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This week on Positively Leading, Hazel Herd, a dynamic Scottish Australian, shares her incredible journey of transformation from student teacher to Deputy Principal of Curriculum in the vibrant, multicultural school community of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Discover how Hazel's leap into leadership, inspired by the post-COVID need for change and backed by her supportive network, saw her turn a temporary stint into a permanent role. With humour and candour, Hazel recounts her growth, celebrating the richness of her diverse school, and expressing her deep appreciation for the regional lifestyle she's embraced.

In this episode we also unpack the essential strategies that drive success in education. From empowering middle leaders and supporting pre-service teachers to the critical role of emotional intelligence and networking in professional development, Hazel offers valuable insights and practical advice. Learn about the proactive engagement with universities for student placements, the power of mentoring, and the significance of collaboration in building future leaders. As we explore her approach to setting boundaries and fostering a culturally aware environment, Hazel's story serves as a testament to the power of kindness, respect, and effective communication in managing stress and thriving in leadership roles. Tune in to be inspired and equipped with techniques to enhance your own educational journey.

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 Hayatti Miller, an Associate Principal at a new secondary college who is passionate about student voice and data-driven decision-making. She shares her inspiring leadership journey, rooted in resilience and curiosity, shaped by her challenging childhood experiences.

We discuss mentorship and how it has propelled her career from classroom teacher to leader. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing every student’s potential, particularly those who may be overlooked, and the necessity of creating an inclusive school environment.

We also discuss the unique challenges of establishing a new school, including building a strong community and effective teaching practices. We explore the significance of investing in professional learning for the leadership team and the power of collaboration in fostering a positive school culture.

With a focus on vulnerability and authenticity, Hayatti offers insights on approaching difficult conversations and the importance of staying true to one’s values in leadership.

This episode is for aspiring leaders. It reminds us that true leadership combines courage, kindness, and a commitment to student outcomes.

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 episode of Positively Leading, I chat with Linda Griffin, a principal in Western Australia, whose extensive journey in education has shaped her unique leadership approach. Linda shares her experiences from diverse educational settings, emphasising the importance of curiosity and deep listening in fostering strong relationships with staff, students, and the community.

We explore the insights from Ruby Payne’s work on poverty and the significance of understanding the context in which we lead. Linda provides valuable strategies for engaging with parents and mentoring staff, highlighting how to navigate challenges with grace and authenticity.

This episode offers practical wisdom on change management, accountability, and the value of vulnerability in leadership. Join us for a conversation about the importance of creating a culture of belonging and support in schools.

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 episode of Positively Leading, I chat with Alice Vigors, an educational leader dedicated to cultivating creativity and high quality teaching in schools. Alice shares her path from classroom teacher to relieving principal in New South Wales, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership.

We discuss the power of relationships in education, and Alice gives her insights on building strong connections with staff and students, especially during challenging times. I loved chatting with Alice about her passion for developing critical and creative thinking in students and how explicit teaching forms the foundation for deeper learning.

The episode really highlights the importance of mentorship, self awareness, and the skills needed to thrive in a middle leadership position and is really about setting yourself up to lead with intention and creating a positive school culture.

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 me this week on Positively Leading as I speak with Tamara Doig, a principal from Perth, who transitioned from media and journalism to education. Her love for teaching began through volunteering, and she now leads schools to create innovative opportunities for all learners, promoting curiosity, agency and real-world skills.

We discuss the Creative Schools Project, which blends traditional teaching methods with creative approaches, enhancing engagement in HASS and science. Tamara shares insights on balancing explicit teaching with foundational skills in literacy and numeracy for a well-rounded educational strategy.

We also discuss effective time management and leadership development, highlighting strategies for balancing professional and personal commitments. Tamara emphasises the importance of mentorship and community engagement in recognising potential within teams.

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 the key to unlocking your child's potential lies in understanding their unique learning needs? Join us on Positively Leading as we sit down with Susan Hughes, a former management accountant turned passionate advocate for children with learning disabilities. Learn how Susan's personal journey with her son’s dyslexia and ADHD inspired her to transform her career and become a beacon of support for parents and educators navigating similar challenges. Her story is a powerful testament to the significance of tailored education and the unwavering role of parental involvement.

Struggling to manage classroom dynamics when dealing with ADHD? This episode unpacks the complexities of ADHD in school settings, shedding light on its overlap with autism and the executive functioning challenges that can trip up students. Discover practical, evidence-based strategies for educators to create more supportive and understanding learning environments. We delve into common misconceptions and emphasize empathy and personalized approaches over one-size-fits-all solutions. It's not just about awareness; it's about actionable steps that make a real difference for both students and teachers.

Teacher burnout due to ADHD-related challenges is real, and Susan Hughes offers a lifeline. She shares insights into specialized coaching programs that blend online learning with group coaching to support educators. Learn how psychoeducation on ADHD and executive functioning can alleviate teacher stress and improve classroom management. Susan highlights the importance of having ADHD experts in schools to bridge the gap between home and school, providing much-needed support for teachers. Tune in for invaluable resources and strategies aimed at enhancing the educational experience for everyone involved.

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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Today on Positively Leading I sit down with the inspiring Amie Fabry, PhD, Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amy takes us through her captivating career journey from an early childhood teacher in Western Australia to a leadership powerhouse. She shares her unique experiences at Edith Cowan University, working with the education department, and conducting research for AERO, all of which contributed to her passion for supporting and leading educators. Amie's story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the power of professional networks.

Throughout this episode, Amie discusses the critical elements of effective early childhood leadership and sheds light on the often-overlooked separation of kindergarten and pre-primary teachers from the rest of the school community and the profound impact it has on educators and students alike. The discussion dives into the necessity of specialized knowledge, collaboration time, and a deep understanding of policy documents for leaders to truly support educators. Principals facing leadership roles without early childhood expertise is another challenge we explore, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded and informed leadership team.

Finally, we explore Amie's groundbreaking framework, "Lead with Intention," which aims to elevate the status and leadership roles of early childhood educators. This framework fosters a more collaborative and supportive educational environment by recognising their expertise and creating career progression opportunities. Amie also shares her global insights from visits to early childhood education centers in Finland and Denmark, highlighting the importance of community integration and robust support systems. Tune in for a rich conversation filled with practical strategies and inspiring stories to enhance early childhood leadership and education.

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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Welcome back to Positively Leading the Podcast! This episode is a little different as it gives you a peek behind the scenes at Positively Beaming HQ. Have you ever wondered what a day in the life as a coach and consultant looks like. Join me, Jenny Cole, as I pull back the curtain on my daily life, from scheduling interviews with school leaders during their busiest times to planning workshops. Learn about my morning deep work routine and afternoon coaching routines that keep my energy high.

In the second half of the episode, I share my business strategies and systems that enable me to manage both professional and personal commitments seamlessly. Find out how automation and pre-scheduled online activity free up my time to focus on clients' needs and maintain a strong social media presence. I also provide insights into my Facebook group, Positively Beaming for Wildly Wonderful Women, and reveal my approach to addressing client pain points with tailored workshops and leadership videos. Finally, I discuss the cyclical nature of my work schedule, from busy conference seasons to well-deserved downtime, and the luxury of scheduling personal activities like mid-week hairdressing appointments to ensure a balanced lifestyle. Tune in for a candid and inspiring look at mastering the art of coaching and consulting while prioritizing self-care.

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