Shows
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondInfusing Solution Focused Practice at School; An Interview with Polly NettoIn this new episode, Tara and Vicky are so happy to welcome Polly Netto who has been making a huge difference at her school. She is a secondary school teacher in the UK with over ten years experience in both pastoral and academic provision. Polly is the whole school Mental Health and Solution Focused lead, PSHE Lead, Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, and Deputy Head of Sixth Form.As part of her school’s mental health strategy, Polly, a trained solution focused practitioner, was inspired to share with staff, students and parents, how SF promotes positive en...
2025-10-1145 min
Education Leaders | Strategic School LeadershipA Solution-Focused Approach to Leadership | A Conversation with Vicky Essebag & Tara GrettonStruggling with staff meetings that spiral into problem talk? This episode explores solution-focused communication and how school leaders can transform their school culture by changing the questions they ask. Vicky Essebag and Tara Gretton share practical strategies for shifting from deficit-based conversations to hope-filled dialogue that actually moves your team forward. You'll discover why asking "what's wanted?" instead of "what's wrong?" creates the conditions for real change in your school community. We dive deep into how solution-focused approaches can help school leaders build stronger relationships with staff, students, and parents. Learn about the power of n...
2025-10-0736 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Linda Metcalf and Marcella Stark; Celebrating Solution Focus in Education and CounsellingIn this new episode, it was such a joy for Tara and Vicky to host two very inspiring women - Marcella Stark and Linda Metcalf – researchers, counselors, professors and authors. They are leaders in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and its applications in schools and workplaces. They shared their wonderful journeys, insights and stories with us. They also recently co-authored an exciting new book - Solution-Focused Strategies for K-12 Leaders – Improving School Climate, Teacher Confidence and Student Wellness.Join us in an interview that celebrates personal and professional growth, and the power of developing relationships and making an impa...
2025-08-301h 00
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Sonja Pullen: Instructional CoachingIn this new episode, Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag have the pleasure of interviewing Sonja Pullen. Sonja's journey through teaching, school leadership, coaching and consulting has equipped her to support students and teachers across Canada, Ethiopia, and Australia. Based in Toronto, she is the founder of SP Coaching and the Canadian consultant for the world-renowned Instructional Coaching Group led by Jim Knight. Sonja is dedicated to advancing coaching and professional development in education so that students and educators everywhere have the support they need to flourish. A certified coach in education, Sonja holds the European Mentoring and Coaching Council’s...
2025-07-2152 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Tamiko Nettles: Empowering Schools to 'Let Go and Be Great'!In this new podcast episode, Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag have the pleasure of interviewing Tamiko Nettles. Tamiko is a lifelong educator, innovative thinker, and author who empowers individuals and organizations to excel and create solutions in education, staff engagement, community and life. For over 20 years, she has created high impact programs that ensure all students and staff are valued, heard, and recognized in her roles as a teacher, coach, advocate for educators, and advisor to principals and executives. Tamiko is Founder and CEO of her educational consulting and coaching firm, Let Go-Be Great, LLC o...
2025-06-2355 min
FocusEDEpisode 78: Developing Stronger Relationship with Vicky EssebagFocusED Show Notes with Guest Vicky EssebagVicky starts by defining “relationspaces” as the way that we bring ourselves to the spaces where we develop relationships.Vicky tells us that we have preconceived notions about how we’re communicating and sometimes it’s effective and other times it’s not.Vicky gives us an example of where our communication as teachers to students might be landing wrong in a way that only supports more misbehavior.It’s better to minimize our noticing of the behaviors that are not desirable and maximize our noticing...
2025-06-1136 min
The SIXCOMMS PodcastEpisode 75: From Conflict to Curiosity: Transform How You Listen with Dr Jane TuomolaSend us a textIf you are looking for ways to have more productive and fulfilling conversations at your home or workplace, then this episode is for you!Dr Jane Tuomola, originally from the UK, is a Singapore-based therapist, coach, and trainer with over 20 years’ experience. She uses Solution Focused Practice to help clients create positive, goal-oriented change. A clinical psychologist and ICF-certified coach, Jane has edited two books on culturally responsive practice in Asia and is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.Here are just a couple of tips Jane sh...
