This podcast is for people looking to get motivated as each week Michael speaks to a different inspiring guest in the world of business, fitness, adventure, family, personal development, and more.
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What is INFORMAL OBSERVATIONS? A no-holds-barred, raw and unfiltered deep dive into all things K-12 education, co-hosted by Michael Sonbert (Founder) and Antonio Vance (Chief Schools Officer) from Skyrocket Education.
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The wellbeing of staff in schools has never been more important. With almost a third of new staff leaving the profession after just five years and 26% of teachers saying they are thinking of leaving in the next 12 months (National Foundation for Educational Research), we are facing a teacher retention crisis. The We Lead Well Podcast has been created in response to this crisis, to encourage and support schools to create places where people love to work. We support leaders to enhance the well ...
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In Beyond Average to Great! we uncover the secrets to breaking free from mediocrity and unlock the greatness within you. Through inspiring stories and insights from people who have changed their lives, you’ll learn how strong decisions and bold actions can take you to the next level. Let’s Go!
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How to Stand Out and Get Promoted: David Meyer
44:04
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44:04David Meyer is the Vice President Multi-Family Operations at Courtesy Electric Company based in Denver Colorado. With his leadership he helped the company grow from 40 employees to over 200 employees. David discusses the career path for electricians and how to stand out in your company to get promoted. The skills required to scale a business to 200…
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Bridging Leadership Gaps with Audrey Pantelis
1:06:28
1:06:28
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1:06:28In this latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey Pantelis, ex-headteacher and founder of Elevation Coaching and Consulting. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in educational leadership, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the importance of creat…
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Resilience in Education: Krissi Carter's Journey
1:18:49
1:18:49
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1:18:49In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I chatted with Krissi Carter, a former headteacher who shares her inspirational story of overcoming mental health challenges. Krissi discusses her experiences with complex PTSD and the journey she undertook to regain her mental fitness, utilising mindfulness, journalling, and the Positive Intelligence pr…
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Innovative Leadership and Well-being in Schools: Insights from Paddy Russell
1:17:20
1:17:20
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1:17:20For this episode, I interviewed Paddy Russell, the headteacher of Ladybridge High School in Bolton. Paddy shares his passion for innovative education and staff well-being, discussing how his school has embraced co-construction in developing leadership programmes beyond the NPQ. Discover the unique approaches Ladybridge High has implemented, such as…
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Crestron's Sr. Marketing Director, Michael Short, shares his insights on the future of Home Automation and the roll A.I. will play in it. Michael is a highly accomplished marketing and communications executive with over two decades of experience building successful brands and leading high-performing teams. He's currently the Senior Director Marketi…
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Transforming Education with Eli Jones: A Curriculum Revolution
1:07:23
1:07:23
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1:07:23In this enlightening episode of We Lead Well, we explore the innovative changes happening in middle schools with Eli Jones, the Director of Academic Innovation at Burris Laboratory School. Eli shares his revolutionary approach to curriculum redesign, where traditional teaching boundaries are expanded to meet the individual interests and needs of ea…
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Guest Michael Winestone discusses the importance of Communication between trades on projects.
51:48
51:48
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51:48Michael is an experienced innovator and growth strategist with a track record of delivering results. As Vice President at Fassberg, Michael transforms ideas into reality and supports the effective planning and development of every project. His methods give Fassberg a unique edge with each and every project they are engaged in, and encompass a highl…
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Guest Michael Sonbert Discusses his new book Rebel Culture.
