The Wonders of Wellbeing Podcast

Life is too short. You need to set then chase outrageous goals. Invest in your time. Now. 

I had the pleasure of chatting with Kate Christie. Kate is Australia’s top time management expert who has supported organisations including BUPA, Westpac, Specsavers, L’Oreal, Women in International Security, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, The European Union - and now us, here on the Wonders of Wellbeing. 

She is a sought after media commentator, an Opinion Columnist for CEOWorld Magazine and a co-host on TV’s Kochie’s Business Builders. Kate is also the best selling author of 5 books, her most recent being  ‘The Life List’. 

Kate has spoken to audiences around the world including in Australia, Asia, America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom.

Kate and I discussed:

• Role of mindset in effective time management
• Strategies to prioritise tasks and invest in time efficiently
• Overcoming time-wasting habits and distractions
• Inspiration behind her latest book, 'The Life List'
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Kate:
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-christie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.christie.92
Website: www.timestylers.com

We must pause and contemplate the most efficient and productive method for managing our workloads.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Cowley. With nearly 30 years in the classroom, many years on SLT and eight as Deputy Headteacher, Andrew draws upon his experience of teaching in every year group across the primary school range and upon leadership of a number of subject areas and a range of initiatives in changing educational times. Andrew now supports the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools as a coach, both on the School Mental Health Award and on the Senior Designated Mental Health Leader programme.  

He also serves as chair of governors at a primary school in his local area. Andrew speaks at live events and on podcasts and webinars as well as being a guest blogger for a number of educational and mental health providers.  Andrew is a twice published author with Bloomsbury Education: The Wellbeing Toolkit discusses strategies for leading staff wellbeing in schools; The Wellbeing Curriculum sets the case for why and how we can embed wellbeing across our primary schools. He is in the final stages of writing his third book, The School Mental Health Toolkit, due for publication in 2025. 

Andrew and I discussed:

• How educators can effectively balance planning and resourcing to ensure optimal learning outcomes for students.
• Tactics to prevent the constant struggle of grading and providing feedback.
• How to assure educators that small, sustainable steps will have a meaningful impact when it may seem like progress is moving very slowly.
• Number one piece of advice for educators in relation to their workload. 
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Andrew:
LinkedIn: Andrew Cowley
X: Andrew Cowley
Website: Healthy Toolkit
Email: [email protected]

What would be the impact if every conversation in your school was a better one? Even just a little bit?

I had the pleasure of chatting with Julie Keyes, a highly experienced educator and coach with more than fifteen years in the field. In 2021, Julie established The Educational Coach. She meticulously handpicked a team of exceptional coaches and educators, and introduced The HELP Method, a transformative model she personally designed and implemented in schools worldwide.

With a background as a senior leader, Julie has steered complex organisations and institutions both in the UK and internationally. She holds professional membership with the Charter College of Teaching and has served as a trustee for a prominent school trust. Julie's contributions include creating and refining a module on parent partnerships for Discovery Education and the National Association Headteachers.

Julie's expertise extends to developing leadership programs for major corporations and law firms, alongside services in education. She passionately advocates for strengths-based coaching, recognising its ability to bolster self-awareness and confidence. Actively engaged in professional communities like the ICF, Julie remains dedicated to continuous learning and advancement in coaching methodologies.

Julie and I discussed:

• What constitutes a high-quality conversation and trends in the coaching industry. 
• Key benefits of fostering a coaching culture within education. 
• Practical strategies for integrating coaching principles into a school environment.
• Ethical considerations when engaging in coaching relationships in education settings. 
• How individuals can strike a balance between investing in their personal growth and focusing on their professional development. 
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn: Julie Keyes
Instagram: The Educational Coach
Website: The Educational Coach
Email: [email protected]

A positive workplace is a powerful thing.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr Suzy Green, the CEO & Founder of The Positivity Institute, a positively deviant organisation dedicated to the research and application of Positive Psychology in workplaces and schools.  She is a leader in the complementary fields of Coaching Psychology and Positive Psychology, having conducted a world first study on the impact of evidence based coaching on performance and wellbeing. 

Suzy is an Honorary Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of East London. Suzy also holds honorary academic positions at the Centre for Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne and the Black Dog Institute. Suzy is also an affiliate of the Institute for Wellbeing at Cambridge University. As a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the treatment of mental illness, Suzy is passionate about reducing the significant impact of mental health in our workplaces, schools and communities. 

