Well-Led Schools

Adrienne Hornby
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As the rates of professional stress and burnout increase for school leaders, teachers and staff, the solution lies in how we lead our schools and prioritise workplace wellbeing to become "Well-Led" Schools - those that lead with “wellbeing in mind.” Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Strategist, Speaker and School Leader Adrienne Hornby for a host of inspiring conversations with experts and forward thinkers. Covering all things teacher wellbeing, school leadership and culture building - you'll walk away with ideas and recommendations on ways to evolve your leadership, create a mentally healthy workplace and ultimately influence the lives and learning of our students.

  1. Ferocious Warmth: Leading with Both the Head and the Heart with Tracey Ezard

    10 THG 3

    Ferocious Warmth: Leading with Both the Head and the Heart with Tracey Ezard

    What does it really look like to lead with both strength and care — to be ferocious and warm at the very same time? In this episode of Well-Led Schools, I'm joined by leadership expert, author and speaker Tracey Ezard for one of the most energising conversations I've had on this podcast. We dive deep into Tracey's signature concept of Ferocious Warmth — a framework built on the infinity loop, balancing head (results, strategy, cognitive reasoning) and heart (emotional intelligence, connection, empathy). The magic, Tracey explains, isn't choosing one over the other — it's reading the context in the moment and knowing how much of each you need to pour in. In this episode, we cover: The Ferocious Warmth framework — the infinity loop, the four core values (Expansive, Connected, Authentic, Courageous) and the three intelligences Why 'soft skills' and 'hard skills' is a distinction we need to blow out of the water The Culture Ladder — from Corrosion through to Committed Collaboration — and where most schools are sitting right now How to build true leadership team alignment through intellectual friction, not the suppression of it Why naming the system tension is the first step to navigating it without losing your school's identity Leadership wellbeing as a leadership behaviour — and what happens when leaders default to the 'fearsome' or the 'enmeshed' extremes Tracey's personal strategies for protecting energy, building her squad and refusing to use the word 'busy' About Tracey: Tracey Ezard is one of Australia's most sought-after leadership experts, authors and speakers, best known for her transformational concept of Ferocious Warmth — the art of leading with both the ferocity to drive transformation and the warmth to inspire and connect people. With over 20 years' experience working across education and health, Tracey has spent her career detecting patterns in high-performing cultures and translating them into practical, evidence-based frameworks. Her career began in Victoria's state education system, where she rose through to Assistant Principal before immersing herself in industry through the prestigious Teacher Release to Industry Program (TRIP) — an experience that became the cornerstone of her thinking around leadership, collaboration and professional cultures. She later spent time in the hospitality world managing her brother-in-law's acclaimed three-hat restaurant, Ezard, where the interplay of results and relationships in high-performance environments further shaped her frameworks. Tracey is the author of Ferocious Warmth, Glue and The Buzz — and has now had over 16,000 people move through The Buzz diagnostic across almost 700 schools. She is a National Fellow of ACEL, the 2022 ACELVic Hedley Beare Educator of the Year, and a Certified Speaking Professional. Her newest book is due for release soon. Connect with Tracey: Website:  www.traceyezard.com LinkedIn:  Tracey Ezard Facebook:  Tracey Ezard — Engage, Collaborate, Act Instagram/X:  @traceyezard Books by Tracey Ezard: Ferocious Warmth (also available on Audible and Spotify Premium) Glue The Buzz Other resources mentioned: Heifetz & Linsky — Balcony and Dance Floor metaphor (from Leadership on the Line) Red Brick Thinking by Donna McGeorge The Pruning Principle by Dr. Simon Breakspear and Michael Rosenbath Esther Perel — author and speaker on workplace relationships and relational intelligence Dylan Wiliam — collective efficacy, professional learning cultures Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  Well-Led Schools Partnership Program - https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ 32 phút
  2. Emotional Intelligence in Schools: Why It Changes Everything with Emma Gentle

