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Join us for an inspiring chat with Jess Wilson, Deputy Principal of Doomadgee Primary School in Queensland. Jess shares her journey from University to teaching in London, and how she found her way to the unique and remote community of Doomadgee. She talks about what drew her to this role and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this episode, Jess dives into the challenges and rewards of leading in a close-knit community, where school and community life often overlap. She shares how her core values—kindness, courage, and honesty—shape her leadership style, helping her balance supporting her team while encouraging independence. Jess also opens up about setting boundaries to prioritize both effective leadership and personal well-being.

We’ll also explore the importance of staff well-being and professional growth, especially in rural and remote schools. Jess highlights initiatives like well-being morning teas and team-driven professional development. Reflecting on her own growth, she shares how stepping outside her comfort zone and participating in programs like the Aspiring Principals Leadership Program have been game-changers. Tune in for fresh insights on creating a culture of connection, excellence, and continuous learning in education’s most unexpected settings.

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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What if you could design a life brimming with purpose and joy, regardless of the obstacles in your path? In this thought-provoking 4th episode of Positively Leading's Summer Series, we sit down with Dr. Pete Stebbins, the brilliant mind behind "Living Your Endless Summer Life Strategy." Dr. Stebbins shares his expertise on creating a life strategy that enables you to take decisive actions, overcome self-doubt, and ultimately shape the life you've always dreamed of. Together, we tackle the challenges of unworthiness and people-pleasing, urging you to embrace radical responsibility and intentionality in every aspect of your life.

Relationships, self-love, and the quest for balance take center stage as we navigate the complexities of personal connections. Dr. Stebbins introduces the idea of the "Goldilocks zone," where finding just the right balance in life can foster a deeper sense of belonging and worthiness. Whether you're single and contemplating future intimacy or seeking to strengthen existing bonds, this episode offers meaningful insights into nurturing self-awareness and developing fulfilling relationships. It's a heartfelt call to suspend disbelief and embrace the possibility of a life filled with love and joy.

Looking ahead, we guide you through crafting a comprehensive life strategy framework, inspiring you to dream big and envision an ideal future. From contemplating your legacy to setting actionable goals, Dr. Stebbins provides practical steps to transform your aspirations into reality. By imagining the possibilities of what could go right and adopting a strategic mindset, you'll be equipped to capture your life dreams and set the stage for a more intentional and rewarding journey. Join us as we explore what it means to live the endless summer life, filled with hope, creativity, and purpose.

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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In Part 3 of the Summer Series, Dr. Pete Stebbins and I continue discussing principal and school leader wellbeing. 

In this episode, we tackle the second big question: Why do school leaders allow work overload to consume their personal time, often at the expense of their own growth and relationships?

Drawing on research, lived experiences, and real world examples, we look at the hidden factors that perpetuates this cycle and explore how leaders can begin to reclaim balance.

We discuss:

• How the tendency to delay happiness until "after the reports are done" or "the holidays" traps leaders in a constant state of endurance rather than joy.
• Why we struggle to separate our identity and energy from work when it dominates our daily environment.
• Ways to break the cycle of overwork, including micromoments of joy, resetting routines, and shifting perspective.
• The resilience factors that allow some leaders to thrive under the same workload that causes others to burn out.
• What it means to prioritise yes for personal goals and no to unnecessary pressures.

Pete shares powerful insights from his research, including stories of resilience that reveal the differences between those who sustain their wellbeing and those who struggle under the same demands.

If you’re a school leader or educator feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers clarity and hope, reminding us that meaningful change is possible with the right tools and mindset.

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'm joined by Dr Pete Stebbins for part two of our special series on leadership and well-being.

We're diving deep into the first of two critical questions: what drives us as leaders to endure high levels of personal distress, often at the expense of our own health?

Pete highlights the stark reality that school leaders face, with a staggering 60% incidence rate of depression, anxiety, and stress disorders compared to just 10% in the general population. 

Despite running well-being programs in their schools, we explore why educated leaders tolerate such high levels of stress, revealing a surprising disconnect between knowledge and practice.

We delve into emotional suppression, discussing how it can manifest in leaders who prioritise the needs of others over their own well-being. 

Pete shares insights on the "little T" traumas that accumulate throughout our lives, from feeling excluded in childhood to dealing with the daily stresses of leadership. These experiences shape how we respond to challenges and often lead us to ignore our own emotional health.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasise the importance of recognising and valuing our emotions and the balance between belonging and individuality. Pete challenges us to consider whether we are driven by external expectations or motivated by a genuine passion for our roles.

This episode is essential for school leaders who may find themselves in similar situations, reminding us all of the need to prioritise our well-being and set healthy boundaries.

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 welcome Dr Pete Stebbins, an executive coach and psychologist with a wealth of experience in both clinical work and the education sector. Pete will be joining us for a special five part series on leadership and well-being.

In this epsiode we dive into the re-release of his book Life Strategy: Living Your Endless Summer, discussing the significant shifts in perspectives on work-life balance, well-being, and burnout over the past decade.

Pete shares his insights on burnout, defining it as a state of emotional exhaustion that impairs functioning. He highlights the creeping nature of burnout and how it often goes unnoticed until it manifests in serious ways. 

We explore the challenges faced by school leaders, particularly around emotional suppression and neglecting personal growth.

We compare the high-stress environments of schools and healthcare, emphasizing why schools can often feel more chaotic and unpredictable. Pete explains how the fluidity of student and staff movements, combined with the emotional demands of education, creates a unique pressure cooker for principals. 

He notes that unlike healthcare settings, which are more structured and regulated, schools operate in a wild west atmosphere where the absence of clear boundaries can lead to overwhelming stress.

Our conversation sheds light on the systemic challenges in education that contribute to leader burnout and highlights the importance of peer support and individual reflection. 

Pete poses two critical questions for school leaders to consider regarding their well-being and focus on personal development.

This episode is essential for current and aspiring school leaders, reminding us of the importance of self-awareness and emotional processing in a demanding role.

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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In this episode of Positively Leading, Jenny introduces the 7 Key Elements of the Starting Strong Framework, discussing what educational leaders need to consider to start the year off right. Jenny believes it doesn't matter if it is the start of the year, the start of a new role or even just the start of a project - there are key aspects to consider for yourself and your team.

Join us as Jenny shares her insights and introduces the "Starting Strong" online program, a comprehensive suite of modules and lessons designed to help leaders launch their year with confidence and clarity. 

The program was previously only available in person but is now available online so that school leaders outside Perth can participate at their own pace. Jenny aims to equip leaders with the tools to balance their professional and personal well-being, ensuring they can lead effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

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, Hazel Herd, a dynamic Scottish Australian, shares her incredible journey of transformation from student teacher to Deputy Principal of Curriculum in the vibrant, multicultural school community of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Discover how Hazel's leap into leadership, inspired by the post-COVID need for change and backed by her supportive network, saw her turn a temporary stint into a permanent role. With humour and candour, Hazel recounts her growth, celebrating the richness of her diverse school, and expressing her deep appreciation for the regional lifestyle she's embraced.

In this episode we also unpack the essential strategies that drive success in education. From empowering middle leaders and supporting pre-service teachers to the critical role of emotional intelligence and networking in professional development, Hazel offers valuable insights and practical advice. Learn about the proactive engagement with universities for student placements, the power of mentoring, and the significance of collaboration in building future leaders. As we explore her approach to setting boundaries and fostering a culturally aware environment, Hazel's story serves as a testament to the power of kindness, respect, and effective communication in managing stress and thriving in leadership roles. Tune in to be inspired and equipped with techniques to enhance your own educational journey.

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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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.