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Positively LeadingWinter Series E4 - Leadership, AI and Human Connection with Jade AimSend us a textIn this special episode of Positively Leading, we welcome Jade Aim, Principal of Kelmscott Primary School. Jade shares her inspiring path from teaching to leadership, shaped by early family experiences and the power of mentorship. She reflects on building a strong school culture through simple, consistent rituals and a shared school charter that fosters accountability and care.Jade also shares her game-changing approach to technology—using AI tools to cut through admin overload. From creating differentiated resources and translating documents for families to drafting parent communications and generating reports, AI helps he...2025-07-1647 minPositively LeadingWinter Series E3 - Mastering Interviews Part Two with Jenny ColeSend us a textWalking into a leadership interview can feel overwhelming, especially in the high-pressure world of educational leadership. But what if the key to success isn’t about having perfect answers, but about telling authentic, memorable stories? After 15 years of coaching school leaders, I’ve seen how striving for perfection often backfires. Interview panels aren’t looking for textbook responses – they want to connect with a real person who brings genuine value, courage, and perspective to their team.In this episode, part two of Mastering Interviews, I break down five common mistakes candidates make and...2025-07-1027 minPositively LeadingWinter Series E2 - Mastering Interviews Part One with Jenny ColeSend us a textJob interviews for leadership roles in education often come down to more than just qualifications. Despite fair intentions, unconscious bias still plays a powerful role in who gets selected. Many capable candidates reach the interview stage but are overlooked – not because of poor performance, but due to hidden dynamics like affinity bias, where panels gravitate toward people who feel familiar.In this episode, part one on mastering interviews, Jenny Cole dives into what really influences hiring outcomes. She explains why strategic networking and sponsorship are more powerful than traditional preparation alone. Wh...2025-07-0332 minPositively LeadingWinter Series E1 - Understanding Parents of Students with Special Needs with Jenny ColeSend us a text Ever wondered what's really going through the minds of parents raising children with special needs? This candid exploration pulls back the curtain on one of education's most complex relationships.Drawing from three decades of experience in special education, I share how dramatically classroom dynamics have shifted. Today's mainstream teachers regularly support 8-10 neurodivergent students alongside typically developing peers, often with minimal specialized training. While acknowledging these extraordinary challenges, I invite educators to reconsider how we view parents of children with disabilities.The powerful "Welcome to Holland" analogy illuminates the p...2025-06-2631 minPositively LeadingS3E16 - The Art of Knowing Yourself with Jenny ColeSend us a textEver reached that point where your work becomes so all-consuming that you start losing sight of yourself? That's exactly where I found myself recently – deeply passionate about my work supporting educational leaders, but recognizing the warning signs that preceded burnout in my earlier principalship career.My leadership journey began unexpectedly in rural schools, finding myself in leadership positions before I fully understood what I was stepping into. After serving as principal across three schools, I eventually burned out – a painful but profound learning experience that taught me the cornerstone of effective lead...2025-05-0820 minPositively LeadingS3E15 - Navigating Leadership in a Changing Landscape with Jenny Cole for the Structure Literacy PodcastSend us a textThis week on Positively Leading we've reversed roles! We are excited to share an episode featuring Jenny and interviewed by Jocelyn Seamer for the Structured Literacy Podcast.-----Leadership coach Jenny Cole takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of educational leadership, offering practical wisdom gleaned from her transition from special needs teacher to principal to leadership consultant. At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful message about confidence: it's not something we wait to receive, but something we build through action. Jenny challenges t...2025-05-0149 min
The Structured Literacy PodcastS5 E15 - Interview with Jenny Cole - Navigating Leadership in a Changing LandscapeHas something in this episode resonated with you? Get in touch! In this interview episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn speaks with leadership coach and "recovering principal" Jenny Cole about navigating school leadership challenges in today's complex educational environment. Jenny provides practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through action rather than endless learning, conducting challenging conversations using the "feedback bridge" approach that acknowledges strengths while addressing areas for improvement, and distinguishing between concrete rule-based conversations and sensitive personal feedback situations. The discussion addresses the unique challenges facing today's school leaders who must navigate rapid i...2025-04-2648 min
Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast with Cole & Scott#121 - Jenny Dearborn - How to be an Insight-Driven CHROHelp support the podcast: We are a listener supported podcast. By becoming a patron you will help us cover the costs of producing and distributing our podcast, while getting special premium access to the hosts. Please become a patron of Directionally Correct by going here: https://patron.podbean.com/directionallycorrect
Join Cole in a riveting episode of Directionally Correct, where he sits down with Jenny Dearborn, the Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS and renowned author of The Insight Driven Leader. Explore the fascinating transition from a beekeeping enthusiast to a leading mind in HR analytics. In this episode, J...2025-04-2053 minPositively LeadingS3E14 - Productivity Hacks Part 2: Using To Do Lists, Trello & Microsoft To Do with Jenny ColeSend us a textProductivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with the limited time and energy we have. As school leadership becomes increasingly complex, with endless demands competing for our attention, finding ways to work smarter becomes essential to our effectiveness and wellbeing. Join me as I continue on from the previous episode with Part 2 in this special productivity series!----------------Digital overwhelm is a real challenge for school leaders. The constant stream of tasks, emails, and projects can leave even the most organized administrator feeling underwater. But wh...2025-04-1719 minPositively LeadingS3E13 - Productivity Hacks Part 1: Boundaries, Deep Work and Getting Time Back as a School LeaderSend us a textProductivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with the limited time and energy we have. As school leadership becomes increasingly complex, with endless demands competing for our attention, finding ways to work smarter becomes essential to our effectiveness and wellbeing.In this solo episode, I share my journey as someone who is "naturally disorganized" and a "follower of shiny objects" who has nonetheless developed systems that work. Rather than offering advice as a productivity expert, I'm speaking as a fellow traveler who has tried countless methods and fo...2025-04-1019 minPositively LeadingS3E12 - Why Early Childhood Leadership Matters with Linda SweetSend us a textStep into the world of early childhood education with Linda Sweet, Deputy Head of Primary Early Learning at a K-12 school in Perth. With 35+ years of experience, Linda’s passion for nurturing young minds shines through as she shares her journey from enthusiastic educator to influential leader.We explore the power of play-based learning, how it builds resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills, and why creating curiosity-driven environments is key to early education. Linda also discusses the Reggio Emilia approach, the importance of advocacy for young learners, and the need for mo...2025-04-0348 minPositively LeadingS3E11 - Why Being a School Leader is More than Just a Title with Cleo JenkinsSend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Cleo Jenkins, an experienced Deputy Principal with a wealth of leadership wisdom. Growing up in a family of educators, Cleo shares how her early influences and personal hardships shaped her perspective on leadership and wellbeing.We explore why self-care is essential for school leaders and how Cleo’s doctorate research is shedding light on the relational dynamics that impact leadership effectiveness. From building trust and communication to fostering a supportive school culture, her insights are practical and deeply relevant.Aspiring le...2025-03-2639 minPositively LeadingS3E10 - Why Every Leader Needs a Cheerleader with Jacquie CooperSend us a textJoin us for an inspiring chat with Jacquie Cooper, a passionate principal who went from a hesitant intern to a confident school leader. Jacquie’s story is all about empowering educators, building connections, and leading with authenticity.In this episode we dive into the real challenges of school leadership—balancing community expectations, managing staff, and nurturing middle leaders - and Jacquie shares her approach to professional development, ensuring educators grow in ways that align with their passions. She also highlights the power of cultural responsiveness, sharing how she weaves Noong...2025-03-1939 minPositively LeadingS3E9 - Embracing the Unexpected: Leadership and Innovation with Sara CampbellSend us a textWhat if embracing the unexpected could transform your approach to educational leadership? In this episode, Sara Campbell, Deputy Principal at a fully inclusive primary school in Perth, shares her inspiring journey from teaching computing and art in the UK to becoming a passionate advocate for students with disabilities in Australia.Sara’s leadership story highlights the balance between academic achievement and social-emotional growth, showcasing how the strengths of education assistants can positively impact learning environments. She offers valuable insights into early intervention, disability resourcing, and innovative strategies that support inclusive education....2025-03-1238 min