    3 THG 3

    Emotional Intelligence in Schools: Why It Changes Everything with Emma Gentle

    Emotional intelligence is not an optional extra in schools. It is a foundational capability that influences how leaders lead, how staff relate, and in terms of wellbeing and psychosocial safety. In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Gentle, former teacher and Assistant Principal turned Emotional Intelligence Coach, to explore why emotional intelligence and nervous system awareness sit at the heart of staff wellbeing and psychosocial safety. When leaders and teams can recognise stress responses, regulate under pressure, and communicate with clarity and care, schools move from reactive to responsive, and the conditions for a safer and more sustainable culture are created. We unpack how emotional intelligence shows up beyond theory in: capacity, boundaries, behaviour responses, difficult conversations, and the micro moments that either build trust and safety or slowly erode them. In this episode, we cover: Why emotional intelligence is a core leadership capability and how it shapes the climate of a whole school How nervous system awareness connects directly to staff wellbeing, burnout risk and psychosocial safety at work Why one-off professional learning rarely creates lasting change and what it takes to embed emotionally intelligent practice into culture Why supporting the adults changes what is possible for students and why trying to fix students misses the point How leaders can seek feedback about their emotional impact in a way that is safe and constructive First small steps to build emotional intelligence, including noticing patterns, journaling and choosing regulation strategies that match your nervous system About Emma: Emma Gentle is a former teacher and Assistant Principal turned Emotional Intelligence Coach with more than a decade of experience in education. Her work sits at the intersection of emotional intelligence, trauma-informed practice, nervous system awareness and neuro-affirming education. After beginning her career as a primary teacher and moving into school leadership, Emma became increasingly aware that many of the challenges facing educators were not about strategy or compliance, but about regulation, capacity and unprocessed stress. Her own journey into motherhood and personal development deepened this insight and shaped the direction of her work. Emma now supports educators and school leaders to move from reactive to responsive, from punitive to restorative, and from stressed to regulated. Through her coaching, workshops and leadership programs such as The Emotionally Intelligent Educator and Lead with EQ, she helps schools build emotionally safe, connected environments where both adults and students can thrive. Her approach blends practical tools with deep inner work, supporting leaders to understand their own patterns, imprints and nervous system responses so they can lead with clarity, compassion and sustainability. Connect with Emma via: Connect with Emma Gentle on LinkedIn: Em Gentle Website: https://emmagentle.com.au/  Email Emma: hello@emmagentle.com.au  Emma’s resources mentioned: Momentum Call - https://emmagentle.com.au/momentum-call  The Emotionally Intelligent Educator Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  Well-Led Schools Partnership Program - https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ 16 phút
  3. It’s Not Just a Script: The Real Power of Restorative Practices in Schools with Kristy Elliot

    3 THG 2

    It’s Not Just a Script: The Real Power of Restorative Practices in Schools with Kristy Elliot

    If you’ve ever heard restorative practices described as “just a script” or a “soft option”, you’re not alone.  In many schools, restorative language can feel confusing, incomplete or disconnected from the real work of relationships, culture and wellbeing. When that happens, staff often dismiss it as something that doesn’t “work” or applies only to student behaviour, and miss the deeper potential to transform culture across the whole school community. In this episode, I’m joined by Kristy Elliott - consultant, trainer, international speaker and founder of Restorative Pathways. We unpack what restorative practices really are, why they matter, and how schools can embed them deeply so they genuinely strengthen relationships, wellbeing and connection for both staff and students. Kristy takes us beyond scripts and restorative questions to explore the importance of mindset, intention and relational skills. We also discuss common misconceptions about Restorative Practices and the systems, rituals, and routines that help schools sustain them long-term. In this episode, we cover: What restorative practices actually are when “done deeply” Why restorative practice is a whole-school wellbeing strategy, not just behaviour management The framework of knowing, doing and being - and why the mindset behind conversations matters most Why restorative conversations are hard - and why that’s actually a good thing What it means to embed restorative practice deeply - including dignity, equity and belonging Practical ways schools can safeguard consistency and longevity of restorative work About Kristy: Kristy Elliott is a consultant, trainer, international speaker, and founder of Restorative Pathways. Kristy is driven by a deep passion for education, a strong belief in restorative practices, and a commitment to helping schools create relational, thriving cultures. Her work blends evidence-based wellbeing science with practical, deeply human approaches that support staff, students, and leaders to connect, communicate, and flourish. Kristy partners with school communities to strengthen wellbeing, build social and emotional capability, and transform how they navigate conflict and repair harm. Her mission is to help schools move beyond surface-level strategies and embed restorative practices in ways that truly shift culture and support every member of the community. Connect with Kristy via: Her website: https://restorativepathways.com.au/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-elliott-bed-mapp-3901079b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restorative_pathways/ Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 phút
  4. Who Really Shapes Morale in Schools

