The Business Of School - Brought To You By Cole Connect

The Business of School

Welcome to 'The Business Of School,' the podcast where we unpack the dynamic world of education through the lenses of business, finance, and technology. Join us as we explore compelling topics, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and uncover the latest insights shaping the future of schools. Whether you're a parent, educator, or industry enthusiast, get ready for enlightening discussions and 'ah-ha' moments. Brought to you by Cole School Experts, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of the educational landscape. https://coleschoolexperts.com.au/

  1. Jul 3

    People, Purpose and Play with Julie & Karen

    Julie Gillespie, Leadership Coach Meet Julie Gillespie, founder of Well-Led Workplaces. Julie works with organisations to build leadership systems that strengthen culture, accountability, and connection so teams can perform well under real pressure, not just when things are easy. Over the past few years Julie has worked with Cole School Experts and our leadership team, helping us introduce frameworks like Adaptive Communication, Language of Appreciation, and DISC profiling to give our people practical tools for working better together. Julie’s work focuses on turning good intentions about culture into clear behaviours that leaders and teams can actually act on every day. Karen Hall, People & Culture Manager Karen is Cole’s resident people-person and culture champion. With a double diploma in Business and Management, and a background spanning events, marketing, and administration, she brings a supercharged skillset that keeps teams organised, engaged, and smiling. She’s passionate about creating workplaces where people genuinely feel they belong, because Karen firmly believes that happy humans do their best work. At Cole, she’s here to help make sure there’s plenty of both. When she’s not shaping great culture, you’ll likely find her cuddling animals, planning a party, or herding cats — sometimes literally, sometimes metaphorically. WHO THIS IS FOR: School Business Managers, Payroll Officers, HR leads, CFOs, Principals and Board members at independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand. ABOUT COLE SCHOOL EXPERTS We've helped independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand run smarter for over 20 years — through outsourced finance, payroll, HR, software and strategic services. Built for Business Managers who want fewer fires and more focus. 🌐 Website: https://coleschoolexperts.com.au 🎙️ The Business of School podcast: https://coleschoolexperts.com.au/the-business-of-school-podcast/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@coleschoolexperts7356 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5IPIkJBxVpmvnLLCz9MYvl?si=eb7aa2e4ec43455d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-business-of-school-brought-to-you-by-cole-connect/id1730637946 #SchoolPayroll #PaydaySuper #SchoolBusinessManager #IndependentSchools #BusinessOfSchool

  2. Jun 5

    The Unspoken Challenges for School Leadership with Darren Clark

    Darren Clark is a strategic advisor, investor, entrepreneur and the founder of Conscious Education, an organisation dedicated to helping schools achieve clarity, alignment and momentum through tailored strategy programs. Darren has led over 40 organisations himself and brings a deep understanding of strategy development, organisational leadership and sustainable growth.At Conscious Education, he leads a multi-disciplinary team, that partners with school leaders, to design and implement strategies that deliver measurable impact, strengthen culture and build leadership capability. Conscious Education supports the development of strategy, leadership and culture programs, coaching and consulting for individual leaders and the whole school, through to ongoing national peak body work. A human approach to developing education strategy and leadership alignment that’s empowering, engaging, simple and sustainable. WHO THIS IS FOR:School Business Managers, Heads of Operations, ICT leaders, Principals and Board members at independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand. ABOUT COLE SCHOOL EXPERTS We've helped independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand run smarter for over 20 years — through outsourced finance, payroll, HR, software and strategic services. Built for Business Managers who want fewer fires and more focus. 🌐 Website: https://coleschoolexperts.com.au 🎙️ The Business of School podcast: https://coleschoolexperts.com.au/podcast/ #SchoolBusinessManager #IndependentSchools #SchoolFinance #BusinessOfSchool #ColeSchoolExperts

  3. May 22

    A Banking Perspective on Challenges & Opportunities for Schools Today with Damien Hoffman

    Damien Hoffman has nearly 25 years of banking experience, including client relationship management, operations, risk and organisational redesign roles. For over a decade, Damien has been a member of NAB’s Government, Education & Community specialised banking division, with Independent and Catholic schools being a key component of that portfolio. The insights and experience from Damien’s banking career are supplemented by his not-for-profit board experience within the Community Housing Sector and he is currently the Chair of the Advisory Board for a school within the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese.

  4. May 7

    How AI Can Support Business Workflows in Schools​ - Lee Green

    With over 20 years’ experience at the intersection of business, technology, and AI, Lee Green, Sales Director at Ellby, brings a practical lens to digital transformation. In this episode, we explore how organisations can bridge the gap between business needs, AI, and technology solutions, where workflow automation can create meaningful efficiencies, and the common process bottlenecks holding businesses back. Known for his collaborative and solutions-focused approach, Lee shares practical insights into simplifying complex operations, streamlining workflows, and unlocking real business value through tailored AI solutions. Tune in to discover how organisations can work smarter and embrace AI in a practical, scalable, and impactful way.

  5. Apr 2

    The Wonders of Outsourced​ School Payroll​

    Anne-Maree Ironside is a CPA and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with experience in finance leadership across education and various other commercial sectors. She has a strong track record in managing cross-functional teams from Finance, HR, Marketing, IT and Facilities Management. Her current role is the Business Manager at The Pittwater House Schools on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

  6. Mar 3

    School Health Checks – your biggest (and most underrated) asset!​

    In this episode of The Business of School, we explore why school health checks are often a school’s biggest , and most underrated, asset. Gayle and Marama are our school health check specialists, partnering with school leaders to strengthen finance, payroll and operational systems. They unpack what a health check actually involves, the common myths and blind spots schools face, and how strong systems build trust, transparency and long-term sustainability. If you work in school leadership, finance, payroll or operations, this episode offers practical insight into protecting and strengthening the foundations of your school.

  7. Feb 3

    Storytelling with Data - Dr Selena Fisk

    Dr. Selena Fisk is a data storyteller, dedicated to helping educators transform numbers into meaningful narratives that create positive change. With 16 years of teaching experience in Australia and the UK, Selena empowers educators, school leaders, and schools systems to build data-informed cultures. She has authored four books, an online data storytelling course, and is the creator of the ‘Make Data Talk’ podcast. Selena supports system leaders, school leaders, middle leaders, and teachers worldwide to use data strategically, ultimately enhancing outcomes for young people.

  8. Jan 6

    Sticky School Systems - with Mike Parker

    Mike Parker is an IT leader, writer, and former Vice President of MITIE with over 20 years of experience, including work at NASA Ames Research Centre and in four schools. He’s passionate about the EdTech industry and the people who drive it. Known for his strategic thinking, bad jokes, and trademark Hawaiian shirts, Mike balances serious IT projects with a good dose of colour and humour.

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About

Welcome to 'The Business Of School,' the podcast where we unpack the dynamic world of education through the lenses of business, finance, and technology. Join us as we explore compelling topics, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and uncover the latest insights shaping the future of schools. Whether you're a parent, educator, or industry enthusiast, get ready for enlightening discussions and 'ah-ha' moments. Brought to you by Cole School Experts, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of the educational landscape. https://coleschoolexperts.com.au/

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