37:21
37:21
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37:21Michael Sonbert is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, performance coach, and the founder of Skyrocket Education and Rebel Culture. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked with leaders from public schools to Fortune 500 companies, driving transformation in both education and corporate leadership. His philosophies are taught in a gra…
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Unlocking Leadership Potential: A Deep Dive into School Improvement with Ben White
1:17:52
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1:17:52In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, I talk to Ben White, the Director of School Improvement for Life Multi-Academy Trusts in Leicestershire. Ben shares his experiences in supporting leaders and headteachers across a diverse group of secondary and primary schools, focusing on enhancing teaching and learning environments. We discussed the si…
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Guest David Hill shares the key to increasing your Sales
30:23
30:23
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30:23David, a seasoned real estate broker with 21+ years of experience, excels in aiding real estate agents and sales professionals in overcoming objections, enhancing communication, and boosting sales closure rates. As the host of the "Path to Mastery" podcast, David has interviewed notable figures like Gary Vaynerchuk, Mel Robbins, and Grant Cardone. …
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Josh Christian: CEO of the Home Technology Association.
38:25
38:25
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38:25The Power of Integrators: Discover how partnering with a skilled technology integrator can alleviate your tech anxiety on your home projects. Josh is the CEO of The Home Technology Association (HTA). HTA is a consumer-focused organization that raises standards in the home technology industry by certifying qualified integrators. Its rigorous certifi…
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Guest David Brian Sanders, Legendary Los Angeles Interior Designer
34:14
34:14
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34:14David shares his success secrets. Boost Your Home Project Success with Team Communication Taking Risks: David's Journey to Entrepreneurship and Key Skills for Success. How collaboration creates great projects. David Brian Sanders is an Interior Design working in the heart of Los Angeles, and has become one of the most sought-after interior designer…
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Resilience in Education: Improving wellbeing in Schools
1:06:25
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1:06:25Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast in which we explore the critical connection between well-being and effective leadership in schools. In this episode, we delve into the topic of resilience in education with special guest Dr. Steph Ainsworth, an expert in teacher resilience research. Discover the insights from Dr. Ainsworth's…
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Guest Katie Shea shares how to Get Attention and Build Authority to grow your Business
37:58
37:58
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37:58Katie is a sales and performance coach who specializes in helping new coaches enter the industry confidently. She created the Impact Experience, a program that offers clarity, launch strategies, and sales techniques for aspiring coaches. Drawing from her collaborations with industry leaders like Grant Cardone and Richard Dolan, Katie combines perfo…
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Season 2, Episode 7 - Melissa Rush/Ashley Higginbotham - Double Trouble (In a Good Way)!
46:35
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46:35On this episode, Michael speaks with Melissa Rush and Ashley Higginbotham. Melissa Rush is an adventurer and entrepreneur, co-owning Rush & Company, an Executive Search Firm specializing in Textiles, with her husband Rick. She's trekked iconic trails worldwide, from Patagonia's W Trail to Japan's Kumano Kodo to Tour du Mont Blanc and Nepal's Annapu…
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Guest Sean Abbananto: How to Handle a Crisis When Life Hits Hard
51:13
51:13
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51:13Sean is a pastor, coach, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker specializing in mindset and leadership. His work inspires others to develop solid strategies for life and business. Learn more and connect with Mark IG: @markjean23 - personal IG: @ardentintegrated - business Facebook: mark.jean.792 IN: mark-jean-6190249/ Website: markjean23.com - personal …
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Celebrating 100 Episodes with Leadership Insights from Michael Sonbert
1:19:18
1:19:18
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1:19:18Welcome to the 100th episode of the We Lead Well podcast, on which we're joined by special guest Michael Sonbert. Michael is a bestselling author, speaker, performance coach, and founder and CEO of Skyrocket Education and Rebel Culture. In this celebratory episode, Michael shares his journey from teaching to global educational reform and leadership…
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Joaquin Rivera: CEO and President of By Design, Vision and Sound
43:16
43:16
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43:16From immigrant to CEO and building a multi million dollar brand. Joaquin shares his journey from coming to the USA at the age of 12 to the people the encouraged and mentored him to starting his own business representing some of the most elite products in the world. Learn more and connect with Mark IG: @markjean23 - personal IG: @ardentintegrated - …
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Nick Lowery: Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame place Kicker disuses his pasions for helping others.
