
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, I sit down with educator and behaviour specialist Bernii Godwin to explore what it truly means to love students on purpose. We discuss how building relationships rooted in respect, honor, and care can empower students far more effectively than control or punishment. Bernii challenges the common myths about student behavior management in education, including the idea that it’s a problem to be solved rather than a dynamic to be understood. Together, we unpack how fear and the need for control often shape the way we manage classrooms—and why shifting toward connection and skill-building leads to more meaningful, lasting change.
In this episode, we cover:
About Bernii:
Bernii Godwin is the Director and Principal Consultant at Godwin Consulting, bringing over two decades of experience in the education and human services sectors. With a background that spans maternity to aged care, Bernii has developed a unique expertise in helping individuals, families, and organisations understand their needs and meet them effectively while respecting the rights of others.
Since 2002, Bernii has worked predominantly in the educator sector, partnering with schools, children, and families to build internally responsible behaviour cultures that promote healthy boundaries, love, respect, and joyful responsibility. She has witnessed transformative cultural shifts in schools, moving from environments driven by fear and control to ones centered on love, trust, and empowerment.
Bernii holds a master’s in Social Work, a Graduate Certificate in Neuropsychotherapy, and a Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, majoring in youth and family justice. She is also a ‘Loving on Purpose’ Trainer and a John Maxwell Team Member, along with being a Maxwell Method DISC Consultant. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Bernii is passionate about helping educators and school communities build meaningful connections that foster growth and positive change.
Links and Resources:
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Bernii Godwin via:
Her website: www.godwinconsulting.com.au
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/BerniiGodwin
Facebook and Instagram: @Godwin_Consulting
Get her book: Loving our Students on Purpose (all online platforms for print & audio, their website or in store in Koorong)
Connect with me via:
My website
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this solo episode, I reveal why a structured Staff Wellbeing Framework is the key to reducing burnout, improving retention and fostering a thriving school culture. Many schools believe they’re supporting staff wellbeing, but without a clear framework, efforts often rely on scattered initiatives like self-care workshops and social events—leaving the deeper causes of stress and burnout unaddressed. It’s time to shift from reactive, one-off solutions to a strategic, lasting approach that truly supports educators.
In this episode, I break down:
Links and Resources:
Join our FREE online training to learn more about the 6-step process for building a Staff Wellbeing Framework that works. Sign up now at adriennehornby.com.au/free-training
Apply to join the Well-Led Schools Partnership program at https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Season 3: Episode 2: Mitigating the Effects of Compassion Fatigue in Education – With Nichole Williams |
Connect with me via:
My website
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this second part of our conversation with Nichole Williams, Principal of Lavington East Public School, we dive deeper into the topic of compassion fatigue in education. Nichole shares her research findings, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to help school leaders and educators build resilience and foster wellbeing within their teams.
In this episode (Par1 2), we cover:
About Nichole:
Nichole Williams is the Principal of Lavington East Public School, located on the NSW-VIC border. With nearly 20 years of experience in the NSW public education system, including over a decade as a primary school principal, Nichole is deeply passionate about fostering positive change and improving student outcomes. Her career has taken her through a variety of teaching roles, with a strong focus on special education and student wellbeing, which has shaped her understanding of diverse learner needs and effective teaching practices.
Nichole prides herself on implementing efficient systems for administration and teaching and learning structures, ensuring smooth operations that allow schools to focus on what matters most—student learning and growth. Transforming school culture and climate is at the heart of her leadership, with a strong belief that collaboration among all stakeholders is key to achieving this.
Through coaching and mentoring, she strives to empower staff to recognise and harness their strengths, building cohesive teams that work together to create meaningful, lasting change.
Nic recently completed her Master of Education through the University of Wollongong in 2024, where her research delved into compassion fatigue among school leaders—a topic she’s deeply passionate about. Armed with evidence-based strategies, Nic is determined to support not only herself but also her colleagues in fostering a culture of wellbeing and will share her insights with the audience today.
Links and Resources:
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Nicole via:
Linkedin: Nic Williams
Connect with me via:
My website
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Season 3 of the Well-Led School Podcast!
We’re starting the year with the first of a two-part series featuring Nichole Williams, Principal of Lavington East Public School, located on the NSW-VIC border. With nearly 20 years of experience in the NSW public education system, including over a decade as a primary school principal, Nichole is deeply passionate about fostering positive change and improving student outcomes. Her career has taken Nichole through a variety of teaching roles, with a strong focus on special education and student wellbeing, which has shaped her understanding of diverse learner needs and effective teaching practices.
Nichole prides herself on implementing efficient systems for administration and teaching and learning structures, ensuring smooth operations that allow schools to focus on what matters most—student learning and growth. Transforming school culture and climate is at the heart of her leadership, with a strong belief that collaboration among all stakeholders is key to achieving this.
Through coaching and mentoring, she strives to empower staff to recognise and harness their strengths, building cohesive teams that work together to create meaningful, lasting change.
Nic recently completed her Master of Education through the University of Wollongong in 2024, where her research delved into compassion fatigue among school leaders—a topic she’s deeply passionate about. Armed with evidence-based strategies, Nic is determined to support not only herself but also her colleagues in fostering a culture of wellbeing and will share her insights with the audience today.
