Well-Led Schools

Leading a school is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can have — but it can also feel like one of the hardest. Every day, school leaders are pulled between the demands of strategy, staff, students, and their own wellbeing. It often feels like spinning plates, where the slightest wobble in one area impacts everything else. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving your all yet still wondering how to keep up, you’re not alone.   That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Pete Stebbins to the podcast. Pete is a workplace psychologist, leadership coach, and co-author of the soon-to-be-released book Lead: 12 Extraordinary, Actionable Insights for Every School Leader. He has spent years walking alongside school leaders, distilling the practices that help them move from surviving to truly thriving in their roles.   In this episode, we cover: * Why traditional leadership models don’t always fit a school setting, and what extraordinary leaders do instead.  * The three plates of leadership (strategic responsibilities, supportive responsibilities, and self-leadership) and how to balance them. * How changing demands and workforce pressures are reshaping school leadership. * The “seasons of leadership” and how to adapt your focus over time. * Practical ways to strengthen strategy with systems, visibility, and tracking. * Supportive leadership as more than “warm fuzzies”, tackling workload and capacity head-on. * Self-leadership essentials: managing energy, belonging and resilience. * Using vulnerability narratives to navigate tough conversations with care and accountability. * Pete’s simple practice of focusing on three daily priorities for clarity and impact.   About Pete: Dr. Pete Stebbins, PhD, is a Workplace Psychologist and executive coach, focusing on school leadership development and school improvement. He is the author of the best-selling books: ‘Leading Flourishing Schools’ and ‘iTeams: Why High Performance Teams Fit In AND Stand Out!’. Pete has many years of research and professional practice behind him and is the director of the High Performance Schools Program. His work in this space has reached 16 Countries, impacting more than 600 Schools, and over 5,500 School Leaders and their staff. Pete’s professional passions are developing high-performance teams and building high-capacity school culture.   Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program [https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/] Check out Dr. Pete Stebbin’s latest book: Lead: 12 Extraordinary Actionable Insights for Every School Leader [https://www.hptschools.com/product-page/lead-12-extraordinary-insights] Check out his other books here [https://www.hptschools.com/shop-1] High Performance Resources: https://www.hptschools.com/tools [https://www.hptschools.com/tools]    Relevant articles and podcast episodes: * The Secret Recipe for Motivating Your Staff to Implement Change in The Workplace [https://adriennehornby.com.au/motivating-your-staff-to-implement-change-in-the-workplace/] * How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins [https://adriennehornby.com.au/how-to-structure-and-support-school-teams-for-high-performance-with-dr-pete-stebbins-season-3-episode-8/] * The Lippit Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secret-recipe-motivating-your-staff-implement-change-workplace-bxmic/]   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 Pete via: His websites: www.hptschools.com/ [https://www.hptschools.com/] and www.drpetestebbins.com/ [https://www.drpetestebbins.com/]  Email: drpetestebbins@gmail.com [drpetestebbins@gmail.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pete-stebbins-4a29177/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pete-stebbins-4a29177/]    Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/]  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au [hello@adriennehornby.com.au]    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Educators are no strangers to overwhelming workloads. From endless lesson planning and admin to keeping up with emails and data collection, the job can often feel never-ending. Add to that the constant stream of headlines about teacher burnout, and it’s no wonder many staff feel stuck in a cycle of stress and exhaustion. But what if we could shift the narrative and the day-to-day reality by using new tools in smarter, more intentional ways?   Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about innovations right now. Much of the conversation has centered on how students might use (or misuse) AI, but there’s an equally important question we need to ask: how can AI help teachers and leaders manage their workload, reclaim time, and support staff wellbeing?   In this episode, I am joined by Amy Green, thriving strategist, speaker, educator, author and founder of The Wellness Strategy. Amy shares her practical insights on how schools can embrace AI thoughtfully to lighten the load, improve collaboration and create space for genuine wellbeing practices to flourish.    In this episode, we cover: * How AI can be a“team member” to streamline planning, emails, meeting notes and admin * Practical examples of AI reducing repetitive tasks so teachers can focus on collaboration and creativity * The importance of using AI with discernment, debate and discussion, not as a replacement, but as an accelerator * How schools can identify unique workload pain points and explore AI as a strategic solution * The mindset and skills educators need to use AI effectively and responsibly * How saving time with AI can be reframed as an opportunity to prioritise wellbeing, not add more work   About Amy: Amy Green is a thriving strategist, speaker, author and educator who is reshaping the way we think about working and living well. After experiencing chronic stress and professional burnout firsthand, Amy committed to rethinking how schools and workplaces approach wellbeing. Through her organisation, The Wellness Strategy, she helps leaders and teams embrace innovative, sustainable practices that cultivate resilience, productivity, and engagement.    Drawing on her background in teaching, leadership, coaching, and positive psychology, Amy equips individuals and organisations to redesign their work in ways that allow people to truly flourish. With both lived experience and deep expertise, she brings a powerful mix of insight, compassion, and strategy to her mission of creating environments where educators and teams can thrive.   Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program [https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/] https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/books-and-resources [https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/books-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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Amy via: Her website: www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au [http://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au]  Instagram: @amy_._green [https://www.instagram.com/amy_._green/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amygreen/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/amygreen/]    Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/]  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au [hello@adriennehornby.com.au]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

