In this episode of Headship After Hours, Paul speaks with Rowena Hicks about burnout, workload, staff wellbeing and what it really means for educators to feel seen, heard and valued.

I am currently offering a funded £1,000 Senior Attendance & Leadership Review for headteachers navigating attendance pressure.

It begins with a short strategic assessment.

If eligible, this leads to a full review process including:

• On-site school visit
• Detailed, school-specific report
• Follow-up strategy session
• Practical leadership tools

Apply now – https://atrejwhi.formester.com/f/hwL9GCyin/

Rowena reflects on more than 30 years in education, from teaching in challenging contexts to becoming a SENCO, deputy head, coach and wellbeing advocate. She shares openly about her own experience of burnout and why school leaders must pay attention not only to workload, but to identity, validation and emotional sustainability.

This conversation explores how leaders can reduce unnecessary workload, listen properly to staff, take meaningful action, and build cultures where people notice what is going well — not only what is going wrong.

For headteachers and school leaders, this episode asks a powerful question:

Has your role become your identity?

00:00 – Why Staff Need to Feel Seen and Heard
02:06 – Introducing Rowena Hicks
02:47 – Rowena’s Journey in Education
03:24 – Burnout as a Deputy Head
05:18 – Supporting Vulnerable Children and Trauma
06:24 – Adults as the Regulating Force in Schools
38:31 – Has Headship Become Your Identity?
39:08 – Finding Value Beyond the Role
40:03 – How to Connect with Rowena Hicks