Augmented Learning Podcast & Vlog Episode #50

First of all, thank you for the support and feedback across the last 50 episodes. I haven’t been as consistent as I hoped since the podcast launch, and at times considered pulling things right back. But I’m glad I persevered and I’m very grateful to have hit this milestone. We’ve got a big announcement in the coming weeks around some changes and additions to the podcast which I think is going to make the podcast significantly better and help bring you even more stories of amazing educators, leaders and influencers.

But, it’s time to introduce todays guest. If you consume my content on a regular basis, you will know I talk about this person a lot, and hold them in very high regard. She has had a massive influence on my career, more so than I think she actually realises.

One thing each and every one of us share, is the fact that we have leaders in our lives. Regardless of where you find yourself, or what stage of life you’re at, leaders will play a big part in shaping your day to day. Some of us even have the privilege of leading others, and if you’re one of those lucky people I have no doubt that your leadership is shaped in some part by a leader who has had a really positive impact on you.

Prue Kelly is that leader for me. She was my very first Principal as a teacher and I quickly established she was someone I could always go to for support. She took a risk on me on more than one occasion, and despite the mistakes I made or difficulties I found myself in, knew she would always go into bat for me.

Leadership to me, is making those people around you better. Prue cared immensely about her staff, and she fostered a rich learning environment that I’m still yet to see replicated elsewhere. We touch on this towards the end of the podcast, but her annual hand written Christmas letters to every single staff member showed her strong leadership, and passion for growing better people.