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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.