In this episode, I’m joined by Joel Weekes, the Inaugural Head of Junior School at St Gregory’s College. Joel shares his exciting yet challenging journey of building a new school from the ground up.

We discuss the vital importance of finding the right staff, creating a shared vision and fostering a culture that embraces both tradition and innovation. Joel highlights the value of relational trust and parental engagement in establishing a thriving community.

Tune in to hear Joel’s incredible insights on overcoming obstacles, the significance of involving staff in decision-making and the lessons learned from this transformative experience.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a Discovery Call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, Aimee sits down with Andrew McCausland, a passionate classroom teacher who carved his own leadership path when traditional roles didn’t align with his interests. Andrew shares his inspiring journey of seeking out and creating leadership opportunities, from launching a STEM Club and LEGO League to becoming an Instructional Leader in evidence-based teaching practices. Despite facing challenges like time constraints, balancing family life and the mental strain of constant new responsibilities, Andrew’s drive to lead from within his current role kept him pushing forward.

Andrew’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a title to be a leader - you just need the courage to step up and create your own opportunities. Tune in to hear how Andrew turned obstacles into stepping stones, embraced the stress and excitement of new challenges and found recognition through relentless passion and commitment. Whether you’re a teacher, aspiring leader or simply someone looking to break the mould, this episode will inspire you to rethink what leadership can look like.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a Discovery Call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, Paul Ainsworth and Aimee delve into the complexities of transitioning from a large, well-established Multi-Academy Trust to a smaller, startup MAT. Paul opens up about the challenge of moving from a secondary setting where he was deeply connected, to a new environment where he had to quickly adapt to primary expertise and build trust from the ground up.

Paul candidly shares his feelings of isolation and uncertainty in this unfamiliar role, including the struggle of second-guessing his advice and navigating a new set of expectations. He discusses his approach to overcoming these challenges by focusing on building personal relationships with Headteachers, understanding their unique contexts and implementing gradual improvements rather than sweeping changes.

Join Aimee and Paul as they explore the power of small, incremental progress and the critical role of empathetic leadership. Tune in for practical insights on how to foster trust, support and collaboration in new and evolving educational settings.

Purchase Paul's new book HERE
Visit Paul's website HERE

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a Leadership + Wellbeing Coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, Ellen Moffat and Aimee dive into the unique challenges of being a young leader with limited experience. Ellen shares her journey of stepping into leadership roles early in her career and the overwhelming pressures that come with it. She discusses her struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome and the relentless self-belief that she had to "prove" herself.

Ellen's mantra is to display humility in all aspects of her work. She explains how our negativity bias can convince us that adversity awaits, but by keeping our assumptions in check and maintaining an optimistic outlook, we can minimise unnecessary stress and rumination. Join us as Ellen offers invaluable insights and practical advice for young leaders navigating their early careers, emphasising the power of humility and a positive mindset.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, Airlie Washington and Aimee explore how to bridge the communication gap between home and school by engaging parents in supporting social-emotional learning. Airlie shares how transitioning from overwhelming emails and phone calls to a streamlined podcast format has effectively unified the language between teachers, students and parents.

They discuss the challenges of acquiring new skills and the importance of collaboration, illustrating how this approach improved alignment between school initiatives and parental involvement. Tune in to learn how this innovative strategy can boost engagement and enhance communication.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, Steven Trotter and Aimee tackle the often overwhelming pressure school leaders face to act immediately. They share profound insights on navigating this challenge effectively, emphasising the importance of prioritising the right initiatives at the right time. The discussion focuses on the emotional journey of overcoming the perceived urgency to act and the transformative impact this shift in mindset can have.

Through this candid conversation, Steven reveals his biggest takeaway: leaders have control over the pace of change. He argues that much of the pressure to act quickly is perceived rather than real. Join us as Steven inspires with his journey, offering invaluable lessons on setting the pace as a leader.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

You can purchase Steven's book, The Art of Skimming Stones HERE.

In this episode, Ione Norris and Aimee explore the journey of self-rediscovery and resilience when Ione decided to embrace her natural hair colour during the 2020 lockdown at the age of 53.

Transitioning from brunette to silver hair was not just a physical change but a significant moment of introspection. The change in her appearance brought about a shift in how she was perceived, impacting her energy and self-confidence. At work, she felt overlooked and thoughts of retirement seemed to overshadow her ambitions. However, attending a conference on Women in Education Leadership became a turning point, which reignited her confidence and belief in her worth.

Post-lockdown, she organised lunch-and-learn sessions to inspire and empower other female staff members who might have felt similarly. This effort led to the formation of #FLInT, Female Leadership in Teaching, a community now with 127 members, aimed at supporting women in the educational sector. Join us as Ione shares her journey of transformation and the impact of community support in overcoming the challenges of aging in the workplace.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

Join #FLInT, Female Leadership in Teaching HERE

In this episode, David Read and Aimee explore the challenges of gaining staff buy-in for new ideas and initiatives, particularly when faced with a strong-willed, seasoned teacher who frequently opposes decisions made by the senior leadership team. Feelings of imposter syndrome and the frustration of feeling misunderstood are common in such situations.

David clarifies the 'why' behind initiatives, ensuring transparency and honesty through communication. It's crucial to gauge staff opinions, granting them autonomy and a sense of involvement in decisions, as research suggests this is a significant motivator for teachers. Join us as we navigate these complexities, striving to foster a collaborative environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Connect with Aimee:
Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee
LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall
Website: www.well-nest.com.au
Instagram: well_nest_collective_co
Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing