Well-Led Schools

Well-Led Schools

Podcast door Adrienne Hornby

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" Schools - those that lead with “wellbeing in mind.” Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Coach, 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.

Tijdelijke aanbieding

3 maanden voor € 1,00

Daarna € 9,99 / maandElk moment opzegbaar.

Begin hier

Alle afleveringen

59 afleveringen
episode S3E9: Building Thriving School Communities Through a Focus on Wellbeing with David Kolpak artwork
S3E9: Building Thriving School Communities Through a Focus on Wellbeing with David Kolpak

Many schools face a common challenge: how to cultivate staff wellbeing and build a thriving culture amid fragmented efforts and wellbeing initiatives that often fall short or don’t last. Leaders want teams that feel connected, supported and energised, because when staff wellbeing flourishes, students benefit too, and the whole school community thrives. Yet, creating this kind of cohesive, sustainable wellbeing culture is far from straightforward.   In this episode, we welcome back David Kolpak, Principal at Trinity College North School and Visible Wellbeing Facilitator, with Professor Lee Waters. With over 30 years of education experience, David is a passionate advocate for whole-school wellbeing rooted in positive psychology and tailored to each school’s unique context. Drawing on his new book Thriving Together and years of national and international speaking, David shares powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering growth mindsets, and embedding wellbeing in everyday school life. Together, we explore practical strategies and mindsets that help schools move beyond short-term fixes toward thriving communities.    In this episode, we cover: * How positive psychology shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s strong, balancing challenges with strengths and everyday moments of joy * Using staff wellbeing audits and appreciative inquiry to identify strengths, gaps and next steps * Why effective wellbeing approaches must be context-driven, collaborative and embedded into everyday school life * Designing systems that integrate wellbeing into the school’s core operations rather than treat it as an add-on or one-off initiative * Building real-life resilience in staff and students by normalising setbacks and fostering emotional authenticity and shifting from rescuing to coaching * How to foster a coaching culture built on trust, where feedback is safe, purposeful and focused on growth for both staff and students * Helping staff focus on what they can control by owning emotional responses and validating challenges * How schools can sustain wellbeing efforts through intentional rituals, routines and systems that promote reflection, celebration and consistent practice. About David David Kolpak (MEd, BEd, BTeach) is the Principal of Trinity College North in Adelaide (EY–10), a role he has held for six years. With over 30 years of experience in education and leadership, David is a respected advocate for Positive Education and whole-school wellbeing. He has led the design and delivery of Positive Education programs spanning early years to Year 10, embedding positive psychology principles across curriculum and school culture.   David is an experienced national and international speaker, having presented at conferences such as the Positive Education Schools Association, the Positive Schools Conference, and the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress. A Visible Wellbeing Facilitator with Professor Lea Waters, David recently published his book Thriving Together, offering schools a practical blueprint for fostering flourishing learning communities through wellbeing and entrepreneurial mindsets. He is passionate about empowering students and staff to co-create positive environments that sustain wellbeing and growth.   Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program [https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/] Listen to S1. Ep.10 with David Kolpak: Adopting a Positive and Nurturing Approach to Improving Staff Wellbeing with David Kolpak [https://adriennehornby.com.au/adopting-a-positive-and-nurturing-approach-to-improving-staff-wellbeing-with-david-kolpak-episode-10/] Read David’s new book: Thriving Together: A Blueprint for Flourishing Staff and Students [https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/product-page/effective-communication-guide]   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 David via: His website: www.davidkolpak.com.au/ [https://www.davidkolpak.com.au/]  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolpak-4932a6119/?originalSubdomain=au [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolpak-4932a6119/?originalSubdomain=au]    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.

30 jun 2025 - 1 h 26 min
episode S3E8: How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins artwork
S3E8: How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins

When a school team feels “a bit off”, it’s tempting to think it’s a people problem, but often, it’s a structure problem. How teams are set up, supported and expected to function plays a far greater role in their success than we might assume. Without clarity around roles, norms and purpose, even teams made up of good people can struggle to function at their best.   In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pete Stebbings, workplace psychologist and director of the High Performance Schools Program. Drawing on years of school-based leadership development, Pete shares practical strategies for building high-performing teams that thrive on clarity, trust and structure.    In this episode, we cover: * How Pete defines high-performance teams and how they differ from traditional group structures * Why many school teams aren’t truly functioning as teams, and how to spot the difference * How to shift from relationship-based cultures to trust-based cultures * The importance of clarifying team norms, roles and goals * The power of clear processes and feedback tools like Pulse Surveys and the Interaction Analysis Dashboard * How the CARD personality model helps teams work better together * What to prioritise when shifting toward a high-performance team culture in your school   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/]   Articles Mentioned in the Episode: * FREE RESOURCE: High Performance Team Guidebook for Educators [https://www.hptschools.com/_files/ugd/3d9c4e_fc20365d8c554c28a8472af5e4f2a05d.pdf] * Management Support Systems in Flourishing Schools: Line vs Professional Manager [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/management-support-systems-flourishing-schools-line-vs-stebbins-12k8c/?trackingId=7eoAuUvLSpCmnCcefZvueA%3D%3D] * Great vs Extraordinary Schools [https://www.hptschools.com/_files/ugd/3d9c4e_bda203471d57481c8be8fa32009816ff.pdf] * Building High Performance Teams [https://www.hptschools.com/_files/ugd/3d9c4e_608b2d7f767e4fdfa70a051f0a4d5550.pdf]   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   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.

