Positively Leading

Jenny Cole
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Are you an aspiring or existing leader in schools? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or questioning your abilities? Then you may be interested in a leadership podcast hosted by Jenny, a consultant and former Principal with a passion for helping women succeed in their careers. With her expertise and personal experience, Jenny offers guidance on increasing confidence, leading teams, and creating a fulfilling life and career. Join her on a journey to discover what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the workplace as a compassionate and empathetic leader. Did you know there's more? You can listen to every episode, plus our show notes and links, by visiting our website at https://www.positivelybeaming.com.au/

  1. S5E1 Reflecting on 2025. Kicking off the Summer Series

    12H AGO

    S5E1 Reflecting on 2025. Kicking off the Summer Series

    Send us a text In this first episode of the summer series, Jenny Cole invites you to pause and reflect on the year that’s been. Whether you’re crawling or cartwheeling to the finish line of 2025, this gentle debrief is your chance to acknowledge what worked, what drained you, and what you want to leave behind. Through thoughtful questions and quiet prompts, Jenny guides you to consider your energy, your small wins, and the stories you’ve been telling yourself—so you can enter 2026 feeling lighter, clearer, and more intentional. Perfect for a walk, a quiet moment in the garden, or while making yet another sandwich, this reflective episode offers space to honour your growth and set the tone for what’s next. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    24 min
  2. Introduction to Summer Series

    TRAILER

    Introduction to Summer Series

    Send us a text After a short break, Positively Beaming is back! In this relaxed and reflective solo episode, Jenny Cole jumps behind the mic for an unscripted chat about the value of showing up—imperfectly, but authentically. Inspired by a recent catch-up with fellow women in business, Jenny shares why it’s okay to pause, reset, and return without all the bells and whistles. This new mini summer series isn’t about leadership theory—it’s about pausing to reflect on who you want to be and how you want to show up in 2026. Whether you're tuning in from the beach or a picnic blanket, this gentle episode invites you to take a breath and be present. If this vibe speaks to you, share it with a friend, save the episode, or leave a quick review. Thanks for being here—let’s dive in. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    5 min

  3. JUL 16

    Winter Series E4 - Leadership, AI and Human Connection with Jade Aim

    Send us a text In this special episode of Positively Leading, we welcome Jade Aim, Principal of Kelmscott Primary School. Jade shares her inspiring path from teaching to leadership, shaped by early family experiences and the power of mentorship. She reflects on building a strong school culture through simple, consistent rituals and a shared school charter that fosters accountability and care. Jade also shares her game-changing approach to technology—using AI tools to cut through admin overload. From creating differentiated resources and translating documents for families to drafting parent communications and generating reports, AI helps her team stay focused on what matters most: relationships. “What teachers have is relationships,” she says, “and AI can’t build that yet.” With practical tips on authenticity, gradual change, and asking for help, this episode offers real-world strategies for leaders at every stage. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    47 min

  4. JUL 9

    Winter Series E3 - Mastering Interviews Part Two with Jenny Cole

    Send us a text Walking into a leadership interview can feel overwhelming, especially in the high-pressure world of educational leadership. But what if the key to success isn’t about having perfect answers, but about telling authentic, memorable stories? After 15 years of coaching school leaders, I’ve seen how striving for perfection often backfires. Interview panels aren’t looking for textbook responses – they want to connect with a real person who brings genuine value, courage, and perspective to their team. In this episode, part two of Mastering Interviews, I break down five common mistakes candidates make and share a storytelling approach that helps you stand out. Using the SAO framework, you’ll learn how to craft three to five key stories from your experience and shape them into engaging narratives. These stories – when delivered with clarity, vulnerability, and purpose – help panels remember who you are, not just what you’ve done. The best candidates speak confidently from their leadership values, connect big-picture strategy to real-world results, and manage nerves with simple mindset shifts. If you’re ready to stop reciting bullet points and start sharing the story of who you are as a leader, this episode will give you the tools to do just that. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    27 min

  5. JUL 2

    Winter Series E2 - Mastering Interviews Part One with Jenny Cole

    Send us a text Job interviews for leadership roles in education often come down to more than just qualifications. Despite fair intentions, unconscious bias still plays a powerful role in who gets selected. Many capable candidates reach the interview stage but are overlooked – not because of poor performance, but due to hidden dynamics like affinity bias, where panels gravitate toward people who feel familiar. In this episode, part one on mastering interviews, Jenny Cole dives into what really influences hiring outcomes. She explains why strategic networking and sponsorship are more powerful than traditional preparation alone. While referees speak when asked, sponsors speak up for you without being prompted – often making the crucial difference. You'll also learn how to build professional visibility, mirror interview language, and identify the advocates who can open doors. If you're stuck in the cycle of missed opportunities, this conversation will change how you approach interviews – and your career. It's time to stop relying on luck and start shaping how you're seen. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    33 min

  6. JUN 25

    Winter Series E1 - Understanding Parents of Students with Special Needs with Jenny Cole

    Send us a text  Ever wondered what's really going through the minds of parents raising children with special needs? This candid exploration pulls back the curtain on one of education's most complex relationships. Drawing from three decades of experience in special education, I share how dramatically classroom dynamics have shifted. Today's mainstream teachers regularly support 8-10 neurodivergent students alongside typically developing peers, often with minimal specialized training. While acknowledging these extraordinary challenges, I invite educators to reconsider how we view parents of children with disabilities. The powerful "Welcome to Holland" analogy illuminates the profound grief these parents experience. Having prepared for one life journey (Italy) but unexpectedly landing in another (Holland), they're constantly recalibrating at every developmental milestone. The practical challenges are equally overwhelming—navigating complex healthcare systems, managing NDIS funding (essentially "doing taxes every week"), and advocating across multiple settings becomes a full-time job. What these parents truly desire isn't unreasonable. They want their children to be loved by the adults who care for them, to develop appropriate independence, form meaningful friendships, and acquire skills for adulthood. They want their children to belong in a world that often doesn't accommodate neurodiversity well. The path forward requires genuine empathy from both sides. Teachers cannot be responsible for what happens at home, and parents cannot control what happens at school. But when educators approach parents with curiosity rather than judgment, recognizing that parents hold valuable expertise about their children, the entire dynamic shifts. As one mother of autistic children explained: "I want you to try what research says works, involve me when possible, and love my child like I do." Listen as I share personal insights from growing up with a brother with learning difficulties and how that shaped my educational philosophy. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective for anyone navigating the complex territory where parental hopes meet educational realities.  Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    32 min

  7. MAY 7

    S3E16 - The Art of Knowing Yourself with Jenny Cole

    Send us a text Ever reached that point where your work becomes so all-consuming that you start losing sight of yourself? That's exactly where I found myself recently – deeply passionate about my work supporting educational leaders, but recognizing the warning signs that preceded burnout in my earlier principalship career. My leadership journey began unexpectedly in rural schools, finding myself in leadership positions before I fully understood what I was stepping into. After serving as principal across three schools, I eventually burned out – a painful but profound learning experience that taught me the cornerstone of effective leadership: knowing yourself. Understanding your values, motivations, strengths and shadow side isn't just helpful for leadership – it's essential. Listen to the final episode of Season 3 and hear how I am practising what I preach.  Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    21 min

  8. APR 30

    S3E15 - Navigating Leadership in a Changing Landscape with Jenny Cole for the Structure Literacy Podcast

    Send us a text This week on Positively Leading we've reversed roles! We are excited to share an episode featuring Jenny and interviewed by Jocelyn Seamer for the Structured Literacy Podcast. ----- Leadership coach Jenny Cole takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of educational leadership, offering practical wisdom gleaned from her transition from special needs teacher to principal to leadership consultant.  At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful message about confidence: it's not something we wait to receive, but something we build through action. Jenny challenges the paralysis of imposter syndrome, suggesting that all leaders – from classroom teachers to principals – can overcome self-doubt by taking small, imperfect steps rather than waiting until they feel fully prepared. "Confidence comes from doing, not from learning," she emphasizes, encouraging leaders to leverage their existing strengths instead of fixating on perceived deficits. The discussion delves into the art of challenging conversations, with Jenny drawing a crucial distinction between "concrete conversations" (addressing clear rule violations) and "sensitive conversations" (handling more personal matters). Through practical examples and role-playing, she demonstrates how to use a "feedback bridge" to deliver constructive criticism in ways that maintain relationships while promoting growth. Her approach acknowledges that most educational professionals genuinely want to do well, with resistance often stemming from fear rather than unwillingness. For principals navigating the rapidly evolving world of literacy instruction, Jenny advocates for humility and regular communication with instructional leaders. She addresses the complexity of modern school leadership, noting how principals now manage responsibilities that would typically be divided among multiple departments in other industries. Despite these challenges, her message remains hopeful: teaching remains an excellent profession filled with dedicated professionals who show up each day committed to making a difference. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

    49 min
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About

Are you an aspiring or existing leader in schools? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or questioning your abilities? Then you may be interested in a leadership podcast hosted by Jenny, a consultant and former Principal with a passion for helping women succeed in their careers. With her expertise and personal experience, Jenny offers guidance on increasing confidence, leading teams, and creating a fulfilling life and career. Join her on a journey to discover what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the workplace as a compassionate and empathetic leader. Did you know there's more? You can listen to every episode, plus our show notes and links, by visiting our website at https://www.positivelybeaming.com.au/

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Cole
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Positively Leading
  • Show Website
    Positively Leading