Well-Led Schools

• S3E18: Wired, Tired and Overwhelmed: The Physiology of Stress with Bianca McLeish

  If you’ve worked in a school for more than five minutes, you know that stress in education doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic “I can’t do this anymore” moment. More often, it creeps in quietly through the constant rushing, the emotional load of caring for students, the relentless pace and the thousand tiny demands that pile up before you’ve even finished your coffee. Many educators tell us they’re exhausted, but oddly unable to “switch off.” They’re wired and tired at the same time. And even when they know they need rest, their body won’t cooperate. This isn’t laziness or lack of resilience; it’s physiology. And understanding the difference can be life-changing. In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca McLeish, a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, to explore what it truly means to move beyond surface-level self-care and into genuine self-preservation. Bianca brings a powerful blend of lived experience and evidence-informed practice, drawing from neuroscience, psychology and Positive Education to help educators understand the physiology of stress, recognise the early warning signs and regulate their nervous system in real time. In this episode, we cover: The difference between self-care and self-preservation, and why the latter is essential for overwhelmed educators Why you can’t think your way out of stress, and the physiological processes driving overwhelm A simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) and how it shapes your daily experiences What nervous system dysregulation looks and feels like How to activate the relaxation response even when your brain still senses threat The science behind the stress cycle, why most teachers struggle to complete it, and how to finally close the loop Practical ways to mobilise stress energy even if you don’t have time or energy for a workout Common reasons why educators find it so hard to relax Daily micro-practices to reduce stress during the school day, not just after it About Bianca: Bianca McLeish is a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience across Australia and the UK. Her journey into educator wellbeing began after experiencing burnout herself - a turning point that led her to explore the science behind stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing. Drawing on a Master of Education in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bianca blends neuroscience, psychology, Positive Education and lived experience to help teachers regulate stress, restore balance and reconnect with their purpose. As the founder of The Teacher Wellbeing Academy and author of Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free From Survival Mode Before Burnout, she offers compassionate, evidence-informed strategies that support both individual educators and whole-school communities to thrive. Her mission is to help educators move beyond surface-level self–care and build genuine, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nervous system regulation, practical tools and the belief that teachers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered. Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Get Bianca’s Book: Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free from Burnout: A Research-Based Guide for Real Teachers Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with Biance via: Website: https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271 Facebook: The Teacher Wellbeing Academy Instagram: @theteacherwellbeingacademy Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• S3E17: How Educators Can Navigate Anxiety and Build Emotional Resilience with Dr. Jodi Richardson

  We’ve all experienced it to some degree…the racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness and that fleeting sense of losing control. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jodi Richardson to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in both our personal and professional lives: anxiety. As educators, we’re no strangers to it. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the emotional load we carry for our students and the never-ending to-do lists can keep our nervous system switched “on” far longer than is healthy. Over time, that chronic activation can blur the line between stress, anxiety and burnout - a pattern I know I’ve experienced myself. That’s why this conversation with Jodi is such an important one. In this episode, we cover: What anxiety is, and isn’t, and why it’s not always a disorder How anxiety shows up in our lives: the thoughts, emotions and behaviours others may not see The hidden cost of masking anxiety at work and how it fuels exhaustion and disconnection How the nervous system operates Practical, evidence-based ways to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself back to calm, even in the middle of a busy school day Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or simply someone who’s been running on adrenaline for too long, this episode will help you understand your anxiety in a new light and remind you that it’s not something to fear, but something to work with. About Jodi: Dr. Jodi Richardson is an author, speaker, and educator who specialises in helping people understand and manage anxiety, regulate their nervous system, and build practical strategies for thriving at school and beyond. With a background in education, wellbeing science, and clinical practice, as well as lived experience with anxiety, Jodi brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Through her books, speaking engagements, and her own podcast, ‘Well, Hello Anxiety,’ she equips individuals, schools, and workplaces with evidence-based tools to support mental health and create environments where people can flourish. Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with Jodi via: Her website: drjodirichardson.com Her podcast: Well, Hello Anxiety Get her anxiety toolkit for anxious children and teens here Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• S3E16: Turning School Vision Into Action and Alignment with James Clanfield

  When a school’s vision isn’t clear, or worse, when it exists only as words on a website, it can leave staff feeling directionless, disconnected and unsure how their daily work contributes to something bigger. Without that shared sense of purpose, culture fragments, wellbeing suffers and strategic plans lose their impact. In this episode, I sit down with James Clanfield, former school leader turned digital strategist and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing, to explore how schools can craft and live a vision that truly unites their community. Together, we unpack how a meaningful vision guides both strategy and wellbeing, what it looks like when wellbeing sits at the heart of that vision, and how James’ CAMPUS Method helps leaders align their vision with everyday actions and communications. In this episode, we cover: The importance of having an established school vision to guide school strategy and staff wellbeing How a vision for wellbeing should connect with and reinforce the overarching school vision James’ CAMPUS method for aligning vision to actions and internal and external communications Common mistakes schools make when creating and communicating their vision or strategic plans, and how to avoid them Strategies for keeping the vision front and centre to ensure commitment and buy-in by all members of the school community Effective ways schools are using their vision to support wellbeing and culture About James: James Clanfield is a former Deputy and Head of Academics and Pastoral Care turned digital strategist, speaker, and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing. He helps schools and education providers grow with clarity using his signature CAMPUS™ Method — a complete marketing and communications strategy designed specifically for the education sector. James combines real educational leadership insight with strategic execution, offering hands-on support across brand messaging, social media, enrolments, and digital content. Through his content, coaching, and agency work, he empowers leaders and educators to communicate with purpose, lead with vision, and show up with confidence in an increasingly competitive space. When he’s not building campaigns or attending events, James homeschools his five kids, currently runs his business remotely from Southeast Asia, and works alongside his wife to help educators thrive beyond the classroom. Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with James via: His website: https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield Instagram:@jamesclanfield Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• S3E15: The Three Plates of School Leadership: What Matters Most When Everything Feels Urgent with Dr. Pete Stebbins

