In this episode, Simon unpacks the vital leadership disposition of adaptive persistence - the ability to stay committed to long-term goals while flexibly adjusting to challenges. Drawing on insights from Professor Viviane Robinson and real-world improvement work, he explores how calm, steady leadership helps teams navigate setbacks without losing direction. It’s not just about grit - it’s about knowing when and how to adapt while keeping the bigger goal in sight.Explore More Resources📬 Subscribe to my newsletter - http://eepurl.com/g07cuH📝Read my latest blog - https://simonbreakspear.com/blog/ 🔧 Download free tools - https://simonbreakspear.com/tools/ Simon Breakspear website Twitter Facebook
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Ep. 29: Looping for understanding
In this episode, Simon explores the power of “looping for understanding”, a simple technique to improve communication, build trust, and avoid misunderstandings. Simon unpacks how listening attentively, paraphrasing, and checking for understanding can transform everyday leadership conversations. A practical, people-focused skill every educational leader can use to foster stronger relationships and greater clarity in high-stakes or everyday dialogue.Explore More Resources📝Read my latest blog - https://simonbreakspear.com/blog/ 🔧 Download free tools - https://simonbreakspear.com/tools/ Simon Breakspear website Twitter Facebook
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Ep. 28: Focus on the Next 5-8 Weeks
In this episode, Simon shares why school improvement is more like night driving than building a bridge - you can’t see the whole road, but you can still make the journey. He unpacks how working in 5 to 8 week action cycles can help teams stay focused, reduce overload, and make consistent progress. Instead of overplanning years in advance, learn to make realistic, intentional decisions for the term ahead - and build momentum, one stretch at a time.Explore More Resources📬 Subscribe to my newsletter - http://eepurl.com/g07cuH📝Read my latest blog - https://simonbreakspear.com/blog/ 🔧 Download free tools - https://simonbreakspear.com/tools/ Simon Breakspear website Twitter Facebook
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Ep. 27: Working at a Natural Pace
In this episode, Simon explores why effective school improvement isn’t about going fast or slow - it’s about finding a natural pace. Drawing on lessons from fitness and recovery, he unpacks how leaders can tune into their team’s capacity, avoid burnout, and build sustainable momentum. Learn how to work in the right zone of improvement - challenged but not overloaded. An ideal listen for anyone leading change who wants to sustain progress over time.Explore More Resources 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter - http://eepurl.com/g07cuH📝 Read my latest blog - https://simonbreakspear.com/blog/ 🔧 Download free tools - https://simonbreakspear.com/tools/ Simon Breakspear website Twitter Facebook
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Ep. 26: Streamlining Improvement Plans through Pruning
Many school improvement plans are overloaded from the start. In this episode, Simon explores how to integrate The Pruning Principle into your planning cycle - by subtracting before you add. Learn how to reduce unrealistic commitments, embed subtractive strategies, and create space for what matters most. A practical guide to shifting from planning theatre to focused, sustainable improvement.Explore the Book and Resources📘 Get The Pruning Principle book - https://simonbreakspear.com/pruningbook/🔧 Download free tools - https://simonbreakspear.com/pruningprinciple/ Simon Breakspear website Twitter Facebook
Get simple and practical ideas to enhance your educational leadership in under 20 minutes. Join educational researcher and author Dr Simon Breakspear as he shares key insights and practical tools that can help you to find greater focus, flow and impact in an increasingly overwhelming educational landscape. Each year Simon Breakspear works with hundreds of schools and thousands of educational leaders. He received a degree in Psychology from The University of NSW, a Master of Science from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Education from The University of Cambridge.
Australia