The Unleash Learning Podcast

If you’re leading organisational change, one of the most important questions you can ask isn’t about strategy or structure — it’s about safety. Do your people feel safe enough to speak up, contribute honestly, and try something new? In the Era of Overwhelm, that question matters more than ever. When teams are stretched and under pressure, psychological safety can quietly erode — and with it, the conditions that make real change possible. Episode summary Dr William DeJean is joined by Jo Maloney for a grounded, practical conversation about psychological safety in education leadership. Together, they explore what it actually means in a school or organisational context, why it’s so critical during periods of change, and how leaders can nurture it without adding yet another initiative to an already full plate. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What psychological safety really means — and what it doesn’t ✅ Why it becomes even more important when your team is under pressure ✅ Simple ways to strengthen it through what you’re already doing ✅ How safety reduces stress and helps change land and last ✅ Practical steps to help your team feel heard, valued and ready to contribute Who it’s for This episode is for school principals, deputy and assistant principals, heads of department, and anyone leading teams through change who wants to build a culture where people feel genuinely safe to show up and contribute. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES At Our Best Cards: https://unleash-learning.com/at-our-best-cards/ Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to share it with a colleague or your leadership team and a review goes a long way in helping more leaders find this conversation.

Leadership in early childhood education has always been demanding. But something has shifted. Many leaders are describing a weight that's hard to name - more expectations, less space, and a growing sense that no matter how much they give, there's always more being asked. If that resonates, this episode is worth your time. In this episode of Unleash Learning TV and Radio, Dr. William DeJean is joined by Jacqui Ward, host of the Early Years Learning Hub podcast. Through in-depth conversations with leaders across the early childhood sector, Jacqui has developed a clear picture of what's really happening on the ground - and what distinguishes leaders who are navigating complexity well from those who are struggling. Together, William and Jacqui explore the forces driving leadership overwhelm, the patterns emerging across the profession, and practical ways to lead with greater clarity, confidence and impact. Here's what you'll learn: ✅ What's driving the current overwhelm in early childhood leadership ✅ The patterns Jacqui is seeing across her conversations with sector leaders ✅ How the strongest leaders are responding differently to pressure and complexity ✅ Practical strategies to lead with more clarity, confidence and calm ✅ Why sustainable leadership starts with how you lead yourself Who it's for This episode is for early childhood directors, centre leaders, educational leaders and anyone navigating the pressures of leading in the education and care sector right now. If leadership has been feeling heavier than it used to, this conversation will help. About Your Host  Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and Radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com Free Early Childhood Leadership Assessment: https://unleash-learning.com/free-early-childhood-leadership-assessment/ If this episode resonated with you, we'd love it if you shared it with a colleague or left a review - it helps more leaders find conversations that matter.

Burnout rarely announces itself — but by the time most school leaders notice it, they're already running on empty. In this episode of Unleash Learning TV, Dr William DeJean sits down with Brad Gaylord for an honest conversation about one of the most pressing challenges facing education leaders today: how to recognise the early warning signs of burnout and take action before it takes hold. This isn't about doing less - it's about leading sustainably. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why burnout is not a sign of weakness or personal failure ✅ How overwhelm has become normalised in school leadership - and why that's a problem ✅ The early warning signs most leaders miss ✅ Practical strategies to prevent burnout before it escalates ✅ How to support your team's wellbeing, not just your own WANT MORE? Grab your complimentary info kit on the Unleash Learning transformational change model here: https://unleash-learning.com

