In this episode, we'll be discussing the challenges faced by women in the workplace and how to challenge hidden patriarchal ideals.

Our guest today is Maxine Hughes, a seasoned professional and advocate for women in leadership. Maxine, a Depute Head, shares with us the progress she has made as an individual, as well as discussing the journey towards equality that her school is on.

For more information, and to get updates on our work, follow us on Twitter @Alice_Beveridge @AndrewH_TOK and @Tree_of

Titles Referenced:

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

- Terry Wrigley, Lynne Pratt, Rowena Arshad

In this episode, Alice and Andrew discuss the journey from crisis mode leadership, to strategic planning.

Looking at the crisis in leadership and education that the pandemic presented in recent years, they start to discuss what leadership looks like in these situations.

But then the focus moves on to how schools and businesses can start moving back towards a more strategic, long-term, approach. In the discussion we share some of the potential hazards, give tips on the journey, and also discuss how to take the stakeholders on the journey with you.

This week, Alice and Andrew interview Gerard Curley, a Primary Head Teacher, with over 19 years experience in teaching and educational leadership and management.

In 2020, Gerard's work was recognised when he received the Silver Award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, for Head Teacher of the Year in a Primary School.

In this week's discussion, Gerard will focus on the key role that relationships and recognition play when building strong staff teams, and school communities.

Gerard also explains what Distributive Leadership looks like in his setting and why he believes this leadership style is key to building future leaders.

For more information, and to get updates on our work, follow us on Twitter @Alice_Beveridge @AndrewH_TOK and @Tree_of

Follow Gerard Curley on Twitter @Mr_G_Curley

This week, Alice and Andrew interview Steve Munby, a world-leading authority on leadership and the author of Imperfect Leadership, and Imperfect Leadership in Action (with Marie-Claire Bretherton).

This enlightening discussion delves into Steve's inspiration for writing about Imperfect Leadership, as well as discussing what this looks like in practice. He also shares examples of how to embrace imperfection to allow you to support and empower your team.

A great listen for all involved in educational leadership.

Follow Steve Munby on Twitter @steve_munby

After a short break, Vibe: Beyond the Small Talk will return next week!

AND we cannot wait for you to hear the next episode as we have managed to secure an AMAZING guest!

See you on the 24th.

Nobody enjoys Difficult Conversations in the workplace - or do they? Alice shares a range of tips and advice on how leaders can go about managing these conversations in a way that allows relationships to be maintained, and maybe even strengthened, through direct discussions and honesty.

If Difficult Conversations are a part of your role, then this is a key episode for you.

For more information, and to get updates on our work, follow us on Twitter @Alice_Beveridge and @AndrewH_TOK

In the second part of this discussion, Alice and Andrew discuss the work of Steve Munby and his view of Imperfect Leadership.

Relating this to leadership, they question whether the idea of being imperfect, may help us cope with the imposter syndrome we often feel.

Reference

Imperfect Leadership by Steve Munby

For more information, and to get updates on our work, follow us on Twitter @Alice_Beveridge and @AndrewH_TOK

In the first of this two part episode, Alice and Andrew look at Imposter Syndrome and the impact it can have on leaders. Looking at the work of Dr Valerie Young, Alice shares 5 different kinds of imposter syndrome, how to identify them in yourself and what steps you can take to overcome it.

References

Upstream by Dan Heath

Dr Valerie Sound TEDTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7v-GG3SEWQ

Alice's Imposter Syndrome Blog: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13VpzJr8aL2b_KCWwAF0mCiY2lrmIYBdK/view

In episode 2 of VIBE: Beyond the Small Talk, Alice and Andrew begin by reflecting upon the VIA Signature Strength assessment, and Alice's top 5 strengths.

This leads into a discussion of leadership styles, focusing on the work of Ken Blanchard and John MacBeath.

Finally, they discuss how you can identify the style that feels right for you using Alice's top tips.

Find us on Twitter at @alice_beveridge, @AndrewH_TOK and @Tree_of

References: 

VIA Signature Strength Test: https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

TES: Why situational leadership should be on your radar

The Alphabet Soup of Leadership - John MacBeath

In this episode, Alice and Andrew discuss Positive Psychology and the impact it can have in educational establishments.

Focusing on leaders at all levels, Alice shares some top tips about how you can add positivity to your practice immediately.

If you wish to take the Character Strength test referenced in this episode, you can do so here: https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register