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The wellbeing of staff in schools has never been more important. With almost a third of new staff leaving the profession after just five years and 26% of teachers saying they are thinking of leaving in the next 12 months (National Foundation for Educational Research), we are facing a teacher retention crisis. The We Lead Well Podcast has been created in response to this crisis, to encourage and support schools to create places where people love to work. We support leaders to enhance the wellbeing of all staff in schools. Each week, leading educationalists share their experience, views and tips on how other school leaders can promote wellbeing in their organisations for the benefit of all staff.
Episodes
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I talk to Ben White, the Director of School Improvement for Life Multi-Academy Trusts in Leicestershire. Ben shares his experiences in supporting leaders and headteachers across a diverse group of secondary and primary schools, focusing on enhancing teaching and learning environments.
We discussed the significance of developing a holistic leadership approach through programs like Resilient Leaders Elements and the challenges and benefits of creating a culture rooted in clear values and expectations. We talk about the complexities of aligning school policies with a school's unique culture and how a flexible framework can empower teachers.
Ben also shares insights from his work on diversity and anti-racist initiatives within the education sector, emphasising the importance of seeking external expertise and engaging in uncomfortable but necessary conversations to foster inclusivity and equity.
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast in which we explore the critical connection between well-being and effective leadership in schools. In this episode, we delve into the topic of resilience in education with special guest Dr. Steph Ainsworth, an expert in teacher resilience research.
Discover the insights from Dr. Ainsworth's extensive research, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments in schools to enhance resilience among teachers and staff. Learn how environmental factors often outweigh individual predictors in fostering resilience and how school culture plays a pivotal role in teacher well-being.
We discuss the challenges faced by educators, the systemic issues impacting teacher retention, and practical strategies to improve well-being and job satisfaction. Gain valuable knowledge on how to build a positive school culture, support staff, and develop resilience for a more effective educational environment.
Don't miss this enlightening episode that offers actionable insights to help school leaders and educators create healthier, more resilient school communities.
If you'd like to find out more about the new 12 month Leadership in Schools Programme Powered by RLE, get in touch with me: vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Welcome to the 100th episode of the We Lead Well podcast, on which we're joined by special guest Michael Sonbert. Michael is a bestselling author, speaker, performance coach, and founder and CEO of Skyrocket Education and Rebel Culture. In this celebratory episode, Michael shares his journey from teaching to global educational reform and leadership transformation.
We delve into the importance of effective coaching, building a strong school culture, and the role of leaders in creating environments conducive to success. Michael emphasises the significance of clear communication, accountability, and the distinction between support and true coaching. He also introduces his upcoming book, Rebel Culture, and discusses how simple frameworks can lead to profound changes in organisational effectiveness.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for educators and leaders alike, highlighting the need for intentional leadership and the power of a well-defined vision. Listen in to learn how to enhance your leadership skills and create a thriving culture in your organisation.
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Welcome to the We Lead Well podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to that Lee Elliot Major, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, was able to join us for an insightful and inspirational conversation. Lee discusses his latest book, "Equity in Education," and delves into critical issues surrounding educational inequalities, unconscious biases, and the language we use to describe children from under-resourced backgrounds.
Lee shares his thoughts on the importance of early years interventions, the impact of cultural capital, and the challenges faced by children from different socio-economic backgrounds. He also offers practical advice for educators on how to create a more equitable learning environment, including rethinking setting practices and improving teacher-parent interactions.
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that aims to inspire educators to reflect on their practices and consider new approaches to foster equity in education.
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we welcome Kevin Holland, CEO of Global Spirit Ed, to discuss the transformative power of coaching in education. Kevin shares his extensive journey from being a PE teacher to leading a community interest company that works with schools globally. In our conversation, we explore the impact of coaching on school culture, teacher development, and pupil/student well-being, highlighting successful case studies and practical strategies for implementation. This insightful conversation explores the importance of reflective practice, intrinsic motivation, and creating a supportive environment for both staff and students.
Listen to this episode to uncover how a coaching approach can lead to sustainable, long-term improvements in schools, and why investing in this methodology is crucial for educational success.
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, in which I'm joined by Shelley Baker, the head teacher at Varndean School in Brighton. This episode is packed with insights on enhancing well-being and leadership within schools; Shelley shares her career journey, the importance of creating a vibrant school culture, and the unique small school system at Varndean School. She also discusses the challenges and strategies for managing the demanding role of a head teacher while maintaining personal well-being.
The conversation delves into the crucial need for more female head teachers and how to support women in leadership roles. Shelley offers practical advice on networking, clear communication, and fostering strong relationships with parents and staff.
Don't miss this inspiring episode that highlights the power of coaching, leadership training, and the collective effort needed to transform schools. Tune in to learn from Shelley's experience and discover new ways to lead well in education.
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
This episode of the podcast delves into the importance of building strong relationships in educational organisations to foster a positive culture and enhance leadership effectiveness.
Reflecting on my journey from teaching to coaching, I share insights on how a supportive network can prevent burnout and help female school leaders achieve their aspirations. Discover the power of the Women Lead Well coaching network, offering free membership to support female leaders in education.
Today, we welcome back Neil Jurd, a leadership expert and founder of Leader Connect. Neil shares his wisdom on how leadership can be made easy by focusing on direction and connection. Learn about the Leader Connect platform, a valuable resource for professional development, providing curated leadership videos and podcasts to empower your staff.
Explore the key takeaway from Neil’s approach: the significance of building relationships with your team before pushing for performance. Join us as we discuss practical strategies to create a supportive, dynamic, and empowered school environment.
Whether you're looking to enhance staff CPD, foster a coaching culture, or simply become a better leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in and transform your leadership journey!
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators. Let's lead well together!
@WeLeadWellPodc1
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast. In partnership with Progressive Masculinity and HeadTeacherChat.com, this episode offers invaluable insights for school leaders in a compelling interview with Dr. Kulvan Atwal, the head teacher of two innovative schools in London.
Dr. Atwal discusses his unique and successful approaches to leadership that prioritise staff well-being and professional development. Learn how investing in staff can reduce sickness rates, supply budgets, and recruitment costs while fostering a positive and productive school environment.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could inspire you to lead in new and effective ways, ultimately benefiting both staff and students. Tune in to hear more from Dr. Kulvan Atwal and discover how you can make a significant impact in your educational community.
For additional support and resources, visit HeadTeacherChat.com or follow them on social media. If you want to find out more about Progressive Masculinity visit the website progressivemasculinity.co.uk To connect with Vicki to find out more about coaching or to join the Women Lead Well Network, visit We Lead Well or email her at vicki@weleadwell.co.uk.
Enjoy the show!
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
In this insightful episode of the 'We Lead Well' podcast, I talked with Yasmin Arif, a former teacher and school leader turned coach, recounting her journey from burnout to empowering school leaders.
The episode takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by school leaders and how effective coaching can be instrumental in overcoming them. It underscores the need for transitioning from mere instructive approaches towards empowering a thinking environment within schools focusing on the work of author Nancy Klein in promoting effective thinking environments in schools.
As the episode progresses, it lays emphasis on the pivotal role of senior leadership in establishing a coaching culture within schools. It highlights how coaching can boost staff retention rates and foster autonomy, all while battling the pervasive issue of learned helplessness in high-stakes academic settings. Importantly, the episode also navigates the potential of coaching in facilitating difficult conversations, conflict management, and personal accountability.
The episode concludes with the exploration of effective, cost-friendly coaching solutions, including apprenticeships. It dismisses some of the stigmas about apprenticeships, painting them as practical, academically rigorous approaches to training. This conversation will support leaders seeking to improve their culture, staff wellbeing, and overall satisfaction in their schools.
@WeLeadWellPodc1
www.progressivemasculinity.com
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Bukky Yusuf is a Deputy Headteacher, Consultant and Qualified Coach.
Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching and effective implementations of Educational Technology.
As part of her commitment to increase diverse leadership within education, Bukky participates with a number of initiatives including WomenEd and BAMEed.
Bukky’s keenness for education and the impact that educators can make is reflected in the presentations that she delivers at local and national levels. Furthermore, Bukky supports the development of educators at all levels and promotes projects that help colleagues to maintain their well-being.
On this episode, Bukky and I talked all things education with a focus on change management and building relationships.
If you would like to explore how 1-1 coaching, group coaching or team coaching could support your wellbeing and that of the leaders in your school and support leadership development, let's have a chat. I can also provide coach training and difficult conversations training and help you to create a coaching culture in your school. Email me: vicki@weleadwell.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1
www.headteacherchat.com