In this episode, I’m joined by Simon Breakspear to explore what it means to elevate the quality of professional conversations in schools. We discuss why simply spending more time together doesn’t guarantee better collaboration and how schools can make the most of the time they already have.

Simon introduces the idea of weary talk, those moments when teams power down and connection fades and offers simple, sustainable ways to move from weary talk to conversations that energise and build culture.

In this episode:

• Why every collaborative conversation either moves culture forward or stagnates it.

• The signs and causes of “weary talk” and how to notice when it’s creeping in.

• The role of structure and facilitation in creating trust and shared ownership.

• Seven practical tools to guide professional conversations from empathy mapping to stop/start/continue.

• How new leaders can use these tools to build confidence and avoid over-preparing.

• Why preparation isn’t just about slides, it’s about preparing your state, presence and mindset.

• The threads connecting Elevated Conversations, Teaching Sprints and The Pruning Principle.

• Simon’s reflections on the creative process, self-doubt and finding the courage to share your work.

Resources:

• Simon’s website 

• Elevated Conversations – book and free tools

• Teaching Sprints

• The Pruning Principle