Positively Leading

You've been good at your job for years. You've been happy in it. And then, seemingly out of nowhere, it just stops fitting - even though nothing about the role has actually changed. Sound familiar?

In this episode of Positively Leading, Jenny explores a career conversation that rarely gets the airtime it deserves: life stage. Drawing on stories from her coaching practice - a deputy principal drowning under the weight of leadership and young children, a head of department grieving the loss of predictability, a teacher navigating chronic illness and the identity she built around her classroom...

After naming the many faces of "stuck," Jenny Cole tackles the defensiveness that conversation stirs up. This isn't teacher-bashing, and it isn't a push to quit - it's about making intentional choices instead of defaulting to guilt, martyrdom, or burnout.

Jenny unpacks why these conversations feel so threatening: our identities get tangled up with our roles, and questioning the job can feel like questioning ourselves. She draws a sharp line between quitting (reactive, driven by escape) and redirecting (intentional, driven by alignment) - and shares her own reckoning with losing her "who-ness" in her "what-ness" after leaving...

Why do talented, dedicated educators end up feeling trapped and exhausted - even when they're great at their jobs? In this episode, host Jenny Cole dives into a special series of episodes exploring what "stuck" really means in education, and what to do next.

Through composite stories from hundreds of coaching conversations, Jenny introduces educators at every career stage - a burnt-out classroom star, an overwhelmed deputy principal, a veteran teacher who's stopped trying - and unpacks five hidden reasons capable people get stuck. It's not about resilience or commitment; it's a system built to keep good...

Positively Leading is back with a new and exciting season! In this episode, we turn the tables and Jenny is interviewed by Jocelyn Seamer about her new book, Teach, Lead or Lead: What to do when you feel like you can't do it anymore. 

This is a delightful conversation between Jenny and Jocelyn - exploring why Jenny set out to write the book, who it's for, and importantly, what it's NOT about. Settle in for a conversation between friends who are as passionate about education as you are.

Did you know there is more? You c...

In this episode, Jenny explores why so many school leaders feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of the school year - and what they can do to ensure that 2026 feels more sustainable, intentional, and human. Drawing on decades of experience in education and years of coaching leaders, Jenny introduces Starting Strong, a framework designed to help leaders begin the year, a role, or a new initiative with clarity, purpose, and energy.

She walks through the key elements of Starting Strong, including getting clear on what matters most, setting expectations, communicating well, listening to your people, running...

In this episode of the summer series, Jenny Cole encourages you to pause and ask: Am I leading and living with intention - or just reacting on autopilot? Designed for educators who feel stretched thin, this short but powerful reflection explores the cost of constantly running on default and offers practical ways to reset.

Jenny shares how to recognise the signs of survival mode, reconnect with your personal leadership intention, and build small habits that help you show up as your best self - more often. With thoughtful prompts and grounded strategies, this episode helps you shift...

In this reflective episode, Jenny Cole gently guides you through the ICE process - Intention, Clarity, and Ease - to help you step into 2026 feeling aligned and purposeful. With thoughtful prompts and practical exercises, this session invites you to consider how you want to show up in the year ahead, what matters most to you, and what habits or stories you’re ready to let go of.

From identifying a personal intention or "word of the year" to naming your core values and giving yourself permission to choose ease, this is a calming reset designed for educators se...

In this first episode of the summer series, Jenny Cole invites you to pause and reflect on the year that’s been. Whether you’re crawling or cartwheeling to the finish line of 2025, this gentle debrief is your chance to acknowledge what worked, what drained you, and what you want to leave behind.

Through thoughtful questions and quiet prompts, Jenny guides you to consider your energy, your small wins, and the stories you’ve been telling yourself - so you can enter 2026 feeling lighter, clearer, and more intentional. Perfect for a walk, a quiet moment in the garden...

After a short break, Positively Beaming is back! In this relaxed and reflective solo episode, Jenny Cole jumps behind the mic for an unscripted chat about the value of showing up—imperfectly, but authentically. Inspired by a recent catch-up with fellow women in business, Jenny shares why it’s okay to pause, reset, and return without all the bells and whistles.

This new mini summer series isn’t about leadership theory—it’s about pausing to reflect on who you want to be and how you want to show up in 2026. Whether you're tuning in from the beach or a...

In 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 her team stay focused on what ma...

Walking 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 share a storytelling approach that hel...

