Episodes

  • The importance of wellbeing and resilience in the workplace
    Aug 28 2024

    Dr. Denise Quinlan discusses the importance of wellbeing and resilience in the workplace and everyday life. She explains that wellbeing and resilience are interconnected and that taking care of one's wellbeing leads to greater resilience. She emphasises the need to redefine success and challenge societal expectations.


    The conversation explores the importance of creating a supportive and safe work environment, prioritising tasks and responsibilities, and the shift towards human sustainability in organisations. It emphasises the need for self-compassion, radical prioritisation, and redefining the purpose of work. The conversation also touches on the role of autonomy, trust, and psychological safety in fostering wellbeing and productivity.


    Practical strategies for improving workplace culture, such as rotating meeting chairs, creating a feedback culture, and empowering frontline experts are shared with the conversation concluding with a discussion on the integration of work and life, and the importance of recognising the humanity of individuals in the workplace.


    Dr Denise Quinlan is a founding director of the Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience, an adjunct fellow at University of Canterbury, and a published academic researcher. Co-author of The Educators’ Guide to Whole-School Wellbeing (2020), Denise and her team from IWR have worked with hundreds of NZ schools and thousands of teachers. Navigating Wellbeing Change, the Institute’s popular whole-school wellbeing change programme, is now available online.


    You can find more information about Dr Denise Quinlan at her LinkedIn here and Instagram here.


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    58 mins
  • Redefining Leadership, Resilience and Accountability with Dr Paige Williams
    Aug 14 2024

    In this episode we are joined by Dr. Paige Williams where we discuss the importance of redefining leadership in the context of changing work dynamics. Paige emphasises the need for leaders to constantly reassess what good leadership looks like and adapt to the evolving needs of their teams. The role of accountability in creating high-performance teams and preventing burnout is a key focus of this conversation as Paige explains that accountability is not about micromanaging or performance, but rather about setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of safety and support.


    Dr Paige Williams is a keynote speaker, organisational psychologist and researcher. The author of five books on leading well in modern times, Paige’s latest book, The Leaders Ecosystem: A Guide to Leading, Exceptionally - supports leaders – formal and informal; at work and at play - to meet the challenges and opportunities of our time, and lead themselves, the systems they operate and the people they work with, exceptionally.


    You can find more information about Dr Paige Williams at her website here, Youtube channel here, and LinkedIn here.


    You can download the intro to Paige's book here.


    Want to know more about The Wellness Strategy?

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    Website info here

    Email us at hello@thewellnessstrategy.com.au

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    50 mins
  • Creating a Data-Informed Culture in Schools
    Jul 31 2024

    In this episode, Amy and Selena discuss the importance of data in schools and how to use it effectively. They talk about the challenges of collecting and analysing data, the need for intentionality and clarity in data collection, and the importance of focusing on progress and growth rather than just end grades. They also discuss the impact of data on decision-making and the need for a data-informed culture in schools. The episode provides practical tips and strategies for using data effectively and creating a data plan.


    Selena is a data storyteller who is passionate about helping others sort through the numbers to tell the real stories and lead positive change. Drawing on her 16 years' teaching experience in Australia and the UK, she has developed resources to promote data storytelling in schools, including an online self-paced data course, and three books published by Amba Press.


    You can find more information about Dr Selena Fisk at her website here and LinkedIn here.


    Data Champions is open now for 2025. Register here


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    Website info here

    Email us at hello@thewellnessstrategy.com.au

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    39 mins
  • There is some talk in the media we need to address
    Jul 17 2024

    This episode discusses the negative messaging about teaching in the media and how it affects educators wellbeing. It encourages educators to be the storytellers of their own teaching experience and to challenge the negative narrative in the media. Amy stresses the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of teaching and taking proactive steps to improve workplaces. Let's explore the power educators have to redesign their schools and make changes that support wellbeing.


