EP239: Humility, Strategy & Global Impact—Olli-Pekka Heinonen on Leading Through Listening & Vision

✍️ Episode NotesIn this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Michelle Anne Saunderson, business coach, ex-police officer, co-founder of Those Two Sisters, and passionate advocate for women redefining success.Michelle opens up about her courageous leap from a 23-year policing career to building a heart-centered business supporting high-achieving women. After being forced to leave her role during the pandemic, Michelle rebuilt her life from scratch, leaning into her intuition, feminine leadership, and an unshakable belief in purpose.She shares her raw journey of: 🔹 Crying every night in her early career and staying out of sheer determination🔹 Dealing with poor leadership, learning to set boundaries, and becoming a respected sergeant🔹 Starting a business with her sister and leading transformative retreats for women🔹 Teaching entrepreneurs how to shift from chaos and burnout to alignment and fulfillment🔹 Building community and helping women take off the mask and “cut the crap”This conversation is full of real talk about leadership, feminine embodiment, overcoming burnout, and redefining what it means to be “rich.” Whether you’re in a career pivot, building a business, or looking for authentic leadership inspiration—this episode will move and motivate you.Tune in now to hear Michelle’s powerful story and leadership insights!Website: www.those2sisters.comFree Audio Chapter - Aunty Flo and the GSD Club. Watch my Melbourne speech to receive your free audio chapter:  https://www.those2sisters.au/gsd-club

Episode Notes:In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), to explore what it takes to lead a truly global education organization serving over two million students across 160 countries.Olli-Pekka reflects on his journey from a rural Finnish village to international leadership—sharing powerful lessons shaped by music, complexity thinking, and servant-hearted leadership. With deep humility, he unpacks the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and listening in today’s complex world.He also dives into: 🔹 Why leadership starts with unknowing, not knowing🔹 The power of holding space instead of giving orders🔹 How orchestras taught him to understand non-verbal leadership and intelligence🔹 Why strategy and change must be co-created—not dictated🔹 How to shift from hierarchy to trust and psychological safetyThis conversation is a masterclass in leading with vision, humility, and systems-thinking—especially relevant for leaders navigating change, culture, and global complexity.Tune in now to hear Olli-Pekka Heinonen’s incredible leadership insights and timeless wisdom.

Episode Notes:In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Frances Scadden, the CEO of Community Care Options, to explore what it means to lead with empathy, vision, and authenticity.With a background in health, community, and disability services, Frances opens up about her personal leadership evolution—from self-doubt to clarity—while managing a team of 90 and navigating complex challenges in the nonprofit space. She shares candid stories of professional growth, the mentors who shaped her, and how servant leadership became her compass.Listen in as Frances unpacks: 🔹 The power of leading by example and trusting your team🔹 How journaling and spiritual values guide her leadership decisions🔹 The importance of a healthy leadership culture and vulnerability🔹 Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness🔹 How reflection, intention, and accountability drive positive changeThis is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about leading with purpose in the human services sector—or any organization that puts people first.

Episode Notes:In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Dominique Lamb, Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner, to discuss the realities of leadership, resilience, and advocacy for small businesses.Dominique shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to becoming a lawyer, an accidental CEO, and now a key advocate for nearly half a million small businesses in Queensland. She reflects on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels, the power of collaboration, and the hidden struggles of small business owners.She also dives into:🔹 Why financial visibility is the #1 factor for small business success🔹 The unseen toxicity leaders face at the top and how to navigate it🔹 How small businesses can leverage advocacy, dispute resolution, and financial planning to survive and grow🔹 The importance of finding a core support network and staying true to your valuesThis conversation is filled with insights on leadership, resilience, and the real struggles and triumphs of small business owners. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone passionate about advocacy, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Tune in now to hear Dominique Lamb’s leadership lessons and small business insights!