The Prepared School PsychSupporting Emotional Resilience and Positive Thinking in Young Learners with Authors Jesse Cole and Annie SimonIn this episode of the Prepared School Psych Podcast, host Jenny interviews Jesse Cole and Annie Simon, co-founders of J&A Mindful Connections and creators of the 'Adventures in Mindfulness and Positive Thinking for Kids' series. They discuss their background, the motivation behind their book series, and how their resources support children's emotional development through practical tools and engaging stories. They also highlight how these books can be integrated into educators' and psychologists' toolkits, helping children manage emotions and build resilience. The episode concludes with insights into future projects and tips for school psychologists and educators on implementing mindfulness...2025-03-1121 min
The Career Flipper PodcastFrom social worker to financial coach, meet Annie ColeIn this episode, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Annie Cole of Vancouver, WA, a financial coach who’s no stranger to career flipping. Annie shares her journey from social work to education, then ed tech, and finally launching her own business focused on financial coaching for women. Along the way, she’s learned the importance of self-care while making intentional career moves. She offers real, practical advice for anyone considering a career change or starting a business—like utilizing free resources, seeking mentorship, and taking it one step at a time. Annie also highlights how bridge jobs can provide financ...2025-03-0636 minPositively LeadingS3E8 - Leading with Heart: Balancing Career and Family with Nicki HillSend us a textIn this episode, Nicki Hill, principal of North Tom Price Primary School, shares her inspiring journey of balancing a demanding leadership role with family life. From her transition from the Goldfields to Perth, Nicki reflects on the challenges she faced, the strategic choices she made to prioritize her family, and how embracing vulnerability and self-trust shaped her leadership path.Nicki’s passion for early childhood education shines as she explores the critical developmental years from birth to age eight. She discusses the transformative impact of early interventions, the importance of literacy, an...2025-03-0542 minPositively LeadingS3E7 - Embracing Feedback and Building Confidence with Marg TranquilleSend us a textIn this episode, Marg Tranquille, vice principal of a secondary college in Western Australia, reflects on her 30-year journey in Catholic education. From her early days as head of year to balancing motherhood and career, Marg shares how she overcame burnout, found renewed purpose through consulting, and rediscovered her passion upon returning to the classroom—paving the way to her current leadership role.Marg offers candid insights into the challenges and rewards of middle leadership, from managing staffing and timetabling to driving teaching and learning initiatives. She discusses the pressures of ad...2025-02-2631 minPositively LeadingS3E6 - Building Trust and Overcoming Ego in Schools with Brooke McFarlaneSend us a textWhat does it take to build a truly inclusive educational environment? In this episode, Associate Principal Brooke McFarlane shares her inspiring journey from drama and English teacher to passionate advocate for vulnerable students. Drawing from her experiences in challenging school settings, Brooke highlights the power of community cohesion in supporting special needs students within mainstream education.She candidly reflects on her leadership evolution, shaped by programs like Jenny's Rising Leaders program and Dare to Lead, as well as the importance of psychological safety and compassionate guidance. Brooke discusses confronting her own b...2025-02-1937 minPositively LeadingS3E5 - Leadership and Growth in Primary Education with Robyn HutchinsSend us a textJoin us as we chat with Robyn Hutchins, a primary school principal on the Gold Coast with an unconventional path into education. From high school teaching to leading in primary, Robyn’s story is all about adaptability, growth, and the power of great mentors and colleagues.We dive into her leadership style—grounded in steadiness and support—and how it shapes her approach to guiding teams and driving change. Robyn shares why having a strong support network (think of it like your own "personal board of directors") is key to sta...2025-02-1240 minPositively LeadingS3E4 - Balancing the Tasks of a Middle Leader Role with Melanie MooreSend us a textThis week on Positively Leading, I chat with Melanie Moore, a level three program coordinator at a public secondary school. Mel shares her experiences leading professional learning communities, balancing academic growth with well-being, and the complexities of middle leadership.With a career spanning over 30 years in both the UK and Australia, Mel has navigated roles in