Early career leaders are often asked to carry more than ever — without losing sight of learning. Leadership in today’s schools and organisations can feel scattered and relentless, particularly for those early in their leadership journey. Competing priorities, rising expectations, and limited support can make it hard to stay focused on what matters most. In this final episode of the four-part series How to Thrive as an Early Career Leader in the Era of Overwhelm, Dr William DeJean and Steven Trotter bring the conversation together, focusing on how early career leaders can lead learning with clarity and intention. The discussion centres on narrowing focus, building the right support around you, and reducing collective overwhelm so leadership remains connected to teaching and learning — not consumed by constant pressure. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to keep learning at the centre of your leadership role ✅ Why effective leadership relies on the right people, not everyone ✅ Who those people are and how they support sustainable leadership ✅ How to lower stress across teams and systems ✅ What leading learning well looks like in the era of overwhelm Who it’s for: Early career leaders, aspiring leaders, and leadership teams supporting those in their first years of leadership — particularly in education settings focused on learning improvement. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode helped connect the dots for you, consider sharing it with a colleague or leaving a review to support other early-career leaders.

Early career leadership was never meant to be a solo act. Many new leaders believe that strong leadership means coping quietly, solving problems alone, and not needing support. While rarely spoken aloud, this belief can increase stress, isolation, and burnout — even for highly capable leaders. In Episode 3 of this four-part series, Dr William DeJean and Steven Trotter explore why success teams are essential for early career leaders — and how the right kind of support can change both leadership experience and outcomes. This episode unpacks the difference between support that simply helps leaders survive the week and support that genuinely helps them grow, develop confidence, and sustain themselves over time. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The leadership myth that encourages struggling in silence ✅ The two types of success teams leaders need to understand ✅ Which form of support most accelerates early career growth ✅ How the right support lowers stress sustainably ✅ One practical step to strengthen your leadership network now Who it’s for: Early career leaders, aspiring leaders, and leadership teams who support new leaders — particularly in education contexts where leadership demands are increasing. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If you know an early career leader, consider sharing this episode with them — or leave a quick review to help others find it.

“I feel like a fraud.” Many early career leaders have thought it — even if they’ve never said it out loud. Stepping into leadership for the first time can feel heavier than expected. The responsibility increases. The visibility increases. The expectations increase. And quietly, self-doubt can increase too. In Episode 2 of this special four-part series, Dr William DeJean is joined by Steven Trotter to explore what they call the era of overwhelm — and why it is shaping the experience of early career leaders more than ever before. Rather than treating self-doubt as a personal flaw, this conversation reframes it as a signal of growth within a demanding leadership context. When leaders understand the environment they’re operating in, they’re better able to respond with clarity rather than self-criticism. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What the era of overwhelm is and how it affects early-career leaders ✅ Why imposter feelings are more common than leaders admit ✅ How shadow beliefs form during periods of growth ✅ What genuinely supports leaders in their first five years ✅ A practical shift you can make to steady your leadership Who it’s for: Early career leaders in their first five years, aspiring leaders preparing for formal roles, and leadership teams supporting emerging leaders in education. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with an early career leader who needs to hear it — or leave a review to help others find the series.

If you’re in your first few years of leadership, you already know the pressure can build quickly. You’re expected to lead with confidence, make sound decisions, and support others, all while still finding your own feet. It can feel like you’re stretched in every direction, quietly questioning whether you’re doing enough or doing it right. You’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re leading in a time where the demands on early career leaders are higher than ever. In this episode, William is joined by Steven Trotter, author, former school principal, and leadership advisor, to talk about what early career leaders need to understand if they want to grow into the role without burning out or losing confidence along the way. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why early career leadership often feels more intense than expected ✅ Why self-doubt and imposter thoughts are common in the first five years ✅ One practical move you can make now to steady yourself ✅ Why the habits you build early shape the leader you become If you’re navigating your first five years in leadership, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and practical guidance you can use straight away. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With more than 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three published books, William works with schools and leadership teams to turn complexity into clarity and help learning stick across entire organisations. CONNECT WITH US Website: https://unleash-learning.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning FREE RESOURCES Complimentary info kit: https://unleash-learning.com Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ Know an early career leader who needs this right now? Share the episode with them.

