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In this episode, Jenny explores why so many school leaders feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of the school year - and what they can do to ensure that 2026 feels more sustainable, intentional, and human. Drawing on decades of experience in education and years of coaching leaders, Jenny introduces Starting Strong, a framework designed to help leaders begin the year, a role, or a new initiative with clarity, purpose, and energy.

She walks through the key elements of Starting Strong, including getting clear on what matters most, setting expectations, communicating well, listening to your people, running effective meetings, prioritising wellbeing, and deciding in advance the kind of leader you want to be. Jenny also shares how this work evolved from an ebook, to workshops, to a one-day program, and now into a flexible online course for leaders everywhere.

If you’re determined not to repeat a year of burnout, resentment, or constant firefighting - and you want to lead with greater purpose, balance, and impact - this episode will give you both reassurance and practical direction.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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In this episode of the summer series, Jenny Cole encourages you to pause and ask: Am I leading and living with intention - or just reacting on autopilot? Designed for educators who feel stretched thin, this short but powerful reflection explores the cost of constantly running on default and offers practical ways to reset.

Jenny shares how to recognise the signs of survival mode, reconnect with your personal leadership intention, and build small habits that help you show up as your best self - more often. With thoughtful prompts and grounded strategies, this episode helps you shift from reactivity to purpose, even in the busiest seasons of school and life.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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In this reflective episode, Jenny Cole gently guides you through the ICE process - Intention, Clarity, and Ease - to help you step into 2026 feeling aligned and purposeful. With thoughtful prompts and practical exercises, this session invites you to consider how you want to show up in the year ahead, what matters most to you, and what habits or stories you’re ready to let go of.

From identifying a personal intention or "word of the year" to naming your core values and giving yourself permission to choose ease, this is a calming reset designed for educators seeking a more intentional path forward. Whether you're listening from the beach, the garden, or your commute, this episode is your space to pause, reflect, and gently plan your next step.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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In this first episode of the summer series, Jenny Cole invites you to pause and reflect on the year that’s been. Whether you’re crawling or cartwheeling to the finish line of 2025, this gentle debrief is your chance to acknowledge what worked, what drained you, and what you want to leave behind.

Through thoughtful questions and quiet prompts, Jenny guides you to consider your energy, your small wins, and the stories you’ve been telling yourself - so you can enter 2026 feeling lighter, clearer, and more intentional. Perfect for a walk, a quiet moment in the garden, or while making yet another sandwich, this reflective episode offers space to honour your growth and set the tone for what’s next.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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After a short break, Positively Beaming is back! In this relaxed and reflective solo episode, Jenny Cole jumps behind the mic for an unscripted chat about the value of showing up—imperfectly, but authentically. Inspired by a recent catch-up with fellow women in business, Jenny shares why it’s okay to pause, reset, and return without all the bells and whistles.

This new mini summer series isn’t about leadership theory—it’s about pausing to reflect on who you want to be and how you want to show up in 2026. Whether you're tuning in from the beach or a picnic blanket, this gentle episode invites you to take a breath and be present.

If this vibe speaks to you, share it with a friend, save the episode, or leave a quick review. Thanks for being here—let’s dive in.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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In this special episode of Positively Leading, we welcome Jade Aim, Principal of Kelmscott Primary School. Jade shares her inspiring path from teaching to leadership, shaped by early family experiences and the power of mentorship. She reflects on building a strong school culture through simple, consistent rituals and a shared school charter that fosters accountability and care.

Jade also shares her game-changing approach to technology—using AI tools to cut through admin overload. From creating differentiated resources and translating documents for families to drafting parent communications and generating reports, AI helps her team stay focused on what matters most: relationships. “What teachers have is relationships,” she says, “and AI can’t build that yet.”

With practical tips on authenticity, gradual change, and asking for help, this episode offers real-world strategies for leaders at every stage.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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Walking into a leadership interview can feel overwhelming, especially in the high-pressure world of educational leadership. But what if the key to success isn’t about having perfect answers, but about telling authentic, memorable stories? After 15 years of coaching school leaders, I’ve seen how striving for perfection often backfires. Interview panels aren’t looking for textbook responses – they want to connect with a real person who brings genuine value, courage, and perspective to their team.

In this episode, part two of Mastering Interviews, I break down five common mistakes candidates make and share a storytelling approach that helps you stand out. Using the SAO framework, you’ll learn how to craft three to five key stories from your experience and shape them into engaging narratives. These stories – when delivered with clarity, vulnerability, and purpose – help panels remember who you are, not just what you’ve done.

The best candidates speak confidently from their leadership values, connect big-picture strategy to real-world results, and manage nerves with simple mindset shifts. If you’re ready to stop reciting bullet points and start sharing the story of who you are as a leader, this episode will give you the tools to do just that.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

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Job interviews for leadership roles in education often come down to more than just qualifications. Despite fair intentions, unconscious bias still plays a powerful role in who gets selected. Many capable candidates reach the interview stage but are overlooked – not because of poor performance, but due to hidden dynamics like affinity bias, where panels gravitate toward people who feel familiar.

In this episode, part one on mastering interviews, Jenny Cole dives into what really influences hiring outcomes. She explains why strategic networking and sponsorship are more powerful than traditional preparation alone. While referees speak when asked, sponsors speak up for you without being prompted – often making the crucial difference. You'll also learn how to build professional visibility, mirror interview language, and identify the advocates who can open doors.

If you're stuck in the cycle of missed opportunities, this conversation will change how you approach interviews – and your career. It's time to stop relying on luck and start shaping how you're seen.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.