...
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Episode 9
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32:09
Silver Linings: Rediscovering Confidence Through Life's Changes
In this episode, Ione Norris and Aimee explore the journey of self-rediscovery and resilience when Ione decided to embrace her natural hair colour during the 2020 lockdown at the age of 53. Transitioning from brunette to silver hai...
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Episode 8
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28:40
Leading Different Personality Types
In this episode, David Read and Aimee explore the challenges of gaining staff buy-in for new ideas and initiatives, particularly when faced with a strong-willed, seasoned teacher who frequently opposes decisions made by the senior leadership te...
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Episode 7
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23:24
Building Trust: The Heart of Effective Leadership
In this episode, Jen Gibb and Aimee examine the essential role of trust and relationships in effective leadership within the educational environment. Jen shares insights into the challenges she faced with feelings of powerlessness ...
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Episode 6
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39:17
Challenging Norms: The Push for Health and Physical Education Reform
In this episode, Greg Wood and Aimee explore the complexities of challenging the status quo and driving change in the education sector. As an educational leader, Greg has faced significant resistance when attempting to shift tradit...
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Episode 5
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30:14
Navigating Personal Trauma as a School Leader
In this episode, Adrienne Hornby and Aimee delve into the profound journey of overcoming grief, low self-worth, and imposter syndrome. Adrienne openly and courageously shares her battles with personal trauma, revealing the signific...
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Episode 4
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43:44
Voicing Concerns and Challenging Senior Leadership
In this episode, Hannah Cunningham and Aimee explore the challenge school leaders face when questioning and challenging those in higher authority. Addressing unethical behaviour or inaccuracies has often left Hannah feeling frustra...
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Episode 3
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25:22
Building Buy-in Amongst Staff as a Leader in a New School
In this episode, Stephanie Dehghani and Aimee delve into the intricate challenges of leading change as a new leader in an established school environment. We discuss the struggle to build buy-in among staff while conveying the urgen...
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Episode 2
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23:53
Balancing Compliance and Positive Relationships
In this episode, Andrew Oberthur and Aimee explore the delicate art of balancing compliance while building positive relationships within the school environment. We delve into the intricate challenges principals face in balancing the dem...
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Episode 1
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24:36