Episode Notes:

In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Paul Fairweather, an architect-turned-speaker, painter, and creative thinker. Paul shares his journey from co-founding and leading a successful architectural firm to stepping into the uncertain world of speaking and training. Along the way, he candidly discusses the challenges of reinvention, the power of creative confidence, and the importance of taking ownership as a leader.

Paul’s career began in architecture, where he built a thriving practice. But despite his success, he found himself drawn to other pursuits. He takes us behind the scenes of his bold decision to sell his share of the firm and embark on a new chapter. While he eventually found his way back to architecture for a time, his passion for creativity in all its forms—whether in painting, writing, or leadership—never faded.

One of the most powerful insights Paul shares is about creative confidence. He talks about how many people abandon drawing, painting, or singing at a young age due to discouraging feedback or fear of failure. He reveals how he overcame his own doubts about his artistic abilities and now helps others do the same through workshops that reframe creativity as a process, not just a final product.

Paul also offers a unique perspective on leadership. Drawing from his experience growing an architectural practice to a team of 55, he reflects on the importance of clear vision, communication, and trust. He shares a valuable lesson about how leaders must create the right “bumper lanes” for their teams—providing structure while allowing creativity to flourish. He also emphasizes the need for leaders to take responsibility for their mistakes and how that accountability builds a culture of trust.

We also dive into the psychology of value—how some architects command premium fees while others struggle, and what that means for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders. Paul explains how having a distinct style and embracing scarcity can significantly elevate perceived value.

This conversation is packed with insights on creativity, leadership, and the courage to step into the unknown. Whether you’re a leader looking to foster more creativity in your organization or someone seeking the confidence to pivot in your career, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Tune in now to hear Paul Fairweather’s incredible journey and leadership wisdom!

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, I sit down with Jill Howard to dive into what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and vision. Jill shares her leadership journey, offering deep insights into how great leaders navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and create environments where people thrive.

Jill opens up about the critical role of trust in leadership. She explains how trust isn’t just built through big decisions but through the everyday moments—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others to grow. She emphasizes that the best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they ask the right questions and create a culture where problem-solving becomes a shared responsibility.

Another key theme is navigating leadership in times of uncertainty. Jill shares personal experiences of leading teams through difficult transitions, highlighting how real leadership isn’t about having a perfect roadmap—it’s about being present, making thoughtful decisions, and fostering resilience. She reveals how leaders can embrace change rather than fear it, inspiring their teams to do the same.

Jill also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She explains why the ability to read a room, understand different perspectives, and adjust your approach is one of the most valuable skills a leader can have. Her advice on active listening and genuine connection will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their leadership game.

Throughout the conversation, Jill provides practical strategies for leaders at all levels, from new managers to seasoned executives. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, her insights will challenge you to think differently about your role, your influence, and the legacy you’re creating.

This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, actionable advice, and powerful leadership lessons. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White talks with Kevin Macki, Director of School Relations at Calvary Christian Academy and Schools United. Kevin shares his journey from being a teacher and school administrator to his current role in building global peer networks for Christian educators. His insights into servant leadership, fostering connections, and nurturing future leaders are a treasure trove for anyone passionate about leadership and education.

Kevin begins by sharing how a pivotal moment in high school, when his basketball coach recognized his hard work and leadership potential, set the foundation for his leadership journey. This early experience taught Kevin the value of affirmation and helped him develop his philosophy of leadership: seeing and cultivating potential in others. This perspective has remained central to his career, shaping his approach to building strong teams and nurturing future leaders.

The conversation delves into Kevin’s passion for creating a culture of connection and collaboration in Christian education. He explains how Schools United fosters unity among educators globally by breaking down barriers and building peer networks. Kevin highlights inspiring stories of elite schools sharing resources with smaller institutions, demonstrating how collaboration can transform education and create a more unified community.

Kevin also explores the importance of visibility in leadership. Drawing from his experience as a head of school, he emphasizes the value of getting out of the office, building relationships with teachers, parents, and students, and addressing challenges before they escalate. This hands-on approach fosters trust and creates a culture of openness and support, essential for any successful leader.

Another key theme is the courage to have difficult conversations. Kevin reflects on his early struggles with classroom management and how constructive feedback from a mentor helped him grow. He shares how this lesson shaped his approach to leadership, encouraging leaders to give honest, thoughtful feedback with kindness and purpose to help others reach their full potential.

Throughout the episode, Kevin stresses the importance of developing future leaders. He shares practical advice on identifying potential, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating opportunities for growth within an organization. For Kevin, leadership isn’t about holding onto power—it’s about empowering others to lead and succeed.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful insights from Kevin’s decades of experience in education and leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with humility, courage, and connection. Tune in now to learn from one of the most thoughtful voices in Christian education!