45:14
45:14
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45:14Nick discusses his remarkable 18-year NFL career, primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs, he solidified his place in football history as the franchise's all-time leading scorer in his 14 seasons with the Chiefs. He is also a seven-time All-Pro selection. As a true champion for the homeless and less fortunate, his impact transcends sports, making him…
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Equity in Education with Lee Elliot Major
1:00:35
1:00:35
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1:00:35Welcome to the We Lead Well podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to that Lee Elliot Major, the UK's first Professor of Social Mobility, was able to join us for an insightful and inspirational conversation. Lee discusses his latest book, "Equity in Education," and delves into critical issues surrounding educational inequalities, unconscious bia…
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Eli James talks Music, Fashion, and what drives him to pursue greatness
40:21
40:21
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40:21Eli is an International touring drummer, turned celebrity fashion designer. From bedroom creations to front covers of magazines. Now a multi million dollar business entrepreneur with a grossly, but contagious, positive attitude. Learn more and connect with Mark IG: @markjean23 - personal IG: @ardentintegrated - business Facebook: mark.jean.792 IN: …
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Challenge Your Limits with Alex Spanton: What If You Could Be More?
36:02
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36:02Learn from Alex how to get "unstuck" and make the decision to become great by helping others. Plus how to turn knowledge into Action. Alex is an athlete, businessman, speaker, and coach. Through daily discipline, personal development, and expansive thinking he became a top tech salesperson achieving multiple presidents club, winners circle, and rep…
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Kevin Holland: Transformative Coaching
1:16:17
1:16:17
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1:16:17In this episode of the We Lead Well podcast, we welcome Kevin Holland, CEO of Global Spirit Ed, to discuss the transformative power of coaching in education. Kevin shares his extensive journey from being a PE teacher to leading a community interest company that works with schools globally. In our conversation, we explore the impact of coaching on s…
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Shelley Baker: Empowering Female Leadership
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59:40Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast, in which I'm joined by Shelley Baker, the head teacher at Varndean School in Brighton. This episode is packed with insights on enhancing well-being and leadership within schools; Shelley shares her career journey, the importance of creating a vibrant school culture, and the unique small sch…
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Neil Jurd - Leadership is Still Easy!
1:08:29
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1:08:29This episode of the podcast delves into the importance of building strong relationships in educational organisations to foster a positive culture and enhance leadership effectiveness. Reflecting on my journey from teaching to coaching, I share insights on how a supportive network can prevent burnout and help female school leaders achieve their aspi…
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Dr Kulvan Atwal - Embracing Innovative Leadership in Education
1:28:15
1:28:15
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1:28:15Welcome to the latest episode of the We Lead Well podcast. In partnership with Progressive Masculinity and HeadTeacherChat.com, this episode offers invaluable insights for school leaders in a compelling interview with Dr. Kulvan Atwal, the head teacher of two innovative schools in London. Dr. Atwal discusses his unique and successful approaches to …
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Season 2, Episode 6 - Dawne Hanks - Eliminate Girl Hate
58:14
58:14
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58:14On this episode, Michael speaks with Dawne Hanks, founder and CEO of Eliminate Girl Hate. With over two decades of experience as a brand and marketing strategist, Dawne has journeyed across the globe, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and gaining a profound global perspective—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Renowned for aw…
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Yasmin Arrif - Harnessing the Power of Coaching in Education
59:41
59:41
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59:41In this insightful episode of the 'We Lead Well' podcast, I talked with Yasmin Arif, a former teacher and school leader turned coach, recounting her journey from burnout to empowering school leaders. The episode takes a deep dive into the challenges faced by school leaders and how effective coaching can be instrumental in overcoming them. It unders…
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Season 2, Episode 5 - Juliet Starrett - Built to Move
51:55
51:55
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51:55On this episode, Michael speaks to Juliet Starrett. Juliet is the coauthor of NYT Bestseller Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, as well as the CEO of The Ready State, a multi-million-dollar company that has disrupted the fitness industry with a new market category of movement and mobility content. She fo…
