The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast

E53: Siobhan Fitzgerald on Empowering Student Voice Through Public Speaking and Leadership in a Rural DEIS School

Orla interviews Siobhan Fitzgerald, principal of Eglish National School, a small rural DEIS school in East Galway, where she says most pupils have experienced significant trauma and many are from the Traveller community. Siobhan describes developing the LET's Stand Public Speaking programme after noticing students could create strong PowerPoints but were unable to present, and she outlines teaching public speaking as incremental skills (e.g., structure with beginning–middle–end, eye contact, body language) using a model–share–guide–apply approach.  The conversation links public speaking to student voice, listening, confidence, leadership, and teacher self-awareness, arguing that students need practice before being asked to share opinions and that teachers already use public-speaking skills daily. Siobhan discusses teamwork, coaching for school leaders, effective interview communication, and announces a forthcoming 10-book fiction box set for ages 7–13, published by Outside the Box, aimed at wellbeing and connecting children with nature. TIMESTAMPS * 02:13 School Context and Trauma * 03:15 Public Speaking Spark * 05:05 Building the Program * 06:44 Kids Need a Voice * 10:41 Listening and Student Voice * 12:54 Teach One Skill * 13:11 Speech Structure Hand Model * 15:53 Eye Contact and Practice * 17:25 Getting Staff Onboard * 19:45 Teachers as Speakers * 24:03 Skills and Reflection Time * 26:37 Leadership Reflection Courage * 29:04 Judgment and Visionary Style * 31:07 Teamwork and Learning Leaders * 31:25 Team Roles and Flexibility * 34:17 Elastic Band Leadership Mindset * 35:30 Leadership in Small Schools * 39:01 Impact Over Comparison * 41:46 Coaching for School Leaders * 44:38 Public Speaking for Principals * 48:41 Interview Answers and Authenticity * 51:49 Jargon Versus Real Stories * 57:18 New Children’s Book Series * 01:01:17 Nature, Wellbeing and Farewell USEFUL LINKS Here are links to Siobhan's programmes for schools and children * LET's Stand https://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/display-product-page/lets-stand-primary [https://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/display-product-page/lets-stand-primary] * Listen, How Child and Student Voice can Change the World https://www.routledge.com/Listen-How-Child-and-Student-Voice-Can-Change-the-World/KeenanFitzgerald/p/book/9781032750330 [https://www.routledge.com/Listen-How-Child-and-Student-Voice-Can-Change-the-World/KeenanFitzgerald/p/book/9781032750330] * Adventures in Coill Calm series https://www.otb.ie/shop/well-being-sel-sphe/adventures-in-coill-calm/ [https://www.otb.ie/shop/well-being-sel-sphe/adventures-in-coill-calm/] [Interview by Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383128/fan_mail/new]

E52: Recruitment Redefined: Steven Farrell O Callaghan on Relationships, Interview Prep, and Psychometrics

Orla interviews Steven Farrell O Callaghan of Clark Recruitment on the Growth in Educational Podcast about his recent Home of the Year final appearance with his husband Mike, the publicity it brought, and his 18 years with Clark, which he officially took over in 2024 after joining in 2008.  Stephen explains Clark’s relationship-driven approach to serving both employers and candidates, including on-site client visits, structured competency-based interviewing, candidate coaching, and an aftercare check-in process (weeks 1, 4, 6, 8, and 12).  He discusses application volumes (e.g., ~300 for admin roles), international sourcing via partners and a work permit department, and the value and limits of psychometric tools (InnerMetrics/DISC) for hiring and team development.  The conversation covers interview best practices, STAR storytelling, issues with untrained panellists, overly long multi-stage processes, and encouraging educators to take risks, apply even without every requirement, and seek mentoring. TIMESTAMPS * 00:48 Home of the Year Spotlight * 02:52 From Publicity to Networking * 03:17 Recruitment Relationship Building * 06:07 Sourcing and Application Volume * 08:18 International Partners and USP * 09:51 Leadership Qualities and Listening * 11:27 Aftercare and Psychometrics * 14:41 Better Interviews and Panels * 22:05 Candidate Prep and Storytelling * 24:23 STAR Technique Breakdown * 25:20 STAR Story Endings * 26:11 Interview Surprise Fallout * 27:09 Too Many Interview Rounds * 29:09 Why In Person Matters * 30:24 Hiring Timelines Reality * 31:56 Coaching Strengths Answers * 32:51 Recruiter Value Explained * 35:24 Long Term Relationships * 36:52 Psychometrics For Teams * 42:33 Competencies And AI Gaps * 45:36 Apply Anyway Take Risks CONTACT DETAILS * Clarke Recruitment Website:  https://clark.ie/ [https://clark.ie/] * Watch Stephen and Mike on Home of the Year here: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/home-of-the-year/SI0000000759?epguid=IP10017032-12-0007 [https://www.rte.ie/player/series/home-of-the-year/SI0000000759?epguid=IP10017032-12-0007] * Clarke Recruitment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkrecruitment/ [https://www.instagram.com/clarkrecruitment/] [Interview with Orla Dempsey} Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383128/fan_mail/new]

E51: Aislinn Nic Pháidín: From Classroom to DCU: Teacher Fellowships, Change, and Wellbeing

