EP226: From Quiet Achiever to School Leader: Embracing Courage, Building Trust, and Leading with Compassion with Jo Fahey

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Mark Plitzuweit, President CEO of Edkey, Inc., a diverse charter school network serving over 11,000 students. Mark shares powerful insights on what it takes to lead in education, discussing his journey from teacher to CEO and the core principles that have guided him through the complexities of organizational growth.Mark opens up about his journey, which began on the athletic fields of high school and college, where he first discovered the power of teamwork and leadership. These early experiences in sports taught him the value of guiding others, a theme he carried forward into his career in education. He shares how, from his early days in the classroom to now leading Edkey, his approach has always centered on helping others uncover their strengths, creating an environment where each team member can thrive.One of the central themes in this episode is Mark’s commitment to developing a high-retention, purpose-driven culture. When Mark joined Edkey in 2016, he was faced with financial instability and high turnover. Through a people-first approach, he turned these challenges into successes, achieving a 97% retention rate—a rarity in the education field. Mark describes how he built trust within his team by focusing on kindness, transparency, integrity, and open communication. By putting his core values into practice, Mark has created a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to Edkey’s mission.Mark emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership, sharing his belief that leaders must release control and allow team members to grow through both success and failure. By giving school principals at Edkey the autonomy to make decisions and learn from their own experiences, Mark has fostered an environment where leadership isn’t about micromanaging but about supporting others to reach their full potential. His philosophy of “trust, yet verify” provides a balanced approach that encourages independence within a framework of accountability.Another highlight of the conversation is Mark’s unique hiring strategy, which focuses on finding the right people for Edkey’s culture before matching them to specific roles. He explains why Edkey invests heavily in professional development, seeing it as an essential component of retaining passionate and motivated employees. By hiring for culture fit and offering robust training, Mark has built a team dedicated to serving the unique needs of each Edkey school community.Mark also shares his thoughts on navigating change, especially in the rapidly evolving education landscape. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for schools to innovate and adapt, emphasizing that education must evolve to meet new challenges and expectations. Through his forward-thinking approach, Mark has positioned Edkey as a leader in flexible, community-centered education models that address each school’s unique needs.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in transformative leadership, team-building, and making a lasting impact in education. Mark’s story and insights offer valuable lessons on creating a resilient, mission-driven organization that thrives on trust, empowerment, and purposeful leadership.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White speaks with Gez Mulvahil, Executive Officer of the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (ACPPA). With over 30 years of experience in Catholic education, including eight years as a school principal, Gez brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership in education, the complexities of school management, and the personal challenges leaders face in their roles.Gez begins by sharing her journey from growing up in a small country town to becoming a principal in Darwin, emphasizing the importance of community. She reflects on how the tight-knit environment of her childhood shaped her leadership style, focusing on the value of connection, trust, and relationship-building in school settings. Gez's story highlights how great leaders foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual support within their teams, schools, and communities.As the conversation continues, Gez offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by school principals. She discusses the often-overlooked reality of leadership loneliness, explaining how principals are often the "keepers of secrets" and how isolating it can be to carry the weight of confidential information about staff, students, and families. Gez opens up about how she managed this loneliness and stresses the importance of having strategies and support systems in place to deal with it.One of the key themes in this episode is the balance between administrative duties and maintaining a strong school community. Gez candidly shares her experience navigating the steep learning curve of school administration—budgeting, human resources, and compliance—while also working to sustain the positive culture established by her predecessor. She reflects on how crucial it is for school leaders to develop their own toolkit to manage the evolving demands of leadership, and how adaptation and continuous learning are essential for success.Gez also touches on the significance of storytelling in leadership. She explains why honoring a school's history and culture is vital when stepping into a leadership role. She believes that every school has a foundational story, and staying connected to that narrative is key to building trust and continuity, even as changes occur. Gez shares practical advice for new leaders on how to understand and respect a school's legacy while making necessary updates and improvements.Throughout the episode, Gez highlights the importance of teamwork. She explains how building a strong leadership team and cultivating a supportive environment can significantly impact a principal's effectiveness. Gez introduces a unique concept she used called "tapping out," where team members could step in for one another during high-pressure moments, helping to alleviate stress and maintain a collaborative dynamic.This episode is filled with practical advice and reflections for school leaders, educators, and anyone in leadership roles who wants to create a strong community and navigate the complexities of their responsibilities. Gez’s candid stories and actionable insights offer a refreshing take on leadership, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and heart.