Being the head - Understanding people

In this special collaborative episode of Stepping into [ed]Leadership, we join forces with the UK-based Being The Head podcast to explore what it really means to lead with humanity first and outcomes second. Drawing on Jane and Jacquie’s rich experience as head teachers, we dive into the emotional labour of leadership, the invisible work of holding communities together, and the moral purpose that keeps leaders anchored in helping students be fit and ready for the next stage of their lives.

Across the conversation, we unpack the complex pressures facing school leaders in the UK: post‑COVID attendance, recruitment and retention, the five‑year exodus from teaching, and the weight of accountability frameworks such as OFSTED. Jane and Jacquie speak candidly about emotional accountability, the tragic consequences of unrelenting pressure, and how school improvement can and should be more collaborative, with leaders feeling supported rather than judged.

We also explore the deeply human side of headship. Jane and Jacquie share practical wisdom on emotional intelligence, listening over doing, training people to have difficult conversations, and why leadership is really very little about authority and much more about influence and connection.

Throughout the episode, we return to wellbeing, boundaries and modelling a sustainable life: “eating the frogs for breakfast,” protecting time for exercise, and creating safe spaces for principals to offload through mentoring, supervision and deep reflective conversations. Ultimately, this is a hopeful conversation about reimagining leadership so that no one leads alone, leadership is valued for its humanity, and impact is found not just in big metrics but in the quiet wins - watching people grow, flourish and discover their own influence.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

In our first episode for Season 3 of Stepping into [ed]Leadership, we sit down with Dr Adrian Camm, Principal of Westbourne Grammar and 2025 Educator Principal of the Year.  In a far reaching conversation, Adrian shares what it really means to lead with the conviction that people come first, drawing on his leadership journey and the experiences, and opportunities that have shaped his approach. He talks about having a clear plan, working hard for the next step, and being courageous enough to “just do it,” even when it means being comfortable with being uncomfortable.

A strong theme throughout our conversation is intentional leadership: building and communicating a vision where people feel seen, valued and heard, and where student and community voice are central to strategy and decision-making. Adrian shares what distributed leadership looks like in practice, the importance of trust and decision-making at the right level, and how seeking mentoring and feedback can become a springboard for genuine growth. We discuss actionable ways leaders can build skills in areas such as change management, difficult conversations, financial governance and strategic thinking, and how adopting a coaching approach can be transformative when it comes to leadership.

We also delve into sustaining energy and hope in the work: finding the good, staying curious about ideas beyond education (including AI), and creating cultures where everyone learns together. We reflect on what great leadership looks like today: democratic, decisive, self-aware and deeply authentic. Throughout our conversation, Adrian returns to a powerful throughline: innovation and impact emerge when leaders prioritise self-care, communicate clearly and consistently, and keep people and their growth at the centre of every decision.

We know you will get a lot out of this conversation and feel inspired to take you next intentional steps!

You can hear more from Adrian on his podcast with Teagan Collins;  The Principal’s Perspective

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-principals-perspective/id1814253683

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Keep the why, change the how

In this episode, we’re joined by Jamie Clark, Head of Professional Growth at Mercedes College in Perth and author of the popular OnePagers series. An English teacher at heart, Jamie shares his deep commitment to teaching and learning, reflecting on his journey from classroom practice in the UK to leading professional growth initiatives grounded in research, trust, and psychological safety. He speaks about starting small, whether through 15-minute professional learning sessions or informal coaching, and how those moments can spark meaningful, sustained development across a school.

Jamie unpacks his philosophy of “pedagogy first, technology second,” sharing insights into overcoming barriers like time pressure and cognitive overload. He delves into the importance of narrowing the toolkit, creating a shared language, and building coaching relationships that uplift teachers through partnership, feedback, and reflection. He emphasises vulnerability, clarity, and the relational groundwork needed for real change to take hold.