As a Coaching Psychologist, who has scientifically investigated the impact of evidence-based coaching, Suzy is also passionate about encouraging the use of coaching for performance and wellbeing enhancement for all. Suzy’s extensive experience in the media includes having been a brand ambassador for ANZ, Fitbit, Nivea, Nespresso and Officeworks. Suzy is also an official ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Suzy and I discussed:

• Key characteristics of positive leaders in education and how they influence the success of a school. 
• How positive leadership can address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. 
• Examples of specific strategies or initiatives that positive leaders can implement to foster a culture of collaboration. 
• In challenging situations or times of change, how positive leaders can effectively guide their teams and maintain a sense of optimism. 
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Suzy:
Instagram: @drsuzyg
LinkedIn: Dr Suzy Green
Twitter: @DrSuzyGreen 
Facebook: The Positivity Institute

New national regulations in Australia reflect the outcomes of an independent review of Australia’s model Work Health and Safety laws in 2018, which recommended more specific guidance on how to identify and manage psychosocial risks. Psychosocial hazards are hazards that may cause psychological harm. These new regulations are part of a significant national effort to better address the risks caused by psychosocial hazards at work and recognise that a worker’s psychological health is just as important as their physical health. 

I had the pleasure of chatting with Lesley Cooper, a management consultant with over 25 years’ of experience in the design and delivery of all elements of employee wellbeing management programmes. In 1997 Lesley founded WorkingWell, an award-winning specialist consultancy that helps companies to manage workplace pressure in a way that facilitates growth and development. She is the co-author of Brave New Leader: How to Transform Workplace Pressure into Sustainable Performance and Growth.

Her passion lies in assisting clients to achieve the highest standards of performance, while prioritising the well-being of their workforce. Through her extensive expertise, she strives to make a positive impact on organisations by enhancing employee well-being and driving overall success.

Lesley and I discussed:

• What psychological safety is and why is it crucial in workplaces.
• Specific signs or indicators that suggest a lack of psychological safety among staff.
• Effective strategies for creating a psychologically safe environment for teachers within schools or educational institutions.
• The role school leaders play in fostering psychological safety for staff and what initiatives or policies can they implement. 
• How teachers themselves can contribute to the development of a psychologically safe culture within their professional communities. 
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Lesley:
Website: https://www.workingwell.co.uk/
LinkedIn: Lesley Cooper

Thriving Workplaces. Flourishing Schools. Stronger Communities.

I had the pleasure of chatting to Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher and playful change activator. An honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education, in addition to hosting the highly acclaimed weekly podcast, Making Positive Psychology Work, which features leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, Michelle blogs for Psychology Today, The Huffington Post and Thrive, and her work has been featured in Forbes, The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Boss Magazine, The Age and more.

Michelle and I discuss:

• How schools can effectively navigate organisational change to promote a positive and supportive environment. 
• Key strategies that have been successful in implementing organisational change in schools.
• How can leaders ensure that changes are communicated transparently and inclusively to foster a sense of unity and understanding among staff. 
• How school leaders can prioritise and support the wellbeing of their staff to prevent burnout and maintain a positive working environment. 
• And much more!

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.michellemcquaid.com
LinkedIn: Michelle McQuaid
PERMAH Survey Link 

A modern approach to nutritional wellbeing without extreme approaches.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Michele Chevalley Hedge, a former teacher and Microsoft marketing manager turned nutritionist, who brings a unique perspective to health and wellness, understanding the challenges faced by time-strapped corporate and education professionals. 

Known as the "modern-day nutritionist," Michele's clinical practice and patient stories have led to bestselling books like "Beating Sugar Addictions for Dummies" and "Eat, Drink & Still Shrink." Beyond her clinical work, Michele collaborates with major international corporations and is an ambassador for Nature Care College, Cure Cancer, and the Heart Research Institute.

Michele is a passionate advocate for mental health and nutrition research and contributes to various publications. As the founder of A Healthy View, Michele's influence extends globally through online programs, showcasing her authenticity and dedication to wellbeing.

Michele and I discuss: 

• How educators can prioritise nutrition to ensure they maintain energy levels and overall wellness throughout the work day.
• How the connection between mental resilience and physical wellbeing contribute to overall wellness, and strategies can educators employ to enhance this mind-body connection.
• Practical tips for educators to boost their energy levels naturally, especially during long and demanding workdays.
• How educators can develop and cultivate mental resilience, and specific nutritional strategies that can support this aspect of wellness.
• And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Michele:
Website - www.ahealthyview.com
LinkedIn - Michele Chevalley Hedge
Instagram - @ahealthyview

A generous offer from Michele for listeners;

Well-Nest Community here is your COMPLIMENTARY online one hour Continue Education Point course on Sleep and Productivity for Educators! 2 CPD points. Please download before February 1st on  https://www.ahealthyview.com/free-sleep-program Use code PODCAST-FREESLEEP. The Science of Workplace Wellbeing - The Impact of Improving Sleep & Stress Levels on Productivity.

