The Unleash Learning Podcast

Unleash Learning
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The era of overwhelm is here and here to stay. If you or your team are leading learning this leaderships calls for a new way forward. Join Dr. William DeJean and his guests to explore leadership in the era of overwhelm. To find out more, go to www.unleash-learning.com or contact us at hello@unleash-learning.com

  1. Mar 30

    Leading learning doesn’t have to feel this hard [Episode 4/4]

    Early career leaders are often asked to carry more than ever — without losing sight of learning. Leadership in today’s schools and organisations can feel scattered and relentless, particularly for those early in their leadership journey. Competing priorities, rising expectations, and limited support can make it hard to stay focused on what matters most. In this final episode of the four-part series How to Thrive as an Early Career Leader in the Era of Overwhelm, Dr William DeJean and Steven Trotter bring the conversation together, focusing on how early career leaders can lead learning with clarity and intention. The discussion centres on narrowing focus, building the right support around you, and reducing collective overwhelm so leadership remains connected to teaching and learning — not consumed by constant pressure. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to keep learning at the centre of your leadership role ✅ Why effective leadership relies on the right people, not everyone ✅ Who those people are and how they support sustainable leadership ✅ How to lower stress across teams and systems ✅ What leading learning well looks like in the era of overwhelm Who it’s for: Early career leaders, aspiring leaders, and leadership teams supporting those in their first years of leadership — particularly in education settings focused on learning improvement. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode helped connect the dots for you, consider sharing it with a colleague or leaving a review to support other early-career leaders.

    11 min

  2. Mar 16

    Early Career leadership – this is essential to have [Episode 3/4]

    Early career leadership was never meant to be a solo act. Many new leaders believe that strong leadership means coping quietly, solving problems alone, and not needing support. While rarely spoken aloud, this belief can increase stress, isolation, and burnout — even for highly capable leaders. In Episode 3 of this four-part series, Dr William DeJean and Steven Trotter explore why success teams are essential for early career leaders — and how the right kind of support can change both leadership experience and outcomes. This episode unpacks the difference between support that simply helps leaders survive the week and support that genuinely helps them grow, develop confidence, and sustain themselves over time. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The leadership myth that encourages struggling in silence ✅ The two types of success teams leaders need to understand ✅ Which form of support most accelerates early career growth ✅ How the right support lowers stress sustainably ✅ One practical step to strengthen your leadership network now Who it’s for: Early career leaders, aspiring leaders, and leadership teams who support new leaders — particularly in education contexts where leadership demands are increasing. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If you know an early career leader, consider sharing this episode with them — or leave a quick review to help others find it.

    8 min

  3. Mar 2

    What the era of overwhelm means for early career leaders [Episode 2/4]

    “I feel like a fraud.” Many early career leaders have thought it — even if they’ve never said it out loud. Stepping into leadership for the first time can feel heavier than expected. The responsibility increases. The visibility increases. The expectations increase. And quietly, self-doubt can increase too. In Episode 2 of this special four-part series, Dr William DeJean is joined by Steven Trotter to explore what they call the era of overwhelm — and why it is shaping the experience of early career leaders more than ever before. Rather than treating self-doubt as a personal flaw, this conversation reframes it as a signal of growth within a demanding leadership context. When leaders understand the environment they’re operating in, they’re better able to respond with clarity rather than self-criticism. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What the era of overwhelm is and how it affects early-career leaders ✅ Why imposter feelings are more common than leaders admit ✅ How shadow beliefs form during periods of growth ✅ What genuinely supports leaders in their first five years ✅ A practical shift you can make to steady your leadership Who it’s for: Early career leaders in their first five years, aspiring leaders preparing for formal roles, and leadership teams supporting emerging leaders in education. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with an early career leader who needs to hear it — or leave a review to help others find the series.

    10 min

  4. Feb 16

    Early career leader? Read this before you doubt yourself [Episode 1/4]

    If you’re in your first few years of leadership, you already know the pressure can build quickly. You’re expected to lead with confidence, make sound decisions, and support others, all while still finding your own feet. It can feel like you’re stretched in every direction, quietly questioning whether you’re doing enough or doing it right. You’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re leading in a time where the demands on early career leaders are higher than ever. In this episode, William is joined by Steven Trotter, author, former school principal, and leadership advisor, to talk about what early career leaders need to understand if they want to grow into the role without burning out or losing confidence along the way. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why early career leadership often feels more intense than expected ✅ Why self-doubt and imposter thoughts are common in the first five years ✅ One practical move you can make now to steady yourself ✅ Why the habits you build early shape the leader you become If you’re navigating your first five years in leadership, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and practical guidance you can use straight away. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across entire organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ Know an early career leader who needs this right now? Share the episode with them.

