Stronger Together: Building Your Leadership Support Network with Wayne Faquhar
Loneliness is often an unspoken reality of school leadership. In this episode of The Flourish Movement Podcast, Adam and Bob sit down with principal and long-time Flourish participant, Wayne Farquhar, to explore the power of connection as a protective force against burnout and isolation. From his early days as a principal to leading a school in a high-disadvantage community, Wayne shares how he’s intentionally built connection across four key areas of his life: family, friends, colleagues, and staff. Together, they unpack why connection matters so deeply for school leaders, and how it can transform both professional and personal wellbeing. Along the way, Wayne shares memorable stories, surprising metaphors, and the practical ways he maintains his own support network. Whether you’re a school leader feeling the weight of the role or simply looking for fresh ways to strengthen your relationships, this conversation offers inspiration, perspective, and strategies you can put into practice straight away. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSW Primary Principals’ Association, our learning partner in this podcast.
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Contextual Leadership with Skye Davis
In this episode, we’re joined by Skye Davis, a school leader with a rich and varied leadership journey. From metro Sydney to rural to remote Aboriginal communities, Skye has worked across vastly different school settings. And what she’s learned along the way is the power of contextual leadership, understanding your people, your place, and the ever-changing nature of schools. Skye brings not only deep practical wisdom, but also academic insight through her master’s degree in contextual leadership. Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role or reflecting on how to better connect with your school community, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and practical tools. A special thank you to the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this podcast.
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Psychosocial Safety: A Step-by-Step Approach for School Leaders with Shelly Way
In this episode, we talk to Shelly Way, an experienced school leader who has spent over three decades in education and is now using her experience and passion to support other leaders. As legislation around Psychosocial Hazards was introduced, many leaders felt overwhelmed and underprepared. Shelly was no exception but instead of shutting down, she stepped up. In this conversation, we unpack how Shelly turned a daunting compliance requirement into an opportunity for meaningful change. From developing practical tools, to empowering her staff, to creating freely available video resources for fellow principals. Shelly’s story is a masterclass in leadership under pressure. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the NSW Primary Principals’ Association, our learning partner in this podcast.
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The Role We Play with Denise Lofts
In this episode of the Flourish Movement podcast, we’re diving into a conversation that’s deeply important and at times, uncomfortable - the presence of misogynistic behaviours in schools and the crucial role leaders play in addressing them. Adam and Bob are joined by Denise Lofts, an experienced and passionate school leader who shares her journey through education and leadership. Together, they unpack blind spots, gender bias, and the responsibility leaders have in creating inclusive environments. Denise talks openly about how women often face higher scrutiny, greater pressure, and more barriers in leadership and how this must change. The episode covers: How small comments and actions shape school culture Why leaders must model respect and psychological safety The power of calling people in, not out What men and women can do to support female leadership How to create structural support like mentoring and safe conversations This is an honest, thoughtful conversation that encourages us all to reflect, listen, and lead with greater awareness. A big thank you to the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this podcast.
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Belonging that goes Beyond the School’s Gates
Every great school leader we’ve spoken to has one thing in common - they make people feel like they belong. Some do it with energy and fun, others with quiet kindness, but the impact is the same. Stronger schools and happier people. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Allen. Mark shows us how opening up the school to the community, being present each day, and making time for joy and connection can transform the way people feel about their local school. Whether it’s a morning smile, a conversation at the gate, or working alongside parents and leveraging P&C meetings, Mark shares how schools can become places where everyone feels welcome and where the whole community has a role to play. A big thank you to the NSWPPA, our learning partner in this podcast.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that we look after the wellbeing and mental health of our school leaders. The Flourish Movement provides a space where they can take off their professional armour, sit with their colleagues, be supported and have real conversations to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Dr Adam Fraser is a peak performance researcher with a PhD in Biomedical Science. Along with Principal Bob Willetts, he will be introducing you to some of the amazing school principals that are teaching our kids and leading our schools all over Australia.
Australia