We also explore Jamie’s much-loved OnePagers; concise visual summaries that provide access to research-based strategies and help teachers connect theory to classroom practice. By reducing cognitive load for teachers, they’ve become a cornerstone for growth conversations and professional learning communities. Jamie closes by reflecting on leadership, sustaining change, and leaving a lasting legacy built on curiosity, generosity, and a deep desire to help others thrive.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Professional nourishment

In this episode, Kerri Proctor shares her journey from classroom teacher to middle leader and now executive, reflecting on the power of professional dialogue. She highlights the unique learning that comes from collaboration and leading with humility, emphasizing that culture and community always come before strategy. We discuss the challenges and gifts of middle leadership, including the ever-present imposter syndrome, the balance of operational and strategic responsibilities, and the profound impact middle leaders have as stewards and connectors in a school.

Kerri opens up about the steep learning curve that comes with stepping into higher leadership, from trusting her intuition and building strong relationships to navigating time management, policy, and wellbeing. We explore the critical role of learning communities, personalised professional growth, and creating an environment where all staff feel seen, heard, and respected. Kerri advocates for a culture of reflection, invitational feedback, and finding what nourishes each teacher, reminding us that real growth is a journey for both new and experienced educators.

Our conversation also delves into Kerri’s transformative cultural immersion trip to Arnhem Land, where she learned the power of slowing down, listening deeply, and leading with curiosity. She reveals how these experiences align with her approach to leadership; focusing on trust, values, and bringing out the best in every member of the school community. Kerri encourages educators to say yes to new opportunities, celebrate each person’s unique contribution, and always ask, “Is this best for our students and our community?”

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Leading leaders

In our conversation with Senior Middle Leader Mathew D’Aloisio, we explore how understanding self, shapes leadership and influence. With much of his career in leadership roles, Mathew sees this work as a calling centred on creating lightbulb moments for both students and colleagues. He reflects on moving in and out of formal roles, navigating imposter syndrome, and asking the key question: why do people want to follow me? We discuss how teaching and leading identities intertwine, and how relational approaches can extend impact well beyond the classroom.  

We also explore the power of intentionality in leadership growth. Mathew shares the deliberate steps he has taken such as shadowing leaders, acting in roles, and engaging in professional learning. He speaks about courage, safe spaces to declare aspirations, and how even rejection can fuel growth and imagination. Through his focus on appreciation and differentiation for both students and teachers, Mathew shows how leadership is about elevating others as much as developing ourselves.  

Our discussion also turns to the personal side of leadership, including the need for balance, boundaries, and the practices that sustain him like reading, cooking, and connection. Mathew reflects on being a “bridge” between teaching and leading, and we discuss how trust, intentionality and connectedness create the conditions for leadership that is relational, empowering, and deeply human.  

Join us for an inspiring deep dive into the value of understanding self and ways to expand your impact.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Experimenting with Success

In this inspiring episode, Ramya Deepak Kumar shares her journey from research science to the classroom, bringing her thirst for learning and passion for education into every role. She reflects on the steep learning curve of teaching all subjects in a primary school class, the value of high expectations, and how visible learning empowers students to take ownership of their growth. Ramya demonstrates the importance of making learning engaging and accessible for every child through a range of strategies we discuss in our conversation.

Ramya discusses the impact of modelling curiosity, vulnerability, and self-regulation, both for students and colleagues. She emphasises how reflection and metacognitive questioning help students, parents, and teachers build capacity together, extending growth into the home-school partnership. Her leadership journey is rooted in thinking beyond her own classroom, to a wider circle of influence, showing how empowering those around us can lead to greater collective success.

Throughout our conversation, Ramya shares valuable practical advice for aspiring leaders: seek out professional learning, be proactive in doubling your learning each year, and never be afraid to experiment with what works for your students. Her message is clear - growth, legacy, and lifelong learning should remain at the centre of our purpose, and equity must underpin our vision for the future of education.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Reflecting on self

Our conversation with Principal Steven Trotter explores his journey of self-reflection, leadership, and adaptability in education. He shares insights from his story of origin, emphasizing how each new role required him to become a different kind of leader and how understanding both self and the needs of others is at the heart of effective leadership. His perspective on building trust, making thoughtful decisions, and embracing the power of pausing, highlighting that even mistakes become opportunities for growth when our intentions are grounded in care for the community and those we serve, are powerful lessons.

