Positively Leading

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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.

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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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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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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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Navigating the peaks and valleys of educational leadership while maintaining one's passion and resilience can feel like an impossible task. Emma Cooke joins us, bringing not only her personal story from a high school teacher to a principal guiding various schools, but also an intimate account of her experience with burnout. Her recovery story serves as a beacon for educators seeking to balance the demanding roles they play. Emma's candid reflections on her 15-year commitment to building supportive educational communities offer invaluable insights for any leader in the trenches of personal and professional growth.
Our conversation with Emma doesn't just stop at her personal journey. Emma has an uncanny ability to spot and cultivate future leaders, a skill she's honed within her endearingly termed "Emma's Empire". She shares the unique pathways she's created for leadership development, mentoring educators who've risen to the challenge of principalship themselves. Listeners will be inspired by the stories of those she's guided, as well as by her strategies for fostering a feedback-rich environment where every team member can embrace growth—even when it's uncomfortable.
As we wrap up our time with Emma, the spotlight shifts to the broader educational landscape where she underscores the critical role of networking, teamwork, and community in bolstering a leader's success. Reflecting on her own upbringing and professional experiences, Emma offers sage advice on the importance of building collaborative networks. These conversations with Emma Cooke promise to enrich your perspective on leadership, mentoring, and the unending cycle of teaching and learning—all while inviting you to become part of a community that celebrates the art of leading with grace and resilience.
Please note, the sound quality is a little poor due to a storm on recording day. Apologies!

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