Positively Leading

• S3E15 - Navigating Leadership in a Changing Landscape with Jenny Cole for the Structure Literacy Podcast

  Send us a textThis week on Positively Leading we've reversed roles! We are excited to share an episode featuring Jenny and interviewed by Jocelyn Seamer for the Structured Literacy Podcast.-----Leadership coach Jenny Cole takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of educational leadership, offering practical wisdom gleaned from her transition from special needs teacher to principal to leadership consultant. At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful message about confidence: it's not something we wait to receive, but something we build through action. Jenny challenges the paralysis of imposter syndrome, suggesting that all leaders – from classroom teachers to principals – can overcome self-doubt by taking small, imperfect steps rather than waiting until they feel fully prepared. "Confidence comes from doing, not from learning," she emphasizes, encouraging leaders to leverage their existing strengths instead of fixating on perceived deficits.The discussion delves into the art of challenging conversations, with Jenny drawing a crucial distinction between "concrete conversations" (addressing clear rule violations) and "sensitive conversations" (handling more personal matters). Through practical examples and role-playing, she demonstrates how to use a "feedback bridge" to deliver constructive criticism in ways that maintain relationships while promoting growth. Her approach acknowledges that most educational professionals genuinely want to do well, with resistance often stemming from fear rather than unwillingness.For principals navigating the rapidly evolving world of literacy instruction, Jenny advocates for humility and regular communication with instructional leaders. She addresses the complexity of modern school leadership, noting how principals now manage responsibilities that would typically be divided among multiple departments in other industries. Despite these challenges, her message remains hopeful: teaching remains an excellent profession filled with dedicated professionals who show up each day committed to making a difference. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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• S3E14 - Productivity Hacks Part 2: Using To Do Lists, Trello & Microsoft To Do with Jenny Cole

  Send us a textProductivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with the limited time and energy we have. As school leadership becomes increasingly complex, with endless demands competing for our attention, finding ways to work smarter becomes essential to our effectiveness and wellbeing. Join me as I continue on from the previous episode with Part 2 in this special productivity series!----------------Digital overwhelm is a real challenge for school leaders. The constant stream of tasks, emails, and projects can leave even the most organized administrator feeling underwater. But what if the solution isn't working harder or longer, but instead leveraging the right digital tools?Microsoft To-Do emerges as an unsung hero for educational leaders. Unlike scattered notes or overloaded calendars, it provides a synchronized task management system accessible from both computer and phone. The ability to categorize tasks, set notifications, and even assign responsibilities to team members transforms individual productivity into collaborative efficiency. When that satisfying "done" sound plays after completing a task, it's not just administrative work—it's progress you can track.For complex projects that can't be managed with simple to-do lists, Kanban planning tools like Microsoft Planner or Trello create visual workflows that transform chaos into clarity. Whether tracking student assessments, coordinating school events, or managing enrollment processes, these boards allow everyone to see exactly where things stand without endless update meetings. Templates and automations eliminate repetitive work, while proper channel selection (knowing when to use email versus Teams) prevents communication overload.The most valuable insight might be the simplest: manage your energy before managing your time. Identify when you think best, block that time for deep work, and establish clear boundaries around your calendar. Consider whether skilled administrative support might accomplish in five contracted hours what takes your leadership team days to manage themselves. By working smarter with the digital tools already at your disposal, you can reclaim your focus for what truly matters—educational leadership that makes a difference. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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• S3E13 - Productivity Hacks Part 1: Boundaries, Deep Work and Getting Time Back as a School Leader

  Send us a textProductivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with the limited time and energy we have. As school leadership becomes increasingly complex, with endless demands competing for our attention, finding ways to work smarter becomes essential to our effectiveness and wellbeing.In this solo episode, I share my journey as someone who is "naturally disorganized" and a "follower of shiny objects" who has nonetheless developed systems that work. Rather than offering advice as a productivity expert, I'm speaking as a fellow traveler who has tried countless methods and found what actually works in the educational leadership context.The cornerstone strategy I recommend is setting firm boundaries around your time. I also unpack practical techniques like the Pomodoro method for focused work sprints, calendar management strategies, and simple ways to leverage technology tools you already have but underutilize. Just as most of us only use our microwave's "one minute reheat" despite having thousands of settings, we typically scratch the surface of our technology's capabilities.Try implementing just one of these strategies this week. Your future self—less frazzled, more accomplished, and with greater headspace for strategic thinking—will thank you for making the change. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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• S3E12 - Why Early Childhood Leadership Matters with Linda Sweet

  Send us a textStep into the world of early childhood education with Linda Sweet, Deputy Head of Primary Early Learning at a K-12 school in Perth. With 35+ years of experience, Linda’s passion for nurturing young minds shines through as she shares her journey from enthusiastic educator to influential leader.We explore the power of play-based learning, how it builds resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills, and why creating curiosity-driven environments is key to early education. Linda also discusses the Reggio Emilia approach, the importance of advocacy for young learners, and the need for more diverse role models in the field.For aspiring leaders, Linda offers practical advice on making decisions, embracing uncertainty, and leading with confidence in the ever-evolving world of education. She shares tools for developing a staff and student charter.If you care about early learning, leadership, and fostering a love for discovery in children, this episode is for you! Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation! Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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• S3E11 - Why Being a School Leader is More than Just a Title with Cleo Jenkins

  Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Cleo Jenkins, an experienced Deputy Principal with a wealth of leadership wisdom. Growing up in a family of educators, Cleo shares how her early influences and personal hardships shaped her perspective on leadership and wellbeing.We explore why self-care is essential for school leaders and how Cleo’s doctorate research is shedding light on the relational dynamics that impact leadership effectiveness. From building trust and communication to fostering a supportive school culture, her insights are practical and deeply relevant.Aspiring leaders will also pick up valuable strategies on time management, mentorship, and personal growth. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and full of takeaways to help you lead with purpose.Tune in, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts! Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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