What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with… but something you build?

In this episode of The School Run with Jane: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane is joined by Sally Walker; career and executive coach, cultural intelligence & intercultural trainer, guest lecturer and author.

Sally shares the “lightbulb moment” that changed everything: being tasked with running a redundancy programme early in her HR career and witnessing how the right support can turn a devastating moment into a powerful reinvention.

Together, Jane and Sally explore confidence as a skill, the importance of values, why we don’t need a “perfect” career plan, and how to do a simple annual Career MOT to check in with what matters most.

In this episode, we talk about:

• ​Sally’s journey from HR to career coaching and the moment she knew she’d found her purpose
• ​Why coaching is about questions, not advice (and why “we often already know the answer”)
• ​Confidence as a skill you can build and Sally’s favourite reminder: “You are good enough.”
• ​The difference between career values and bedrock values (and how they can shift through life)
• ​How to spot your “threads”: childhood interests, flow moments, curiosity and natural strengths
• ​Teachers’ transferable skills and why so many don’t realise how valuable they are
• ​The myth of a “job for life” and the freedom of pivoting without “getting it perfect”
• ​What a first coaching session actually looks like (and why chemistry matters)
• ​The power of slowing down and creating space for reflection
• ​Sally’s school run memory: laughter, connection, and those back-seat conversations you don’t realise you’ll miss

Guest: Sally Walker

Career & Executive Coach | Cultural Intelligence & Intercultural Trainer | Guest Lecturer | Author

➡️ Find Sally on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyannwalker

➡️ Website www.swcareercoaching.com

About Little Voices:

Little Voices is the UK-wide award-winning performing arts organisation helping children aged 4–18 build confidence for life through small group drama and singing lessons, plus accredited LAMDA qualifications.

Stay connected:

• ​Podcast Instagram: @theschoolrun_official
• ​Little Voices: @littlevoiceslimited
• ​Support the podcast (Buy Me a Coffee): buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun
• ​Edited by: Mike, Making Digital Real (details in show notes)

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this episode Jane speaks with Julie Armstrong about all things confidence.

Julie is the Principal of Little Voices Peterborough .

@littlevoicespeterborough

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with but something you build, moment by moment?

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane is joined by the warm, wise and wonderfully grounded Angie Gopalt — osteopath, yoga teacher, speaker and co-host of Too Young For This, Too Old For That.

This is a deep, honest conversation about:

• ​What school never taught us about confidence, reflection and self-belief
• ​Why confidence is a skill, not a personality trait
• ​The power of pausing — even for a single breath — to change how we respond to life
• ​How yoga, breath and awareness support both physical and emotional health
• ​Career paths, pressure, and why “doing your best” really is enough
• ​The importance of reflection — especially in a world that never stops moving

Angie shares her journey from corporate banking to yoga teaching and osteopathy, offering practical, compassionate wisdom for people of all ages — whether you’re navigating school, work, parenthood, pain, or change.

This episode is part two of Jane’s conversation with the brilliant women behind Too Young For This, Too Old For That (following last week’s chat with Annie) — but it also stands powerfully on its own.

✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not confident enough”…

✨ If life feels busy, loud, or overwhelming…

✨ If you’re curious about how a simple pause could change everything…

This one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now — and take a breath.

Anji Gopal - Anji Gopal - The BackCare Boss

Full details of classes, clinics, retreats and more: Website: backcarefoundation.com

020 3633 2320

Podcast: 2Young for this, 2Old for that- find it where you get your podcasts

Website: 2young2old.com

IG: www.instagram.com/2young2old.pod

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane welcomes Annie — actor, teacher, podcaster and creative collaborator — for a powerful conversation about confidence, creativity, and finding your voice when life doesn’t follow a straight line.

This episode also marks a gentle shift for the podcast. While Liv will always be the heart and co-creator of The School Run, she’s now flourishing in the world of work — and the podcast continues with the same spirit, stories and purpose as The School Run with Jane: Little Voices, Big Stories.

Annie shares her journey from school drama lessons to Mountview Drama School, navigating the realities of the creative industries, teaching with Little Voices, and discovering that finding your voice isn’t about becoming “one thing” — it’s about becoming yourself.

Together, Jane and Annie explore:

• ​How drama and the arts build confidence far beyond the stage
• ​Why finding your voice matters at any age
• ​The pressure young people feel to choose one path — and why that’s outdated
• ​The importance of inspirational teachers and creative spaces in schools
• ​Why public speaking, communication and creativity deserve more value in education
• ​How podcasting, teaching and storytelling help us understand who we really are

This episode is for:

✨ young people finding their way

✨ parents supporting confidence and creativity

✨ educators, tutors and creatives

✨ anyone who’s ever wondered, “Is it too late — or too soon — to find my voice?”

🎧 Listen in and remember: every day is a school day.