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Bukky Yusuf: Navigating Change - Practical Advice for Everyday Leadership Challenges
1:18:20
1:18:20
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1:18:20Bukky Yusuf is a Deputy Headteacher, Consultant and Qualified Coach. Bukky has worked in education for over two decades and has undertaken a number of leadership roles within mainstream and special schools, centring around professional development programmes, quality first teaching and effective implementations of Educational Technology. As part of…
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Annabel Jeffcoate - In Pursuit of Balance Through Boundaries
1:07:32
1:07:32
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1:07:32Annabel is a work-life balance coach from London. Years ago she would write to-do lists as long as her arm and kick herself each day when she didn't get through them. She would put in the extra hours yet always felt like she was chasing. She was so focused on getting things right that her life was a constant cycle of 'all or nothing'. She felt like…
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Season 2, Episode 4 - Bob Carter - Giving Back
43:53
43:53
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43:53On this episode, Michael speaks with Bob Carter. Bob Carter is a connector and philanthropic visionary who champions creative solutions to institutional strategy and humanitarian challenges worldwide. He's a founding board member of the World Health Organization Foundation and the African American Development Officers Network Board, serves as a boa…
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Phil Denton - Self-evaluation Simplified
1:15:19
1:15:19
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1:15:19After many years in school leadership including positions as Headteacher, Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of History, Phil is now a leader for education companies based in Manchester and London. He speaks widely to education, public sector and corporate audiences working with teams to create impactful plans that realise ambitious priorities. H…
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Dave Keeling - On being happy: creating positivity and wellbeing in the workplace
1:16:08
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1:16:08In this episode of the podcast, I chatted with Lead Happiness Consultant, Dave ‘Billy Elliot’ Keeling. Dave grew up in a pit village in Nottinghamshire and was tap dancing three times a week by the age of ten. Never one to shy away from challenge and risk, he then moved into the world of acting and trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music…
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In this episode, I talked with David Harking of 8 Billionideas. David is the Founder and CEO of this EdTech and services company and is on a mission to give every student the skills and belief to change the world. Centred around five pillars, 8billionideas focuses on teaching entrepreneurship, career education, wellbeing, health and performance, as…
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Season 2, Episode 3 - Bryan Maher - Vision Quest
40:48
40:48
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40:48On this episode, Michael speaks with Bryan Maher. Bryan is a songwriter, music producer, and new dad. He's also the lead signer of the band, Black Suit Youth. Black Suit Youth is a four piece DIY rock band from, New York. Currently signed to 59X Records, they have been self-releasing albums and EPs and booking their own tours for years. They have p…
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Michelle Hague - How do you get it right from the start? Best practice in the EYFS
1:12:26
1:12:26
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1:12:26Michelle Hague is the Founder of HEYD. She is an accomplished and inspirational school leader with a track record of developing high-performing cultures, systems, and strategies to enhance academic standards. With experience as a Rapid School Improvement Partner, Head of School Development, Head of an outstanding school, Teaching School Alliance, I…
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Keren Mitchell Superkind: Empowering Children to Shape a Better World
43:05
43:05
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43:05SuperKind is an award-winning, free platform for schools to bring social action and philanthropy into the classroom. Their website and free resources can help you to create the next generation of change-makers in the easiest and most engaging way. Superkind's Co-founder Keren Mitchell joined us for this episode to tell us about the ways in which Su…
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John Cosgrove - Humans First: A Compassionate Approach to Leadership
1:19:32
1:19:32
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1:19:32In this episode of the show I'm joined by the brilliant John Cosgrove. After almost 40 years’ teaching John retired in the summer of 2019. He still contributes significantly to the world of education and has so much to share and teach about the importance of compassion in leadership. John is a firm believer in inclusion, having taught pupils of all…
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Season 2, Episode 2 - Christine Astarita - The 100 Mile Journey
51:36
51:36