This short online program will 'edu-tain' on how to improve sleep and stress not just for your waistline but for your energy levels, mood, performance and productivity. I mentioned this in the podcast as it is an entirely new modality in  CPE/CE development globally and would be not only beneficial for educators but also a welcome gift that they can share in their homes.  These courses are for ALL industry and have global accreditation! 

Think about your Wellbeing officer at your school  rolling this out to your entire school through our licensed program.  I have created three Science of Workplace Wellbeing courses on nutrition, sleep, gut health, mental resilience and more. https://www.ahealthyview.com/workplace-wellbeing-programs

A mission to create thriving workplaces and foster positive cultures by empowering others to overcome their own hurdles and achieve their full potential.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Ali Flynn, Director and Founder of Tri Altitude Performance. With a background in psychology, trauma counselling, business strategy, and fitness coaching, Ali delivers impactful presentations that provide tangible outcomes for her audiences. She weaves powerful personal stories with her expertise to guide individuals on a transformative journey from where they are today to where they truly can be. 

Drawing from her personal journey of resilience and determination, Ali influences thousands with her unwavering belief that obstacles can be overcome. She worked as a trauma therapist for almost a decade before she opened a fitness studio, and 3 founding companies. Her national company works with well-being and performance and has a trauma informed focus.
 
Ali and I discuss: 

• The definition of trauma and unique aspects of trauma that teachers may encounter in their roles.
• How to guide educators in developing and maintaining resilience, particularly in the face of challenges within the education system.
• Positive changes that can occur both personally and professionally and how can educators actively foster growth after challenging experiences.
• How to support educators in safely exploring and processing their trauma to create a positive learning environment. 
• And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Ali:
Podcast Link: https://podfollow.com/challenges-that-change-us
Course “Surviving to Thriving: Discover the Secrets to Resilience”: resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1
Business: Tri Altitude performance Website: http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aliflynn
Email me: [email protected]

The art and science of making those honest conversations possible because when we create the right conditions to bring our humanity out into the open. That’s when people feel a strong sense of belonging and that’s when communities thrive.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Mike Dyson, a human skills facilitator, consultant and keynote speaker. After 15 years working with individuals in complementary healthcare supporting their physical and mental wellbeing, against a prevailing tide of overwork and overwhelm, a crisis in his own health, guided him to uncover the missing piece of the wellbeing puzzle - the power of human connection. Strong, supportive, empathetic, accountable human connection. 

For the last 10 years, Mike has facilitated group conversations with all kinds of people on all kinds of difficult topics - from mental health and suicide prevention to culture change, healthy masculinity and corporate leadership. 

Mike and I discuss: 

• How can adults encourage open and honest communication with teenagers, especially in challenging or sensitive situations?
• Addressing the unique communication preferences of today's youth to enhance meaningful conversations?
• Insights when navigating difficult topics or addressing resistance during conversations with adolescents?
• Supporting and developing social and emotional intelligence in young individuals through communication?
• What approaches help foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages open communication among young people?
• Common challenges or misconceptions that adults face when attempting to have better conversations with young people, and how can they be overcome?
• And much more!

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://apple.co/3OAl10C
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Pyuxmg
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/3z9fmcb

Connect with Mike:
Website - https://www.mikedyson.com.au/
LinkedIn - Mike Dyson
Email - [email protected]
Instagram - goodblokesco

"I book end my day with quiet practices, which is the biggest thing I have learnt over time" - Nicole

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Nolan, the current Leader of Kindergarten to Year 2 at Hills Grammar, north-west of Sydney. Nicole is a dedicated education professional with a strong passion for promoting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in educational settings. She is committed to enhancing literacy and numeracy skills in students for a brighter future and has extensive experience in diverse educational sectors across Australia, fostering a holistic approach to learning and development.

Nicole and I discuss: 

• How she begins and ends her day to support her wellbeing
• Her personal and professional boundaries 
• Habits she has developed during the school day to support her emotional regulation 
• The power bravery and confidence 
• And much more! 

Thank you for coming on this journey to create a better future for our life long learners!

Listen here:
Apple - https://buff.ly/3DLem0w
Spotify - https://buff.ly/3OMP7kL
Amazon Music - https://buff.ly/3Os2F3V

Connect with Nicole:
LinkedIn: Nicole Nolan