Learn first, lead second - Dr. Shyam Barr

TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2wseEW5QKc

Dr Shyam Barr joins us on the podcast to explore the principle of learning first and leading second. Reflecting on advice he received early in his career, Shyam considers how a focus on the learning process shaped his work and why educators, who are rarely formally trained as leaders, need to be intentional about the role they play in every leadership moment.

We discuss self-regulation as an essential foundation for learning, wellbeing and leadership. Shyam explains the close connection between self-regulation, emotional regulation and self-management, and shares why schools need to make learning strategies explicit through approaches such as planning, monitoring, and evaluating. We also consider AI and cognitive offloading, including when technology can support learning and when it may prevent students from doing the thinking that matters most.

Shyam offers practical ways for leaders to study their own minds and show up more intentionally. From journalling before opening the work laptop to using pre-commitment strategies that identify intentions, barriers and responses, he invites us to move from awareness to choice to results. This conversation is an important and timely reminder that our work is not simply to help young people succeed at school, but to help them master a learning system for life.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

On the Gate

In this episode, we sit down with David Roberts, Headmaster of Prince Alfred College in South Australia, to explore what it means to keep saying yes to opportunities while still learning and reflecting on your conduct as a leader. We unpack the visibility that comes with leadership, the reality that your actions and words are always being noticed, and the challenge of making decisions under pressure. We discuss why, if you are not consciously working on culture, it is probably moving backwards, and how intentional change management and clear communication help ensure everyone has a shared understanding.

We dive into strategic leadership and governance as David reflects on understanding the financial situation of a school, the need to make a profit to fund growth, and the importance of asking your team “what do you think?” to broaden perspectives. We explore how to navigate power imbalances, find mentors who take responsibility for growing your knowledge, and balancing history and tradition with being forward-looking. Along the way, we discuss experiential learning models like Timbertop, the intensity of boarding as “pastoral care on steroids”, and the ongoing work of building belonging and the importance of shared language

We also talk about the seasons of working life and finding a deliberate balance between future focus and being visible in the here and now. David shares how exercise makes him a better person, parent and partner, and how uncertainty can be a strength while overconfidence can trip you up. We consider the role of honest feedback and broadening experiences in sustaining growth, and why, even principals, are still learning.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts

Amy Green - Setting People Up For Success

In this episode, we explore teacher wellbeing with educator and wellbeing expert Amy Green, focusing on how schools can truly set people up for success. We discuss why wellbeing is not something to achieve or “tick off,” and the importance of moving beyond surface level self care. Amy challenges the tendency to treat wellbeing as a one-size-fits-all concept, instead highlighting the role of purpose, clarity, and meaningful work in supporting both staff and students.

We explore how effective systems, structures, and expectations can reduce micro-stresses and create smoother, more sustainable workdays. Amy unpacks the impact of growth fatigue, the risks of reactive wellbeing initiatives, and the need to critically examine what has been added to teachers’ workloads over time. Together, we discuss rethinking the structure of the school year, clarifying the purpose of term time and breaks, and redefining leadership practices to include boundaries, deep work, and intentional availability.

Drawing on insights from her new book, The Wellness Paradox, we discuss the tension between doing all the “right” things for wellbeing and still feeling unwell. Amy invites us to question long held assumptions about success, resilience, and what a “good” working life looks like, encouraging leaders to design cultures where wellbeing is embedded in everyday practice and aligned with the kind of impact they want to have.

Credits:

Podcast theme music composed by Julian Ferraretto

Logo Design by Meredith Baker

Photography by Carmen Roberts