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What does it take to build a truly inclusive educational environment? In this episode, Associate Principal Brooke McFarlane shares her inspiring journey from drama and English teacher to passionate advocate for vulnerable students. Drawing from her experiences in challenging school settings, Brooke highlights the power of community cohesion in supporting special needs students within mainstream education.

She candidly reflects on her leadership evolution, shaped by programs like Jenny's Rising Leaders program and Dare to Lead, as well as the importance of psychological safety and compassionate guidance. Brooke discusses confronting her own blind spots, embracing discomfort, and overcoming common pitfalls like overperforming and ego-driven leadership.

With thoughtful insights on authenticity, trust, and setting boundaries, she likens effective leaders to "marigolds"—nurturing growth and enthusiasm in their teams. Tune in to discover how Brooke’s leadership philosophy can inspire educators and students alike to reach their full potential.

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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Join us as we chat with Robyn Hutchins, a primary school principal on the Gold Coast with an unconventional path into education. From high school teaching to leading in primary, Robyn’s story is all about adaptability, growth, and the power of great mentors and colleagues.

We dive into her leadership style—grounded in steadiness and support—and how it shapes her approach to guiding teams and driving change. Robyn shares why having a strong support network (think of it like your own "personal board of directors") is key to staying balanced and avoiding burnout, especially for women in leadership roles.

You’ll hear real talk on setting work-life boundaries, handling the loneliness that can come with leadership, and practical strategies to keep leaders resilient. Plus, Robyn opens up about the highs and lows of her journey—empowering teachers, building a strong school culture, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

If you're an aspiring leader looking for honest insights, this episode is packed with wisdom, relatable stories, and tips to help you lead with clarity, balance, and purpose.

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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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This week on Positively Leading, I chat with Melanie Moore, a level three program coordinator at a public secondary school. Mel shares her experiences leading professional learning communities, balancing academic growth with well-being, and the complexities of middle leadership.

With a career spanning over 30 years in both the UK and Australia, Mel has navigated roles in student services, instructional coaching, and curriculum leadership.

From implementing multi-tiered support systems to nurturing professional growth among her team, Mel offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of being a "middle leader."

We explore:

• The differences between UK and Australian educational systems, from curriculum demands to leadership pathways.
• The importance of relationships and rapport in student behaviour management and instructional success.
• How Mel integrates strategic planning with the reactive nature of her role, including her approach to creating policies and systems that work.
• The challenge of moving from middle to senior leadership roles and the barriers that can hinder progression.
• Practical advice for aspiring leaders, including the value of empathy, networking, and self-awareness in leadership.

Mel’s warmth and wisdom shine through as she reflects on her passion for mentoring others, balancing people and processes, and prioritising wellbeing in a demanding role.

This episode is a must listen for middle leaders and aspiring school leaders, offering actionable advice and a reminder that leadership is about relationships, resilience, and continuous growth.

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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What if you could revolutionize education while staying true to your core values? Join us as we chat with Cara Fugill, the inspirational Principal of Scotch Global, who has transformed from a young mathematics teacher into a pioneering leader in educational innovation. Cara's journey is a testament to the power of embracing leadership early and taking calculated risks to challenge traditional norms. Her experiences across various educational systems, including a pivotal period in London, have shaped her unique approach to leadership, one that is deeply rooted in innovation and equity.

Discover the dynamics of effective leadership and collaboration through Cara's experiences with colleagues like Dr. Alec O'Connell. We explore how fostering trust, autonomy, and innovation can create a powerful team dynamic that transcends the sum of its parts. Cara shares insights on balancing busy schedules with thoughtful listening, seeing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, and maintaining a vision that prioritizes growth and adaptation. Learn how embracing diverse perspectives and allowing a team to thrive independently can lead to significant progress in educational settings.

The future of education is reimagined as we discuss the need for schools to adapt to changing societal and technological landscapes. Cara introduces Scotch Global, an innovative offshoot that challenges traditional constraints, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and high-quality student outcomes. Explore the excitement and challenges of creating a fresh educational paradigm, the importance of engaging parents and the community, and the role of collaboration in transforming education. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that invites you to rethink educational approaches for the benefit of future generations.

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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Join us for a down-to-earth chat with Hayley Taylor, Principal of Canning Vale Primary School, as she shares her journey from an early childhood teacher in a small Wheatbelt school to leading a thriving school community. Hayley opens up about how family priorities and unexpected challenges shaped her career, showing the power of courage, determination, and building strong relationships in education.

