The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast

Orla Dempsey
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๐˜ผ๐™ง๐™š ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช ๐™ง๐™š๐™–๐™™๐™ฎ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™ก๐™š๐™–๐™™ ๐™–๐™ฉ ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ฃ๐™š๐™ญ๐™ฉ ๐™ก๐™š๐™ซ๐™š๐™ก?  ๐™„๐™› ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช ๐™–๐™ง๐™š, ๐™ฉ๐™๐™ž๐™จ ๐™ž๐™จ ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ฅ๐™ค๐™™๐™˜๐™–๐™จ๐™ฉ ๐™›๐™ค๐™ง ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช! Through my recruitment work in the education and public sectors, I see trends emerging amongst the 1000s of candidates I've helped to date - from โžก๏ธ career blindspots toโžก๏ธ long, complicated interview questions andโžก๏ธhow confidence holds so many teachers back. Because I understand the system that teachers work in, the language they use, the challenges they face, and the frameworks that shape education, this podcast (and the way I work) means that teachers grow professionally as quickly as possible! Combining mindset with strategy, I'll be sharing ways to sell yourself better and how to make the Looking at Our School Document work for you. I'll also share insider stories from experts in education and beyond.  ๐Ÿ”ฅDon't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast for weekly career and leadership tips. Owner: Orla Dempsey

  1. 3D AGO

    E53: Siobhan Fitzgerald on Empowering Student Voice Through Public Speaking and Leadership in a Rural DEIS School

    Orla interviews Siobhan Fitzgerald, principal of Eglish National School, a small rural DEIS school in East Galway, where she says most pupils have experienced significant trauma and many are from the Traveller community. Siobhan describes developing the LET's Stand Public Speaking programme after noticing students could create strong PowerPoints but were unable to present, and she outlines teaching public speaking as incremental skills (e.g., structure with beginningโ€“middleโ€“end, eye contact, body language) using a modelโ€“shareโ€“guideโ€“apply approach.  The conversation links public speaking to student voice, listening, confidence, leadership, and teacher self-awareness, arguing that students need practice before being asked to share opinions and that teachers already use public-speaking skills daily. Siobhan discusses teamwork, coaching for school leaders, effective interview communication, and announces a forthcoming 10-book fiction box set for ages 7โ€“13, published by Outside the Box, aimed at wellbeing and connecting children with nature. TIMESTAMPS 02:13 School Context and Trauma03:15 Public Speaking Spark05:05 Building the Program06:44 Kids Need a Voice10:41 Listening and Student Voice12:54 Teach One Skill13:11 Speech Structure Hand Model15:53 Eye Contact and Practice17:25 Getting Staff Onboard19:45 Teachers as Speakers24:03 Skills and Reflection Time26:37 Leadership Reflection Courage29:04 Judgment and Visionary Style31:07 Teamwork and Learning Leaders31:25 Team Roles and Flexibility34:17 Elastic Band Leadership Mindset35:30 Leadership in Small Schools39:01 Impact Over Comparison41:46 Coaching for School Leaders44:38 Public Speaking for Principals48:41 Interview Answers and Authenticity51:49 Jargon Versus Real Stories57:18 New Childrenโ€™s Book Series01:01:17 Nature, Wellbeing and FarewellUSEFUL LINKS Here are links to Siobhan's programmes for schools and children LET's Standhttps://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/display-product-page/lets-stand-primary Listen, How Child and Student Voice can Change the Worldhttps://www.routledge.com/Listen-How-Child-and-Student-Voice-Can-Change-the-World/KeenanFitzgerald/p/book/9781032750330 Adventures in Coill Calm serieshttps://www.otb.ie/shop/well-being-sel-sphe/adventures-in-coill-calm/ [Interview by Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail

    1h 3m

  2. APR 24

    E52: Recruitment Redefined: Steven Farrell O Callaghan on Relationships, Interview Prep, and Psychometrics

