By Jenny Cole
Are you an aspiring or existing leader in schools? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or questioning your abilities? Then you may be interested in a leadership podcast hosted by Jenny, a cons
... more
The podcast currently has 31 episodes available.
Send us a text
Today on Positively Leading I sit down with the inspiring Amie Fabry, PhD, Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amy takes us through her captivating career journey from an early childhood teacher in Western Australia to a leadership powerhouse. She shares her unique experiences at Edith Cowan University, working with the education department, and conducting research for AERO, all of which contributed to her passion for supporting and leading educators. Amie's story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the power of professional networks.
Throughout this episode, Amie discusses the critical elements of effective early childhood leadership and sheds light on the often-overlooked separation of kindergarten and pre-primary teachers from the rest of the school community and the profound impact it has on educators and students alike. The discussion dives into the necessity of specialized knowledge, collaboration time, and a deep understanding of policy documents for leaders to truly support educators. Principals facing leadership roles without early childhood expertise is another challenge we explore, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded and informed leadership team.
Finally, we explore Amie's groundbreaking framework, "Lead with Intention," which aims to elevate the status and leadership roles of early childhood educators. This framework fosters a more collaborative and supportive educational environment by recognising their expertise and creating career progression opportunities. Amie also shares her global insights from visits to early childhood education centers in Finland and Denmark, highlighting the importance of community integration and robust support systems. Tune in for a rich conversation filled with practical strategies and inspiring stories to enhance early childhood leadership and education.
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
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.
Send us a text
In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of the DISC personality profile. I'm Jenny Cole, and I'm excited to explore this invaluable tool that can truly transform leadership and team dynamics. Have you ever wondered why some leaders just seem to effortlessly connect with their teams? Well, it's not magic—it's all about understanding individual work styles and preferences.
In this episode of Positively Leading, I'll be your guide as we unpack the four personality types of the DISC model. We'll discover how our individual needs shape our daily interactions in powerful ways. From the goal-oriented 'D' to the collaborative 'I,' and from the methodical 'S' to the conscientious 'C,' you'll gain insights that are not only fascinating but also incredibly practical.
Get ready to enrich your leadership toolkit with wisdom that goes beyond surface-level behaviors.
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, educators, and anyone curious about the psychology of workplace dynamics. By the end, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the diverse strengths your team members bring to the table and how to leverage these strengths for collective success.
Come join me on this journey as we decode the intricacies of the DISC model and learn how to make every interpersonal interaction count. Let's unlock the secrets of the DISC profile together!
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
Ever wondered how to transform feedback from a dreaded task into a powerful tool for growth? This week on Positively Leading, I promise you’ll gain the insights and strategies to do just that! We start by unpacking the three essential types of feedback—affirming, coaching, and corrective—and how each can be leveraged for both professional development and organizational success. Drawing from personal experiences, we then explore how feedback can reveal hidden blind spots and drive meaningful improvement. Plus, I'll share actionable tips on cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration through consistent feedback.
Next, we tackle the intricacies of difficult conversations in leadership. Learn how to approach corrective and evaluative feedback dialogues with clarity and confidence using the FAST framework: Fast, Accurate, Solution-focused, and Timely. I’ll guide you through setting the right tone, picking the perfect moment, and keeping discussions brief yet impactful. Don't miss out on our downloadable planning sheet designed to help you structure these challenging conversations for the best possible outcomes. Tune in for practical advice that will not only enhance your leadership skills but also foster a more supportive and productive work environment.
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
Ever wondered what truly drives your team members and how to harness that for success? Tune into this episode of Positively Leading the Podcast, where we uncover practical strategies to level up your one-on-one meetings. By asking compelling, open-ended questions, you'll gain deep insights into your team's motivations, setting the stage for a year of productivity and success. I introduce a reflection tool to streamline meeting preparation, ensuring that every conversation covers successes, challenges, well-being, and key tasks efficiently.
But that’s not all! Discover how to use recording tools like Otter to keep everyone accountable and ensure follow-through on agreed actions. We emphasize the importance of keeping meetings short, frequent, and continuously assessing their effectiveness to maintain high energy and clear communication. These tips will help you foster a dynamic and productive working environment. Don’t forget to check out the additional resources provided in the links and mark your calendar for next week's episode, packed with more insights to elevate your leadership skills.
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
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Pauline Winrow, the dedicated Principal of Coolbellup Learning Centre. Discover her inspiring journey from early teaching aspirations and student politics to significant roles in labour politics and education. Pauline's personal experiences have fueled her passion for inclusive education, shaping her unique leadership philosophy.
In this episode, we unpack the evolving landscape of inclusive education, highlighting the progress and challenges faced by mainstream teachers in managing diverse classrooms. Learn about the innovative strategies developed in Western Australia's Ed Support Centres and how these best practices have revolutionised education, offering specialized support that benefits all students. Pauline sheds light on the crucial role of teacher unions and professional associations in advocating for educators, emphasizing the importance of having a robust support system in place.
