In this episode, I welcome Aaron Johnston, who opens up about the real challenges of educational leadership and the transformative power of vulnerability in building stronger teams.

Aaron shares his experience navigating the relentless pressure of constant policy changes while resisting the urge to become everyone's "saviour." He discusses how self-doubt and perfectionism created a perfect storm of guilt and fatigue that nearly drove him away from leadership entirely. His honest reflection on feeling trapped in a negative spiral will resonate with leaders who've questioned whether they're cut out for the role.

What makes Aaron's story particularly valuable is his practical approach to breaking through these challenges. He reveals how quality mentoring relationships and intentionally seeking support from colleagues became his lifeline. Most significantly, Aaron demonstrates how embracing vulnerability with his team didn't weaken his leadership, it strengthened it, creating space for others to step up and feel less isolated in their own struggles.

Join us for this grounded conversation as Aaron shows that authentic leadership isn't about having all the answers or being the hero. Instead, it's about creating conditions where both leaders and their teams can acknowledge their challenges, lean on each other for support, and discover that vulnerability becomes a source of collective strength and empowerment.

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'm pleased to welcome Hayley Taylor, Principal of Canning Vale Primary School, who shares her candid insights on the evolving complexities of school leadership and the reality of building positive culture in educational communities.

Hayley opens up about the expanding scope of what schools are expected to deliver beyond traditional education, and how demographic shifts add layers of complexity to creating environments where both staff and students can thrive. She doesn't shy away from discussing the isolation that comes with leadership roles and the challenge of hearing criticism more often than praise.

Join us for an honest conversation as Hayley reveals the emotional rollercoaster of leading change - from the initial passion and purpose that drives vision-building, through the frustration of different implementation paces, to the fatigue that comes with sustaining momentum. She shares practical strategies that have served her well, including the importance of self-awareness, the art of reading staff dynamics, and keeping students at the center of every decision. Most importantly, Hayley emphasizes that while education is vital work, it's still just a job - and protecting your wellbeing outside of school is non-negotiable for sustainable leadership.

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 Joel Copeland, Principal of the ACT Instrumental Music Program, who shares his authentic journey of building unity and trust across a geographically dispersed team that spans more than 80 schools throughout the ACT. Joel opens up about the reality of leading a team that only comes together in person for two hours each week, revealing how he navigated the complex challenge of creating a unified culture while establishing his leadership identity in a system new to him.

Joel discusses a well-established culture shaped by decades of previous leadership and the initial isolation he felt when trying to connect meaningfully with staff he rarely saw face-to-face. With refreshing honesty, he shares how he learned to move at the speed of trust rather than rushing to implement changes, even when external pressures demanded decisive action. He explains his intentional restructuring of collaborative time to prioritise human connection over content delivery, and how site visits became a non-negotiable part of his leadership rhythm.

Join us for a practical conversation as Joel reveals that culture doesn't depend on proximity, and that deliberate, trust-embedded interactions can build strong, connected teams even across postcode lines. Most significantly, he demonstrates how co-designing values and rituals with his team, rather than for them, transformed their working relationship from transactional to one grounded in belonging and contribution, proving that when people feel genuinely seen and valued, they'll lean in regardless of geographical distance.

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