Episode Notes:In this episode of Leadership Conversations, Jonno White sits down with Paul Fairweather, an architect-turned-speaker, painter, and creative thinker. Paul shares his journey from co-founding and leading a successful architectural firm to stepping into the uncertain world of speaking and training. Along the way, he candidly discusses the challenges of reinvention, the power of creative confidence, and the importance of taking ownership as a leader.Paul’s career began in architecture, where he built a thriving practice. But despite his success, he found himself drawn to other pursuits. He takes us behind the scenes of his bold decision to sell his share of the firm and embark on a new chapter. While he eventually found his way back to architecture for a time, his passion for creativity in all its forms—whether in painting, writing, or leadership—never faded.One of the most powerful insights Paul shares is about creative confidence. He talks about how many people abandon drawing, painting, or singing at a young age due to discouraging feedback or fear of failure. He reveals how he overcame his own doubts about his artistic abilities and now helps others do the same through workshops that reframe creativity as a process, not just a final product.Paul also offers a unique perspective on leadership. Drawing from his experience growing an architectural practice to a team of 55, he reflects on the importance of clear vision, communication, and trust. He shares a valuable lesson about how leaders must create the right “bumper lanes” for their teams—providing structure while allowing creativity to flourish. He also emphasizes the need for leaders to take responsibility for their mistakes and how that accountability builds a culture of trust.We also dive into the psychology of value—how some architects command premium fees while others struggle, and what that means for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders. Paul explains how having a distinct style and embracing scarcity can significantly elevate perceived value.This conversation is packed with insights on creativity, leadership, and the courage to step into the unknown. Whether you’re a leader looking to foster more creativity in your organization or someone seeking the confidence to pivot in your career, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Tune in now to hear Paul Fairweather’s incredible journey and leadership wisdom!

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, I sit down with Jill Howard to dive into what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and vision. Jill shares her leadership journey, offering deep insights into how great leaders navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and create environments where people thrive.Jill opens up about the critical role of trust in leadership. She explains how trust isn’t just built through big decisions but through the everyday moments—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others to grow. She emphasizes that the best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they ask the right questions and create a culture where problem-solving becomes a shared responsibility.Another key theme is navigating leadership in times of uncertainty. Jill shares personal experiences of leading teams through difficult transitions, highlighting how real leadership isn’t about having a perfect roadmap—it’s about being present, making thoughtful decisions, and fostering resilience. She reveals how leaders can embrace change rather than fear it, inspiring their teams to do the same.Jill also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She explains why the ability to read a room, understand different perspectives, and adjust your approach is one of the most valuable skills a leader can have. Her advice on active listening and genuine connection will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their leadership game.Throughout the conversation, Jill provides practical strategies for leaders at all levels, from new managers to seasoned executives. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, her insights will challenge you to think differently about your role, your influence, and the legacy you’re creating.This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, actionable advice, and powerful leadership lessons. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White talks with Kevin Macki, Director of School Relations at Calvary Christian Academy and Schools United. Kevin shares his journey from being a teacher and school administrator to his current role in building global peer networks for Christian educators. His insights into servant leadership, fostering connections, and nurturing future leaders are a treasure trove for anyone passionate about leadership and education.Kevin begins by sharing how a pivotal moment in high school, when his basketball coach recognized his hard work and leadership potential, set the foundation for his leadership journey. This early experience taught Kevin the value of affirmation and helped him develop his philosophy of leadership: seeing and cultivating potential in others. This perspective has remained central to his career, shaping his approach to building strong teams and nurturing future leaders.The conversation delves into Kevin’s passion for creating a culture of connection and collaboration in Christian education. He explains how Schools United fosters unity among educators globally by breaking down barriers and building peer networks. Kevin highlights inspiring stories of elite schools sharing resources with smaller institutions, demonstrating how collaboration can transform education and create a more unified community.Kevin also explores the importance of visibility in leadership. Drawing from his experience as a head of school, he emphasizes the value of getting out of the office, building relationships with teachers, parents, and students, and addressing challenges before they escalate. This hands-on approach fosters trust and creates a culture of openness and support, essential for any successful leader.Another key theme is the courage to have difficult conversations. Kevin reflects on his early struggles with classroom management and how constructive feedback from a mentor helped him grow. He shares how this lesson shaped his approach to leadership, encouraging leaders to give honest, thoughtful feedback with kindness and purpose to help others reach their full potential.Throughout the episode, Kevin stresses the importance of developing future leaders. He shares practical advice on identifying potential, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating opportunities for growth within an organization. For Kevin, leadership isn’t about holding onto power—it’s about empowering others to lead and succeed.This episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful insights from Kevin’s decades of experience in education and leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with humility, courage, and connection. Tune in now to learn from one of the most thoughtful voices in Christian education!

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.