    6 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    How to Tell If You’re an Inclusive Leader

    If you’re working to build more inclusive leadership across your school, organisation, or network, you know how challenging it can be. In a time when language keeps evolving, expectations are shifting, and everyone’s trying to “get it right,” it’s easy to feel unsure about what true inclusion looks like — or how to lead it with confidence. In this episode, William talks with Bronwyn William, Acting Manager for Widening Participation at Western Sydney University, about what inclusive leadership really means — and how to make it part of your everyday practice. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What inclusive leaders actually do (you’ll love this!) ✅ How to open access to power and opportunity for underrepresented communities ✅ How to make inclusion a shared responsibility — not one person’s job ✅ Practical ways to lead inclusively without adding to the overwhelm If you want to lead with clarity, confidence, and care, and create impact that lasts, this episode is one to share with your whole leadership team. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three books under his belt, William is passionate about helping schools make learning stick for everyone. SAY HI TO US HERE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/  X: https://x.com/unleash_learning  GRAB FREE RESOURCES Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/  School Leaders Free Workbook: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/  School Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps  Team Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps  GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HERE https://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/  Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review — it helps us support more schools and leadership teams to make learning stick for everyone.

    18 min

  6. 10/20/2025

    The Hidden Strategy High Performing Schools Use to Keep Improving

    If you’re working to lead change across your school, network, or state, you know how tough it can be. In the era of overwhelm, with constant initiatives and competing priorities, creating lasting change can feel out of reach. That’s why this episode of our Leadership in the Era of Overwhelm series is one you won’t want to miss. In this episode, William talks with Steven Trotter - a school leader with over two decades of experience helping schools across Victoria, Australia, manage complexity and drive meaningful, sustained improvement. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to start the process of leading change that lasts. The ‘right people’ to help lead change — and why it’s not everyone. How to bring people on board (and keep them there). The key stages of change every leader should know. Why building a “success team” is critical for long-term results. If you want to create impact that endures, across your school, network, or state, this is the episode to share with your entire leadership team. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three books under his belt, William is passionate about helping schools make learning stick for everyone. SAY HI TO US HERE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning GRAB FREE RESOURCES Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ School Leaders Free Workbook: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/ School Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps Team Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HERE https://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/ Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review — it helps us support more schools and leadership teams to make learning stick for everyone.

    36 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    How to take on new information with ease. [Episode 5/5]

    Episode #5 is here 👉🏾 How to Take on New Information with Ease. If you’re leading learning across your school, network, or state, you know the challenge: new information comes at you fast, and in the era of overwhelm, it can feel impossible for staff to take it in. With constant change and already-full mental loads, professional learning risks becoming just another stress point. That’s why this episode of our 5-part podcast series on Leadership in the Era of Overwhelm is essential. Here’s what we’ll share in this episode: How a school can take on new information with confidence and ease. How to run professional learning that supports rather than overwhelms. The two kinds of data every leader needs to know about – and the one that helps without adding to the overwhelm. If you’d like your school, network, or state to confidently adapt and apply strategies, initiatives, and frameworks — without the overwhelm — this episode is for you. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and also the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. William has been deep in the education and learning field for 25 years, has a doctorate in education and has three books under his belt. SAY HI TO US HEREFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HEREhttps://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/ GRAB YOUR FREE RESOURCES HEREFREE EBOOKS: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ SCHOOL LEADERS FREE WORKBOOK: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/ SCHOOL LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps TEAM LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review. It will help us support schools and professional learning teams to make learning stick for everyone.

    21 min

  8. 09/15/2025

    Why a teaching & learning mission matters in the era of overwhelm. [Episode 4/5]

    If you’re leading learning across your school, network or state, the era of overwhelm can leave you feeling stretched, reactive, and unsure of where to focus. That’s why we’re sharing this 5-part podcast series on Leadership in the Era of Overwhelm. Episode #4 is here 👉🏾 Why a Teaching & Learning Mission Matters in the Era of Overwhelm. Why is this an important topic? Because without a clear mission, teams can feel scattered, stressed, and stuck chasing the “latest new thing.” A well-embedded teaching & learning mission gives everyone clarity, direction, and focus - exactly what’s needed in this era of overwhelm. Here’s what we’ll share in this episode: Why a teaching & learning mission is ESSENTIAL for advancing teaching and learning. The EXACT mission to embed across your school, network, or state. How a teaching & learning mission can lower stress and boost long-term learning. If you’re ready to advance teaching and learning and ease your team’s stress, this episode is for you. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and also the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. William has been deep in the education and learning field for 25 years, has a doctorate in education and has three books under his belt. SAY HI TO US HERE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HERE https://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/ GRAB YOUR FREE RESOURCES HERE FREE EBOOKS: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ SCHOOL LEADERS FREE WORKBOOK: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/ SCHOOL LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps TEAM LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review. It will help us support schools and professional learning teams to make learning stick for everyone.

    14 min
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About

The era of overwhelm is here and here to stay. If you or your team are leading learning this leaderships calls for a new way forward. Join Dr. William DeJean and his guests to explore leadership in the era of overwhelm. To find out more, go to www.unleash-learning.com or contact us at hello@unleash-learning.com

Information

  • Creator
    Unleash Learning
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Unleash Learning Podcast