Leading for Impact with IPPN

School leaders are often overwhelmed, balancing complex demands while trying to foster real change in their school communities.  This episode explores how strategic planning—often viewed with skepticism—can actually provide the focus, clarity, and "protected time" necessary to ensure leaders thrive.  We dive into the concept of "mission creep" and why aligning your school’s vision, mission, and va...

Educational underachievement remains a complex challenge, often limiting young people's potential despite their talents. This issue extends beyond the classroom, requiring a long-term, community-focused approach to foster personal growth and academic success. The discussion explores how a holistic, character-based philosophy, known as "The Citywise Way," provides consistent support and role models...

The current structure of school leadership is often unreasonable and resource-constrained, leading to high levels of stress and burnout for those who commit to the role. This systemic pressure often distracts leaders from their core purpose of fostering teaching and learning, compromising their ability to thrive. Host Brian O'Doherty speaks with Professor Patricia Mannix McNamara about how the sec...

Caroline Sheill spent 12 years in corporate finance before discovering her teaching vocation during maternity leave. After training in Montessori and Special Education she eventually became Deputy Principal in an ASD specific school before moving to St. Michael's House in Ballymun as Principal. Arriving at the end of COVID to lead 60+ masked staff she'd never met, Caroline made a crucial decision:...

Gemma Maher failed her Leaving Cert once but found her way to teaching through Colraine and Glasgow University. Now she's principal of Rathcoole Educate Together National School, which opened in September 2020 without having any building keys until the night before. Gemma champions genuine inclusion through relationships, every staff member knows every child's name, story, and family. The autism c...

Brian O’Doherty talks with accredited psychotherapist and mental health consultant Sinead Kennedy about the growing pressures on school communities.  Sinead shares her journey into psychotherapy, her insights on the surge in anxiety among students and staff, and why school leaders are at high risk of burnout. She introduces Be Well, Lead Well — a new 10-module digital series designed to help leade...

Welcome to IPPN’s Leading for Impact podcast. In our first ever show, Brian O’Doherty sits down with Deirdre Kelly, newly elected president of IPPN and principal of St. Michael’s National School in rural Sligo. Deirdre shares her personal journey from a childhood steeped in education to a career spanning special schools, disadvantaged settings, and nearly two decades as a teaching principal. She r...

Leading for Impact understands the reality of the school day and gives you the tools to navigate it better. We bring you conversations with school leaders who've faced the same impossible juggling acts we all know too well, plus policy makers, mental health experts, and stakeholder voices who understand the pressures you face.  You’ll discover evidence-based solutions, hear how other schools have...