    Orla interviews Steven Farrell O Callaghan of Clark Recruitment on the Growth in Educational Podcast about his recent Home of the Year final appearance with his husband Mike, the publicity it brought, and his 18 years with Clark, which he officially took over in 2024 after joining in 2008.  Stephen explains Clarkโ€™s relationship-driven approach to serving both employers and candidates, including on-site client visits, structured competency-based interviewing, candidate coaching, and an aftercare check-in process (weeks 1, 4, 6, 8, and 12).  He discusses application volumes (e.g., ~300 for admin roles), international sourcing via partners and a work permit department, and the value and limits of psychometric tools (InnerMetrics/DISC) for hiring and team development.  The conversation covers interview best practices, STAR storytelling, issues with untrained panellists, overly long multi-stage processes, and encouraging educators to take risks, apply even without every requirement, and seek mentoring. TIMESTAMPS 00:48 Home of the Year Spotlight02:52 From Publicity to Networking03:17 Recruitment Relationship Building06:07 Sourcing and Application Volume08:18 International Partners and USP09:51 Leadership Qualities and Listening11:27 Aftercare and Psychometrics14:41 Better Interviews and Panels22:05 Candidate Prep and Storytelling24:23 STAR Technique Breakdown25:20 STAR Story Endings26:11 Interview Surprise Fallout27:09 Too Many Interview Rounds29:09 Why In Person Matters30:24 Hiring Timelines Reality31:56 Coaching Strengths Answers32:51 Recruiter Value Explained35:24 Long Term Relationships36:52 Psychometrics For Teams42:33 Competencies And AI Gaps45:36 Apply Anyway Take RisksCONTACT DETAILS Clarke Recruitment Website:  https://clark.ie/Watch Stephen and Mike on Home of the Year here: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/home-of-the-year/SI0000000759?epguid=IP10017032-12-0007Clarke Recruitment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkrecruitment/[Interview with Orla Dempsey} Send us Fan Mail

    49 min

  3. APR 14

    E51: Aislinn Nic Phรกidรญn: From Classroom to DCU: Teacher Fellowships, Change, and Wellbeing

    Orla interviews primary teacher and Instagram creator Aislinn Nic Phรกidรญn: (Is Muinteoir Mรฉ) about taking a two-year career break to become a Teacher Fellow in DCUโ€™s BEd programme after teaching since graduating from Marino in 2013/2014. Ashlyn describes her hesitant application process, fear of change, and practical trade-offs, including commuting, longer days, no school holidays, and a pay cut, balanced by funded further study and a Masterโ€™s.  She explains the fellowshipโ€™s purpose of bringing current classroom insights into third-level teacher education, mentoring and visiting students on placement, and why it is limited to two years. Aislinn reflects on realising she was near burnout, feeling refreshed, revisiting best practice, and promoting relationship-building, balance, and well-being for student teachers.  She discusses how drama built confidence, and how COVID led to webinars, Irish-language resources, and a bilingual teacher planner. TIME STAMPS 00:43 Aislinn's Teaching Journey01:52 Applying for the Fellowship03:38 Fear of Change and Decision06:32 Tradeoffs and Masterโ€™s Funding07:15 Why Itโ€™s Only Two Years09:13 Returning Refreshed11:52 Sharing the Move Online15:17 Qualities of Teacher Fellows19:06 Imposter Syndrome and Team Balance21:03 Relationships First21:36 Teacher Wellbeing Boundaries23:26 Rest Is Productive25:23 Priorities And Time27:13 Drama Builds Confidence29:59 Showtime In Class34:14 Planner Born In Covid38:20 Helping Teachers Take Risks39:10 Leap Of Faith Closing[The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast Host: Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail

    43 min

  4. MAR 31

    E50: Brien Kearns - From HR to School Principal: Authentic Leadership, Reflection, and Doing Better Interviews

    In this episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, I interview Brien Kearns, administrative principal of Castletown National School in Navan, County Meath, about his career from an early HR role in the Department of Justice to nearly 20 years in teaching and becoming a principal in 2020 just before COVID. Brien explains how HR experience shaped his approach to relationship-building, communication, professionalism, and handling grievances, and how principals spend much of their time on โ€œmanaging the organisation.โ€ He discusses hiring for fit and strengths, supporting staff at different life stages, and the value of reflection through school self-evaluation and critical friends.  Brien shares lessons from failing principal interviews before succeeding on his third attempt, emphasising credible, evidence-based answers, preparation, feedback, and perseverance. He advises using AI carefully without losing authenticity, and stresses following policy, circulars, and frameworks for fairness, trust, and protection.  He closes with advice for new principals: be genuine, empower staff, seek help, show humility, and accept ongoing learning and imposter syndrome. TIMESTAMPS 00:23 From Teacher to Principal02:28 HR Roots in Justice05:31 Relationships Drive Schools08:17 Hiring and Staff Fit11:02 Duty of Care for Staff12:38 Learning From Interview Failure17:13 Postgrad and Answer Structure18:36 Advice After Rejection21:02 Feedback for Middle Leaders23:12 Self Awareness as a Leader23:42 Growth Through Change24:31 Learning From Failure25:36 Reflection Habits26:51 School Self Evaluation28:12 Critical Friends Network29:37 Job Applications Lessons33:23 AI Without Losing Voice35:54 Policies And Frameworks42:26 New Principals Advice44:42 Imposter Syndrome Reality45:43 Final EncouragementSend us Fan Mail