2025-05-1630 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Jessica Morgenthal: Coaching with Power & Purpose while Looking to NatureTara Gretton and Vicky Essebag have the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Morgenthal, an award-winning podcast host and blogger, positive psychologist, and resilience coach who helps people and organizations navigate change, build resilience, and reconnect with what truly matters. She is the creator of Resilience Gone Wild, a podcast that blends captivating stories from the natural world with powerful, science-backed tools for human thriving—recognized as DiscoverPods’ 2024 Podcast of the Year and Best Science Podcast. Jessica is also a systemic team coach, consultant, speaker, and author with a background in strategic identity consulting, marketing research, and futuris...
2025-05-0345 min
Education Leaders | Strategic School LeadershipGuest Episode | Change in schools from withinA Call Across the Pond- Guest AppearanceShane Leaning appears as a guest on another podcast.Time zones don't matter when the conversation is this good! This bonus episode features Shane Leaning as a guest on "A Call Across the Pond: Transforming Relationships at School, at Home & Beyond" with Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag.Episode Highlights:Why most professional development doesn't lead to lasting change in schoolsHow the outsourcing of knowledge has led to a crisis of confidence in schoolsThe four key stages of effective, community-led changeWhy "buy-in"...
2025-04-2153 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Keita Demming: How Businesses Thrive by Moving Beyond the Lone WolfIn this new episode, Tara and Vicky have the pleasure of interviewing Keita Demming. Keita is an award-winning author, educator, and coach dedicated to transforming companies into spaces that are idea-driven and people-centered. He is Partner and Director of Development and Innovation at the Covenant Group. His book, Strategy to Action, is described as a practical methodology that will turn your biggest ideas into real offerings in your business and life. One of Keita's proudest achievements is helping build the community around TEDxPortofSpain, part of the global TED Ideas festival. Under his leadership, it has become one of the...
2025-04-0156 min
FocusED: An educational leadership podcast that uncovers what is working in our schools.Developing Stronger Relationship with Vicky EssebagFocusED Show Notes with Guest Vicky Essebag
Vicky starts by defining “relationspaces” as the way that we bring ourselves to the spaces where we develop relationships.
Vicky tells us that we have preconceived notions about how we’re communicating and sometimes it’s effective and other times it’s not.
Vicky gives us an example of where our communication as teachers to students might be landing wrong in a way that only supports more misbehavior.
It’s better to minimize our noticing of the behaviors that are not desirable and maximize our noticing of the desired behaviors.
Solution-Focused is a strength-bas...
2025-03-1436 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Shane Leaning - Change in Schools from WithinOur special guest on the podcast this week is Shane Leaning, an organizational coach based in Shanghai, supporting international schools globally, with extensive experience in the UK and Asia, and a background in teaching and regional teaching development (Nord Anglia Education). As a recognized voice in international education, Shane is a public speaker, instructional leader, consultant and coach, who shares his passion for productive change in schools. He is co-founder of Work Collaborative - a research and advocacy group that inspires and empowers schools to lead change for themselves as a community. Shane Leaning hosts t...
2025-03-011h 01
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondUplifting the Environment and Community One Tree at a Time - An Interview with Adam GrettonIn this episode, Tara and Vicky have the pleasure of interviewing Adam Gretton. Adam founded More Trees Banes in 2008 as a passion project and a response to climate change. Bringing children into the world made him want to make the world a safer place. Adam was motivated by the need to offset carbon, by the great comfort he found in working the land, and by members of his family who were also tree lovers (arborists and tree surgeons). Over the years, and as this incredible tree cultivating and planting project has developed and expanded throughout Bath (UK), Adam has...