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Mark Plitzuweit, President CEO of Edkey, Inc., a diverse charter school network serving over 11,000 students. Mark shares powerful insights on what it takes to lead in education, discussing his journey from teacher to CEO and the core principles that have guided him through the complexities of organizational growth.

Mark opens up about his journey, which began on the athletic fields of high school and college, where he first discovered the power of teamwork and leadership. These early experiences in sports taught him the value of guiding others, a theme he carried forward into his career in education. He shares how, from his early days in the classroom to now leading Edkey, his approach has always centered on helping others uncover their strengths, creating an environment where each team member can thrive.

One of the central themes in this episode is Mark’s commitment to developing a high-retention, purpose-driven culture. When Mark joined Edkey in 2016, he was faced with financial instability and high turnover. Through a people-first approach, he turned these challenges into successes, achieving a 97% retention rate—a rarity in the education field. Mark describes how he built trust within his team by focusing on kindness, transparency, integrity, and open communication. By putting his core values into practice, Mark has created a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to Edkey’s mission.

Mark emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership, sharing his belief that leaders must release control and allow team members to grow through both success and failure. By giving school principals at Edkey the autonomy to make decisions and learn from their own experiences, Mark has fostered an environment where leadership isn’t about micromanaging but about supporting others to reach their full potential. His philosophy of “trust, yet verify” provides a balanced approach that encourages independence within a framework of accountability.

Another highlight of the conversation is Mark’s unique hiring strategy, which focuses on finding the right people for Edkey’s culture before matching them to specific roles. He explains why Edkey invests heavily in professional development, seeing it as an essential component of retaining passionate and motivated employees. By hiring for culture fit and offering robust training, Mark has built a team dedicated to serving the unique needs of each Edkey school community.

Mark also shares his thoughts on navigating change, especially in the rapidly evolving education landscape. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for schools to innovate and adapt, emphasizing that education must evolve to meet new challenges and expectations. Through his forward-thinking approach, Mark has positioned Edkey as a leader in flexible, community-centered education models that address each school’s unique needs.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in transformative leadership, team-building, and making a lasting impact in education. Mark’s story and insights offer valuable lessons on creating a resilient, mission-driven organization that thrives on trust, empowerment, and purposeful leadership.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White speaks with Gez Mulvahil, Executive Officer of the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (ACPPA). With over 30 years of experience in Catholic education, including eight years as a school principal, Gez brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership in education, the complexities of school management, and the personal challenges leaders face in their roles.

Gez begins by sharing her journey from growing up in a small country town to becoming a principal in Darwin, emphasizing the importance of community. She reflects on how the tight-knit environment of her childhood shaped her leadership style, focusing on the value of connection, trust, and relationship-building in school settings. Gez's story highlights how great leaders foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual support within their teams, schools, and communities.

As the conversation continues, Gez offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by school principals. She discusses the often-overlooked reality of leadership loneliness, explaining how principals are often the "keepers of secrets" and how isolating it can be to carry the weight of confidential information about staff, students, and families. Gez opens up about how she managed this loneliness and stresses the importance of having strategies and support systems in place to deal with it.

One of the key themes in this episode is the balance between administrative duties and maintaining a strong school community. Gez candidly shares her experience navigating the steep learning curve of school administration—budgeting, human resources, and compliance—while also working to sustain the positive culture established by her predecessor. She reflects on how crucial it is for school leaders to develop their own toolkit to manage the evolving demands of leadership, and how adaptation and continuous learning are essential for success.

Gez also touches on the significance of storytelling in leadership. She explains why honoring a school's history and culture is vital when stepping into a leadership role. She believes that every school has a foundational story, and staying connected to that narrative is key to building trust and continuity, even as changes occur. Gez shares practical advice for new leaders on how to understand and respect a school's legacy while making necessary updates and improvements.

Throughout the episode, Gez highlights the importance of teamwork. She explains how building a strong leadership team and cultivating a supportive environment can significantly impact a principal's effectiveness. Gez introduces a unique concept she used called "tapping out," where team members could step in for one another during high-pressure moments, helping to alleviate stress and maintain a collaborative dynamic.

This episode is filled with practical advice and reflections for school leaders, educators, and anyone in leadership roles who wants to create a strong community and navigate the complexities of their responsibilities. Gez’s candid stories and actionable insights offer a refreshing take on leadership, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and heart.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Jethro Jones, an education consultant and host of the Transformative Principal podcast. Jethro shares his experiences from his years as a school principal, emphasizing how inspiring others and leading with vision are crucial elements of effective leadership. Whether you're an educator or a leader in any field, this conversation is packed with insights on how to build a thriving, vision-driven culture.