    50 min

  5. MAR 24

    E49: Jill Oโ€™Meara - Confidence Is Attractive: Personal Branding Photography for Educators

    On the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, host Orla interviews photographer Jill Oโ€™Meara about personal branding and headshot photography for professionals, including ambitious teachers seeking leadership roles. Jill explains how she creates a safe, guided studio experience in Enfield, Co Meath - optional makeover, posing, real-time photo review, attention to detail, and tailored planning around clientsโ€™ colors and personality - to help clients feel grounded, confident, and accurately represented. They discuss the risks of outdated or unrepresentative images, the many uses for professional photos (LinkedIn, CVs, WhatsApp, newsletters, podcasts, speaking, awards, editorial, school websites), and Jillโ€™s on-location staff headshot work. Jill shares her background in architecture, the importance of body language and โ€œlistening eyes,โ€ and her takeaway: โ€œdo it anyway.โ€ TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Jill Studio Experience01:52 Networking Photographer Life03:14 Headshots And Authenticity04:50 Teachers Confidence Online06:44 Where To Use Photos08:56 Personal Brand Explained10:01 On Location Team Headshots11:42 Architecture To Photography13:07 Tailored Shoots Planning17:07 Helping Camera Shy Clients20:41 Clients Return And Legacy22:41 Ripple Effects of Leadership24:16 Home Self vs Work Self25:36 Family Shoots and Studio Fun27:43 Know Your Audience28:41 Body Language in Portraits30:51 Grounded Confidence on Camera33:48 Interview Presence and Nuance35:44 Building Real Confidence38:02 Brand Photos for Opportunities41:15 Do It Anyway42:21 How to Book Jill43:23 Final Thanks and WrapCONTACT JILL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-o-meara-photography/ Website: https://www.jillomeara.ie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillomearaphotography/  Send us Fan Mail

    45 min

  6. MAR 17

    E48: Nick Woolley on Building Coaching Cultures in Schools with Inclusive Futures Academy

    In this Growth in Educational Leadership podcast episode, I interview Nick Woolley, a former secondary maths teacher and now full-time coach and coach trainer, co-director of the Inclusive Futures Academy.  Nick describes discovering coaching on a leadership course, becoming an ICF-accredited coach, and returning to education after initially trying to leave the sector, now coaching students through senior leaders.  He explains Inclusive Futures (a not-for-profit CIC focused on social mobility) and the Academyโ€™s ICF-accredited, phased coach training model that can be tiered across school roles to build a coaching culture, including a recent project training Year 10/transition-year students to mentor younger peers.  Key themes include coaching as effective communication, active listening, silence, curiosity over advice-giving, contracting (โ€œwhat do you want from this conversation?โ€), and transparent leadership to gain buy-in during change. TIMESTAMPS 00:52 Nickโ€™s Teaching to Coaching Journey02:22 Building Inclusive Futures Academy05:55 Coaching Skills for Schools06:52 Power of Listening and Silence11:36 Training Pathways and Offerings17:01 Ripple Effect and Hidden Impact20:48 Leading Change Through Buy-In26:03 When Change Isnโ€™t Optional27:03 Invite Staff Input27:26 Transparency Builds Trust28:49 Director Caught Middle30:50 Coaching for Leaders32:09 Loneliness at the Top33:11 Coaching Skills Teachers Have35:25 Coaching Not Advice37:42 Clarify What You Need39:05 Beware Scripted Coaching40:54 Empower Not Depend41:46 Permission to Mentor43:53 Contracting Conversations47:48 Feeling Heard Exercise49:39 Change Needs Context51:04 How to Contact Nick51:59 Final Thanks and Wrap UpCONTACT DETAILS Nick's website: https://inclusivefutures.co.uk/ Email Nick here:  nick@inclusivefutures.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickwoolleycoach/  Send us Fan Mail