2024-12-1444 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondInterview with Ayse AdilIn this episode Tara and Vicky have the pleasure of interviewing Ayse Adil. Ayse is the co-founder of Family Based Solutions, a charity in Enfield, London, that provides support for families experiencing child-to-parent abuse, families recovering from domestic abuse, and adult perpetrators of abuse. With over 15 years of experience in various educational roles, Ayse delivers training for organisations such as the NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and the Metropolitan Police. She is also the co-founder of FBS Chat, an online platform where community members and therapists from around the world are...
2024-10-3057 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Tara GrettonIn this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing our very own Tara Gretton! Vicky Essebag and Naomi Whitehead co-host this episode as they learn about Tara's inspiring work. Tara is an accredited solution-focused practitioner and social worker with post-graduate qualifications in child development and social work, and additional training in human physiology. With over 20 years of experience within the social care setting, education, charity sector and organizations, Tara delivers solution-focused therapeutic interventions, training, consultancy and coaching to children, young people, families and adults. She currently works in the area of Bath, England, where she is Founder of her...
2024-09-1147 min
Coaching Revealed an Institute of Coaching PodcastTransitioning Into Coaching PanelWhat careers do people leave to become coaches? In this episode of Coaching Revealed, a panel of IOC Fellows, Jan Levine, Laura Gates, Steliana van de Rijt-Economu, and Vicky Essebag are interviewed by IOC Podcast Host, Austin Matzelle about their transition from outside industries to the field of coaching. The panel reflect on what called them into a career change, and the type of career fulfillment they have achieved through the jump across industries.
2024-09-0645 min
Well-Led SchoolsS2E18: The Impact of Effective Communication on Staff Wellbeing with Vicky EssebagIn this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Vicky Essebag, a relational communication specialist with extensive experience in both education and family therapy. Vicky has held roles as a teacher, guidance counselor, curriculum consultant, and vice-principal, and she is also a certified solution-focused coach and trainer. She is best known for her work in adapting Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to foster healthy, effective relationships within schools, organisations, and families. In this episode, we explore the critical role of communication in schools and how it can be prioritised alongside academic curriculum to enhance staff w...
2024-09-021h 19
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Naomi Whitehead: Inspiring our Lives with Solution-FocusIn this new episode, Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag have the pleasure of interviewing Naomi Whitehead, a passionate and inspirational solution-focused leader. Naomi resides in Sheffield, England where she is a freelance solution-focused practitioner whose current portfolio includes managing her own coaching and training company, providing coaching services to the social justice feminist charity - Young Women’s Trust, guest lecturing at both Sheffield Universities, being a director at Solution Focused Trainers Community Interest Company and delivering coaching fundamentals and mentor coaching for Solutions Academy. In our conversation, Naomi sheds light on personal an...
2024-06-2041 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondRELATIONSPACES Interview with Vicky EssebagIn this new episode, Naomi Whitehead - An experienced Solution-Focused Coach, Trainer and Leader, joins Tara Gretton in interviewing Vicky Essebag about her book - Relationspaces; A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents. Enjoy this episode as these three wonderful women reflect on the intention behind creating effective and productive spaces in relationship. Vicky Essebag MEd - CPSY, OCT, CSFC is a relational communication specialist, Board Member of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association and Fellow with the Institute of Coaching. She pairs her extensive background in education as a teacher, guidance counselor, curriculum consultant, and school administrator, with her e...
2024-05-0837 min
The School of Wellbeing with Meg DurhamVicky Essebag: Thriving Relationships & Solution-Focused Conversations | Episode 115“Solution-focused approaches help us to move right into the solutions without ignoring the problem.”-Vicky Essebag
Ever wondered how to improve the quality of your relationships?
In this enlightening episode, Relational Communication Specialist, Vicky Essebag, the founder of relationspaces, shares her wealth of knowledge. She introduces us to the concept of ‘relation spaces’, a unique approach that encourages us to bring our best selves to every interaction.
Listen now so you can transform your relationships through intentional, respectful, and meaningful conversations!