What makes Nic’s story so inspiring is that she doesn’t just talk the talk—she walks it. I’ve had the privilege of working with her to administer and analyse a staff wellbeing survey at her school last year in 2024, and was impressed by the positive data and feedback from her staff across many key areas. Lavington East Public School achieved outcomes far above both national and comparable school averages—a testament to the transformative work the school has undergone in recent years.
In this episode (Par1 1), we cover:
Links and Resources:
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Nicole via:
Linkedin: Nic Williams
Connect with me via:
My website
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast, we welcome Tony Cox, founder of Wellbeing Education Solutions, to discuss the important topic of student wellbeing. Tony shares his insights on why prioritising wellbeing isn't just beneficial for students but also makes teachers' jobs easier. When students feel supported, engaged, and emotionally secure, they perform better, reducing the strain on teachers.
Likewise, when educators experience high levels of wellbeing, they are more effective in managing classrooms, fostering positive learning environments, and supporting their students. The episode dives into the interconnected nature of staff and student wellbeing and offers practical strategies for creating a thriving culture of wellbeing within schools.
In this episode, we cover:
About Tony Cox:
Tony Cox is the founder of Wellbeing Education Solutions, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of both students and educators. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, Tony has taught across various levels, from primary to tertiary, and served in leadership roles, including Deputy Principal. After experiencing burnout, Tony stepped away from education and embarked on a personal journey of health and fitness, becoming a certified health and wellbeing coach.
Upon his return to the education sector, Tony focused on helping educators and school communities foster wellbeing, drawing on his expertise in Positive Education, NLP, coaching, and counseling. He has since established Wellbeing Education Solutions, providing consulting, coaching, and support to schools across Australia. Tony's mission is to empower individuals to achieve peak personal and professional wellbeing, grounded in values of gratitude, respect, authenticity, care, and excellence.
Links and Resources:
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Tony via:
His website: https://wellbeingeducationsolutions.com.au/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with me via:
My website: http://adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email: [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, we welcome back Aimee Presnall, a wellbeing consultant and founder of Well-Nest, who has a deep passion for embedding wellbeing at the core of school culture. Aimee brings her extensive experience in education and leadership to the conversation, sharing valuable insights on how school leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles while maintaining a focus on both personal and staff wellbeing. Through her practical approach, Aimee offers guidance on how to create a more balanced and supportive environment in schools, helping leaders and their teams thrive amidst the challenges they face daily.
In this episode, we cover:
About Aimee:
Aimee is the founder of Well-Nest, a consulting and coaching service dedicated to integrating wellbeing into the core of educational institutions. With over 15 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher and school leader, Aimee has a deep understanding of the challenges that educators and administrators face. Her journey into school leadership began early in her career, where she quickly realised the intense demands placed on leaders and the need for a focus on wellbeing. This realisation, combined with her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Health and Wellness Coaching Professional Certificate, inspired her to create Well-Nest.
Aimee’s mission is to support schools in developing positive team cultures and enhancing leadership skills, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing. Through Well-Nest, she offers consulting services to help school leaders design and implement a culture of wellbeing, as well as coaching services that provide personalised guidance to educators and leaders.
Aimee’s approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, and she is passionate about empowering school communities to take actionable steps toward restored wellness. Her work also extends to public speaking and podcasting, where she shares her insights and inspires others to prioritise wellbeing in educational settings.
Links and Resources:
Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Aimee via:
Her website: www.well-nest.com.au/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-parkinson/?originalSubdomain=au
Listen to her podcast: Reflections of School Leaders
On Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/reflections-of-school-leaders/id1752319691
or Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5SWek6Pa8pZ0cevXuN79uy
Listen to her other podcast: The Wonders of Wellbeing
www.buzzsprout.com/1964632
Connect with me via:
My website: adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email: [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Vicky Essebag, a relational communication specialist with extensive experience in both education and family therapy. Vicky has held roles as a teacher, guidance counselor, curriculum consultant, and vice-principal, and she is also a certified solution-focused coach and trainer. She is best known for her work in adapting Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to foster healthy, effective relationships within schools, organisations, and families.
In this episode, we explore the critical role of communication in schools and how it can be prioritised alongside academic curriculum to enhance staff wellbeing.
In this episode, we cover:
About Vicky:
Vicky Essebag is a relational communication specialist and thought leader with a rich background in both education and family therapy. With experience as a teacher, guidance counselor, curriculum consultant, and vice-principal, Vicky has a deep understanding of schools and staff. She is also a certified solution-focused coach and trainer, widely recognised for her innovative approach to adapting Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to enhance communication and relationships within schools, organisations, and families.
As a public speaker and consultant, Vicky has presented her expertise on a global stage, helping schools and organisations implement relational processes that foster wellbeing and success for all stakeholders.
She is the founder of Relationspaces.com and the author of Relationspaces: A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents, a guide that empowers parents to cultivate intentional, effective communication strategies that support the entire family.
