The CanadianED Leadership Show Dean Shareski

Transforming Education: Steve Brown's Leadership Journey

This conversation delves into Steve Brown's transformative leadership across different industries and his significant impact on education through his work at Nelson Education. Beginning his career managing a golf club, Steve's journey took him through various sectors, including the automotive and media industries, before finding a passion for education. He shares insights on leadership principles applicable across professions and discusses the digital shift in education with Nelson's development of Edwin, a comprehensive educational platform. The conversation covers Steve's approach to leadership, the importance of adapting and embracing change, and how his strategies have fostered educational growth and innovation. Steve's reflections on leadership challenges and his advice for aspiring leaders underscore the importance of vision, perseverance, and the ability to navigate discomfort and uncertainty. The conversation also addresses the role of external perspectives in education, highlighting Steve's outsider view as a catalyst for change and improvement in the sector.

00:00 The Ripple Effect of Educational Success
01:04 Introducing Steve Brown: From Diverse Industries to Education Leadership
02:11 Steve Brown's Unique Career Journey and Insights into Leadership
06:39 Transforming Nelson Education: Embracing Digital Innovation
08:33 Leadership Across Industries: Skills That Transcend Boundaries
11:00 The Challenge of Change in Education: A CEO's Perspective
15:26 Building Bridges in Education: The Outsider's Advantage
18:12 The Continuous Evolution of Learning with Edwin
20:47 Embracing Outsider Perspectives for Educational Innovation
22:56 Listening, Learning, and Leading: Steve's Approach to Education
27:49 Revolutionizing Education with Edwin
28:45 The Impact of Edwin on Student Success
29:34 Falling in Love with Education
32:03 Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
39:00 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
42:10 Gratitude and Acknowledgments
44:21 Personal Insights and Recommendations
48:50 Discovering Toronto's Hidden Gems

Insights Into School Boards and Education Leadership: A Conversation with Carolyn Broady

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Carolyn Brody, vice president of the Canadian School Board Association and the current chair of West Vancouver Schools. The discussion opens with the importance of curiosity, open-mindedness, and the unique role of school trustees and boards in the education system. Carolyn shares her journey to becoming a trustee, emphasizing the significance of understanding the community's needs and the responsibilities that come with the position. The conversation also delves into governance models, the challenges and shifts in education over the years, notably around digital citizenship and social media's impact. Additionally, Carolyn discusses the pursuit of equity and progress in education, including initiatives for indigenous education and supporting vulnerable students. The episode touches on the implications of eliminating school boards and the unique position of Manitoba in allowing school boards taxation rights. Carolyn reflects on leadership challenges, particularly during COVID-19, emphasizing the singular focus on student welfare. The podcast wraps up with personal insights, book recommendations, and hidden gems in Vancouver for visitors. Overall, it offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of educational governance and leadership from a seasoned trustee's perspective.


00:00 The Role and Challenges of School Trustees

00:52 The Impact of School Boards on Education Success

01:16 A Deep Dive with Carolyn Brody: Insights from a School Trustee Veteran

01:55 The Journey of a School Trustee: Carolyn Brody's Story

06:44 Governance and the Role of School Boards Across Canada

10:40 The Evolution of Education: Challenges and Achievements

14:15 Exploring the Future of Education and Leadership

23:09 Personal Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Trustees

28:53 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude in Education

Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Journey Through Canadian Educational Leadership
In the 50th episode of the Canadian Ed Leadership Podcast, the host celebrates the milestone by embarking on a virtual tour across Canada, highlighting the diversity and innovation in educational leadership across the provinces and territories. Starting from Prince Edward Island and moving westward to British Columbia, with a detour to the Northwest Territories, the episode showcases leaders who are addressing seminal issues, fostering team-building, navigating system disruptions, tackling recruitment and retention challenges, and promoting wellness in schools. The podcast aims to connect educational leaders across Canada, sharing insights on leadership, the integration of technology in education, and the importance of joy, love, and well-being in the educational environment. The episode encourages networking among educators and provides a platform for sharing innovative practices and solutions to common challenges faced by educational institutions.