Vicky’s book Relationspaces is available for purchase - shop now!
2024-02-1539 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondPersonal Wellness Through Breath Work; An Interview with Jacqui StormTara and Vicky had the pleasure of interviewing Jacqui Storm. Jacqui shines a light on the vital relationship we have with our minds and bodies. She has been on a life journey for personal health and believes that all human beings have an inner healing intelligence. She helps people to access this through self-help and preventative therapy. Jacqui explores how the breath empowers and how it compliments solution-focused work. She sees a strong link between back pain, emotions and nutrition. Jacqui is an experienced chiropractor and acupuncturist, and a lecturer in both subjects. She studied at the Scandinavian college...
2024-01-1644 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Interview with Gaia - A Trans Woman; On Self-Discovery, Activism & Empowering OthersIn this episode, Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag have the pleasure of interviewing Gaia, a 21-year-old diversity activist based in Bristol, U.K., who works as an LGBTQ+ Team Coordinator for The Diversity Trust. Drawing on her own experience and expertise as a Trans Woman, she delivers LGBTQ+, and specifically Transgender Awareness training. She also leads the local LGBTQ+ groups Alphabets Youth and Alphabets Adults. Gaia was trained in the Solution Focused Approach by our very own Tara whilst attending Beechen Cliff School, where she discovered the power of Solution Focus in empowering marginalised communities, and in inspiring young pe...
2023-12-0745 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondInterview with Carolyn Albanese on Well-being & the Impact of Mental Health Stigma on RelationshipsIn this new episode, Tara and Vicky have the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Albanese. Carolyn is an experienced educator, guidance counsellor and school administrator. She is a passionate mental health and wellbeing advocate, supporting women who have experienced mental health trauma and/or abuse and are looking to change their life path. She is a leader in equity, inclusion, wellbeing and human rights for all, as an Education Officer for the Ministry of Education of Ontario. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys playing the piano and drums, hiking and travelling with her family, and visiting family in Italy. Carolyn shar...
2023-11-0553 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondInterview with Meg Durham from the School of Wellbeing PodcastIn this episode, Tara and Vicky interview a special guest - Meg Durham, from the School of Wellbeing Podcast. Meg's podcast has gained much popularity and notoriety in the past couple of years. Meg is a teacher with experience in primary and secondary education across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education. She is an instructional leader, public speaker, coach and mentor. Meg founded 'Open Mind Education' in 2013 with a vision to share meaningful wellbeing education with staff, parents and broader school communities. In this episode, Meg talks about the importance of prioritizing one's own well...
2023-10-2546 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondTales of the Unexpected; How Young People can Surprise UsIn this episode Tara shares an incredible story that teaches a lesson about what lies under the surface in relationships. What can come of a bad situation when we address it with a shift in perspective? What can everyone involved learn from the experience, and what happens when young people are given a chance to be their best selves? Thank you Tara for sharing this amazing experience! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-10-2223 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondA Questioning Stance to Engage our Children in ConversationYou might have noticed that Tara and Vicky took a bit of a break since the last podcast! They were busy creating their new Relationspaces Power Bursts for you, where they respond to questions in short 5 minute bursts. Their conversations are based on quotes from the book - Relationspaces; A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents. Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/@Relationspaces, or https://www.youtube.com/@taragretton3700In this next podcast episode, Tara and Vicky ask the question – How do we shift from information/advice-giving in our relationships, to a questioning stance? They discuss how to e...
