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This episode is a little different as I reflect on the life and leadership of Ashley Mottershead (dec), one of the most self-reflective Principals I have had a privilege to know. Firstly, I discuss Hamilton’s Six Essential Attributes for Successful School Leaders and highlight Ashley’s story, demonstrating the power of openness, trustworthiness, resilience, and more. Learn how Ashley’s honesty and community focus made a significant impact, embodying the essence of leading with both head and heart.

In a world where connections are more vital than ever, discover the importance of nurturing your professional and personal networks. We delve into Ashley’s experience and show how maintaining wide networks of support and making small adjustments in communication can lead to stronger relationships and better leadership outcomes. We encourage you to reconnect with your own networks during the school holidays, whether it’s through a coffee meeting or a quick message. Remember, it's not just what you know, but who you know. Let Ashley’s story inspire you to strengthen your connections and lead with authenticity.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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Ever wondered how taking a leap of faith can transform your career and life? Our latest episode features Karen Stuart, Head of English at a bustling metropolitan high school in Western Australia. Karen shares her incredible journey from aspiring journalist to dedicated educator and leader. She recounts her bold decision to take flying lessons to conquer her fear of flying and the adventurous move from Scotland to Australia with her young family. This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes about stepping out of comfort zones and discovering true passion.

Karen dives deep into nurturing leadership skills, emphasizing the power of self-awareness and personal development. She explains how understanding her DISC profile and utilizing tools like "Crucial Conversations" has helped her manage difficult dialogues and balance the demands of middle leadership. Karen offers invaluable insights into the art of advocating for her team while harmonizing with senior leadership, and the critical importance of bridging communication gaps to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

We also tackle the delicate balance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Karen reflects on the impact of stress and the necessity of recognizing personal limits to prevent burnout. Through heartfelt advice and real-life examples, we discuss the challenges of taking extended leave, the essential role of a supportive team, and the value of leadership training for those stepping into middle management roles. Plus, Karen shares her recommendations for continuous learning and maintaining authenticity in leadership. Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the importance of continuous growth and staying true to oneself as a leader.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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How does one foster a nurturing educational environment in rural and remote areas? Join us as we explore this fascinating topic with Kate Murrihy, the Head of Humanities and Social Sciences and Languages at a regional public high school. Kate shares her journey from a small school outside of Mildura, where community support and structured mentoring set her up for success, to her current role where she passionately implements these principles to support new educators. Kate's early experiences in establishing a literacy homework club for Aboriginal students offer profound insights into creating inclusive educational settings.

Kate reveals her unexpected passion for leading curriculum development in regional schools, particularly those with many indigenous students facing behavioral challenges. Through candid discussions, she shares the trials and triumphs of maintaining high expectations and providing adequate support for both students and staff. Listen as Kate offers valuable advice on managing frustrations, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and setting clear, achievable goals to ensure the success of less experienced teachers. Her commitment to creating a thriving educational environment shines through as she discusses innovative strategies and the importance of flexibility in teaching.

We also delve into embedding Aboriginal Cultural Standards within the curriculum and the nuances of building trust and respect with Aboriginal communities. Kate’s reflections on gender bias in educational leadership and the role of emotional expression underscore the importance of supportive peer networks and self-reflection. Drawing from resources like "The Confidence Code" and the insights of Brené Brown, Kate emphasizes the power of vulnerability and self-assurance in leadership. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone passionate about education and leadership.

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Ready to be inspired by a story of resilience and leadership in education? Join us on this episode as we chat with Tegan Greenaway, a dedicated deputy principal, inclusive education specialist, and consultant. Tegan's journey from struggling with anxiety in high school to becoming an influential leader in education is both moving and motivating. She candidly shares her personal struggles and triumphs, illustrating the power of continuous learning and perseverance. Her unique perspective, shaped by her family's neurodiversity, fuels her passion for creating inclusive educational environments.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries and the art of effective leadership. Tegan provides practical advice on avoiding burnout by disconnecting from work during off-hours and understanding diverse personalities and working styles. The conversation also highlights how special education strategies can enhance mainstream classrooms, showcasing the value of high expectations and tailored support for all students. Through real-life examples, Tegan demonstrates how flexibility and awareness can significantly improve educational outcomes for everyone.

In the final segment, we explore the core values that underpin successful leadership. Inspired by Brené Brown's advice to prioritize learning over knowing, Tegan emphasizes the importance of respect, transparency, and authenticity in building trust and fostering collaboration. She shares practical tools and strategies, such as to-do lists and the "three C's"—consume, create, and communicate—that can enhance productivity and team communication. By recognizing individual challenges and strengths, Tegan shows how educators can create supportive and empathetic environments that empower both students and teachers. Don't miss this compelling discussion on the transformative power of inclusive education and effective leadership.

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Are you ready to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence?

Join me, Jenny Cole, as I recap our Launching Into Leadership program, where nearly 200 female leaders have begun their leadership journey. We’ll explore the shift from traditional, hierarchical models to those that value gender balance and feminine qualities. Learn about the tools and theories that have helped these women lead with authenticity, balance, and well-being. Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming two-day live event designed to enhance these skills and solidify your leadership identity.

In this episode I share all the key components of the Launching into Leadership program, both the online and in-person versions. We’ll delve into what it means to be an authentic leader, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. I’ll share how tools like DISC assessments can help you develop your leadership style and how shedding defensive behaviours can make leadership more joyful. We’ll discuss insights from Brené Brown, Amy Cuddy, and "The Confidence Code" on the unique challenges women face in leadership, along with strategies for career planning, networking, and finding mentors. It's about building a lasting legacy, not just holding a title, and I’m here to help you create strong professional and personal connections.

We’ll also focus on trust, vision, and balancing the management of people and processes. Learn strategies for setting clear expectations and creating an environment where accountability and empowerment go hand in hand. Discover how the GROW model can improve your team coaching by promoting autonomy and problem-solving skills. We’ll also cover the power of positive psychology with practical strategies for goal setting and self-care, providing a solid foundation for your leadership journey.

There is lots in this episode - please share widely.

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Join us for an enlightening journey with Meredith Roe, an educational technology strategy and innovation consultant. In this podcast, Meredith reflects on the pivotal moments and lessons that have propelled her career from the classroom to the forefront of global educational strategy. Through a series of insightful conversations, she shares the wisdom gained throughout her career—a journey that began with an inspiring mentor and has led her to become a school leader. Her growth from the challenges of middle leader to shaping the future of education shows the importance of mentorship and a balanced pursuit of professional ambition.

Meredith takes us through her once in a lifetime experience of designing an educational campus geared towards integration and digital learning. Her leadership in this ground breaking project, followed by a career shift to digital education at a systemic level, offers a glimpse into the complexities of leading cultural change at a local, system and global level. Meredith emphasizes the significance of strong leadership and the satisfaction of navigating change.

As the episode concludes, Meredith shares her personal approach to networking and the importance of professional development in building a successful career. She explains the art of cultivating relationships over coffee and the strategic use of platforms like LinkedIn in an evolving professional landscape. With an exciting new software development venture on the horizon, Meredith provides insights into the creative process and the collaborative spirit essential for bringing innovative ideas to life. For those eager to expand their leadership horizons, Meredith’s expertise serves as a guiding light, and her willingness to share more on the subject leaves us looking forward to her next appearance on our podcast.

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Join me as I interview Rosie Paine, a proud Yilka Noongar Yamatji woman, and passionate educator as she shares her life and leadership story with us. Rosie talks about her experiences growing up learning from elders on her land and how this eventually led her to become an award-winning teacher and current school deputy.

In our conversation, Rosie describes the importance of a strong cultural identity . She goes on to describe the different leadership styles she's encountered and how they contribute to creating a culturally safe and inclusive educational environment.

We discuss reconciliation and cultural safety in schools, topics Rosie knows well as both an Indigenous woman and educational leader. Rosie bravely shares stories of facing racism and the ongoing struggle for true reconciliation, emphasizing the courage needed for social justice and the importance of allies and open conversations.

Through Rosie's personal story, we learn about the power of embracing one's identity during difficult times. She also talks about mentorship and sponsorship in professional development, showing how authentic leadership is nurtured.

We touch on Rosie's life outside of education, where art provides her solace. This shows us how cultural connections can profoundly impact educators and students.

To access more episodes, show notes, and links, visit my website Positively Beaming.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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In this podcast, we'll be exploring leadership challenges with our guest Judith McIntyre. Jude transitioned from teacher and middle leader in a primary context to a high school Learning Support Coordinator. In this episode she shares her experiences of trying to juggle the demands of managing a team of Education Assistants, planning for students with a wide variety of needs and the demands of a huge campus.

We discuss how Jude initially struggled in her role and eventually reached out to her line manager for coaching and mentoring support.

We talk about how coaching and mentoring enabled her to lead a disparate group of Education Assistants from "challenging" into a well functioning team who put the needs of students first.

Witnessing Jude's professional growth and confidence has been amazing which is why I was so thrilled to have her as my guest.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.