00:00 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Journey Through Canadian Education Leadership

02:33 Starting in the East: PEI's Leadership Insights

04:54 Navigating Change in Nova Scotia's Education System

07:54 Addressing Recruitment and Retention in New Brunswick

11:20 Exploring Quebec's Unique Educational Landscape

12:53 Innovative Leadership in Ontario's Education System

16:27 Embracing Joy and Love in Manitoba's Schools

20:13 Generative AI and Future Technologies in Saskatchewan

22:21 Wellness and Wellbeing: Alberta's Approach

25:37 Visionary Education in the Northwest Territories

29:13 British Columbia: Collaboration and Leadership Fun

34:25 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Connections

Transforming Education: The Success Story of New Frontier School Board


This podcast features a conversation with Mike Helm, Director General of the New Frontier School Board in Quebec, highlighting innovative approaches to education and student support post-graduation. With a focus on adult vocational education, the board operates under a philosophy of lifelong learning, serving a diverse student population up to age 70. Through personalized learning experiences and a strong emphasis on vocational training and re-engagement strategies, the board successfully addresses absenteeism and prepares students for the workforce, resulting in impressive job placement rates. The discussion also touches on leadership in education, the importance of coaching and mentoring, and the integration of indigenous perspectives and histories into the learning experience.

00:00 Transforming Lives Through Vocational Education
02:00 The Importance of Post-Graduation Support
02:25 A Deep Dive into New Frontier School Board's Unique Approach
03:53 Challenges and Opportunities of an English School Board in Quebec
06:29 Innovative Adult Vocational Education Programs
09:33 Success Stories and the Impact of Vocational Training
12:29 Addressing Absenteeism and Student Engagement
14:10 Beyond Graduation: Measuring Success in Education
20:01 Leadership Insights and Challenges
30:32 Personal Reflections and Recommendations
37:44 Exploring the New Frontiers Region: A Hidden Gem
39:52 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Transforming Education in Northern Alberta: A Conversation with Mike McMann


This episode features a deep dive into the educational innovations and leadership of Mike McMann, Superintendent of Fort Vermilion School Division in Northern Alberta. McMann discusses how his division is revolutionizing education by creating career pathways for students from kindergarten through high school. This initiative aims to align education with real-world job opportunities, enabling students to gain post-secondary credits and job experience while still in school. The discussion also explores the unique challenges and advantages of living and educating in the North, underscoring the importance of community, family, and tailored education systems that respect local needs and potential. The conversation reflects on leadership challenges, the power of human connections, and the drive to provide meaningful opportunities for students to succeed in their careers and lives.


00:00 Unlocking Student Potential: A New Approach to Education
01:26 A Deep Dive into Career Pathways with Mike McMahon
03:54 Exploring the Unique Lifestyle and Values of Northern Alberta
04:46 Mike McMahon's Journey to Fort Vermilion and Insights on Northern Living
11:27 Revolutionizing Education: The Collegiate Model in Fort Vermilion
19:23 Building Strong Community and Industry Partnerships for Education
22:32 Wellness Initiatives and Their Impact on Education
24:34 The Power of Mental Health Support in the Workplace
25:56 Creating a Supportive Environment for Staff
27:04 The Importance of Therapy and Vulnerability
28:40 Community Support and Cultural Practices
29:54 Leadership Challenges and Personal Growth
35:04 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
38:37 Gratitude in Education and Personal Foundations
40:57 Exploring New Perspectives on Mental Health and Education
43:55 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

In this insightful conversation, the speaker engages with Steve Gallagher, the Regional Executive Director of Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE), exploring the nuances of educational leadership and the journey from teaching to administration. Steve shares his views on the important qualities of a leader, emphasizing the crucial role of relationships and trust in both teaching and leadership. He reflects on his personal career trajectory, highlighting the rapid shifts in his roles within the education sector and discussing the changing landscape of education in Nova Scotia, including addressing teacher shortages, the impact of technology on learning, and the importance of strategizing for the region's growing student population. The dialogue also covers the reformation of professional development for educators and the evolving expectations on teachers' time and compensation. Through Steve's experiences and perspectives, insights are offered into the challenges and opportunities present in current educational leadership, underscoring the importance of adaptation, strategic planning, and the value of bringing communities together for the betterment of the educational system.


00:00 Reflecting on Teaching and Leadership
01:28 Introducing Steve Gallagher: A Journey in Education Leadership
04:24 The Path from Classroom to Leadership
13:28 Navigating Growth and Change in Nova Scotia's Education System
17:17 The Role of MLAs in Education and Parental Involvement
22:45 Pride in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education Team
24:58 Transforming Educational Leadership: A Journey of Change
26:48 Reimagining School Administration and Instructional Leadership
28:22 Fostering Instructional Leadership: The Impact of School Learning Communities
29:09 The Evolution of Instructional Leadership in Schools
31:50 Addressing the Teacher Shortage: Innovative Recruitment and Development Strategies
34:54 Redefining Professional Development and Compensation for Teachers
38:43 Exploring Leadership Challenges and Solutions in Education
41:10 Personal Reflections and Gratitude in Education
44:34 Engaging in Personal Interests: Reading, Podcasts, and Hidden Gems