Hayley talks about creating a positive school culture, including her experience implementing the Positive Behaviour Support School program. She reflects on the early challenges of leadership, like inconsistent expectations and team building, and compares aligning personal values with a school’s vision to finding the right partner. Her story is packed with practical advice for leaders at every stage, from mentorship to using leadership frameworks for guidance.

We also dive into the importance of growing middle leaders and making the leap from teaching to leadership. Hayley shares tips on staying motivated, balancing work and life, and using strategies like distributed leadership and prioritization to create a culture where everyone feels valued. With insights from thought leaders like Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, this episode is full of ideas to help schools thrive and individuals shine.

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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Join us for an inspiring chat with Jess Wilson, Deputy Principal of Doomadgee Primary School in Queensland. Jess shares her journey from University to teaching in London, and how she found her way to the unique and remote community of Doomadgee. She talks about what drew her to this role and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this episode, Jess dives into the challenges and rewards of leading in a close-knit community, where school and community life often overlap. She shares how her core values—kindness, courage, and honesty—shape her leadership style, helping her balance supporting her team while encouraging independence. Jess also opens up about setting boundaries to prioritize both effective leadership and personal well-being.

We’ll also explore the importance of staff well-being and professional growth, especially in rural and remote schools. Jess highlights initiatives like well-being morning teas and team-driven professional development. Reflecting on her own growth, she shares how stepping outside her comfort zone and participating in programs like the Aspiring Principals Leadership Program have been game-changers. Tune in for fresh insights on creating a culture of connection, excellence, and continuous learning in education’s most unexpected settings.

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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Unlock the secrets of strategic goal-setting with our special guest, Dr. Pete Stebbins, as we explore the art of transforming dreams into reality in the fifth and final episode in our special Summer Series. This episode promises to take you beyond the standard SMART goals to introduce the concepts of stretch goals and mini adventures, pushing you to expand your boundaries. Dr. Pete shares his insights on how aligning your goals with your legacy can prevent existential crises and help you achieve a cohesive life strategy.

Journey with us as we differentiate between dreams and actionable goals, particularly in the realms of life and career planning. Through engaging discussions, we reveal how to avoid the arrival fallacy by ensuring goals serve as stepping stones to future possibilities. The episode highlights the importance of strategic planning and preparation for career advancement, using mountaineering as a metaphor for readiness and seizing the right opportunities, while avoiding premature leaps that could lead to burnout.

Delve into the importance of adaptability and setback planning in your professional path. Learn about alternative strategies to overcome obstacles and the value of continuous learning. Dr. Pete and I encourage you to celebrate your achievements and preserve uplifting moments to maintain a positive outlook on your journey. Join us to gain insights on embracing complexity and staying motivated through discipline and vision, while confidently navigating your path to success.

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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What if you could design a life brimming with purpose and joy, regardless of the obstacles in your path? In this thought-provoking 4th episode of Positively Leading's Summer Series, we sit down with Dr. Pete Stebbins, the brilliant mind behind "Living Your Endless Summer Life Strategy." Dr. Stebbins shares his expertise on creating a life strategy that enables you to take decisive actions, overcome self-doubt, and ultimately shape the life you've always dreamed of. Together, we tackle the challenges of unworthiness and people-pleasing, urging you to embrace radical responsibility and intentionality in every aspect of your life.

Relationships, self-love, and the quest for balance take center stage as we navigate the complexities of personal connections. Dr. Stebbins introduces the idea of the "Goldilocks zone," where finding just the right balance in life can foster a deeper sense of belonging and worthiness. Whether you're single and contemplating future intimacy or seeking to strengthen existing bonds, this episode offers meaningful insights into nurturing self-awareness and developing fulfilling relationships. It's a heartfelt call to suspend disbelief and embrace the possibility of a life filled with love and joy.

Looking ahead, we guide you through crafting a comprehensive life strategy framework, inspiring you to dream big and envision an ideal future. From contemplating your legacy to setting actionable goals, Dr. Stebbins provides practical steps to transform your aspirations into reality. By imagining the possibilities of what could go right and adopting a strategic mindset, you'll be equipped to capture your life dreams and set the stage for a more intentional and rewarding journey. Join us as we explore what it means to live the endless summer life, filled with hope, creativity, and purpose.

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