Job 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. While referees speak when asked, sponsors sp...

 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 profound grief these parents experience. Having p...

Ever 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 leadership: knowing yourself. Understanding your values, moti...

This 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 the paralysis of imposter syndrome, suggesting t...

Productivity 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 what if the solution isn't working ha...

Productivity 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 found what actually works in the ed...

Step 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 more diverse role models in the fi...

In 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 leaders will also pick up valuable st...

Join 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 Noongar language and traditions into the schoo...

What 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.

Discover the power of ne...

In 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, and the delicate balance between structured le...

In 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 administrative demands, the art of people ma...

What 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 blind spots, embracing discomfort, and overcoming c...

Join 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 staying balanced and avoiding burnout, especi...

This 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."

We explore:

What 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 the dynamics of effective leadership and...

Join 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 team building, and compares aligning personal...

Join 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 honesty—shape her leadership style, helpin...

Unlock 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 differentiate between dreams and actionable goals...

What 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 aspect of your life.

...

In 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:

This 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 schools, we explore why educated leaders t...

This week on Positively Leading, I welcome Dr Pete Stebbins, an executive coach and psychologist with a wealth of experience in both clinical work and the education sector. Pete will be joining us for a special five part series on leadership and well-being.

In this epsiode we dive into the re-release of his book Life Strategy: Living Your Endless Summer, discussing the significant shifts in perspectives on work-life balance, well-being, and burnout over the past decade.

Pete shares his insights on burnout, defining it as a state of emotional exhaustion that impairs functioning. He highlights...

In this episode of Positively Leading, Jenny introduces the 7 Key Elements of the Starting Strong Framework, discussing what educational leaders need to consider to start the year off right. Jenny believes it doesn't matter if it is the start of the year, the start of a new role or even just the start of a project - there are key aspects to consider for yourself and your team.

Join us as Jenny shares her insights and introduces the "Starting Strong" online program, a comprehensive suite of modules and lessons designed to help leaders launch their year with...

This week on Positively Leading, Hazel Herd, a dynamic Scottish Australian, shares her incredible journey of transformation from student teacher to Deputy Principal of Curriculum in the vibrant, multicultural school community of the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Discover how Hazel's leap into leadership, inspired by the post-COVID need for change and backed by her supportive network, saw her turn a temporary stint into a permanent role. With humour and candour, Hazel recounts her growth, celebrating the richness of her diverse school, and expressing her deep appreciation for the regional lifestyle she's embraced.

In this episode we...

This week on Positively Leading, I chat with Hayatti Miller, an Associate Principal at a new secondary college who is passionate about student voice and data-driven decision-making. She shares her inspiring leadership journey, rooted in resilience and curiosity, shaped by her challenging childhood experiences.

We discuss mentorship and how it has propelled her career from classroom teacher to leader. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing every student’s potential, particularly those who may be overlooked, and the necessity of creating an inclusive school environment.

We also discuss the unique challenges of establishing a new school, in...

In this episode of Positively Leading, I chat with Linda Griffin, a principal in Western Australia, whose extensive journey in education has shaped her unique leadership approach. Linda shares her experiences from diverse educational settings, emphasising the importance of curiosity and deep listening in fostering strong relationships with staff, students, and the community.

We explore the insights from Ruby Payne’s work on poverty and the significance of understanding the context in which we lead. Linda provides valuable strategies for engaging with parents and mentoring staff, highlighting how to navigate challenges with grace and authenticity.

Th...

In this episode of Positively Leading, I chat with Alice Vigors, an educational leader dedicated to cultivating creativity and high quality teaching in schools. Alice shares her path from classroom teacher to relieving principal in New South Wales, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership.

We discuss the power of relationships in education, and Alice gives her insights on building strong connections with staff and students, especially during challenging times. I loved chatting with Alice about her passion for developing critical and creative thinking in students and how explicit teaching forms the foundation for...

Join me this week on Positively Leading as I speak with Tamara Doig, a principal from Perth, who transitioned from media and journalism to education. Her love for teaching began through volunteering, and she now leads schools to create innovative opportunities for all learners, promoting curiosity, agency and real-world skills.

We discuss the Creative Schools Project, which blends traditional teaching methods with creative approaches, enhancing engagement in HASS and science. Tamara shares insights on balancing explicit teaching with foundational skills in literacy and numeracy for a well-rounded educational strategy.

We also discuss effective time management...