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Jethro Jones, an education consultant and host of the Transformative Principal podcast. Jethro shares his experiences from his years as a school principal, emphasizing how inspiring others and leading with vision are crucial elements of effective leadership. Whether you're an educator or a leader in any field, this conversation is packed with insights on how to build a thriving, vision-driven culture.Jethro begins by recounting his journey from leading a group of young boys in his church to becoming a school principal. He quickly learned that having a title wasn’t enough to inspire others—it required building relationships and helping people see a greater vision. This lesson carried through his leadership journey and became a foundation for his approach to working with school leaders today.The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining motivation in the face of burnout, particularly for teachers and school leaders. Jethro shares his perspective on the importance of understanding the difference between serving sacrificially and serving with purpose. He explains how focusing on putting others first doesn’t have to mean exhausting yourself to the point of burnout. Instead, he advocates for prioritizing tasks that truly serve the needs of students and teachers, rather than getting bogged down by unnecessary requirements.Jethro dives deep into the idea of personalized learning and how it can transform education. He explains why allowing students to connect their passions with their learning can create more meaningful experiences and how this approach can be adapted to leadership in any organization. By focusing on what makes each person unique, Jethro demonstrates how leaders can inspire their teams to take ownership of their roles and contribute to a shared vision.Another key theme is the power of clarity in leadership. Jethro emphasizes that being clear about your vision and expectations makes it easier to have honest, respectful conversations with your team. He shares stories of how, when he clearly communicated his vision for student-focused education, it not only led to better outcomes but also helped identify who was truly aligned with that vision.Throughout the episode, Jethro offers practical advice for leaders who want to build a strong culture within their teams. He challenges leaders to ask themselves how they can create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and excited to contribute. By sharing his own successes and failures, Jethro provides a roadmap for how to develop a leadership style that is both impactful and sustainable.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to inspire others, cultivate a vision-driven culture, and navigate the complexities of leadership in education or any other field. Tune in to learn how you can lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Dr. Gareth Leechman, headmaster of Arndell Anglican College in Australia. With over 18 years of experience as a principal, Gareth offers deep insights into the unique challenges and rewards of leading a school community. He opens up about his journey from a regional school in Grafton to becoming the chair of the Independent Schools Association in Australia, and the critical leadership lessons he has learned along the way.Gareth reflects on the immense complexity of school principalship, where a leader might one day celebrate a joyful event and the next be faced with handling a community tragedy. He emphasizes how important it is for leaders to balance these contrasting moments while maintaining the well-being of students, staff, and themselves. Gareth shares practical advice on managing the weight of this responsibility, offering key insights into how school leaders can maintain their own mental and physical health while leading in high-pressure environments.The conversation touches on the importance of building a strong leadership team. Gareth discusses how having a cohesive and aligned executive team has allowed him to focus on long-term goals, manage multiple stakeholders, and ensure the smooth running of the school. He reveals how effective delegation frees up time for more strategic work, including engaging with parents, board members, and the broader school community.Throughout the episode, Gareth provides valuable advice for principals and leaders in education who may be facing turnaround situations in their schools. He outlines a step-by-step approach to tackling these challenges, explaining why leaders sometimes need to adopt a command-and-control leadership style in order to set things right before shifting to a more collaborative approach. His reflections on how to identify and address the most pressing issues first will resonate with leaders in any sector.Gareth also touches on the importance of developing future leaders within a school. He discusses how he has fostered a culture of leadership development at Arndell Anglican College, creating opportunities for emerging leaders to step into roles and gain valuable experience. He believes that investing in the next generation of leaders is crucial for the future success of schools, especially as the demand for strong principals continues to grow.This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in leadership, especially those navigating the complexities of educational institutions. Whether you're a seasoned principal or an aspiring leader, Gareth's experiences and insights will inspire you to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Leora Cruddas, the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts in England. Leora shares her powerful journey from growing up in apartheid South Africa to leading a national organization that advocates for school trusts. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to social justice in education.Leora begins by reflecting on her early years teaching in a township in South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in a community that valued learning as a means of overcoming systemic inequality. This profound experience shaped her lifelong belief that education should be a tool for social justice, not just social mobility. She explains the difference between these two concepts, arguing that true social justice lifts up all children, not just a select few.Throughout the conversation, Leora delves into the challenges of leading an organization that must balance diverse opinions and navigate the contested space of education policy. She emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership, particularly as one gains more influence. Humility, she argues, is crucial in preventing leaders from creating echo chambers that reinforce their own beliefs rather than challenging them.Leora also shares her thoughts on the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, which she believes is essential for providing all children with the skills they need to succeed. She critiques the global trend towards skills-based curricula, arguing that knowledge is the foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This perspective, while controversial, is supported by evidence from around the world showing that knowledge-rich curricula benefit all students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.As the conversation unfolds, Leora offers advice for leaders in education, particularly women who may struggle with imposter syndrome. She encourages them to embrace their strengths and recognize their worth, drawing on the wisdom of literature and personal experience.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, education policy, and the role of schools in creating a more just society. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the leading voices in education today.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White welcomes Jason Rachels, the President of Calvary Christian Academy in South Florida, to discuss his leadership journey and the wisdom he’s gained along the way. With a career that spans teaching, youth ministry, and now leading multiple campuses, Jason offers a wealth of insights into what it takes to be an effective leader in the education sector.Jason shares his first leadership experience in high school, where he started a Bible study that quickly gained traction among his peers. This early exposure to leadership revealed his natural ability to bring people together and create something meaningful from scratch. Jason’s story emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and recognizing leadership potential in unexpected places.Throughout his career, Jason has honed a collaborative leadership style, where he values input from his team and encourages shared responsibility. However, he also acknowledges the need for decisive action, particularly when leading a large organization. This theme explores the balance between collaboration and decisiveness, offering practical advice for leaders who must navigate this tension in their roles.Jason reflects on a challenging moment as an elementary principal when he made the difficult decision to let a teacher go. Looking back, he realizes that he might have acted too quickly, without giving the teacher a fair opportunity to improve. This theme delves into the complexities of making tough decisions in leadership and the importance of fairness, clarity, and timing when managing personnel.One of the key lessons Jason has learned is the importance of giving feedback promptly. He shares how delaying feedback can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust, while addressing issues immediately fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. This theme is particularly relevant for leaders seeking to build trust and maintain open lines of communication within their teams.Mentorship has played a significant role in Jason’s leadership journey. He talks about the influence of his mentor, Mark Davis, who modeled excellence in communication and the importance of relational leadership. Jason’s experience underscores the value of finding a mentor who can guide, challenge, and inspire growth in your leadership journey.Jason highlights the importance of investing in team-building activities and professional development opportunities. Whether it’s sending staff to conferences or organizing off-site retreats, he believes that these experiences strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration among team members. This theme offers insights into how leaders can create a culture of continuous learning and connection within their organizations.Join us for this engaging episode where Jason Rachels opens up about the highs and lows of his leadership journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the strategies he uses to lead effectively. Whether you’re an educator, a leader in any field, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your own leadership path. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of South Florida’s most experienced educational leaders.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, host Jonno White engages in a compelling conversation with Holly Blair, the Executive Director of the Maine Principals Association. Holly’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and impactful leadership. From her humble beginnings as a quiet freshman in a small-town church group to leading statewide educational initiatives, Holly’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels.Holly reflects on her first foray into leadership during her freshman year of high school. Thrust into a position of influence at a young age, she shares how this early experience shaped her understanding of leadership and set the stage for her future roles. Holly’s story is a testament to how stepping out of your comfort zone can reveal hidden strengths and set the foundation for a lifetime of leadership.Moving through her career, Holly recounts the unique challenges of being a teaching principal in some of Maine’s most remote and under-resourced schools. She discusses the balancing act of leading while teaching and the critical lessons she learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community in leadership. This theme dives deep into the complexities of leadership in education, offering insights that are relevant to anyone managing multiple roles.One of the highlights of Holly’s career has been her commitment to mentorship. She shares how she grew a fledgling mentorship program from just five participants to over 110, making a lasting impact on educational leadership in Maine. Holly’s approach to mentorship emphasizes the importance of support networks, continuous learning, and the personal fulfillment that comes from guiding others on their leadership journey. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to build and sustain effective mentorship programs.Holly’s role at the Maine Principals Association has allowed her to influence educational leadership on a statewide scale. She talks about the initiatives she’s led, including organizing large-scale conferences and advocating for educational leaders at the state and national levels. This section of the episode explores the broader impact a leader can have when they leverage their experiences and networks to create positive change on a larger scale.In addition to her leadership roles, Holly is also a published author. She discusses her book, You Are Number One, which explores the neuroscience behind why we remember certain teachers and how these principles can be applied to leadership. Holly’s insights into brain science and leadership philosophy provide a unique perspective on how leaders can make a lasting impact on those they serve. This theme will resonate with listeners interested in the intersection of education, leadership, and personal development.Holly also opens up about the ongoing challenge of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly in demanding leadership roles. She shares candid reflections on how she manages to stay grounded and why she believes that achieving this balance is crucial for long-term success. This theme offers valuable advice for leaders who are struggling to juggle their professional responsibilities with personal well-being.Join us for an insightful episode filled with powerful stories, practical leadership advice, and a deep dive into the experiences that have shaped Holly Blair’s impactful career. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you on your journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of Maine’s most influential educational leaders.Dr. Holly Blair is an educator, speaker, state executive director, college professor, and author of You Are #1: The Science and Reasons Behind Why We Remember Some of Our Teachers, Forever. Available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09VFY6S3V