Orla interviews primary teacher and Instagram creator Aislinn Nic Pháidín: (Is Muinteoir Mé) [https://www.instagram.com/ismuinteoirme/]about taking a two-year career break to become a Teacher Fellow in DCU’s BEd programme after teaching since graduating from Marino in 2013/2014. Ashlyn describes her hesitant application process, fear of change, and practical trade-offs, including commuting, longer days, no school holidays, and a pay cut, balanced by funded further study and a Master’s.  She explains the fellowship’s purpose of bringing current classroom insights into third-level teacher education, mentoring and visiting students on placement, and why it is limited to two years. Aislinn reflects on realising she was near burnout, feeling refreshed, revisiting best practice, and promoting relationship-building, balance, and well-being for student teachers.  She discusses how drama built confidence, and how COVID led to webinars, Irish-language resources, and a bilingual teacher planner. TIME STAMPS * 00:43 Aislinn's Teaching Journey * 01:52 Applying for the Fellowship * 03:38 Fear of Change and Decision * 06:32 Tradeoffs and Master’s Funding * 07:15 Why It’s Only Two Years * 09:13 Returning Refreshed * 11:52 Sharing the Move Online * 15:17 Qualities of Teacher Fellows * 19:06 Imposter Syndrome and Team Balance * 21:03 Relationships First * 21:36 Teacher Wellbeing Boundaries * 23:26 Rest Is Productive * 25:23 Priorities And Time * 27:13 Drama Builds Confidence * 29:59 Showtime In Class * 34:14 Planner Born In Covid * 38:20 Helping Teachers Take Risks * 39:10 Leap Of Faith Closing [The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast Host: Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383128/fan_mail/new]

E50: Brien Kearns - From HR to School Principal: Authentic Leadership, Reflection, and Doing Better Interviews

In this episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, I interview Brien Kearns, administrative principal of Castletown National School in Navan, County Meath, about his career from an early HR role in the Department of Justice to nearly 20 years in teaching and becoming a principal in 2020 just before COVID. Brien explains how HR experience shaped his approach to relationship-building, communication, professionalism, and handling grievances, and how principals spend much of their time on “managing the organisation.” He discusses hiring for fit and strengths, supporting staff at different life stages, and the value of reflection through school self-evaluation and critical friends.  Brien shares lessons from failing principal interviews before succeeding on his third attempt, emphasising credible, evidence-based answers, preparation, feedback, and perseverance. He advises using AI carefully without losing authenticity, and stresses following policy, circulars, and frameworks for fairness, trust, and protection.  He closes with advice for new principals: be genuine, empower staff, seek help, show humility, and accept ongoing learning and imposter syndrome. TIMESTAMPS * 00:23 From Teacher to Principal * 02:28 HR Roots in Justice * 05:31 Relationships Drive Schools * 08:17 Hiring and Staff Fit * 11:02 Duty of Care for Staff * 12:38 Learning From Interview Failure * 17:13 Postgrad and Answer Structure * 18:36 Advice After Rejection * 21:02 Feedback for Middle Leaders * 23:12 Self Awareness as a Leader * 23:42 Growth Through Change * 24:31 Learning From Failure * 25:36 Reflection Habits * 26:51 School Self Evaluation * 28:12 Critical Friends Network * 29:37 Job Applications Lessons * 33:23 AI Without Losing Voice * 35:54 Policies And Frameworks * 42:26 New Principals Advice * 44:42 Imposter Syndrome Reality * 45:43 Final Encouragement Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383128/fan_mail/new]

E49: Jill O’Meara - Confidence Is Attractive: Personal Branding Photography for Educators

On the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, host Orla interviews photographer Jill O’Meara about personal branding and headshot photography for professionals, including ambitious teachers seeking leadership roles. Jill explains how she creates a safe, guided studio experience in Enfield, Co Meath - optional makeover, posing, real-time photo review, attention to detail, and tailored planning around clients’ colors and personality - to help clients feel grounded, confident, and accurately represented. They discuss the risks of outdated or unrepresentative images, the many uses for professional photos (LinkedIn, CVs, WhatsApp, newsletters, podcasts, speaking, awards, editorial, school websites), and Jill’s on-location staff headshot work. Jill shares her background in architecture, the importance of body language and “listening eyes,” and her takeaway: “do it anyway.” TIMESTAMPS * 00:36 Jill Studio Experience * 01:52 Networking Photographer Life * 03:14 Headshots And Authenticity * 04:50 Teachers Confidence Online * 06:44 Where To Use Photos * 08:56 Personal Brand Explained * 10:01 On Location Team Headshots * 11:42 Architecture To Photography * 13:07 Tailored Shoots Planning * 17:07 Helping Camera Shy Clients * 20:41 Clients Return And Legacy * 22:41 Ripple Effects of Leadership * 24:16 Home Self vs Work Self * 25:36 Family Shoots and Studio Fun * 27:43 Know Your Audience * 28:41 Body Language in Portraits * 30:51 Grounded Confidence on Camera * 33:48 Interview Presence and Nuance * 35:44 Building Real Confidence * 38:02 Brand Photos for Opportunities * 41:15 Do It Anyway * 42:21 How to Book Jill * 43:23 Final Thanks and Wrap CONTACT JILL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-o-meara-photography/ Website: https://www.jillomeara.ie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillomearaphotography/  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383128/fan_mail/new]