In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Matt Pitman, Head of School (Senior) at Catholic Regional College in Caroline Springs, who shares his profound insights on leading meaningful cultural change in educational systems that often default to standardisation.

Matt opens up about his journey of reframing wellbeing as central to academic achievement rather than a separate agenda, and the resistance he encountered from outdated leadership approaches early in his career. He candidly discusses the frustration and disillusionment that comes with feeling like you're "pushing against a tide" when pursuing deep systemic change, and how this emotional weight can create tension in decision-making.

Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation as Matt reveals his transformative approach to change leadership through research, storytelling, and building authentic alliances. He shares how writing The Connection Curriculum helped him articulate a vision that truly resonated with others, and why he shifted from traditional leadership to deep listening and coaching.

Most importantly, Matt demonstrates that sustainable change happens through partnership, not power, showing how investing in authentic connections moves people not because they're told to, but because they believe in the shared vision and understand their meaningful role in the journey.

Connect with Well-Nest:

Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee

LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall

Website: www.well-nest.com.au

Instagram: well_nest_collective_co

Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Kalea Haran, Principal at Penrhos College in Western Australia, who shares her inspiring journey of building trust and encouraging bravery among staff as a vibrant new leader in the school community.

Kalea shares her approach to connecting with staff who are still getting to know her supportive, judgment-free leadership style. She shares her successful strategy of consistently demonstrating her genuine care while joyfully celebrating each new relationship she builds. This refreshing perspective highlights the exciting opportunities educational leaders discover when joining established communities with rich cultures and potential for growth.

Join us for an uplifting conversation as Kalea reveals how she creates a harmony between encouraging innovation and fostering a warm, psychologically safe environment for her team. Most importantly, she exemplifies how authentic leadership thrives through positivity and persistence, showing that when you focus on nurturing meaningful connections with your staff, remarkable transformation blossoms naturally, turning initial hesitation into powerful collaboration and shared success.

Connect with Aimee:

Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee

LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall

Website: www.well-nest.com.au

Instagram: well_nest_collective_co

Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing

In this episode, I am delighted to welcome Ben Will, Principal at Holy Spirit in Western Australia, who shares his extraordinary experience of leading a school community through the devastating impact of Cyclone Seroja and its aftermath.

Ben reveals the immense challenges he faced in maintaining educational continuity while supporting traumatised students, concerned parents and dedicated staff during this natural disaster. He candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster he experienced...from the initial crisis response to the long-term recovery efforts and the very real effects of burnout that followed. This honest reflection highlights the unique pressures that educational leaders face when their communities are struck by unexpected calamity.

Join us for an insightful conversation as Ben shares how the regional community rallied together in remarkable ways. Most importantly, he reveals how this challenging experience reinforced his understanding that authentic leadership isn't always perfect, but when your focus remains steadfastly on the students, great things can be achieved despite overwhelming circumstances.

Connect with Aimee:

Click HERE to book a leadership + wellbeing coaching discovery call with Aimee

LinkedIn: Aimee Presnall

Website: www.well-nest.com.au

Instagram: well_nest_collective_co

Other Podcast: Wonders of Wellbeing