Jethro begins by recounting his journey from leading a group of young boys in his church to becoming a school principal. He quickly learned that having a title wasn’t enough to inspire others—it required building relationships and helping people see a greater vision. This lesson carried through his leadership journey and became a foundation for his approach to working with school leaders today.

The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining motivation in the face of burnout, particularly for teachers and school leaders. Jethro shares his perspective on the importance of understanding the difference between serving sacrificially and serving with purpose. He explains how focusing on putting others first doesn’t have to mean exhausting yourself to the point of burnout. Instead, he advocates for prioritizing tasks that truly serve the needs of students and teachers, rather than getting bogged down by unnecessary requirements.

Jethro dives deep into the idea of personalized learning and how it can transform education. He explains why allowing students to connect their passions with their learning can create more meaningful experiences and how this approach can be adapted to leadership in any organization. By focusing on what makes each person unique, Jethro demonstrates how leaders can inspire their teams to take ownership of their roles and contribute to a shared vision.

Another key theme is the power of clarity in leadership. Jethro emphasizes that being clear about your vision and expectations makes it easier to have honest, respectful conversations with your team. He shares stories of how, when he clearly communicated his vision for student-focused education, it not only led to better outcomes but also helped identify who was truly aligned with that vision.

Throughout the episode, Jethro offers practical advice for leaders who want to build a strong culture within their teams. He challenges leaders to ask themselves how they can create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and excited to contribute. By sharing his own successes and failures, Jethro provides a roadmap for how to develop a leadership style that is both impactful and sustainable.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to inspire others, cultivate a vision-driven culture, and navigate the complexities of leadership in education or any other field. Tune in to learn how you can lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Dr. Gareth Leechman, headmaster of Arndell Anglican College in Australia. With over 18 years of experience as a principal, Gareth offers deep insights into the unique challenges and rewards of leading a school community. He opens up about his journey from a regional school in Grafton to becoming the chair of the Independent Schools Association in Australia, and the critical leadership lessons he has learned along the way.

Gareth reflects on the immense complexity of school principalship, where a leader might one day celebrate a joyful event and the next be faced with handling a community tragedy. He emphasizes how important it is for leaders to balance these contrasting moments while maintaining the well-being of students, staff, and themselves. Gareth shares practical advice on managing the weight of this responsibility, offering key insights into how school leaders can maintain their own mental and physical health while leading in high-pressure environments.

The conversation touches on the importance of building a strong leadership team. Gareth discusses how having a cohesive and aligned executive team has allowed him to focus on long-term goals, manage multiple stakeholders, and ensure the smooth running of the school. He reveals how effective delegation frees up time for more strategic work, including engaging with parents, board members, and the broader school community.

Throughout the episode, Gareth provides valuable advice for principals and leaders in education who may be facing turnaround situations in their schools. He outlines a step-by-step approach to tackling these challenges, explaining why leaders sometimes need to adopt a command-and-control leadership style in order to set things right before shifting to a more collaborative approach. His reflections on how to identify and address the most pressing issues first will resonate with leaders in any sector.

Gareth also touches on the importance of developing future leaders within a school. He discusses how he has fostered a culture of leadership development at Arndell Anglican College, creating opportunities for emerging leaders to step into roles and gain valuable experience. He believes that investing in the next generation of leaders is crucial for the future success of schools, especially as the demand for strong principals continues to grow.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in leadership, especially those navigating the complexities of educational institutions. Whether you're a seasoned principal or an aspiring leader, Gareth's experiences and insights will inspire you to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Leora Cruddas, the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts in England. Leora shares her powerful journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to leading a national organization that advocates for school trusts. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to social justice in education.

Leora begins by reflecting on her early years teaching in a township in South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in a community that valued learning as a means of overcoming systemic inequality. This profound experience shaped her lifelong belief that education should be a tool for social justice, not just social mobility. She explains the difference between these two concepts, arguing that true social justice lifts up all children, not just a select few.

Throughout the conversation, Leora delves into the challenges of leading an organization that must balance diverse opinions and navigate the contested space of education policy. She emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, particularly as one gains more influence. Humility, she argues, is crucial in preventing leaders from creating echo chambers that reinforce their own beliefs rather than challenging them.

Leora also shares her thoughts on the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, which she believes is essential for providing all children with the skills they need to succeed. She critiques the global trend towards skills-based curricula, arguing that knowledge is the foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This perspective, while controversial, is supported by evidence from around the world showing that knowledge-rich curricula benefit all students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

As the conversation unfolds, Leora offers advice for leaders in education, particularly women who may struggle with imposter syndrome. She encourages them to embrace their strengths and recognize their worth, drawing on the wisdom of literature and personal experience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, education policy, and the role of schools in creating a more just society. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the leading voices in education today.