Game Changers

Game Changers

By Dr Phil CumminsEducation
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Game Changers episodes

  • Series 18 Episode 220 Sanele Majola (Part 1): I See You
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 220 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Sanele Majola .
    Sanele Majola is a visionary educator and leader dedicated to fostering educational excellence and child well-being. Born in KwaMashu township in Durban, his formative years were shaped by the challenges of township and rural schooling during the turbulent mid-1980s.
    A devout Catholic upbringing and his schooling at St Mary’s Seminary instilled in him discipline and faith, before he pursued his teaching qualifications at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His career began in 1999 at North-Crest Primary School, and over the years he has served in key leadership roles — Head of Department at Sharonlea Primary School, Deputy Head at Crawford Prep Sandton, Headmaster at St Mark’s School Northriding, and Executive Head of Vuleka Schools.
    Since 2022, Sanele has been Headmaster of St Stithians Boys’ Prep, one of South Africa’s most prestigious schools, where he is shaping young minds with a values-driven, holistic approach to education. He also serves as Chair of SAHISA Central Region, supporting independent school leaders across Southern Africa.
    A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Sanele has shared his insights at international and local forums including the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC), Positive Education Conference, Leadership seminars, conferences, various school Staff Talks, Webinars and Varsity College, as well as on media platforms such as SABC, Kaya FM, Hot 102.7 FM, and Veritas Radio.
    Beyond his professional commitments, he is passionate about leadership literature, motivational writing, sports, and spending time with his family. His life and work reflect resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    38 min
  • Series 18 Episode 219 Michaela Epstein (Part 3): Working For The Profession
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 219 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Michaela Epstein.
    Michaela is a highly experienced mathematics educator, who has worked closely with teachers throughout Australia. Michaela has taught at secondary schools in rural Victoria and in Melbourne.
    She has coached teachers in the design and implementation of specialised mathematics programs to support and extend students. Currently, Michaela runs professional development with primary and secondary teachers with a focus on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and using data to inform practice. In 2019, Michaela brought Maths Teacher Circles, a global model of communities of practice, to Australia for the first time.
    Since 2016, Michaela has served on the Board of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, including as President during 2017 to 2019 and as the Victorian representative for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. In this capacity, she has advised on the strategic development of a range of programs and services to support mathematics teachers and students.
    Michaela’s expertise in mathematics education further extends to curriculum policy and development. She has completed Masters research on the intent of the 'Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics' and the 'National STEM School Education Strategy', and presented internationally on this work.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    35 min
  • Series 18 Episode 219 Michaela Epstein (Part 2): Working In The Classroom
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 219 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Michaela Epstein.
    Michaela is a highly experienced mathematics educator, who has worked closely with teachers throughout Australia. Michaela has taught at secondary schools in rural Victoria and in Melbourne.
    She has coached teachers in the design and implementation of specialised mathematics programs to support and extend students. Currently, Michaela runs professional development with primary and secondary teachers with a focus on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and using data to inform practice. In 2019, Michaela brought Maths Teacher Circles, a global model of communities of practice, to Australia for the first time.
    Since 2016, Michaela has served on the Board of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, including as President during 2017 to 2019 and as the Victorian representative for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. In this capacity, she has advised on the strategic development of a range of programs and services to support mathematics teachers and students.
    Michaela’s expertise in mathematics education further extends to curriculum policy and development. She has completed Masters research on the intent of the 'Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics' and the 'National STEM School Education Strategy', and presented internationally on this work.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    38 min
  • Series 18 Episode 219 Michaela Epstein (Part 1): Working On Yourself
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 219 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Michaela Epstein.
    Michaela is a highly experienced mathematics educator, who has worked closely with teachers throughout Australia. Michaela has taught at secondary schools in rural Victoria and in Melbourne.
    She has coached teachers in the design and implementation of specialised mathematics programs to support and extend students. Currently, Michaela runs professional development with primary and secondary teachers with a focus on problem solving, mathematical reasoning and using data to inform practice. In 2019, Michaela brought Maths Teacher Circles, a global model of communities of practice, to Australia for the first time.
    Since 2016, Michaela has served on the Board of the Mathematical Association of Victoria, including as President during 2017 to 2019 and as the Victorian representative for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. In this capacity, she has advised on the strategic development of a range of programs and services to support mathematics teachers and students.
    Michaela’s expertise in mathematics education further extends to curriculum policy and development. She has completed Masters research on the intent of the 'Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics' and the 'National STEM School Education Strategy', and presented internationally on this work.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    40 min
  • Series 18 Episode 218 David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon (Part 3): Relationships
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 218 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon.
    David has been Headteacher of Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham since 2016, and has worked there all his teaching career. He still teaches Geography, and has developed a significant interest in character development through his previous role as Director of Sixth Form and now as Headteacher. He firmly believes that today’s young people have great capacity to positively influence our world through their sense of purpose and desire to make a difference, and that education has a key role to play in fostering that.
    Mark has been the Headmaster of the School since September 2014 having previously held roles as Geography teacher at Burnham Upper School (1996-1998), Head of Geography at AGS (1998-2005) and Head of Year 13 at AGS (2000-2005). He then went on to be Assistant Headteacher – Learning Development (2005-2009) and Deputy Headteacher (2009-2014) at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
