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Ever wondered how one educator can transform the entire culture of a school? In this episode of Positively Leading the Podcast, we sit down with Heidi McGlashan, a dedicated educator and staunch advocate for often-overlooked students. Through stories, Heidi shares her evolution from a music teacher to an advocate for students for literacy She recounts pivotal moments that fueled her advocacy, including a personal story about her son's struggle with reading that will resonate deeply with any parent or teacher.

We also discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by teaching principals, exploring the difficult balance between administrative responsibilities and teaching duties. Heidi opens up about navigating these complexities, revealing how interruptions can detract from strategic work. Drawing from experience she describes the dramatic turnaround of a complacent school into a high-performing one by setting higher expectations and fostering intentional leadership. This discussion is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in educational leadership.

Finally, we shift gears to focus on strategic improvement and staff well-being. Heidi delves into the importance of narrowing down improvement agendas, creating middle leadership layers, and providing essential support to educators. Hear her thoughtful advice for aspiring leaders, including the significance of mentorship and the challenges of transitioning from teaching to leadership roles. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights, culminating in practical tips for fostering a comfortable and supportive working environment for teachers. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and inspire action.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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This episode is a little different as I reflect on the life and leadership of Ashley Mottershead (dec), one of the most self-reflective Principals I have had a privilege to know. Firstly, I discuss Hamilton’s Six Essential Attributes for Successful School Leaders and highlight Ashley’s story, demonstrating the power of openness, trustworthiness, resilience, and more. Learn how Ashley’s honesty and community focus made a significant impact, embodying the essence of leading with both head and heart.

In a world where connections are more vital than ever, discover the importance of nurturing your professional and personal networks. We delve into Ashley’s experience and show how maintaining wide networks of support and making small adjustments in communication can lead to stronger relationships and better leadership outcomes. We encourage you to reconnect with your own networks during the school holidays, whether it’s through a coffee meeting or a quick message. Remember, it's not just what you know, but who you know. Let Ashley’s story inspire you to strengthen your connections and lead with authenticity.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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Ever wondered how taking a leap of faith can transform your career and life? Our latest episode features Karen Stuart, Head of English at a bustling metropolitan high school in Western Australia. Karen shares her incredible journey from aspiring journalist to dedicated educator and leader. She recounts her bold decision to take flying lessons to conquer her fear of flying and the adventurous move from Scotland to Australia with her young family. This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes about stepping out of comfort zones and discovering true passion.

Karen dives deep into nurturing leadership skills, emphasizing the power of self-awareness and personal development. She explains how understanding her DISC profile and utilizing tools like "Crucial Conversations" has helped her manage difficult dialogues and balance the demands of middle leadership. Karen offers invaluable insights into the art of advocating for her team while harmonizing with senior leadership, and the critical importance of bridging communication gaps to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

We also tackle the delicate balance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Karen reflects on the impact of stress and the necessity of recognizing personal limits to prevent burnout. Through heartfelt advice and real-life examples, we discuss the challenges of taking extended leave, the essential role of a supportive team, and the value of leadership training for those stepping into middle management roles. Plus, Karen shares her recommendations for continuous learning and maintaining authenticity in leadership. Don't miss this insightful conversation that highlights the importance of continuous growth and staying true to oneself as a leader.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.