    19 THG 1

    Who Really Shapes Morale in Schools

    If you’ve ever felt the energy dip at school or amongst your team (or yourself!), you already know this episode isn’t about “morale boosters” or surface-level feel-good strategies. It’s about the deeper truth many schools miss: morale is shaped at multiple levels, and the most powerful influences aren’t always the ones we assume. In this first solo episode of Season 4, Adrienne shares what surprised her most after completing a deep dive into the research on teacher and staff morale. She unpacks the three interconnected layers of morale (personal, school/staff, and professional), why morale is contagious, and what changes when we stop treating morale as solely a leadership responsibility and start naming it a joint or collective responsibility. Adrienne also introduces what’s new for 2026, including the podcast’s shift to video, a renewed commitment to high-quality, wisdom-led content, and upcoming wellbeing reports that combine research with real-world insights from Staff Wellbeing Survey data across dozens of Australian schools. In this episode, we cover: What’s new in Season 4, including the move to video podcasting and a focus on deeper, more authentic conversations Why morale became a key theme in Staff Wellbeing Survey data, alongside burnout The surprising realisation that shifted Adrienne’s thinking: morale isn’t only a school or leadership responsibility What morale actually is, and why it’s complex and multi-dimensional The three layers of morale and how they interact Personal morale School/staff morale Professional morale The contagious nature of morale and what this means for every staff member’s influence How schools can buffer system pressures by strengthening what they can control in relation to the eight key domains that shape school morale, including leadership, relationships, workload, systems, recognition, community factors and behaviour support What quietly erodes morale over time The role of personal fit and values alignment in sustaining morale Why sustainable morale improvement requires structure, not just intention, and how Adrienne’s 6-step approach supports this Links and Resources: Watch this on YouTube ARTICLE: Staff Morale in Schools: How Culture, Leadership and Staff Drive Engagement The 6 Steps to Becoming a Well-Led School The 9 Guiding Principles of a Well-Led School Teacher and Staff Wellbeing Surveys The Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Teacher Wellbeing Report ARTICLE: Optimising School Workload with Practical Tips and Resources from the AITSL Workload Reduction Toolkit   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 phút
  5. S3E18: Wired, Tired and Overwhelmed: The Physiology of Stress with Bianca McLeish

    01/12/2025

    S3E18: Wired, Tired and Overwhelmed: The Physiology of Stress with Bianca McLeish

    If you’ve worked in a school for more than five minutes, you know that stress in education doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic “I can’t do this anymore” moment. More often, it creeps in quietly through the constant rushing, the emotional load of caring for students, the relentless pace and the thousand tiny demands that pile up before you’ve even finished your coffee.    Many educators tell us they’re exhausted, but oddly unable to “switch off.” They’re wired and tired at the same time. And even when they know they need rest, their body won’t cooperate. This isn’t laziness or lack of resilience; it’s physiology. And understanding the difference can be life-changing.   In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca McLeish, a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, to explore what it truly means to move beyond surface-level self-care and into genuine self-preservation.   Bianca brings a powerful blend of lived experience and evidence-informed practice, drawing from neuroscience, psychology and Positive Education to help educators understand the physiology of stress, recognise the early warning signs and regulate their nervous system in real time.    In this episode, we cover: The difference between self-care and self-preservation, and why the latter is essential for overwhelmed educators Why you can’t think your way out of stress, and the physiological processes driving overwhelm A simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) and how it shapes your daily experiences What nervous system dysregulation looks and feels like How to activate the relaxation response even when your brain still senses threat The science behind the stress cycle, why most teachers struggle to complete it, and how to finally close the loop Practical ways to mobilise stress energy even if you don’t have time or energy for a workout Common reasons why educators find it so hard to relax Daily micro-practices to reduce stress during the school day, not just after it About Bianca: Bianca McLeish is a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience across Australia and the UK. Her journey into educator wellbeing began after experiencing burnout herself - a turning point that led her to explore the science behind stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing.   Drawing on a Master of Education in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bianca blends neuroscience, psychology, Positive Education and lived experience to help teachers regulate stress, restore balance and reconnect with their purpose. As the founder of The Teacher Wellbeing Academy and author of Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free From Survival Mode Before Burnout, she offers compassionate, evidence-informed strategies that support both individual educators and whole-school communities to thrive.    Her mission is to help educators move beyond surface-level self–care and build genuine, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nervous system regulation, practical tools and the belief that teachers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered.    Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Get Bianca’s Book: Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free from Burnout: A Research-Based Guide for Real Teachers Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Biance via: Website: https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/ Email: bianca@theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271 Facebook: The Teacher Wellbeing Academy Instagram: @theteacherwellbeingacademy   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ
  6. S3E17: How Educators Can Navigate Anxiety and Build Emotional Resilience with Dr. Jodi Richardson