In this heartfelt episode of the Leadership Conversations Podcast, host Jonno White sits down with Jo Fahey, State Executive Officer for New South Wales and ACT at Christian Education National in Australia. Jo shares her journey from being a self-described “quiet achiever” to a courageous and compassionate leader in education. Through personal stories and profound insights, Jo reveals how she overcame self-doubt, embraced leadership, and found her purpose in helping others grow.Key Episode Highlights:Finding Confidence in Leadership: Jo reflects on her childhood and early years, where she was a quiet and diligent student. Despite lacking self-confidence, she was appointed as school captain and found herself stepping into leadership roles she hadn’t expected. Jo shares how she built confidence over the years, learning to lead with courage and conviction.Guiding from the Side: Jo discusses the importance of being a "guide from the side" in leadership. She shares how her leadership style emphasizes supporting others from behind the scenes, building trust, and leading through service rather than authority. Jo believes that great leaders don't always have to be the "sage on the stage" but should be willing to get in the trenches with their people.Stepping into Leadership Roles: Jo recounts her transition from teaching to her first formal leadership role as an Infants Coordinator. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of balancing classroom teaching with leadership responsibilities, learning the importance of presence and the power of leading by example.Embracing Courage in Leadership: Jo speaks candidly about imposter syndrome and the moments of self-doubt she faced throughout her career. She encourages listeners to take leaps of faith, even when they don’t feel fully ready, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth.The Power of Relationships in Leadership: A key theme in Jo's leadership philosophy is the importance of building strong relationships. Whether working with staff or students, Jo has always believed in getting alongside others, listening to their ideas, and helping them succeed in their roles. She emphasizes that leadership is about helping others grow and thrive.Curiosity and Mentorship: Jo offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to remain curious, ask questions, and seek out trusted mentors. She believes that leadership is a continual journey of learning and that surrounding yourself with supportive and wise individuals is crucial to success.Balancing Leadership and Teaching: Jo reflects on the challenge of balancing leadership with classroom responsibilities. She discusses how teaching helped her stay connected to the core purpose of education and gave her credibility with staff by demonstrating her willingness to share in the hard work.Aha Moments and Leadership Growth: Jo shares several “aha” moments that shaped her leadership journey, including the realization that great leadership is about serving others and being willing to do the work alongside them.Join Jonno White and Jo Fahey for a deeply encouraging and insightful conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the power of stepping into roles that push you beyond your comfort zone. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, compassion, and a heart for helping others.

Name: Edward AmeyCurrent title: CEOCurrent organisation: Jay Nolan Community Services in the United StatesAre you ready to revolutionize the way your team interacts and performs? Tune into this compelling episode with Edward Amey, where he unveils the secrets of successful offsite meetings. Dive into the heart of team dynamics as Amey explores how stepping away from the regular workspace can forge stronger, more cohesive units. He breaks down the essence of creating a 'psychological cocoon' for your team, enabling deeper professional and personal connections. This episode isn't just about offsite logistics; it's a deep dive into the transformative power of strategic retreats. Whether you're running a small startup or a large corporation, you'll discover valuable insights on budget-friendly options, building trust, and enhancing team performance. Listen as Amey discusses overcoming common pitfalls, creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals. This podcast is an essential tool for leaders seeking to elevate their team's potential and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...The Leadership Conversations Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...The Jonno White Leadership Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...The Leadership Question of the Day Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...Clarity Websitehttps://www.consultclarity.org/7 Questions on Leadership Serieshttps://www.consultclarity.org/large-...We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing Listhttps://www.consultclarity.org/subscribeJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Outhttps://store.consultclarity.org/step...Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

Name: Edward AmeyCurrent title: CEOCurrent organisation: Jay Nolan Community Services in the United StatesResources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...The Leadership Conversations Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...The Jonno White Leadership Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...The Leadership Question of the Day Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...Clarity Websitehttps://www.consultclarity.org/7 Questions on Leadership Serieshttps://www.consultclarity.org/large-...We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing Listhttps://www.consultclarity.org/subscribeJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Outhttps://store.consultclarity.org/step...Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...