Winter Series E4 - Leadership, AI and Human Connection with Jade Aim
Send us a textIn this special episode of Positively Leading, we welcome Jade Aim, Principal of Kelmscott Primary School. Jade shares her inspiring path from teaching to leadership, shaped by early family experiences and the power of mentorship. She reflects on building a strong school culture through simple, consistent rituals and a shared school charter that fosters accountability and care.Jade also shares her game-changing approach to technology—using AI tools to cut through admin overload. From creating differentiated resources and translating documents for families to drafting parent communications and generating reports, AI helps her team stay focused on what matters most: relationships. “What teachers have is relationships,” she says, “and AI can’t build that yet.”With practical tips on authenticity, gradual change, and asking for help, this episode offers real-world strategies for leaders at every stage. 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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Winter Series E3 - Mastering Interviews Part Two with Jenny Cole
Send us a textWalking into a leadership interview can feel overwhelming, especially in the high-pressure world of educational leadership. But what if the key to success isn’t about having perfect answers, but about telling authentic, memorable stories? After 15 years of coaching school leaders, I’ve seen how striving for perfection often backfires. Interview panels aren’t looking for textbook responses – they want to connect with a real person who brings genuine value, courage, and perspective to their team.In this episode, part two of Mastering Interviews, I break down five common mistakes candidates make and share a storytelling approach that helps you stand out. Using the SAO framework, you’ll learn how to craft three to five key stories from your experience and shape them into engaging narratives. These stories – when delivered with clarity, vulnerability, and purpose – help panels remember who you are, not just what you’ve done.The best candidates speak confidently from their leadership values, connect big-picture strategy to real-world results, and manage nerves with simple mindset shifts. If you’re ready to stop reciting bullet points and start sharing the story of who you are as a leader, this episode will give you the tools to do just that. 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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Winter Series E2 - Mastering Interviews Part One with Jenny Cole
Send us a textJob interviews for leadership roles in education often come down to more than just qualifications. Despite fair intentions, unconscious bias still plays a powerful role in who gets selected. Many capable candidates reach the interview stage but are overlooked – not because of poor performance, but due to hidden dynamics like affinity bias, where panels gravitate toward people who feel familiar.In this episode, part one on mastering interviews, Jenny Cole dives into what really influences hiring outcomes. She explains why strategic networking and sponsorship are more powerful than traditional preparation alone. While referees speak when asked, sponsors speak up for you without being prompted – often making the crucial difference. You'll also learn how to build professional visibility, mirror interview language, and identify the advocates who can open doors.If you're stuck in the cycle of missed opportunities, this conversation will change how you approach interviews – and your career. It's time to stop relying on luck and start shaping how you're seen. 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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Winter Series E1 - Understanding Parents of Students with Special Needs with Jenny Cole
Send us a text Ever wondered what's really going through the minds of parents raising children with special needs? This candid exploration pulls back the curtain on one of education's most complex relationships.Drawing from three decades of experience in special education, I share how dramatically classroom dynamics have shifted. Today's mainstream teachers regularly support 8-10 neurodivergent students alongside typically developing peers, often with minimal specialized training. While acknowledging these extraordinary challenges, I invite educators to reconsider how we view parents of children with disabilities.The powerful "Welcome to Holland" analogy illuminates the profound grief these parents experience. Having prepared for one life journey (Italy) but unexpectedly landing in another (Holland), they're constantly recalibrating at every developmental milestone. The practical challenges are equally overwhelming—navigating complex healthcare systems, managing NDIS funding (essentially "doing taxes every week"), and advocating across multiple settings becomes a full-time job.What these parents truly desire isn't unreasonable. They want their children to be loved by the adults who care for them, to develop appropriate independence, form meaningful friendships, and acquire skills for adulthood. They want their children to belong in a world that often doesn't accommodate neurodiversity well.The path forward requires genuine empathy from both sides. Teachers cannot be responsible for what happens at home, and parents cannot control what happens at school. But when educators approach parents with curiosity rather than judgment, recognizing that parents hold valuable expertise about their children, the entire dynamic shifts. As one mother of autistic children explained: "I want you to try what research says works, involve me when possible, and love my child like I do."Listen as I share personal insights from growing up with a brother with learning difficulties and how that shaped my educational philosophy. This episode offers a thoughtful perspective for anyone navigating the complex territory where parental hopes meet educational realities. 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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S3E16 - The Art of Knowing Yourself with Jenny Cole
Send us a textEver reached that point where your work becomes so all-consuming that you start losing sight of yourself? That's exactly where I found myself recently – deeply passionate about my work supporting educational leaders, but recognizing the warning signs that preceded burnout in my earlier principalship career.My leadership journey began unexpectedly in rural schools, finding myself in leadership positions before I fully understood what I was stepping into. After serving as principal across three schools, I eventually burned out – a painful but profound learning experience that taught me the cornerstone of effective leadership: knowing yourself. Understanding your values, motivations, strengths and shadow side isn't just helpful for leadership – it's essential.Listen to the final episode of Season 3 and hear how I am practising what I preach. Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.
Are you an aspiring or existing leader in schools? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or questioning your abilities? Then you may be interested in a leadership podcast hosted by Jenny, a consultant and former Principal with a passion for helping women succeed in their careers. With her expertise and personal experience, Jenny offers guidance on increasing confidence, leading teams, and creating a fulfilling life and career. Join her on a journey to discover what it takes to not only survive but thrive in the workplace as a compassionate and empathetic leader. Did you know there's more? You can listen to every episode, plus our show notes and links, by visiting our website at https://www.positivelybeaming.com.au/
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