    17/11/2025

    S3E17: How Educators Can Navigate Anxiety and Build Emotional Resilience with Dr. Jodi Richardson

    We’ve all experienced it to some degree…the racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness and that fleeting sense of losing control. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jodi Richardson to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in both our personal and professional lives: anxiety.   As educators, we’re no strangers to it. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the emotional load we carry for our students and the never-ending to-do lists can keep our nervous system switched “on” far longer than is healthy. Over time, that chronic activation can blur the line between stress, anxiety and burnout - a pattern I know I’ve experienced myself. That’s why this conversation with Jodi is such an important one.   In this episode, we cover: What anxiety is, and isn’t, and why it’s not always a disorder How anxiety shows up in our lives: the thoughts, emotions and behaviours others may not see The hidden cost of masking anxiety at work and how it fuels exhaustion and disconnection How the nervous system operates  Practical, evidence-based ways to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself back to calm, even in the middle of a busy school day   Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or simply someone who’s been running on adrenaline for too long, this episode will help you understand your anxiety in a new light and remind you that it’s not something to fear, but something to work with.    About Jodi: Dr. Jodi Richardson is an author, speaker, and educator who specialises in helping people understand and manage anxiety, regulate their nervous system, and build practical strategies for thriving at school and beyond. With a background in education, wellbeing science, and clinical practice, as well as lived experience with anxiety, Jodi brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Through her books, speaking engagements, and her own podcast, ‘Well, Hello Anxiety,’ she equips individuals, schools, and workplaces with evidence-based tools to support mental health and create environments where people can flourish.   Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Jodi via: Her website: drjodirichardson.com  Her podcast: Well, Hello Anxiety Get her anxiety toolkit for anxious children and teens here   Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ 16 phút
  7. S3E16: Turning School Vision Into Action and Alignment with James Clanfield

    03/11/2025

    S3E16: Turning School Vision Into Action and Alignment with James Clanfield

    When a school’s vision isn’t clear, or worse, when it exists only as words on a website, it can leave staff feeling directionless, disconnected and unsure how their daily work contributes to something bigger.    Without that shared sense of purpose, culture fragments, wellbeing suffers and strategic plans lose their impact.    In this episode, I sit down with James Clanfield, former school leader turned digital strategist and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing, to explore how schools can craft and live a vision that truly unites their community. Together, we unpack how a meaningful vision guides both strategy and wellbeing, what it looks like when wellbeing sits at the heart of that vision, and how James’ CAMPUS Method helps leaders align their vision with everyday actions and communications.    In this episode, we cover: The importance of having an established school vision to guide school strategy and staff wellbeing How a vision for wellbeing should connect with and reinforce the overarching school vision James’ CAMPUS method for aligning vision to actions and internal and external communications Common mistakes schools make when creating and communicating their vision or strategic plans, and how to avoid them Strategies for keeping the vision front and centre to ensure commitment and buy-in by all members of the school community Effective ways schools are using their vision to support wellbeing and culture About James: James Clanfield is a former Deputy and Head of Academics and Pastoral Care turned digital strategist, speaker, and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing. He helps schools and education providers grow with clarity using his signature CAMPUS™ Method — a complete marketing and communications strategy designed specifically for the education sector.   James combines real educational leadership insight with strategic execution, offering hands-on support across brand messaging, social media, enrolments, and digital content. Through his content, coaching, and agency work, he empowers leaders and educators to communicate with purpose, lead with vision, and show up with confidence in an increasingly competitive space.   When he’s not building campaigns or attending events, James homeschools his five kids, currently runs his business remotely from Southeast Asia, and works alongside his wife to help educators thrive beyond the classroom.   Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with James via: His website: https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation  LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield  Instagram:@jamesclanfield     Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ
  8. S3E15: The Three Plates of School Leadership: What Matters Most When Everything Feels Urgent with Dr. Pete Stebbins