  Leading a school is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can have — but it can also feel like one of the hardest. Every day, school leaders are pulled between the demands of strategy, staff, students, and their own wellbeing. It often feels like spinning plates, where the slightest wobble in one area impacts everything else. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving your all yet still wondering how to keep up, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Pete Stebbins to the podcast. Pete is a workplace psychologist, leadership coach, and co-author of the soon-to-be-released book Lead: 12 Extraordinary, Actionable Insights for Every School Leader. He has spent years walking alongside school leaders, distilling the practices that help them move from surviving to truly thriving in their roles. In this episode, we cover: Why traditional leadership models don’t always fit a school setting, and what extraordinary leaders do instead. The three plates of leadership (strategic responsibilities, supportive responsibilities, and self-leadership) and how to balance them. How changing demands and workforce pressures are reshaping school leadership. The “seasons of leadership” and how to adapt your focus over time. Practical ways to strengthen strategy with systems, visibility, and tracking. Supportive leadership as more than “warm fuzzies”, tackling workload and capacity head-on. Self-leadership essentials: managing energy, belonging and resilience. Using vulnerability narratives to navigate tough conversations with care and accountability. Pete’s simple practice of focusing on three daily priorities for clarity and impact. About Pete: Dr. Pete Stebbins, PhD, is a Workplace Psychologist and executive coach, focusing on school leadership development and school improvement. He is the author of the best-selling books: ‘Leading Flourishing Schools’ and ‘iTeams: Why High Performance Teams Fit In AND Stand Out!’. Pete has many years of research and professional practice behind him and is the director of the High Performance Schools Program. His work in this space has reached 16 Countries, impacting more than 600 Schools, and over 5,500 School Leaders and their staff. Pete’s professional passions are developing high-performance teams and building high-capacity school culture. Links and Resources: Explore the Well-Led Schools Partnership Program Check out Dr. Pete Stebbin’s latest book: Lead: 12 Extraordinary Actionable Insights for Every School Leader Check out his other books here High Performance Resources: https://www.hptschools.com/tools Relevant articles and podcast episodes: The Secret Recipe for Motivating Your Staff to Implement Change in The Workplace How to Structure and Support School Teams for High Performance with Dr. Pete Stebbins The Lippit Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with Pete via: His websites: www.hptschools.com/ and www.drpetestebbins.com/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pete-stebbins-4a29177/ Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• S3E14: Rethinking Workload: How AI Can Support Staff Wellbeing in Schools with Amy Green

  Educators are no strangers to overwhelming workloads. From endless lesson planning and admin to keeping up with emails and data collection, the job can often feel never-ending. Add to that the constant stream of headlines about teacher burnout, and it’s no wonder many staff feel stuck in a cycle of stress and exhaustion. But what if we could shift the narrative and the day-to-day reality by using new tools in smarter, more intentional ways? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about innovations right now. Much of the conversation has centered on how students might use (or misuse) AI, but there’s an equally important question we need to ask: how can AI help teachers and leaders manage their workload, reclaim time, and support staff wellbeing? In this episode, I am joined by Amy Green, thriving strategist, speaker, educator, author and founder of The Wellness Strategy. Amy shares her practical insights on how schools can embrace AI thoughtfully to lighten the load, improve collaboration and create space for genuine wellbeing practices to flourish. In this episode, we cover: How AI can be a“team member” to streamline planning, emails, meeting notes and admin Practical examples of AI reducing repetitive tasks so teachers can focus on collaboration and creativity The importance of using AI with discernment, debate and discussion, not as a replacement, but as an accelerator How schools can identify unique workload pain points and explore AI as a strategic solution The mindset and skills educators need to use AI effectively and responsibly How saving time with AI can be reframed as an opportunity to prioritise wellbeing, not add more work About Amy: Amy Green is a thriving strategist, speaker, author and educator who is reshaping the way we think about working and living well. After experiencing chronic stress and professional burnout firsthand, Amy committed to rethinking how schools and workplaces approach wellbeing. Through her organisation, The Wellness Strategy, she helps leaders and teams embrace innovative, sustainable practices that cultivate resilience, productivity, and engagement. Drawing on her background in teaching, leadership, coaching, and positive psychology, Amy equips individuals and organisations to redesign their work in ways that allow people to truly flourish. With both lived experience and deep expertise, she brings a powerful mix of insight, compassion, and strategy to her mission of creating environments where educators and teams can thrive. Links and Resources: Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/books-and-resources Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together. Connect with Amy via: Her website: www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au Instagram: @amy_._green LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amygreen/ Connect with me via: My website: adriennehornby.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ Email: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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