Positively Leading

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.

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

Send us a text

Hey there! Today, I'm chatting with Morgan Shaw, who's gone from being a Year 1 teacher to deputy principal in Perth, all with her awesome 'I' for Influence style shining through. Morgan spills the beans on her journey in education with our host Jenny Cole. We'll dive into how her DISC profile really opened her eyes to some deep stuff about leadership.

We'll learn about Morgan's top lessons, like how listening up can make a big difference, why having a clear vision is key, and why feedback is absolutely crucial in your leadership journey. These nuggets have make this episode a must listen.

This episode's packed with practical tips, where we'll talk about why being seen as a leader matters so much in the busy world of schools. We'll dig into what it really means to have a presence in the classroom, the ins and outs of teacher walkthroughs, and why getting the community involved is a total game-changer.

And as we chat about the hurdles of leading a team of educators in all sorts of different situations, we'll touch on the art of giving feedback that helps folks grow, not just puff up their egos. Morgan and I will also unpack how important it is to build connections across different generations of parents, and why being real is key to bringing different groups together.

Come join us for a heartfelt chat about what makes educational leadership tick, and how it's all about growing personally as well as professionally.

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

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how one educator can transform the entire culture of a school? In this episode of Positively Leading the Podcast, we sit down with Heidi McGlashan, a dedicated educator and staunch advocate for often-overlooked students. Through stories, Heidi shares her evolution from a music teacher to an advocate for students for literacy She recounts pivotal moments that fueled her advocacy, including a personal story about her son's struggle with reading that will resonate deeply with any parent or teacher.
We also discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by teaching principals, exploring the difficult balance between administrative responsibilities and teaching duties. Heidi opens up about navigating these complexities, revealing how interruptions can detract from strategic work. Drawing from experience she describes the dramatic turnaround of a complacent school into a high-performing one by setting higher expectations and fostering intentional leadership. This discussion is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in educational leadership.
Finally, we shift gears to focus on strategic improvement and staff well-being. Heidi delves into the importance of narrowing down improvement agendas, creating middle leadership layers, and providing essential support to educators. Hear her thoughtful advice for aspiring leaders, including the significance of mentorship and the challenges of transitioning from teaching to leadership roles. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights, culminating in practical tips for fostering a comfortable and supportive working environment for teachers. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and inspire action.

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