16 jun 2025 - 1 h 2 min
episode S3E7: Changing The Narrative: What It Really Takes To Address The Current Teacher Crisis with Brad Gaynor artwork
S3E7: Changing The Narrative: What It Really Takes To Address The Current Teacher Crisis with Brad Gaynor

Educators across the country are burning out, feeling undervalued, and walking away from the profession in increasing numbers. While the headlines often focus on pay or staffing gaps, many of us working in schools know that the issues run far deeper. The loss of trust in teachers, unrealistic expectations, and a disconnect between policy and practice are all contributing to a school culture that feels increasingly unsustainable.   In this episode of the Well-Led Schools podcast, we’re joined by Brad Gaynor, an experienced education leader, coach, and passionate advocate for system-wide change.    With decades of frontline and leadership experience, Brad brings clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom to this complex conversation. Together, we unpack what’s really behind the teacher crisis and explore what needs to shift, both in mindset and in action, to rebuild trust, restore wellbeing and retain our best educators.   In this episode, we cover: * The deeper, often overlooked reasons why educators are choosing to leave the profession * How can we shift the public and internal narrative of education to restore trust in teachers and their expertise * Simple, actionable steps schools and leaders can take now to move from just talk to genuine transformation * Real-world examples of what strategies are already working well in schools to reduce burnout and stress for educators About Brad: Brad is a respected education leader, budding author, and advocate for sustainable change in Australian schools.   With over 35 years of experience as a teacher, principal and education leader, Brad brings a grounded, frontline perspective to the complex realities facing today’s educators.   Brad currently supports schools and leaders in strategic improvement, leadership development, and school culture enhancement. Brad is passionate about building high-performing teams, leading change, and promoting leadership wellbeing. His strong background in policy, curriculum development, and reform has shaped his advocacy for practical, sustainable solutions in education.   Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program [https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/]   Articles Mentioned in the Episode: * Brad’s Article: Beyond Band-Aids: What it Will Really Take to Keep Teachers [https://bradgaynor.com.au/f/beyond-band-aids-what-it-will-really-take-to-keep-teachers] * Brad’s Article: Education: We Know What’s Wrong. So Let’s Fix It! [https://bradgaynor.com.au/f/education-we-know-what%E2%80%99s-wrong-so-let%E2%80%99s-fix-it#0e0dd66c-8c73-481b-8dbf-012f3636013d] * Brad’s Article: But What About School Leaders? [https://bradgaynor.com.au/f/but-what-about-school-leaders#0e0dd66c-8c73-481b-8dbf-012f3636013d] * My Article: Supporting Teacher and Staff Professional Identity: A Key to Enhancing Wellbeing and School Culture [https://adriennehornby.com.au/supporting-teacher-and-staff-professional-identity-a-key-to-enhancing-wellbeing-and-school-culture/] * My Article: Effective Strategies for Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads [https://adriennehornby.com.au/effective-strategies-for-addressing-increased-teacher-workload/] * Workload Reduction Toolkit  [https://improve-workload-and-wellbeing-for-school-staff.education.gov.uk/workload-reduction-toolkit/]   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 Brad via: His website: bradgaynor.com.au [http://bradgaynor.com.au]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brad-gaynor-92b68b53 [http://linkedin.com/in/brad-gaynor-92b68b53]  On Instagram: @brad_coaching  [https://www.instagram.com/brad_coaching/] Email:  brad@brad.gaynor.com.au [brad@brad.gaynor.com.au]    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.

26 mei 2025 - 1 h 6 min
episode S3E6: Navigating Difficult Conversations in Schools with Shane Michael Hatton artwork
S3E6: Navigating Difficult Conversations in Schools with Shane Michael Hatton