    53 min

  7. MAR 10

    E 47: Xiaoxiao Mulhall - Inclusive Growth Through Global Connections: Leadership Lessons

    I interview Xiaoxiao Mulhall, current president of Network Kildare (part of Network Ireland) and founder of Sinoventures, about inclusive growth through global connections and building deeper member relationships. Xiaoxiao explains Network Kildareโ€™s role as a womenโ€™s network supporting business owners, employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting guided networking, joint events with other branches, and plans to increase visibility via PR, LinkedIn, Instagram, and personal branding.  Drawing on her experience helping Irish and European businesses enter the Chinese market, she discusses fear, research, cultural understanding, protecting brand and regulatory alignment, and taking calculated risks. She shares leadership insights: confidence follows action, authenticity in public speaking, preparation, delegation, and prioritisation, and emphasises that women and teachers are already leaders.  She previews a Chinese New Year event and explains how to join via NetworkIreland.ie or kildaremembership@networkireland.ie. Timestamps 00:48 What Network Kildare Does01:41 Theme Inclusive Global Growth04:05 Going International Without Fear09:02 Confidence Follows Action10:48 Why She Said Yes to Becoming VP12:02 Personal Branding and LinkedIn15:58 Time Management and Delegation19:48 Recognising Everyday Leadership22:09 Public Speaking and Authenticity24:37 Interviews and Asking Why28:44 Member Research and Inclusion Events31:52 Chinese New Year Celebration34:11 Closing Advice and How to JoinSend us Fan Mail

    38 min

  8. MAR 5

    E46: Cathal Twaddle on Sport, Inclusion, HSCL Trust-Building, and High-Performance Habits in Education

    In this episode of the Growth and Educational Leadership Podcast, I interview teacher and HSCL liaison officer Cathal Twaddle about his career milestones, psychology studies, and leadership learning shaped by sport. Cathal describes an early prison service role and how a manager linked team sport to resilience and teamwork, which became a lens for his teaching and leadership.  He discusses โ€œtwo roadsโ€ moments influenced by his parentsโ€™ limited educational opportunities and his fatherโ€™s dementia, emphasising reflection and ambition.  Cathal defines high performance as consistently doing simple, logical tasks, applying this to teaching and student voice. He explains inclusion as broader than additional needs, and outlines HSCL work supporting families, including homelessness, by building trust through visibility, clear communication, and demystifying attendance processes.  He also shares interview strategies, networking, transferable teacher skills, and reverse-engineering leadership goals. TIMESTAMPS 01:04 Prison Service Beginnings02:47 Sport Mindset and Two Roads06:34 From Coaching to Teaching10:03 High Performance Basics12:14 Student Voice Made Simple15:29 Inclusion Beyond SEN17:41 HSCL Role and Homelessness20:09 Building Trust With Parents23:52 Interview Lessons From Sport27:24 Career Advice and Reflection31:41 Networking and Transferable Skills33:57 Reverse Engineering Leadership Goals36:38 Final Thanks and Wrap Up Send us Fan Mail

    38 min
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๐˜ผ๐™ง๐™š ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช ๐™ง๐™š๐™–๐™™๐™ฎ ๐™ฉ๐™ค ๐™ก๐™š๐™–๐™™ ๐™–๐™ฉ ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ฃ๐™š๐™ญ๐™ฉ ๐™ก๐™š๐™ซ๐™š๐™ก?  ๐™„๐™› ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช ๐™–๐™ง๐™š, ๐™ฉ๐™๐™ž๐™จ ๐™ž๐™จ ๐™ฉ๐™๐™š ๐™ฅ๐™ค๐™™๐™˜๐™–๐™จ๐™ฉ ๐™›๐™ค๐™ง ๐™ฎ๐™ค๐™ช! Through my recruitment work in the education and public sectors, I see trends emerging amongst the 1000s of candidates I've helped to date - from โžก๏ธ career blindspots toโžก๏ธ long, complicated interview questions andโžก๏ธhow confidence holds so many teachers back. Because I understand the system that teachers work in, the language they use, the challenges they face, and the frameworks that shape education, this podcast (and the way I work) means that teachers grow professionally as quickly as possible! Combining mindset with strategy, I'll be sharing ways to sell yourself better and how to make the Looking at Our School Document work for you. I'll also share insider stories from experts in education and beyond.  ๐Ÿ”ฅDon't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast for weekly career and leadership tips. Owner: Orla Dempsey

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