2023-09-2823 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondReady-Set-SchoolThis week, Tara and I talk about entering into conversations with our children as they prepare for school. How do we encourage the conversation? How do we motivate authentic self-expression? How do we discover what our children are thinking and feeling? How do we support them as they journey into a new school year? Enjoy! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-08-1937 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondAn Open SUMMERY ConversationA change of perception can be life altering. How willing are we to invest in a change of perception that isn’t immediate? In this next podcast episode, Tara and Vicky embrace the summer as they share stories that point to slowing down the hectic pace of life. How do we manage to do so? What are some unique ways in which to observe these helpful differences? What do we notice about how these differences improve our daily lives? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-07-2325 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondForming Relationships in SchoolsSchools are academic spaces, yet they are also social spaces, where individuals have an opportunity to engage with each other and to establish long term relationships that have an impact their own lives and on school climate. Schools are fairly unique as social systems in that they involve a wide range of roles and responsibilities as well as ages. Tara and Vicky speak to some of the many ways in which we can encourage respectful and healthy relationships in this socially vibrant arena - both one on one (e.g. teacher and students, administrators to teachers) and on a...
2023-06-3024 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondNoticing What WorksIn this episode Tara and Vicky talk about how noticing what works in relationships positively changes the way in which we think about and act on relationships. Noticing what works also empowers and inspires us to access our personal resources and to help motivate others to do so as well. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-06-2025 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondManaging our Emotions in RelationshipsTara and I are excited to share that in 2 ½ months, we have had 100 downloads of our podcast! Today we celebrate as we extend our sincere appreciation to all of our podcast listeners! Thank you for bringing us into your day. Keep on listening and please share with your friends and colleagues! Tell us what you're interested in hearing about. You can reach us at https://relationspaces.com/ or https://www.solutionrevolution.co.uk/.In this next episode, we discuss managing our emotions in relationships, and how to engage with our children and loved ones, when our emotions g...
2023-06-0632 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondThe Simplicity of KindnessTara and Vicky discuss how we can create a space for our children to communicate with kindness. How do we lay a foundation for them to have kind, meaningful and productive interactions which develop character and contribute to healthy relationships? Enjoy this next episode! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-05-2732 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondMaintaining Positive Relationships During Exam Periods in Schools and at HomeAs many secondary school students prepare for the end of the school year, they're also in the process of preparing for their year-end exam period. This is a stressful time, both for students and their families, as emotions and expectations run high. Tara and Vicky discuss how to best engage with, and support our children during this time. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-05-0944 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondInterview with Haesun Moon PhD; Curating Better ConversationsIn Episode 5, we have the pleasure of interviewing Haesun Moon PhD. Haesun is a communication scientist, educator and author of several collaborative books, including Thriving Women, Thriving World, and Foundations of Brief Coaching; A Short Handbook for Professional Coaches. Her most recent book Coaching A to Z; The Extraordinary Use of Ordinary Words, is a must-read! Haesun is creator of the Dialogic Orientation Quadrant, she teaches Brief Coaching at the University of Toronto, is executive director at the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching, and Principal at the Human Learning Institute. Haesun promotes better conversations at home and at work, as...
2023-04-2551 min
A Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondA Trip Down Memory Lane; Our Experiences with Family During the HolidaysThis week-end and weeks ahead, many families around the world are celebrating holidays, perhaps having some time off from school or work, and spending more time together. This is a dedicated opportunity to make a great difference in relationships with your family. Join us as we share some of our own experiences and some useful strategies for the holidays. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-04-0729 minA Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondReframing Success; The Power of the SmallConversations about SUCCESS often include the great outcomes, the big win, top notch evaluations, performances and presentations. This type of success is only available to the fortunate few. With a solution-focused mindset, success is accessible to everyone, as it represents the many accomplishments individuals experience in daily life, both large and small. How does this perception of success impact our relationships and our lives? Stay tuned as we unpack this question. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-04-0526 minA Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondDe-Mystifying Solution-FocusSolution-focused (SF) conversations can take place therapeutically, or in the context of our everyday lives. At a glance, some might interpret SF as an approach that does not leave room for discussion of existing problems. Tara and Vicky de-mystify this notion and bring some clarity to refreshing ways in which to explore the problem, using SF approaches. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-03-2927 minA Call Across the Pond; Transforming Relationships at School, at Home and BeyondBeing PresentTara and Vicky talk about the importance of an intentional approach to bringing our best selves to relationships. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2122161/share
2023-03-1318 min