    During his career, Mark has presented nationally and internationally on developments in learning, most notably for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) where he currently is the Secretary of the organisation.
    Additionally, Mark is Chair of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools and a Member of the Steering Committee for the Grammar School Heads Association. Mark is the Chair of Buckinghamshire Schools’ Football Association.
    A graduate of the University of Liverpool, he is a keen sportsman, with a family of three boys.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    42 min
  • Series 18 Episode 218 David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon (Part 2): Character
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 218 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon.
    David has been Headteacher of Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham since 2016, and has worked there all his teaching career. He still teaches Geography, and has developed a significant interest in character development through his previous role as Director of Sixth Form and now as Headteacher. He firmly believes that today’s young people have great capacity to positively influence our world through their sense of purpose and desire to make a difference, and that education has a key role to play in fostering that.
    Mark has been the Headmaster of the School since September 2014 having previously held roles as Geography teacher at Burnham Upper School (1996-1998), Head of Geography at AGS (1998-2005) and Head of Year 13 at AGS (2000-2005). He then went on to be Assistant Headteacher – Learning Development (2005-2009) and Deputy Headteacher (2009-2014) at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
    During his career, Mark has presented nationally and internationally on developments in learning, most notably for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) where he currently is the Secretary of the organisation.
    Additionally, Mark is Chair of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools and a Member of the Steering Committee for the Grammar School Heads Association. Mark is the Chair of Buckinghamshire Schools’ Football Association.
    A graduate of the University of Liverpool, he is a keen sportsman, with a family of three boys.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    41 min
  • Series 18 Episode 218 David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon (Part 1): Leadership
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 218 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with David Atkinson & Mark Sturgeon.
    David has been Headteacher of Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham since 2016, and has worked there all his teaching career. He still teaches Geography, and has developed a significant interest in character development through his previous role as Director of Sixth Form and now as Headteacher. He firmly believes that today’s young people have great capacity to positively influence our world through their sense of purpose and desire to make a difference, and that education has a key role to play in fostering that.
    Mark has been the Headmaster of the School since September 2014 having previously held roles as Geography teacher at Burnham Upper School (1996-1998), Head of Geography at AGS (1998-2005) and Head of Year 13 at AGS (2000-2005). He then went on to be Assistant Headteacher – Learning Development (2005-2009) and Deputy Headteacher (2009-2014) at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
    During his career, Mark has presented nationally and internationally on developments in learning, most notably for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) where he currently is the Secretary of the organisation.
    Additionally, Mark is Chair of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools and a Member of the Steering Committee for the Grammar School Heads Association. Mark is the Chair of Buckinghamshire Schools’ Football Association.
    A graduate of the University of Liverpool, he is a keen sportsman, with a family of three boys.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    44 min
  • Series 18 Episode 217 Gerard Martin (Part 3): Worthwhile And Well-Lived
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 217 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Gerard Martin.
    Gerard Martin is about to embark on his first year as Lead Assistant Coach for the Valley Suns – the Phoenix Suns' NBA G-League team. He spent the last two years as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL. Prior to that, Gerard spent three years coaching college basketball at California Baptist University from 2020 to 2023.
    Before beginning his coaching career, Gerard played Division I college basketball at Grand Canyon University from 2014 to 2019. He attended the Australian Institute of Sport from 2013 to 2014, represented Australia on two junior national teams, and is a proud graduate of The Scots College. Gerard was born and raised in Manly as the youngest of four siblings.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    34 min
  • Series 18 Episode 217 Gerard Martin (Part 2): A Life Of Purpose
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 217 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Gerard Martin.
    Gerard Martin is about to embark on his first year as Lead Assistant Coach for the Valley Suns – the Phoenix Suns' NBA G-League team. He spent the last two years as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL. Prior to that, Gerard spent three years coaching college basketball at California Baptist University from 2020 to 2023.
    Before beginning his coaching career, Gerard played Division I college basketball at Grand Canyon University from 2014 to 2019. He attended the Australian Institute of Sport from 2013 to 2014, represented Australia on two junior national teams, and is a proud graduate of The Scots College. Gerard was born and raised in Manly as the youngest of four siblings.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    39 min
  • Series 18 Episode 217 Gerard Martin (Part 1): The Pathway To Excellence
    The Game Changers podcast celebrates true pioneers who inspire us to take the big step forward and up in education and beyond. In episode 217 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Professor Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Gerard Martin.
    Gerard Martin is about to embark on his first year as Lead Assistant Coach for the Valley Suns – the Phoenix Suns' NBA G-League team. He spent the last two years as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL. Prior to that, Gerard spent three years coaching college basketball at California Baptist University from 2020 to 2023.
    Before beginning his coaching career, Gerard played Division I college basketball at Grand Canyon University from 2014 to 2019. He attended the Australian Institute of Sport from 2013 to 2014, represented Australia on two junior national teams, and is a proud graduate of The Scots College. Gerard was born and raised in Manly as the youngest of four siblings.
    The Game Changers podcast is produced by Evan Phillips supported by a School for tomorrow (aschoolfortomorrow.com), and powered by CIRCLE. The podcast is hosted on SoundCloud and distributed through Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Please subscribe and tell your friends you like what you are hearing. You can contact us at [email protected], on Twitter and Instagram via @GameChangersPC, and you can also connect with Phil and Adriano via LinkedIn and Twitter. Let’s go!
    39 min

About Game Changers

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Game Changers podcast. I'm your host, Professor Phil Cummins.