student services, instructional coaching, and curriculum leadership. From implementing multi-tiered support systems to nurturing professional growth among her team, Mel offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of being a "middle leader."2025-02-0536 minPositively LeadingS3E3 - Revolutionising Education Through Leadership and Innovation with Cara FugillSend us a textWhat if you could revolutionize education while staying true to your core values? Join us as we chat with Cara Fugill, the inspirational Principal of Scotch Global, who has transformed from a young mathematics teacher into a pioneering leader in educational innovation. Cara's journey is a testament to the power of embracing leadership early and taking calculated risks to challenge traditional norms. Her experiences across various educational systems, including a pivotal period in London, have shaped her unique approach to leadership, one that is deeply rooted in innovation and equity.Discover...2025-01-2958 minPositively LeadingS3E2 - Creating Positive School Cultures and Communities to Improve Learning with Hayley TaylorSend us a textJoin us for a down-to-earth chat with Hayley Taylor, Principal of Canning Vale Primary School, as she shares her journey from an early childhood teacher in a small Wheatbelt school to leading a thriving school community. Hayley opens up about how family priorities and unexpected challenges shaped her career, showing the power of courage, determination, and building strong relationships in education.Hayley talks about creating a positive school culture, including her experience implementing the Positive Behaviour Support School program. She reflects on the early challenges of leadership, like inconsistent expectations and...2025-01-2242 minPositively LeadingS3E1 - Leading in Isolated Schools with Jess WilsonSend us a textJoin us for an inspiring chat with Jess Wilson, Deputy Principal of Doomadgee Primary School in Queensland. Jess shares her journey from University to teaching in London, and how she found her way to the unique and remote community of Doomadgee. She talks about what drew her to this role and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.In this episode, Jess dives into the challenges and rewards of leading in a close-knit community, where school and community life often overlap. She shares how her core values—kindness, courage, and...2025-01-1528 min
Positively LeadingSummer Series Part 5: Goal Setting and Life Strategy Planning with Dr. Pete StebbinsSend us a textUnlock the secrets of strategic goal-setting with our special guest, Dr. Pete Stebbins, as we explore the art of transforming dreams into reality in the fifth and final episode in our special Summer Series. This episode promises to take you beyond the standard SMART goals to introduce the concepts of stretch goals and mini adventures, pushing you to expand your boundaries. Dr. Pete shares his insights on how aligning your goals with your legacy can prevent existential crises and help you achieve a cohesive life strategy.Journey with us as we...2025-01-011h 06
Positively LeadingSummer Series Part 4: Living Your Endless Summer Life Strategy with Dr. Pete StebbinsSend us a textWhat if you could design a life brimming with purpose and joy, regardless of the obstacles in your path? In this thought-provoking 4th episode of Positively Leading's Summer Series, we sit down with Dr. Pete Stebbins, the brilliant mind behind "Living Your Endless Summer Life Strategy." Dr. Stebbins shares his expertise on creating a life strategy that enables you to take decisive actions, overcome self-doubt, and ultimately shape the life you've always dreamed of. Together, we tackle the challenges of unworthiness and people-pleasing, urging you to embrace radical responsibility and intentionality in every...2024-12-2545 min
Positively LeadingSummer Series Part 3: Overcoming Burnout in Leadership with Dr. Pete StebbinsSend us a textIn Part 3 of the Summer Series, Dr. Pete Stebbins and I continue discussing principal and school leader wellbeing. In this episode, we tackle the second big question: Why do school leaders allow work overload to consume their personal time, often at the expense of their own growth and relationships?Drawing on research, lived experiences, and real world examples, we look at the hidden factors that perpetuates this cycle and explore how leaders can begin to reclaim balance.We discuss:How the tendency to delay happiness until "a...2024-12-1823 min
Positively LeadingSummer Series Part 2: Emotional Suppression and Trauma in School Leadership with Dr Pete StebbinsSend us a textThis week on Positively Leading, I'm joined by Dr Pete Stebbins for part two of our special series on leadership and well-being. We're diving deep into the first of two critical questions: what drives us as leaders to endure high levels of personal distress, often at the expense of our own health?Pete highlights the stark reality that school leaders face, with a staggering 60% incidence rate of depression, anxiety, and stress disorders compared to just 10% in the general population. Despite running well-being programs in their s...2024-12-1142 min