Reflections of School Leaders

Aimee

We delve into the journeys of resilient school leaders, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through powerful stories and shared experiences. From navigating complexities and overcoming challenges to celebrating triumphs, each episode delivers a powerful dose of motivation, where vulnerability meets empowerment. We also share insights from our collaborative work at Well-Nest with school leaders, sparking discussions and inspiring fresh ideas for your leadership journey. Tune in and become part of our like-minded community of dedicated and driven school leaders shaping the future of education!

  1. Breaking the Saviour Cycle

    SEP 1

    Breaking the Saviour Cycle

    In this episode, I welcome Aaron Johnston, who opens up about the real challenges of educational leadership and the transformative power of vulnerability in building stronger teams. Aaron shares his experience navigating the relentless pressure of constant policy changes while resisting the urge to become everyone's "saviour." He discusses how self-doubt and perfectionism created a perfect storm of guilt and fatigue that nearly drove him away from leadership entirely. His honest reflection on feeling trapped in a negative spiral will resonate with leaders who've questioned whether they're cut out for the role. What makes Aaron's story particularly valuable is his practical approach to breaking through these challenges. He reveals how quality mentoring relationships and intentionally seeking support from colleagues became his lifeline. Most significantly, Aaron demonstrates how embracing vulnerability with his team didn't weaken his leadership, it strengthened it, creating space for others to step up and feel less isolated in their own struggles. Join us for this grounded conversation as Aaron shows that authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers or being the hero. Instead, it's about creating conditions where both leaders and their teams can acknowledge their challenges, lean on each other for support, and discover that vulnerability becomes a source of collective strength and empowerment. Connect with Aimee: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    32 min
  2. Culture Takes Time

    AUG 25

    Culture Takes Time

    In this episode, I'm pleased to welcome Hayley Taylor, Principal of Canning Vale Primary School, who shares her candid insights on the evolving complexities of school leadership and the reality of building positive culture in educational communities. Hayley opens up about the expanding scope of what schools are expected to deliver beyond traditional education, and how demographic shifts add layers of complexity to creating environments where both staff and students can thrive. She doesn't shy away from discussing the isolation that comes with leadership roles and the challenge of hearing criticism more often than praise. Join us for an honest conversation as Hayley reveals the emotional rollercoaster of leading change - from the initial passion and purpose that drives vision-building, through the frustration of different implementation paces, to the fatigue that comes with sustaining momentum. She shares practical strategies that have served her well, including the importance of self-awareness, the art of reading staff dynamics, and keeping students at the center of every decision. Most importantly, Hayley emphasizes that while education is vital work, it's still just a job - and protecting your wellbeing outside of school is non-negotiable for sustainable leadership. Connect with Well-Nest: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    44 min
  3. Leading Across Postcodes

    AUG 18

    Leading Across Postcodes

    In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Joel Copeland, Principal of the ACT Instrumental Music Program, who shares his authentic journey of building unity and trust across a geographically dispersed team that spans more than 80 schools throughout the ACT. Joel opens up about the reality of leading a team that only comes together in person for two hours each week, revealing how he navigated the complex challenge of creating a unified culture while establishing his leadership identity in a system new to him. Joel discusses a well-established culture shaped by decades of previous leadership and the initial isolation he felt when trying to connect meaningfully with staff he rarely saw face-to-face. With refreshing honesty, he shares how he learned to move at the speed of trust rather than rushing to implement changes, even when external pressures demanded decisive action. He explains his intentional restructuring of collaborative time to prioritise human connection over content delivery, and how site visits became a non-negotiable part of his leadership rhythm. Join us for a practical conversation as Joel reveals that culture doesn't depend on proximity, and that deliberate, trust-embedded interactions can build strong, connected teams even across postcode lines. Most significantly, he demonstrates how co-designing values and rituals with his team, rather than for them, transformed their working relationship from transactional to one grounded in belonging and contribution, proving that when people feel genuinely seen and valued, they'll lean in regardless of geographical distance. Connect with Well-Nest: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    35 min
  4. Building Collective Efficacy