If you’re working to build more inclusive leadership across your school, organisation, or network, you know how challenging it can be. In a time when language keeps evolving, expectations are shifting, and everyone’s trying to “get it right,” it’s easy to feel unsure about what true inclusion looks like — or how to lead it with confidence. In this episode, William talks with Bronwyn William, Acting Manager for Widening Participation at Western Sydney University, about what inclusive leadership really means — and how to make it part of your everyday practice. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ What inclusive leaders actually do (you’ll love this!) ✅ How to open access to power and opportunity for underrepresented communities ✅ How to make inclusion a shared responsibility — not one person’s job ✅ Practical ways to lead inclusively without adding to the overwhelm If you want to lead with clarity, confidence, and care, and create impact that lasts, this episode is one to share with your whole leadership team. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three books under his belt, William is passionate about helping schools make learning stick for everyone. SAY HI TO US HERE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/  X: https://x.com/unleash_learning  GRAB FREE RESOURCES Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/  School Leaders Free Workbook: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/  School Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps  Team Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps  GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HERE https://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/  Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review — it helps us support more schools and leadership teams to make learning stick for everyone.

If you’re working to lead change across your school, network, or state, you know how tough it can be. In the era of overwhelm, with constant initiatives and competing priorities, creating lasting change can feel out of reach. That’s why this episode of our Leadership in the Era of Overwhelm series is one you won’t want to miss. In this episode, William talks with Steven Trotter - a school leader with over two decades of experience helping schools across Victoria, Australia, manage complexity and drive meaningful, sustained improvement. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to start the process of leading change that lasts. The ‘right people’ to help lead change — and why it’s not everyone. How to bring people on board (and keep them there). The key stages of change every leader should know. Why building a “success team” is critical for long-term results. If you want to create impact that endures, across your school, network, or state, this is the episode to share with your entire leadership team. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. With 25 years in education, a doctorate in education, and three books under his belt, William is passionate about helping schools make learning stick for everyone. SAY HI TO US HERE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning GRAB FREE RESOURCES Free eBooks: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ School Leaders Free Workbook: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/ School Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps Team Leaders’ Free Info Kit: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HERE https://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/ Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review — it helps us support more schools and leadership teams to make learning stick for everyone.

Episode #5 is here 👉🏾 How to Take on New Information with Ease. If you’re leading learning across your school, network, or state, you know the challenge: new information comes at you fast, and in the era of overwhelm, it can feel impossible for staff to take it in. With constant change and already-full mental loads, professional learning risks becoming just another stress point. That’s why this episode of our 5-part podcast series on Leadership in the Era of Overwhelm is essential. Here’s what we’ll share in this episode: How a school can take on new information with confidence and ease. How to run professional learning that supports rather than overwhelms. The two kinds of data every leader needs to know about – and the one that helps without adding to the overwhelm. If you’d like your school, network, or state to confidently adapt and apply strategies, initiatives, and frameworks — without the overwhelm — this episode is for you. ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr William DeJean is the founder and CEO of Unleash Learning and also the host of Unleash Learning TV and radio. William has been deep in the education and learning field for 25 years, has a doctorate in education and has three books under his belt. SAY HI TO US HEREFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unleashlearning/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleash.learning/ X: https://x.com/unleash_learning GRAB HIS NEW BOOK HEREhttps://unleash-learning.com/a-new-way-forward-for-schools/ GRAB YOUR FREE RESOURCES HEREFREE EBOOKS: https://unleash-learning.com/free-ebook/ SCHOOL LEADERS FREE WORKBOOK: https://unleash-learning.com/2024/09/6-leadership-team-questions-to-ask-about-teaching-learning-across-your-school/ SCHOOL LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/in-your-school/#next-steps TEAM LEADERS’ FREE INFO KIT: https://unleash-learning.com/unleash-learning-for-business/#next-steps Like the episode? Help us spread the word by leaving a review. It will help us support schools and professional learning teams to make learning stick for everyone.