Edwin Talks

The Edwin Group
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Join Julie Liddell, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Edwin People and Charnice Scott, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Edwin as they explore the ideas, experiences and challenges helping shape the future of schools and trusts in the UK. Edwin Talks, an education podcast for teachers, leaders and school staff, brings together influential voices from across the sector for honest and thought-provoking conversations about what matters most. From leadership and culture to workforce, wellbeing, policy and innovation, Edwin Talks uncovers fresh perspectives and practical insights from the people who know education best. Learn more about Edwin at edwin.group

  1. 1d ago

    The power of psychological safety with Laura McPhee

    What does it really take to create schools where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas and bring their whole selves to work? In this episode, Julie Liddell is joined by Laura McPhee, Director of Education at University Schools Trust and author of Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement. Laura believes psychological safety is far more than a ‘nice to have’, she shares how it can create the conditions for stronger leadership, greater innovation and better outcomes for pupils. Laura also shares her own leadership experiences, including the lessons she learned from trying to conform to the idea of what a leader ‘should’ be, and why belonging, supportive challenge and cognitive diversity matter at every level of a school community. Explore more:Empowering Teachers, Improving Schools: Belonging, Psychological Safety and School Improvement.Listen to the Edwin Talks Playlist Learn more about The Edwin Group

    The power of psychological safety with Laura McPhee

  2. Sep 22

    Gender and Leadership with Dr Alexandra Thorp

    Dr Alexandra Thorp, former primary headteacher and executive head, Ofsted HMI and senior HMI for SEND, and now CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, explores the experiences and barriers faced by women in school leadership. In this episode, Alex discusses her doctoral research on the gender identity of school leaders and how internalised gender expectations can influence confidence, self-doubt, and leadership identity. She explores the pressure women can feel to adopt traditionally masculine leadership traits, alongside wider structural barriers including bias and motherhood. Alex also shares how leadership training, coaching and workplace culture can help create more equitable opportunities for progression.

    Gender and Leadership with Dr Alexandra Thorp

  3. Sep 8

    Stop Talking About Wellbeing with Kat Howard

    Kat Howard, Executive School Improvement Lead at Windsor Academy Trust and CEO of Lit Drive, explores the relationship between workload, school culture and staff wellbeing. In this episode, Kat shares her journey from banking to teaching and explains why she wrote Stop Talking About Wellbeing, arguing that wellbeing initiatives can feel hollow when policies and expectations create excessive workload. She discusses how miscarriage policies and maternity leave can shape the experience of working in education, and the importance of creating policies that genuinely support staff. Kat offers practical approaches for leaders, including listening to lived experiences, communicating clearly and being disciplined about change and priorities. Explore more:Stop Talking About WellbeingSymbiosis: The Curriculum and the ClassroomReviving Rhetoric Across the Curriculum: A Guide for Teachers and School Leaders Lit Drive MTPT Project

    Stop Talking About Wellbeing with Kat Howard

  4. Jul 14

    Lessons from a Lifetime in Education with Alice Witherow

    Alice Witherow, CEO of the Cheviot Learning Trust, shares insights from more than 30 years in education, exploring leadership, collaboration and creating cultures where all school staff can thrive. Recorded shortly before her retirement as CEO, Alice looks back on the mentors, experiences and values that shaped her belief that supporting staff is essential to supporting children. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of leadership, the importance of keeping children at the heart of decision-making, and why collaboration, shared vision and relationships are critical to school success.

    Lessons from a Lifetime in Education with Alice Witherow

  5. Jul 7

    Kind Leadership with Joanna Povall

    Joanna Povall, Principal of the British International School Abu Dhabi, Lead Improvement Partner for COBIS, and author of Kind Leadership, explores how kindness can transform leadership and school culture. In this episode, Joanna reflects on her journey into leadership and explains how her approach evolved from striving for perfection to leading with greater empathy, fairness and understanding. Joanna introduces her CHASE framework and shares practical examples of how kind leadership can build trust, strengthen relationships and create healthier, more sustainable school cultures. She also reflects on the importance of self-kindness, boundaries and making time for deep thinking. Explore more: Kind Leadership: Leading schools with empathy, honesty and impact

    Kind Leadership with Joanna Povall

  6. Jul 2

    Quiet Leadership with Andrew Marsh

    Andrew Marsh, ex-headteacher and author of Quiet Leadership: The Power of Introversion in Schools, explores the strengths and challenges of leading as an introvert in education. In this episode, Andrew reflects on a 46-year career in education and discusses how coaching helped him embrace an authentic leadership style rather than trying to fit extroverted expectations. He explores common misconceptions about introversion, explains how it differs from shyness and anxiety, and shares why school cultures and recruitment processes can sometimes overlook quiet leadership qualities. Explore more:Quiet Leadership: The Power of Introversion in SchoolsAndrew Marsh's Substack

    Quiet Leadership with Andrew Marsh

  7. Jun 25

    Supervision for Leaders with Lisa Lea-Weston

    Lisa Lea-Weston, founder and director of Talking Heads Supervision, explores how professional supervision can support wellbeing, leadership and decision-making in education. In this episode, Lisa shares her journey from acting and drama therapy to founding Talking Heads Supervision, and explains why supervision should be a normal part of professional life for education leaders. She explains how reflective conversations can help leaders navigate complexity, ethical decision-making and the emotional demands of their roles. Lisa also discusses the concept of “safeguarding the safeguarder”, the impact of supervision on school culture and wellbeing, and the value of creativity and reflection in helping leaders thrive while improving outcomes for children and young people. Explore more:Talking Heads Supervision

    Supervision for Leaders with Lisa Lea-Weston

  8. Jun 18

    The Courage to Talk with Neil Kelders

    This episode includes discussion of emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention. Please listen with care if these topics feel sensitive for you. Neil Kelders, speaker, coach, and wellbeing advocate, explores how societal expectations can shape how we express emotions, seek support, and connect with others. In this episode, Neil discusses the pressure many people feel to appear strong, cope alone and avoid vulnerability. He reflects on how emotions can surface in unhelpful ways when they are ignored, and why emotionally safe environments are essential for honest conversations and healthy relationships. Neil explores how families, schools and workplaces can create cultures where people feel able to speak openly about challenges, and shares practical insights on modelling vulnerability, building connection and supporting wellbeing. Explore more: Neil Kelders’ website Support resources: Papyrus HOPELINEUK (under 35s): 0800 068 4141 or text 07786 209 697 Samaritans: 116 123 Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 NHS Mental Health Services: 111

    The Courage to Talk with Neil Kelders
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About

Join Julie Liddell, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Edwin People and Charnice Scott, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Edwin as they explore the ideas, experiences and challenges helping shape the future of schools and trusts in the UK. Edwin Talks, an education podcast for teachers, leaders and school staff, brings together influential voices from across the sector for honest and thought-provoking conversations about what matters most. From leadership and culture to workforce, wellbeing, policy and innovation, Edwin Talks uncovers fresh perspectives and practical insights from the people who know education best. Learn more about Edwin at edwin.group

Information

  • Creator
    The Edwin Group
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©The Edwin Group Limited
  • Show Website
    Edwin Talks