    AUG 6

    Building Collective Efficacy

    In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Glenn Forbes, who shares his practical journey of building high levels of shared belief within educational teams and overcoming the persistent challenges that fragment collective action. Glenn opens up about confronting the real obstacles that undermine team effectiveness: blame, magnitude, fragmentation, and isolation. He discusses how these forces create barriers to genuine collaboration and shares his thoughtful approach to addressing each challenge head-on. Rather than offering quick fixes, Glenn presents a collection of what he calls "micro-moves" - small, intentional strategies that gradually build the foundation for stronger collective belief among staff. Join us for a conversation as Glenn reveals how these micro-moves work in practice and why building collective efficacy requires sustained, deliberate effort. He demonstrates that when educational leaders focus on systematic approaches to strengthen shared belief, teams move from working in silos to achieving genuine collective impact. Glenn's honest reflection on this ongoing challenge offers practical insights for leaders ready to tackle the complex work of building truly collaborative educational environments. Connect with Well-Nest: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    28 min
  5. When Growth Means Goodbye

    JUL 23

    When Growth Means Goodbye

    In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Penny Curran-Peters, Principal of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, who shares her honest journey of navigating the difficult transition from beloved mentee to independent leader. Penny opens up about the challenge many young leaders face when they've built their skills in a supportive environment they love, only to realise they must leave that comfort zone to continue growing. She takes us through her experience of making a "triple whammy" move - changing roles, schools, and cities simultaneously, while managing the complex emotions that accompanied this career progression. Join us for this authentic conversation as Penny shares practical wisdom about maintaining relationships with mentors while building independence, the importance of giving yourself grace during periods of growth, and her powerful realisation that while you need others alongside you, you fundamentally have everything within yourself to flourish. Connect with Well-Nest: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    31 min

  6. JUL 17

    Culture Change Through Partnership, Not Power

    In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Matt Pitman, Head of School (Senior) at Catholic Regional College in Caroline Springs, who shares his profound insights on leading meaningful cultural change in educational systems that often default to standardisation. Matt shares his approach to leading cultural change in education systems that often default to standardisation, discussing his work reframing wellbeing as central to academic achievement and the resistance we encounter from traditional approaches.  Key insights include his shift from directive leadership to deep listening and coaching, and why sustainable change happens through partnership, not power.  When we invest in authentic connections, people move because they believe in the direction and understand their role in the journey. Connect with Well-Nest: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    40 min

  7. MAY 19

    Building Trust from Day One

    In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Kalea Haran, Principal at Penrhos College in Western Australia, who shares her inspiring journey of building trust and encouraging bravery among staff as a vibrant new leader in the school community. Kalea shares her approach to connecting with staff who are still getting to know her supportive, judgment-free leadership style. She shares her successful strategy of consistently demonstrating her genuine care while joyfully celebrating each new relationship she builds. This refreshing perspective highlights the exciting opportunities educational leaders discover when joining established communities with rich cultures and potential for growth. Join us for an uplifting conversation as Kalea reveals how she creates a harmony between encouraging innovation and fostering a warm, psychologically safe environment for her team. Most importantly, she exemplifies how authentic leadership thrives through positivity and persistence, showing that when you focus on nurturing meaningful connections with your staff, remarkable transformation blossoms naturally, turning initial hesitation into powerful collaboration and shared success. Connect with Aimee: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    32 min

  8. APR 22

    When Disaster Strikes: A Principal's Journey Through Cyclone Seroja

    In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Ben Will, Principal at Holy Spirit in Western Australia, who shares his extraordinary experience of leading a school community through the devastating impact of Cyclone Seroja and its aftermath. Ben reveals the immense challenges he faced in maintaining educational continuity while supporting traumatised students, concerned parents and dedicated staff during this natural disaster. He candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster he experienced...from the initial crisis response to the long-term recovery efforts and the very real effects of burnout that followed. This honest reflection highlights the unique pressures that educational leaders face when their communities are struck by unexpected calamity. Join us for an insightful conversation as Ben shares how the regional community rallied together in remarkable ways. Most importantly, he reveals how this challenging experience reinforced his understanding that authentic leadership isn't always perfect, but when your focus remains steadfastly on the students, great things can be achieved despite overwhelming circumstances. Connect with Aimee: Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall Website: www.well-nest.com.au Instagram: well_nest_collective_co Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

    34 min
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About

We delve into the journeys of resilient school leaders, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through powerful stories and shared experiences. From navigating complexities and overcoming challenges to celebrating triumphs, each episode delivers a powerful dose of motivation, where vulnerability meets empowerment. We also share insights from our collaborative work at Well-Nest with school leaders, sparking discussions and inspiring fresh ideas for your leadership journey. Tune in and become part of our like-minded community of dedicated and driven school leaders shaping the future of education!

Information

  • Creator
    Aimee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Reflections of School Leaders
  • Show Website
    Reflections of School Leaders