Links and Resources:
Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Book recommendation: The Third Path: A Relationship-Based Approach to Student Well-Being and Achievement by David Tranter, Lori Carson, Tom Boland
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Vicky via:
Her Website: www.relationspaces.com
LinkedIn: @vickyessebag
Facebook: @vickyessebagauthor
Instagram: @essebagvicky
More ways to engage with Vicky’s work:
Subscribe to her LinkedIn Newsletter: www.linkedin.com/newsletters/relationspaces-7086324196984705024/
Listen to her Podcast: A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and Beyond - https://relationspaces.com/podcast/
Youtube Relationspaces Power Bursts: @relationspaces
Read her book: Relationspaces:A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents
Connect with me via:
My website http://adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, we sit down with Katrina Bourke to explore the importance of leading authentically in education. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and school leader, Katrina emphasises the significance of human skills in leadership. Authentic leadership, marked by self-awareness, vulnerability, and groundedness, is crucial in Education today. Katrina shares her journey and insights on how leaders can cultivate these qualities to create more connected and effective teams.
In this episode, we cover:
About Katrina:
Katrina Bourke has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher and school leader. Now a leadership coach, speaker, and author, she specialises in helping leaders discover their Sacred Ground. Her approach goes beyond traditional coaching, empowering leaders to lead with grounded confidence. Katrina offers a unique blend of personal and professional development that enables leaders to show up as the best human and leader they can be, no matter the circumstances. Through her journey of self-discovery and overcoming challenges like setting boundaries and perfectionism, Katrina has learned that we all have untapped potential within us. She believes in the power of authentic leadership and is committed to helping others cultivate courage, vulnerability, curiosity and reflection in their roles.
Links and Resources:
Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Article by Tasha Eurich: What Self-Awareness Really is (and How to Cultivate It)
Article by Herminia Ibarra: The Authenticity Paradox
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Katrina via:
Her Website: katrinabourke.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/katrinabourkeleadership
On Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katrinabourke/
Connect with me via:
My website http://adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Educator burnout is becoming increasingly common, to the point where many celebrate being so busy as if it's a badge of honor. However, this relentless pace and lack of rest can lead to significant mental health challenges. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of taking a step back and building supports to help us feel resilient and well.
Join us as we sit down with Meg Durham, a former primary and secondary teacher who is now on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation to debunk myths about wellbeing and uncover what educators truly need to avoid burnout.
In this episode, we cover:
About Meg
After working as a primary and secondary teacher for more than a decade, Meg Durham is on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. As a speaker, Meg offers a unique blend of practical strategies backed by humor, research, and lived experience—the sum of thousands of hours talking to teachers and living this stuff. Her goal is to help teachers prioritize their wellbeing and thrive.
With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation that cracks open the myths about wellbeing and gets to the bottom of what teachers need to avoid burnout. Meg holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Education in Student Wellbeing.
Links and Resources:
Waitlist for the Well-Led Schools Partnership: adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Meg via:
Her podcast: The School of Wellbeing https://openmindeducation.com/podcast/
Her Website: openmindeducation.com
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/megdurham__
On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meg-durham/?originalSubdomain=au
Connect with me via:
My website: adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email: [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Karen Caswell, an experienced senior teacher, wellbeing enthusiast, blogger and podcaster.
Join us for an honest and vulnerable conversation where we reflect on the essential qualities of effective leadership and explore the concept of leading without an official title, emphasising the importance of relational and interactional leadership approaches. Karen shares her insights on how to bring people together with a common purpose, build trust, and influence others even without a formal leadership role.
In the episode, we cover:
About Karen:
Karen Caswell is a passionate educational leader known for her collaborative approach spanning over a 28-year career. As an Early Childhood trained teacher, she has been privileged to work in a variety of roles and settings, and is currently an Experienced Senior Teacher and Barna Jarjum Champion at a school in Logan, Brisbane, Queensland. Karen’s influence extends beyond her classroom through a national and global professional learning network, and she is a writer and the creator of the Authenticity in Edu Blog as well as the host of the Inspiration, Influence and Impact Podcast. Karen was the recipient of an Educational Leadership Commendation Award at the 2023 ACEL Queensland Branch Awards.
Links and Resources:
Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/
Read Karen’s Recent Article published in the Teacher Learning Network Journal on Middle Leadership: Beyond Titles: The Transformative Power of Interactional Leadership
https://www.karencaswell.com/post/beyond-titles-the-transformative-power-of-interactional-leadership
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
Connect with Karen via:
Her Website - https://www.karencaswell.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-caswell-ba12491b4/
Instagram - @ authenticity_in_edu
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kcasw1
X - https://twitter.com/kcasw1
Connect with me via:
My website adriennehornby.com.au
Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/
Email [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the publisher's feed
As the rates of professional stress and burnout increase for school leaders, teachers and staff, the solution lies in how we lead our schools and prioritise workplace wellbeing to become "Well-Led"…
Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Strategist, Speaker and School Leader Adrienne Hornby for a host of inspiring conversations with experts and forward thinkers. Covering all things teacher wellbeing, school leadership and culture building - you'll walk away with ideas and recommendations on ways to evolve your leadership, create a mentally healthy workplace and ultimately influence the lives and learning of our students.