Difficult conversations are a part of every educator’s world, whether it's addressing performance concerns, navigating team dynamics, or holding a student’s wellbeing at the center of a tough decision. But let’s be honest: many of us dread them. They’re uncomfortable, emotionally charged, and often feel easier to avoid. The problem is that avoiding these conversations can come at a high cost to trust, morale, and ultimately, the school's culture.   In this episode, I’m joined by leadership and culture expert Shane Michael Hatton, who has spent the past decade helping leaders across the globe communicate more effectively and build healthier, more connected teams. Shane shares practical insights and mindset shifts to help school leaders approach difficult conversations with more clarity, courage and compassion. Whether you’re a principal, middle leader, or classroom teacher, you’ll come away from this episode feeling more equipped to lean into the conversations that matter most.   In this episode, we explore: * What makes a conversation “difficult”, and why they’re so commonly avoided * The hidden costs of avoidance and what’s at stake when we stay silent * Why the "conversations before the conversation" matter just as much as the main event * How to foster psychological safety so that open dialogue becomes the norm * The leadership traits and everyday behaviours that build trust and rapport with staff * Shane’s simple framework for navigating difficult conversations with greater impact * How to balance empathy and care with clarity and accountability * What to do after the conversation, and why follow-through is where trust is either built or broken   About Shane: Shane Michael Hatton is a globally recognised author, speaker, and leadership expert with over a decade of experience in helping leaders and teams thrive. Combining a strong foundation in business and psychology, Shane equips leaders to communicate with impact, build trust, and create high-performing team cultures. He’s the author of two books, including the bestselling Let’s Talk Culture – The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want, and the host of the podcast Phone Calls With Clever People.   Shane’s insights have been featured in renowned publications, including Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The Australian. As an executive coach and facilitator, he’s worked with organisations across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, both in Australia and internationally. Today, Shane is on a mission to elevate how leaders think and talk about culture — one courageous conversation at a time. Links and Resources: Well-Led Schools Partnership Program [http://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/]   Watch Shane’s video series: Nine Leadership Shifts https://shanemhatton.com/firsttimeleader/ [https://shanemhatton.com/firsttimeleader/]   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 Shane via: His website: shanehattonspeaks.com [https://shanehattonspeaks.com/]  Instagram: instagram.com/shanemhatton [http://instagram.com/shanemhatton] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shanemhatton [http://linkedin.com/in/shanemhatton] Listen to his podcast: Phone Calls With Clever People Podcast [https://shanemhatton.com/pcwcppod/]   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.

28 apr 2025 - 1 h 8 min
episode S3E5: From Overwhelmed to Calm: Practical Strategies for Educators with Michelle Gauthier artwork
S3E5: From Overwhelmed to Calm: Practical Strategies for Educators with Michelle Gauthier

Ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending, your inbox is overflowing, and no matter how hard you try to get ahead, you’re always playing catch-up? You’re not alone. As leaders and educators, we’re constantly juggling lesson planning, meetings, emails, student needs, and—oh yeah—our own lives. The weight of it all can feel overwhelming, and finding a sense of balance can seem impossible.   In this episode of the Well-Led Schools Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Gauthier, a life coach who specialises in helping high-achievers transform overwhelm into calm. Michelle knows firsthand what it’s like to live life on overdrive, and she’s made it her mission to help others create a more intentional and less stressful way of living.    Together, we unpack the root causes of overwhelm, how to shift our mindset, and—most importantly—practical strategies that will help you regain control of your time, energy and wellbeing. If you’re looking for realistic, actionable ways to manage stress and create a sense of calm (even in the busiest seasons), this episode is for you.   In this episode, we cover: * The differences between stress and overwhelm and what it actually means to be overwhelmed * Above and below the surface causes of overwhelm * The importance of mindset in managing feelings of overwhelm * Practical strategies to improve time management and productivity without overwhelm * How to plan for interruptions and maintain flexibility in your schedule    About Michelle: Michelle Gauthier is a life coach dedicated to helping high achievers move from overwhelm to calm. After spending over 20 years in corporate America leading businesses through simplification and efficiency strategies, she took a leap into life coaching and never looked back. Since 2017, she’s helped hundreds of women reduce stress, create clarity, and build more intentional lives. She’s also the host of Overwhelmed Working Woman, where she shares practical tools to help busy professionals find balance—without guilt.   When she’s not coaching, Michelle is a single mom to two teenagers and a dog mom to Pippi. She’s an adventurer at heart. She believes in the power of less is more and is on a mission to help people create lives that feel calmer, more organised and full of joy.   Links and Resources: Explore our Staff Wellbeing Survey Packages: https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-survey/ [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, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Michelle via: Her Website:  www.michellegauthier.com [http://www.michellegauthier.com]   On Instagram: @michellegauthiercoaching [https://www.instagram.com/michellegauthiercoaching/?hl=en]  Listen to her podcast: Overwhelmed Working Woman [https://www.michellegauthier.com/podcast] Episode 51: Create Productivity Without Overwhelm This Week With The "Calendar Clean-Out Method" [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-create-productivity-without-overwhelm-this-week/id1682690231?i=1000650342748]   Check out her free resources: Discover the root causes of your overwhelm with this free quiz [https://www.michellegauthier.com/home-1] Stop Feeling Overwhelmed Guide [https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/stopfeelingoverwhelmed] Fresh Start Morning Worksheet and Mini Course [https://michellegauthier.mykajabi.com/goodmorning]   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au [http://adriennehornby.com.au]  Linkedin: www.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.

31 mrt 2025 - 1 h 2 min
Super app. Onthoud waar je bent gebleven en wat je interesses zijn. Heel veel keuze!
Super app. Onthoud waar je bent gebleven en wat je interesses zijn. Heel veel keuze!
Makkelijk in gebruik!
App ziet er mooi uit, navigatie is even wennen maar overzichtelijk.

Tijdelijke aanbieding

3 maanden voor € 1,00

Daarna € 9,99 / maandElk moment opzegbaar.

Exclusieve podcasts

Advertentievrij

Gratis podcasts

Luisterboeken

20 uur / maand

Begin hier

Alleen bij Podimo

Populaire luisterboeken