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    14 mins
  • Using AI Well with Leon Furze
    Jul 4 2024

    In this episode, Amy Green interviews Leon Furze, an author and expert in practical AI. They discuss the use of AI in education and its impact on workload and student learning.

    Leon explains that generative AI, such as ChatGPT, can automate administrative tasks and provide quick feedback to teachers. However, he cautions against using AI to create lesson plans and assess student work, as it undermines teacher expertise. They also touch on the use of AI in mental health support and the need for discernment when using chatbots.

    Leon emphasises the importance of creating space for experimentation and learning with AI in education.

    You can find information about Leon Furze's courses here and head to his website here. Good news. Leon is giving TWS listeners an exclusive discount offer. Use WELLBEING for 20% off at checkout.

    And the specific post we talked about: Link here

    Want to know more about The Wellness Strategy?

    Follow me on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠

    Hang out on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    Get my book ⁠here⁠

    Website info here

    Email us at hello@thewellnessstrategy.com.au

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    40 mins
  • I'm here to Revolutionise Work/Life
    Jun 19 2024

    I am not here just to talk about teacher wellbeing, I Am here to revolutionise how we work, design, and structure workplaces and schools.


    I have been told this is a waste of time, that it isn't worth pursuing, and that I should just let this go and become a principal instead. I have missed out on promotions because my passion for this is too much, and been made redundant whilst doing this work. These are all examples of playing it safe, and what I know about playing it safe is that we stay the same, we don't get anywhere.


    I am an original thinker, I am not afraid to call things out or call people up. I am not afraid to say what everyone else is thinking or to make waves. I am ready to cause good controversy, and in the space of wellbeing, I think we need this.


    I have always known I was here to do something more, something bigger, to create impact, and to leave a legacy. This is it. The new way of working, the new way of schools.


    I am going to start a revolution. A revolution for those who are ready to stand with me and do the work, those who are ready to stop blaming the system, colleagues, or leaders, and those who are ready to unite and come together, taking back power rather than giving it away, to create schools and workplaces that center around well staff, not just well students.


    I am going to do this by speaking this message, by sharing what I have lived and what I know about creating a well life and way of working, by working with you as the teachers, as well as leaders, teams, staff, and workplaces to redesign what we know, so it can become what we need it to be.


    I am here to bring you new ideas that seem impossible.

    I am here to question everything and challenge everything.


    I am to make you question everything.

    I am here to do what hasn't been done before.

    I am here to take risks and try new things.

    I am here to change everything.


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    13 mins
  • The Need for Self-Regulation with Jeff Mckeon
    Jun 5 2024

    In this episode we are joined by Jeff Mckeon from Neurocapability.com.au. We chat about how and why you need to understand your own brain, and how if you aren't aware of your own self-regulation, leading well is chellenging. This is an episode filled with strategy and science, and a must listen for all leaders. From Our Guest Jeff Mckeon: Have you ever thought about the legacy you are leaving behind? I know I have because on the 17th of Feb 2019 I survived a heart attack and got to ask myself 3 simple questions - Did I live, Did I love, Did I matter? I am grateful that my medical intervention and outcomes were extremely positive but this life affirming moment took me on a path of self-discovery, education and awareness of the gift of life, So now I'm on a mission to help share my knowledge and wisdom. How can the latest in neuroscience help you be a better leader? Well that's where Neurocapability offers a range of programs that help unlock the latest science has to offer. There is a gap between what science knows and what business does and we are here to fill the gap. We are committed to changing the world one brain at a time.

    Find out more about Jeff and Neurocapability here: Neurocapability.com.au Daily posting on LinkedIn by Linda Ray & Jeff McKeon

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    51 mins
  • Stop looking, start creating; rewriting work/life balance.
    May 23 2024

    I am often asked how we can find work/life balance, and this is my answer, you can't. It's not hidden somewhere, under a rock or around a corner. It's not a secret recipe some know and some don't. It is instead something you create.

    In this episode I talk you through what I had to do to create and bring to life my own version or work/life balance, how I did this, and what it looks like.

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    19 mins