Podcast: 2Young for this, 2Old for that- find it where you get your podcasts

Website: 2young2old.com

IG: www.instagram.com/2young2old.pod

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane is joined by singer, West End performer, and Little Voices Principal Rosa O’Reilly, for an honest, inspiring conversation about confidence, creativity, and running your own race.

Rosa shares her journey from being a shy child who loved performing behind closed doors, to starring in major West End productions including We Will Rock You, Les Misérables, Wicked, and Dirty Dancing. She opens up about rejection, self-belief, and why confidence is far more than being loud or extroverted.

Now the Principal of Little Voices Kingston & Merton, Rosa explains what drew her to Little Voices, why mental health and wellbeing matter so deeply to her, and how building confidence in children can transform lives far beyond the stage.

Together, Jane and Rosa explore:

• ​ What confidence really is (and what it isn’t)
• ​ Why talent alone is never enough
• ​ How rejection and setbacks shape resilience
• ​ The power of encouragement from “just one person”
• ​ Why running your own race matters more than comparison
• ​ How drama and singing support literacy, wellbeing, and self-esteem
• ​ What Rosa wishes school had taught her about life, money, grief, and mental health
• ​ The joy of seeing children flourish in safe, small, inclusive spaces

Rosa also reflects on her proudest moments as a new Principal, shares moving stories of children finding their voice, and leaves listeners with a simple but powerful message:

You’re stronger and more capable than you think. Try the thing.

⸻

🔗 Links & Resources

• ​ Find out more about Little Voices and classes near you:

👉 https://www.littlevoices.org.uk/find-a-class

• ​ Follow Little Voices Kingston & Merton on social media @littlevoiceskm

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review, follow the podcast, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Every listen helps these stories reach further ❤️

​

​Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane is joined by Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education, to explore one big question:

Is the education system really preparing young people for the future they’re stepping into?

Jane and Heather first met at the House of Lords, and this conversation continues that discussion — diving into online education, confidence, entrepreneurship, and why learning needs to become more flexible, human and future-focused.

Heather shares her journey from traditional education and Harrow School Online to founding an innovative online school supporting students across the UK and internationally. Together, they unpack:

• ​Why one-size-fits-all schooling no longer works
• ​How online education can increase independence, confidence and maturity
• ​What “flipped learning” really looks like (and why it works)
• ​The importance of choice, curiosity and ownership in learning
• ​Why business, financial literacy and entrepreneurship matter earlier
• ​How young people can build real social connection — even when learning online
• ​What confidence truly means (for introverts and extroverts)
• ​The skills children will need when many future jobs don’t yet exist

This episode is essential listening for:

• ​Parents questioning traditional schooling
• ​Educators and school leaders
• ​Anyone curious about online education or edtech
• ​Those passionate about raising confident, adaptable young people

As always, the conversation comes back to confidence, connection and finding your voice — values at the heart of Little Voices and everything this podcast stands for.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about what education could be.

Links: www.highgroveeducation.com

Heather’s email: heather.rhodes@highgroveeducation.com

School email: office@highgroveeducation.com

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What if the thing you were told wasn’t practical became the thing that changed your life?

In this episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane sits down with Johann Rossiter, Principal of Little Voices North and East Leeds – but her story begins long before that.

From a quiet, reserved child with a love for piano, Johann shares her remarkable journey through school, university, teaching, and finally discovering her true calling as a franchisee and leader. They explore:

• ​ The role of music and drama in unlocking children’s confidence
• ​ Why Joanne left the classroom for self-employment
• ​ The myth that arts education is only for performers
• ​ How her passion for helping young people still drives everything she does
• ​ The importance of little voices having big futures

This is a powerful, inspiring listen for anyone who believes in the transformational power of the arts — whether you’re a parent, teacher, headteacher, or someone thinking of taking a leap into something new.

Johann is living proof that growth often begins when you step out of the classroom — and into your calling.

🔗 Follow Johann at:

Instagram: @littlevoicesneleeds

Website: www.littlevoices.org.uk/north-east-leeds

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to._

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here …..www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at Jane@littlevoices.org.uk

**Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to**

www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

**Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.**

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of www.vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk

In this episode Jane chats with Cassie Bunton; teacher, performer and businesswoman - Principal of Little Voices East Hertfordshire.

We go through Cassie’s fabulous story so far what led her to performing arts, the experiences, influences and challenges along the way reflecting on:

✨ What school did (and didn’t) prepare us for

🎭 The power of performing arts to unlock confidence

👩‍🏫 Cassie’s journey from classroom to franchisee

🌱 How Little Voices helps children find their voice and thrive

❤️ Why connection, community and creativity matter more than ever

If you’re a parent, teacher, creative soul – or someone who just knows there’s more to life than exams and grades – this episode will hit home.

If you want to learn more about Cassie’s classes please visit

@littlevoiceseastherts

https://littlevoices.org.uk/east-hertfordshire

You can contact Cassie on

Cassie@littlevoices.org.uk

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here ….. ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠

**Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to ⁠⁠http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@‌littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of ⁠Making Digital Real⁠