The We Lead Well Podcast

In this episode I had the absolute privilege of talking to  Dr Jeremy Hannay who shared his knowledge and understanding of how to lead schools differently by prioritising staff well‑being, having a clear moral purpose, and relationship‑based leadership instead of heavy monitoring and formal lesson observations. Jeremy shares practical ideas for reducing workload, repurposing quality‑assurance time to develop people, and the leadership practices that have helped Three Bridges achieve sustained excellence while supporting teachers’ health and professional growth. vicki@weleadwell.co.uk hello@leadershipinschools.uk www.weleadwell.co.uk @WeLeadWellPodc1 www.leadershipinschools.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk

In this episode, I had a conversation with Jaycee Ward, a passionate Key Stage 1 phase leader and SLT member, about her leadership journey. We explored expectation versus reality in leadership, the values that guide Jaycee: kindness, honesty and respect, and practical approaches to communication, mentoring and holding difficult conversations. Jaycee offers encouragement to leaders regardless of age, tips for adapting your management style to individual needs, and the importance of serving your team to create trust and growth. A concise, uplifting episode full of actionable insight for school leaders at any stage. http://weleadwell.co.uk http://leadershipinschools.uk  http://headteacherchat.com http://progressivemasculinity.co.uk vicki@weleadwell.co.uk hello@leadershipinschools.uk @WeLeadWellPodc1    

In this episode Sarah Brown from International Schools Partnership talks about restoring joy and meaning in teaching through coaching, learning visits and a focus on student learning rather than teacher performance. We explore emotional resilience, psychological safety, the concept of the “good struggle,” involving students in real-time evidence-gathering, and how leaders can create cultures that support vulnerability, professional growth and deeper learning. As always, I'd love to hear from you if you want to have a chat about coaching and how it could benefit your staff and school. You can find out more and get in touch by using the links below. www.weleadwell.co.uk www.leadershipinschools.uk @WeLeadWellPodc1 vicki@weleadwell.co.uk hello@leadershipinschools.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.leader-connect.co.uk    

In this episode we explore teacher wellbeing, autonomy and co-creation with guest Sarah Brown. We discuss practical ways to give staff a voice, build psychological safety and develop a culture of thinking around curriculum, pedagogy and learning. Sarah talks about Learning First approaches, learning visits, a shared language of learning, and how encouraging the “good struggle” and teacher agency can reignite joy and improve outcomes across a school. vicki@weleadwell.co.uk www.weleadwell.co.uk www.leadershipinschools.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.com  

Evelyn Ford, a former head teacher with 25 years in education and an advocate for diversity, shares her inspiring journey in the realm of school leadership. She discusses the obstacles she faced due to systemic prejudice and emphasizes the urgent need for diverse leadership in education. Evelyn explores the impact of unconscious bias on recruitment processes and highlights the importance of allyship and integrity in advocating for equity. She passionately calls for actionable reforms to address pay disparities and foster inclusive school environments.

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we explore the importance of understanding not just the skills needed in leadership, but also the essence of being a resilient leader. Joined by Jacqui Frost, we delve into the pressures often felt by headteachers and school leaders, focusing on the personal well-being and self-awareness required to lead effectively. Jacqui shares her personal story about the dangers of equating resilience with simply 'pushing through' stress, detailing her own journey of overcoming burnout by realising the necessity of balancing professional duties with self-care. Together, we discuss leadership programmes designed to foster resilient leadership that balance who you are with what you do, and help to reduce stress and enhance leadership presence. This episode provides valuable insights for educational leaders on creating healthier work environments through strategic support and investment in their personal development. Email me for a chat about coaching and/or our leadership programmes: vicki@weleadwell.co.uk Or visit the websites: www.leadershipinschools.uk www.resilientleaderselements.com www.weleadwell.co.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk @weleadwellpodc1  

In this latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey Pantelis, ex-headteacher and founder of Elevation Coaching and Consulting. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in educational leadership, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the importance of creating coaching communities within schools. In this conversation, we explore the distinction between kind and direct leadership, and discover the characteristics of resilient leaders, learn how the geopolitical climate is impacting DEI efforts in education and why ongoing professional development is crucial for aspiring school leaders. This episode also highlights strategies for advocating for greater representation of women and diverse leaders in the education sector. If you're looking to empower yourself and others in educational leadership, don't miss this insightful conversation. www.leadershipinschools.uk www.weleadwell.co.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk @weleadwellpodc1  

In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I chatted with Krissi Carter, a former headteacher who shares her inspirational story of overcoming mental health challenges. Krissi discusses her experiences with complex PTSD and the journey she undertook to regain her mental fitness, utilising mindfulness, journalling, and the Positive Intelligence programme. Krissi's story highlights the pressures faced by educators and the critical need for mental health support and training in schools. She emphasises the importance of pastoral care, mental fitness, and creating a supportive school culture where both staff and students feel valued and understood. Listeners will gain insights into practical strategies for improving wellbeing in educational settings, promoting teacher mental fitness, and the positive impact of restructuring school pastoral systems. Krissi also shares her vision for coaching and mental fitness work that supports both educators and students. vicki@weleadwell.co.uk www.weleadwell.co.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk www.leadershipinschools.uk @WeLeadWellPodc1

For this episode, I interviewed Paddy Russell, the headteacher of Ladybridge High School in Bolton. Paddy shares his passion for innovative education and staff well-being, discussing how his school has embraced co-construction in developing leadership programmes beyond the NPQ. Discover the unique approaches Ladybridge High has implemented, such as project-based learning and an inclusive use of their school farm to enhance the curriculum. Paddy delves into the importance of fostering a culture in which staff and students can learn together, emphasising autonomy, reflection, and the balance between traditional and modern educational practices. Learn how Ladybridge’s commitment to staff well-being, professional development, and flexible working conditions creates a vibrant and supportive school environment. Whether you're an educator, leader, or passionate about well-being in education, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiring practices to consider implementing in your own educational context. vicki@weleadwell.co.uk prussell@ladybridgehighschool.co.uk www.stephanie-carlin.com www.weleadwell.co.uk www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk

In this enlightening episode of We Lead Well, we explore the innovative changes happening in middle schools with Eli Jones, the Director of Academic Innovation at Burris Laboratory School. Eli shares his revolutionary approach to curriculum redesign, where traditional teaching boundaries are expanded to meet the individual interests and needs of each student. Discover how Eli is transforming the educational landscape by prioritising student engagement, individualised learning experiences, and real-world applications. Learn about the impact of these unconventional methods on student performance, well-being, and future readiness, as Eli discusses measurable improvements in test scores and student growth. Dive into a conversation about the potential for educational reform, the role of teachers in facilitating diverse learning paths, and the importance of preparing students for modern challenges. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or someone passionate about education, this episode offers valuable insights into making schools a place students love and where true learning thrives. If you are interested in any of the services we can provide at We Lead Well, one to one coaching for school leaders (aspiring, middle, senior, heateacher, trust leaders), coach training for school leaders, Women Lead Well group coaching programme, Leadership in Schools Powered by RLE 12 month leadership development programme, email me at: vicki@weleadwell.co.uk Find out more details about what we offer at: www.weleadwell.co.uk Thank you to the shows amazing partners: www.headteacherchat.com www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk