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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
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
In the second episode of our conversation with Dr. Jeremy Hannay we discussed compassionate, curiosity-driven school leadership that prioritises staff wellbeing and creates systems for teacher-led improvement.
We talked about how leaders can replace high‑stakes observations with collaborative inquiry, the moral purpose of supporting adults to improve outcomes for pupils, and practical habits like slowing down, coaching, and building psychologically safe teams.
www.progressivemasculinity.com
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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.
@WeLeadWellPodc1
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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://progressivemasculinity.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
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.
@WeLeadWellPodc1
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
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.progressivemasculinity.com
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
In the latest episode of the podcast, we are honoured to have renowned education leader Evelyn Ford, join us for an in-depth discussion about leadership, diversity, and challenges within the educational system.
We explore Evelyn's remarkable journey towards becoming a headteacher, including the obstacles she faced due to prejudice in the educational landscape. Evelyn shares her experiences, highlighting the importance of diversifying leadership teams in schools to reflect the communities they serve.
Through this candid conversation, Evelyn sheds light on the unconscious biases that persist within recruitment processes and the impact of race in the educational sector. She passionately advocates for the proactive creation of inclusive and diverse leadership environments.
Listen in to gain insight into the pressing need for equality, empathy, and systemic change in education. Evelyn's story is not only inspiring but also a wake-up call for leaders and educators to make a tangible difference. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in education today.
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
www.resilientleaderselements.co.uk
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
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:
Or visit the websites:
www.resilientleaderselements.com
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
@weleadwellpodc1
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
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.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
@weleadwellpodc1
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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.progressivemasculinity.co.uk
@WeLeadWellPodc1
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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.
prussell@ladybridgehighschool.co.uk
www.progressivemasculinity.co.uk