When was the last time your school really paused to consider what it means for staff to thrive, not just survive?    Many wellbeing initiatives in schools focus on quick fixes, such as morning teams, yoga sessions, or casual “wellbeing weeks,” which offer temporary boosts but don’t create lasting change.   In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Oberthur, retired primary school principal and educational consultant, to explore a more sustainable approach: shifting from individualised wellbeing strategies to strategies for wellbeing - cultural practices and systems that genuinely support staff, reduce stress and foster collaboration. Andrew shares insights from his decades of experience leading schools and his work helping leaders design environments where teachers and staff can flourish.   In this episode, we cover: * The difference between “wellbeing strategies” (short-term, individualised fixes) and “strategies for wellbeing” (cultural, systemic approaches that benefit all staff) * Practical approaches like the Right to Disconnect, joint determination and the “pruning cycle” for managing initiatives and workload * How effective team structures, role clarity and collaboration build a culture of trust and sustainable wellbeing * The 6 Team Conditions framework for creating high-performing, well-supported teams in schools * How generational shifts in the workforce are changing what staff expect from school cultures * Strategies for long-term teacher and staff longevity, including managing parent expectations and realistic workloads   Whether you’re a school leader, administrator, or teacher seeking practical ways to build a more supportive and sustainable school environment, this conversation provides actionable insights that extend far beyond the usual morale boosters.    About Andrew: Andrew Oberthur is an experienced educator and consultant with over 37 years of teaching and leadership experience in Brisbane primary schools, including 24 years as a principal. Now retired from school leadership, he shares his expertise to help teachers and school leaders sustain their wellbeing, manage workloads and thrive in the profession long-term.   Andrew is the author of three books, a regular contributor to Teachers Matter magazine in New Zealand, and a sought-after presenter on building effective teams, applying the 6 Team Conditions framework, and fostering strong school-parent relationships. He is passionate about creating cultures of trust, collaboration and inquiry, with a particular interest in inclusive education for children with diverse learning needs.   Through this work, Andrew equips schools with practical strategies for wellbeing, promotes positive professional relationships and champions the importance of parents and teachers working together to maximise children’s learning and development.    Links and Resources: Explore our Staff Wellbeing Survey packages [https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-survey/] Read Andrew’s article that inspired today’s conversation:  Well-Being Strategies V Strategies for Well-Being [https://creativecollaborativesolutions.au/well-being-strategies-v-strategies-for-well-being/]   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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Andrew via: His website: https://creativecollaborativesolutions.au/ [https://creativecollaborativesolutions.au/] On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberthur-910196162/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oberthur-910196162/]  Email: aoberthur@gmail.com [aoberthur@gmail.com]     Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/]  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au [hello@adriennehornby.com.au]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tim Sharp, also known as “Dr. Happy”, to explore how positive psychology can transform the way schools approach staff wellbeing. Together, we unpack what truly drives happiness and resilience at work, from small daily habits to creating cultures of laughter, connection and psychological safety. Tim also shares how leaders can strike a balance between optimism and honesty, helping their teams feel supported even through challenges.   In this episode, we cover: * How traditional Psychology differs from Positive Psychology * A deeper look into Dr Tim’s audiobook ‘Habits for Happiness at Work’, and what inspired this framework * What the habits for happiness are, and how they can be used by professionals in their everyday work environment * How to practice optimism in a practical and realistic way * The most important habits leaders should adopt and embed in their leadership to positively influence staff * How to adopt the habits for happiness without adding more to your plate. Hint: It’s all about mindset!   About Tim Dr. Tim Sharp, fondly known as Dr. Happy, is one of Australia’s leading voices in positive psychology, mental health and wellbeing. With three degrees in psychology, including a PhD, Tim has built an extraordinary career spanning clinical practice, academia, executive coaching, and corporate consulting. He is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation dedicated solely to enhancing happiness in individuals, schools and workplaces.   As a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and podcaster, Tim has worked with everyone from schools and small teams to global organisations like Twitter, Coles, and Telstra. His books and Audible audiobooks, including Habits for Happiness at Work, provide practical tools for building resilience, positive culture and lasting wellbeing. With warmth, humour, and research-backed strategies, Tim helps people understand that happiness is not just about feeling good, but also doing good.   Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership program [http://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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Tim via: His website: https://drhappy.com.au/ [https://drhappy.com.au/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimsharp/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimsharp/]    Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/]  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au [hello@adriennehornby.com.au]    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode, I unpack the latest research, national survey data and emerging trends shaping the state of teacher wellbeing in 2025. Drawing on insights from thousands of educators across more than 60 Australian schools, I explore what’s really impacting teacher wellbeing.   You’ll learn why teachers are calling for more than resilience training and system reform; they’re asking for shifts in how schools operate on a day-to-day basis. From leadership practices to staff communication, professional support to school culture, I break down the patterns we can’t ignore, and the actions schools can take right now to build environments where staff and students thrive.    In this episode, I cover: * A snapshot of the current state of teacher wellbeing in Australia * Key stressors and risk factors impacting teacher wellbeing * The ripple effects of poor teacher wellbeing on students, schools and the community * Data insights from our teacher wellbeing surveys across 60+ schools * What teachers themselves say they need to feel supported, valued and well * Evidence-based strategies and school-wide initiatives that work * How schools can take a strategic, data-informed approach to staff and teacher wellbeing   Links and Resources: Read the full State of Teacher Wellbeing article [https://adriennehornby.com.au/teacher-wellbeing-the-state-of-the-nation-and-the-solutions-our-teachers-want-moving-forward/] Download the PDF report [https://adriennehornby.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Teacher-Wellbeing-Report-2025-Adrienne-Hornby.pdf] Explore our Staff Wellbeing Surveys [https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-survey/]   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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/]  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au [hello@adriennehornby.com.au]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.