    06/10/2025

    S3E15: The Three Plates of School Leadership: What Matters Most When Everything Feels Urgent with Dr. Pete Stebbins

    Leading a school is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can have — but it can also feel like one of the hardest. Every day, school leaders are pulled between the demands of strategy, staff, students, and their own wellbeing. It often feels like spinning plates, where the slightest wobble in one area impacts everything else. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving your all yet still wondering how to keep up, you’re not alone.   That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Pete Stebbins to the podcast. Pete is a workplace psychologist, leadership coach, and co-author of the soon-to-be-released book Lead: 12 Extraordinary, Actionable Insights for Every School Leader. He has spent years walking alongside school leaders, distilling the practices that help them move from surviving to truly thriving in their roles.   In this episode, we cover: Why traditional leadership models don’t always fit a school setting, and what extraordinary leaders do instead.  The three plates of leadership (strategic responsibilities, supportive responsibilities, and self-leadership) and how to balance them. How changing demands and workforce pressures are reshaping school leadership. The “seasons of leadership” and how to adapt your focus over time. Practical ways to strengthen strategy with systems, visibility, and tracking. Supportive leadership as more than “warm fuzzies”, tackling workload and capacity head-on. Self-leadership essentials: managing energy, belonging and resilience. Using vulnerability narratives to navigate tough conversations with care and accountability. Pete’s simple practice of focusing on three daily priorities for clarity and impact.   About Pete: Dr. Pete Stebbins, PhD, is a Workplace Psychologist and executive coach, focusing on school leadership development and school improvement. He is the author of the best-selling books: ‘Leading Flourishing Schools’ and ‘iTeams: Why High Performance Teams Fit In AND Stand Out!’. Pete has many years of research and professional practice behind him and is the director of the High Performance Schools Program. His work in this space has reached 16 Countries, impacting more than 600 Schools, and over 5,500 School Leaders and their staff. Pete’s professional passions are developing high-performance teams and building high-capacity school culture.   Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Check out Dr. Pete Stebbin’s latest book: Lead: 12 Extraordinary Actionable Insights for Every School Leader Check out his other books here High Performance Resources: https://www.hptschools.com/tools    Relevant articles and podcast episodes: The Secret Recipe for Motivating Your Staff to Implement Change in The Workplace How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins The Lippit Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change   Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.   Connect with Pete via: His websites: www.hptschools.com/ and www.drpetestebbins.com/  Email: drpetestebbins@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pete-stebbins-4a29177/    Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/  Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 giờ 17 phút
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Giới Thiệu

As the rates of professional stress and burnout increase for school leaders, teachers and staff, the solution lies in how we lead our schools and prioritise workplace wellbeing to become "Well-Led" Schools - those that lead with “wellbeing in mind.” Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Strategist, Speaker and School Leader Adrienne Hornby for a host of inspiring conversations with experts and forward thinkers. Covering all things teacher wellbeing, school leadership and culture building - you'll walk away with ideas and recommendations on ways to evolve your leadership, create a mentally healthy workplace and ultimately influence the lives and learning of our students.

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Adrienne Hornby
  • Năm hoạt động
    2023 - 2026
  • Tập
    72
  • Xếp hạng
    Sạch
  • Trang web chương trình
    Well-Led Schools

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