Pauline also offers invaluable advice for new leaders, drawing from her extensive experience and commitment to social justice. She discusses the significance of well-being, sharing practical strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while leading effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about inclusive education, leadership, and the transformative power of dedicated advocacy. Tune in to be inspired by Pauline's unwavering dedication and heartfelt wisdom.
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
What if you could turn an unexpected career twist into a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth? Join us as we sit down with Emma Gentle, whose path from a teacher’s aide to an assistant principal and eventually a business owner is as inspiring as it is instructive. Emma takes us through her unique experience of balancing work and study, and how a pivotal moment in her life—her pregnancy—opened doors to new career avenues, including the creation of "The Grad Guide Mentorship."
Em's story doesn't stop there. We'll explore "The Grad Guide Mentorship," a program Emma developed during her maternity leave. This mentorship program is designed to offer new graduates practical, immediately applicable professional development, focusing on trauma-informed and neuro-affirming classroom management. Emma shares how a digital marketing course and personal strengths led her to create modules that address real-world classroom challenges and the importance of aligning educational practices with children's needs.
Em is dedicated to helping create a new generation of emotionally intelligent educators and leaders committed to changing schools from the inside out. Em firmly believes in prioritising the holistic development of every child and adult. She passionately supports and guides teachers and leaders, empowering them to craft classroom and school cultures that prioritise wellbeing and foster deep connections, authenticity and compassion, valuing these above all else.
Tune in to hear Emma’s favourite resources for emotional intelligence, learn about her newly rebranded podcast, the EmPowered podcast, and get a sneak peek into her upcoming emotional intelligence course for school leaders. This episode promises rich insights for anyone looking to prioritize well-being and embrace imperfection in their leadership journey.
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
Are you ready to transform your leadership approach and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team? Discover how regular one-on-one meetings can be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. In this episode of Positively Leading, we dive into the powerful strategy of proactive coaching and how it can grow performance and relationships in your organization. Drawing from my extensive experience coaching senior leaders, I’ll guide you through practical strategies for conducting effective one-on-one meetings, ensuring you save time, reduce stress, and build stronger, more trusting teams.
We'll explore essential elements, such as selecting the right venue, timing, and maintaining a supportive atmosphere, to make these check-ins truly impactful. Learn the significance of addressing successes, challenges, and wellbeing, and see how these meetings can prevent issues from escalating while boosting team morale. I challenge you to implement these one-on-one meetings over the next month and witness tangible improvements in your team's performance and cohesion. Don’t miss out on these actionable tips to enhance your leadership skills and create a more engaged and productive workforce.
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
Unlock the secrets to building high-performance teams in schools with Australia's leading expert, Dr. Pete Stebbins. Pete's incredible journey from aspiring park ranger to clinical psychologist and organizational psychology expert offers a wealth of insights into reducing workplace stress and enhancing team efficacy. Discover why high-performance teams are essential for improving student outcomes and teacher well-being, and learn the difference between high-performance and high-performing teams. Pete shares practical strategies for creating flourishing school environments and emphasizes the critical role of collective teacher efficacy.
Transform your school's environment with actionable advice from Pete on implementing high-performance team systems. Explore four key support systems—measuring whole school well-being, personalized communication using the Platinum Rule, optimizing collaboration, and fostering high-performance teams. Pete provides insights on how to involve all school teams, from leadership to facilities staff, to create a harmonious and efficient school environment. Gain valuable tips on making impactful changes, even with limited resources, and understand the transformative potential of these strategies.
Tackle the inefficiencies of school meetings and focus on well-being with Pete's expert advice. Learn how to maximize meeting effectiveness by breaking agendas into proactive and strategic halves, ensuring both immediate and long-term concerns are addressed. Pete introduces the Platinum Rule for personalized communication and underscores the importance of clear pathways to success. Hear about creating systems that make the right actions easy, fostering a culture of flourishing and well-being in schools. Join us for an inspiring conversation full of practical insights for school leaders and educators aiming to make a lasting difference.
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
This week I speak with Denise Shillinglaw, whose inspiration includes Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. Denise reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her career, her early passion for teaching, and her commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for her students. She is a published author on Two Way Learning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and share what that means in her classroom. She even gives us a sneak peek into her personal life, including her exciting plans to run the People's Marathon in Paris.
Explore how Denise champions the role of collaboration and emotional intelligence in education. From supporting EALD students to integrating principles from Brené Brown’s "Atlas of the Heart," Denise offers practical advice on making education a two-way street. She underscores the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and leveraging team collaboration to create a supportive and cohesive learning environment. Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, emotional resilience, and the profound impact of leading from within the team.
Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.
The podcast currently has 31 episodes available.