The We Lead Well Podcast

In this episode Kimberly Evans of Nourish the Workplace joins us to discuss practical, low-cost strategies to improve staff wellbeing in schools. We explore building trust, intentional connections, flexible working, and simple systems improvements (like extra microwaves or reliable Wi-Fi) that reduce daily stress and help retain teachers. Kimberly emphasises courageous, empathetic leadership: aski...

For the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I interviewed the exceptional Bridget Harrison about making school leadership sustainable; she shares experience from headship and trust director roles to show why boundaries, reflection and trust matter for leaders and pupils. In our conversation we covered clarity of purpose, calm decision-making, intentional communication, the importance of pu...

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...

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...

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 ag...

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...

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 c...

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, highli...

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 abo...

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 c...

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 f...

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 th...

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 e...

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 app...

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 o...

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 e...

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...

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/stud...

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...

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...

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 pr...

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 instru...

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 wit...

Annabel is a work-life balance coach from London. Years ago she would write to-do lists as long as her arm and kick herself each day when she didn't get through them. She would put in the extra hours yet always felt like she was chasing.  She was so focused on getting things right that her life was a constant cycle of 'all or nothing'. She felt like no matter what she did she was never enough. As...

After many years in school leadership including positions as Headteacher, Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of History, Phil is now a leader for education companies based in Manchester and London. He speaks widely to education, public sector and corporate audiences working with teams to create impactful plans that realise ambitious priorities. He is the author of The First 100 Days with Micky M...