In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Brendan Browne, the Director of Education for the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).
Brendan’s journey began with a passion for special education inherited from his mother, a pioneer in the field. But his path was anything but linear, taking him from being an award-winning playwright to leading one of the largest publicly funded Catholic school systems in the world. Along the way, he wrestled with a question that many of us face: "Am I playing a role, or am I being me?"
This is a raw, honest, and deeply moving conversation. Brendan opens up about his struggles with imposter syndrome and how that experience led him to a counter-intuitive but profound belief: that the goal of education isn't endless support, but true independence. His ultimate measure of success for any educator? It's a simple, powerful question a parent would ask: "Do you love my kids?"
Whether you're a parent navigating modern challenges, a leader building a team, or simply trying to find your way, Brendan’s stories and wisdom will resonate long after you listen.