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51:36On this episode, Michael speaks with Christine Astarita. Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel purpose behind h…
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Liz Robinson - Nurturing Head, Heart and Hand in Values-led Education
1:06:24
1:06:24
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1:06:24In this episode of the podcast it was a pleasure and a privilege to interview the CEO of Big Education, Liz Robinson. Liz’s motivation comes from a profound belief that schools can play a transformative role in children’s lives, but also in shaping whole communities. Social justice and wider change underpin her views that school simply must be abou…
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Season 2, Episode 1 - Rebecca Rusch - Nothing Is Impossible
45:22
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45:22On the first episode of Season 2, Michael speaks with Rebecca Rusch. Rebecca is a world-class explorer, professional athlete, acclaimed speaker and author who brings her wilderness wisdom to top trailblazers to reach the heights of human performance in leadership, business, and life. Rebecca launched three thriving organizations: Rusch Ventures, Th…
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Jenny Bowers -The Essentials of Safeguarding: What you need to know
1:16:18
1:16:18
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1:16:18In this episode, I talk to Jenny Bowers, supervisor and safeguarding expert and CEO of Purplemoon. Jenny has worked in numerous leadership roles in which she has been responsible for safeguarding and SEN. Her expertise has been developed over many years and she shares this with us in the episode. If you're responsible for safeguarding or you want t…
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Kate Owbridge - So you don’t want to be a headteacher?
1:12:57
1:12:57
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1:12:57Kate has been in primary teaching since 1993, and leadership since 1997. She first became a head in 2004, and has now been head in three schools, an executive head in a fourth, and supported two others in an interim capacity, both Church and Community schools, across four different LAs, and three Dioceses. From inner city Lambeth and Southwark to t…
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Ruth Kudzi - Coaching: Is it worth it?
1:09:44
1:09:44
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1:09:44Ruth is an MCC (Master) level coach with over 10,000 hours of coaching experience with a wide variety of clients. She left her role as a high school deputy headteacher and set up Optimus Coach Academy where she trains people to become professional coaches alongside running her own private coaching practice. Ruth is a twice best-selling author and p…
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Stephanie Shaldas - How can you be more inclusive?
1:11:18
1:11:18
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1:11:18Stephanie Shaldas is a Deputy Headteacher in a secondary school in South East London with 20 years experience in education. She is a French and Spanish teacher who has been Head of Department, Head of Year and an Assistant Headteacher in a variety of schools across Essex and East London. In her current role, she is responsible for all things inclus…
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Emma Sheppard - Being life friendly - supporting parents in schools
1:05:43
1:05:43
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1:05:43In this episode, I talked to Emma Sheppard who founded The Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher (MTPT) Project, the UK's charity for parent-teachers, whilst on maternity leave with her son in 2016. Having trained through Teach First as an English teacher in 2010, she continued to teach in the British International School, Ho Chi Minh, acting as Head…
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Catrina Lowri - Embracing neurodivergence:Perspectives and Insights
1:09:58
1:09:58
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1:09:58In this episode, I speak with Catrina Lowri the founder of Neuroteachers. Catrina is a neurodivergent teacher with dyslexia and bipolar condition. She has over 20 years experience as a SENCO and special needs teacher. Catrina is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and adults with Autism and neurodiversity. She works with…
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Stephanie Miller - Metacognition: Process Over Performance
1:09:12
1:09:12
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1:09:12With over 12 years of experience in educational leadership positions in the UK and overseas, Stephanie is committed to fostering a whole-school approach to the development of process over performance, in order for students and staff to thrive. Through her work on mindset and metacognition in her early career she has embedded this into her classroom…
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Ben Hobbis - How to become a school leader: unlocking leadership opportunities in schools
1:04:31
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1:04:31After four years in Retail Management, Ben graduated from Birmingham City University with a first-class honours degree in Primary Education. With a background in retail management and a deep passion for education, Ben has since held various roles, including learning mentor, unqualified teacher, class teacher, and middle leader. Ben is passionate ab…
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