Game Changers

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 200 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Andrew Donnelly & Neil Wolstenholme!

Andrew Donnelly has worked in the education sector since 2008 and is driven by a deep passion for transforming how we prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. Convinced that the global education system often fails to serve the true needs of students, he co-founded Kloodle in 2014 to help shift the focus from grades alone to a more holistic view of individual potential.

Inspired by Sir Ken Robinson’s renowned TED Talk on creativity in education, Andrew and his co-founders recognised that academic achievement is just one piece of the puzzle. Schools, he believes, have become production lines, churning out students who often lack the self-awareness, creativity, and adaptability required for a fulfilling life and career.

Kloodle was created to highlight and value the meaningful experiences young people gain through enrichment, peer interaction, and real-world skill development - what Andrew calls the "transferable skills currency." These are the traits that employers truly value and that enable students to thrive in an unpredictable and fast-changing world.

A decade into the journey, Andrew and his team stand on the brink of significant change, backed by a growing community of like-minded educators, employers, and institutions who share the vision of a reimagined education system - one that equips young people not just for exams, but for purpose, happiness, and lifelong success.

Neil Wolstenholme has had a long and varied journey across education, business and life. What he’s learned along the way is that it’s not exam results that define a person—it’s their skills, character and how they respond to the challenges they face. For Neil, qualifications are just hoops to jump through; nobody ever asks what A-levels you got when deciding whether you’re kind, dependable or capable.

An exceptionally talented sportsman who played football at a very high level in his younger days, Neil sees clear parallels between the grit, resilience and teamwork forged on the pitch and the attributes which underpin success and contentment in life. It’s these lived experiences, and the people he’s met along the way, which have shaped his belief in the lifelong value of character.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 199 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Martin Westwell!

Martin was appointed Chief Executive of the Department for Education in April 2022, following a successful 4 years as Chief Executive of the SACE Board.

Martin has worked extensively with education systems and other organisations in using evidence to inform policy, practice, innovation and impact in education.

He was a Chief Investigator in the national Australian Research Council (ARC) Science of Learning Research Centre, and has worked with UNESCO using evidence to inform strategic planning of education in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2018, Martin received the prestigious Australian Council for Educational Leaders’ (ACEL) Gold Medal, awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership.

In 2007 Martin and his family moved to South Australia where he took the position of inaugural Director of the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century and then Strategic Professor in the Science of Learning at Flinders University.

Martin completed his degree and PhD at Cambridge University and was a Research Fellow at Lincoln College, Oxford University in biological chemistry.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 199 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Martin Westwell!

Martin was appointed Chief Executive of the Department for Education in April 2022, following a successful 4 years as Chief Executive of the SACE Board.

Martin has worked extensively with education systems and other organisations in using evidence to inform policy, practice, innovation and impact in education.

He was a Chief Investigator in the national Australian Research Council (ARC) Science of Learning Research Centre, and has worked with UNESCO using evidence to inform strategic planning of education in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2018, Martin received the prestigious Australian Council for Educational Leaders’ (ACEL) Gold Medal, awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership.

In 2007 Martin and his family moved to South Australia where he took the position of inaugural Director of the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century and then Strategic Professor in the Science of Learning at Flinders University.

Martin completed his degree and PhD at Cambridge University and was a Research Fellow at Lincoln College, Oxford University in biological chemistry.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 199 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Martin Westwell!

Martin was appointed Chief Executive of the Department for Education in April 2022, following a successful 4 years as Chief Executive of the SACE Board.

Martin has worked extensively with education systems and other organisations in using evidence to inform policy, practice, innovation and impact in education.

He was a Chief Investigator in the national Australian Research Council (ARC) Science of Learning Research Centre, and has worked with UNESCO using evidence to inform strategic planning of education in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2018, Martin received the prestigious Australian Council for Educational Leaders’ (ACEL) Gold Medal, awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the study and practice of educational administration and leadership.

In 2007 Martin and his family moved to South Australia where he took the position of inaugural Director of the Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century and then Strategic Professor in the Science of Learning at Flinders University.

Martin completed his degree and PhD at Cambridge University and was a Research Fellow at Lincoln College, Oxford University in biological chemistry.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 198 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Liz Jackson!

Liz Jackson is a bold and visionary leader in education, unafraid to challenge the status quo to create meaningful change. With a career spanning K-12 education, government, and the not-for-profit sectors, she has dedicated herself to forging deep connections between schools, industries, and communities—ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the real world.

Liz doesn’t wait for permission. She designs and leads initiatives that empower young people with the character, confidence, and competencies needed to thrive in an unpredictable future. Whether building pathways between education and industry, championing inclusive approaches to sport and learning, or driving systemic change, her impact is felt in the communities she serves.

A lifelong advocate for innovation in education, Liz’s leadership has shaped programs that create lasting opportunities for students and educators alike. Her strategic vision, coupled with a hands-on approach to collaboration and capacity-building, makes her a true game changer—one who is reimagining the future of learning and ensuring every young person has the tools to flourish.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 198 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Liz Jackson!

Liz Jackson is a bold and visionary leader in education, unafraid to challenge the status quo to create meaningful change. With a career spanning K-12 education, government, and the not-for-profit sectors, she has dedicated herself to forging deep connections between schools, industries, and communities—ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the real world.

Liz doesn’t wait for permission. She designs and leads initiatives that empower young people with the character, confidence, and competencies needed to thrive in an unpredictable future. Whether building pathways between education and industry, championing inclusive approaches to sport and learning, or driving systemic change, her impact is felt in the communities she serves.

A lifelong advocate for innovation in education, Liz’s leadership has shaped programs that create lasting opportunities for students and educators alike. Her strategic vision, coupled with a hands-on approach to collaboration and capacity-building, makes her a true game changer—one who is reimagining the future of learning and ensuring every young person has the tools to flourish.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 198 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Liz Jackson!

Liz Jackson is a bold and visionary leader in education, unafraid to challenge the status quo to create meaningful change. With a career spanning K-12 education, government, and the not-for-profit sectors, she has dedicated herself to forging deep connections between schools, industries, and communities—ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the real world.

Liz doesn’t wait for permission. She designs and leads initiatives that empower young people with the character, confidence, and competencies needed to thrive in an unpredictable future. Whether building pathways between education and industry, championing inclusive approaches to sport and learning, or driving systemic change, her impact is felt in the communities she serves.

A lifelong advocate for innovation in education, Liz’s leadership has shaped programs that create lasting opportunities for students and educators alike. Her strategic vision, coupled with a hands-on approach to collaboration and capacity-building, makes her a true game changer—one who is reimagining the future of learning and ensuring every young person has the tools to flourish.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 197 (Part 3) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Anthony Micallef.

Anthony Micallef is the 12th Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School, commencing in the role in 2014. He is a graduate of the University of Sydney and has also completed a sabbatical at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Anthony has taught in several independent boys schools in Brisbane and Sydney where he fulfilled leadership roles in the academic, student wellbeing and cocurricular domains. For the past 30 years, Anthony has served Brisbane Grammar School in a number of key leadership roles. He combines his strong academic, pastoral and sporting background with a collaborative style of leadership and an ardent belief in creating an inclusive educational environment, where individual strengths can be encouraged and nurtured. Anthony serves on the Board of the International Boys Schools Coalition.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 197 (Part 2) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Anthony Micallef.

Anthony Micallef is the 12th Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School, commencing in the role in 2014. He is a graduate of the University of Sydney and has also completed a sabbatical at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Anthony has taught in several independent boys schools in Brisbane and Sydney where he fulfilled leadership roles in the academic, student wellbeing and cocurricular domains. For the past 30 years, Anthony has served Brisbane Grammar School in a number of key leadership roles. He combines his strong academic, pastoral and sporting background with a collaborative style of leadership and an ardent belief in creating an inclusive educational environment, where individual strengths can be encouraged and nurtured. Anthony serves on the Board of the International Boys Schools Coalition.

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!

The Game Changers podcast celebrates those true pioneers in education who are building schools for tomorrow. In episode 197 (Part 1) of Game Changers, Phil Cummins joins in conversation with Anthony Micallef.

Anthony Micallef is the 12th Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School, commencing in the role in 2014. He is a graduate of the University of Sydney and has also completed a sabbatical at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Anthony has taught in several independent boys schools in Brisbane and Sydney where he fulfilled leadership roles in the academic, student wellbeing and cocurricular domains. For the past 30 years, Anthony has served Brisbane Grammar School in a number of key leadership roles. He combines his strong academic, pastoral and sporting background with a collaborative style of leadership and an ardent belief in creating an inclusive educational environment, where individual strengths can be encouraged and nurtured. Anthony serves on the Board of the International Boys Schools Coalition.

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!