S3E3 - Revolutionising Education Through Leadership and Innovation with Cara Fugill

01/29/25 • 58 min

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.

Send us a text

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

Previous Episode

S3E2 - Creating Positive School Cultures and Communities to Improve Learning with Hayley Taylor

Send us a text

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.

Next Episode

S3E4 - Balancing the Tasks of a Middle Leader Role with Melanie Moore

Send us a text

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.

Positively Leading - S3E3 - Revolutionising Education Through Leadership and Innovation with Cara Fugill

Transcript

Jenny Cole00:01:02.140

Hello and welcome to Positively Leading the Podcast . I'm your host , Jenny Cole , and I'm thrilled today to be joined by Cara Fugill , Principal of Scotch Global . Welcome , Cara .

Cara Fugill00:01:12.799

Oh hi , Jenny , Lovely to see you and thank you very much for having me Exciting .

Jenny Cole00:01:17.621

I thought I would get