Steve also walks us through his SKIM model from his popular book, the Art of Skimming Stones. Our chat explores practical strategies that foster responsive and innovative leadership experiences. We also hear about Kelpie Camp, which teaches student leaders about relationship building and the importance of clear communication. We discuss the human element of leadership, including the challenges posed by unpredictability, embedding values and beliefs, and the importance of reducing cognitive load for teachers to help them thrive.

This episode offers actionable steps and deeply human insights for all educational leaders. Steve reminds us that leading in complex school environments demands versatility, compassion, and a genuine privilege in serving others, encouraging us to reflect, respond, and choose optimism in our work every day. We left the conversation feeling uplifted and inspired – we know you will too!

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Reframing imposter syndrome

This episode focuses on a topic which has appeared in many of our conversations on the podcast – imposter syndrome. Guest Madhavi Nawana Parker shares with us her profound journey from early loss to purposeful leadership. Madhavi advocates for leaders to develop self-discipline through daily habits that build resilience, including her practice of "doing one hard thing" early each day. This approach helps leaders understand that stress isn't inherently negative; rather, it's through overcoming difficulties that we can evolve and truly build confidence.

We then focus on navigating imposter syndrome in educational leadership, with Madhavi distinguishing between imposter thoughts and the debilitating syndrome. She addresses how many leaders struggle to internalise their achievements, often attributing success to luck rather than skill. Our conversation highlights a critical issue facing school leaders: the isolation that comes with competence, as others assume successful leadership looks effortless. Madhavi also addresses modern challenges including social media comparison and the danger of seeing others' best professional moments while being intimately aware of our own internal struggles.

The episode concludes with Madhavi's emphasis on wellbeing and self-compassion; highlighting imposter thoughts as a strength that drives deeper reflection and inquiry. She reminds us that "soft skills are hard", advocating for leaders to model mistake-making and vulnerability for students. Her message of compassion, connection, and community is something we all need to hear.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Helping people shine

In this episode of Stepping into [ed]Leadership, we sit down with Middle Leader Cassie Gray, whose journey from teaching overseas to working on the acclaimed stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to leading Performing Arts at Westbourne Grammar, Melbourne,  offers many lessons in leadership. Cassie shares how her theatre roots shape her approach to middle leadership, highlighting the importance of planning, shared vision, and creating space for others to shine. Her insights into building cohesion and excitement within a team drew clear connections between directing a cast and leading in education, reminding us that when the team looks good, we all look good.

Our conversation delves into the craft of teaching and the ongoing process of honing our skills. Cassie speaks about the power of high expectations, student voice, and agency - seeing students as leaders developing their own character. She reflects on the unique sense of community in international schools, the joy and laughter found in everyday school life, and the importance of continually learning something new. Cassie’s perspective on balancing the seasons of school life with wellbeing, gratitude, and visibility is both practical and inspiring.

Cassie leaves us with a powerful message about leadership: the most important thing we can do is show up for others, bring the energy, and create a culture of sharing. She reminds us that teaching is a craft deserving of respect, and that letting others shine is at the heart of great leadership. This episode is a celebration of collegiality, student agency, and the ongoing journey of growth.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Building a culture of trust

In this episode of Stepping Into [ed]Leadership, we meet experienced Principal, author and current Managing Director of Vivedus, Dr. Paul Browning. In our conversation, Paul reflects on the essence of educational leadership as the ability to influence and transform people and school culture. He highlights that effective leaders are those who know themselves deeply, align their actions with their values, and are committed to nurturing the next generation of school leaders by encouraging staff to develop their strengths and take on new challenges.

A central theme of our discussion is the crucial role of trust and relationship building in creating a positive school environment. Paul shares practical advice for leaders, stressing the need to listen carefully to the school community, respect its history and values, and foster a culture where everyone feels safe and valued. We also unpack the unique pressures leaders face, advocating for self-care, mentorship, and external support to maintain wellbeing and avoid burnout, while always keeping the focus on student learning and staff development.

Paul’s insights extend to the importance of ethical decision making, creative thinking, and leveraging new technologies like AI to enhance teaching and learning. We loved chatting to Paul about leadership and left our conversation reminded that leadership is about inspiring hope, building trust, and having a lasting positive impact on the lives of students and staff.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts