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In episode 58 of the Growth in Educational Leadership podcast, I share practical tips to stop rambling in leadership interviews, based on issues that often come up in mock interviews with my clients.  I explain that interview answers should focus on the words the panel wants to hear, not everything I want to share, and that each answer needs one clear core message. I recommend answering the question in the first sentence, using one strong example, keeping context brief, and using a tight SAR/STAR-style structure (short situation, focused actions with strong “I + verb” statements, and a clear result). I also emphasize knowing the destination of the answer, stopping once the question is answered, and practicing cutting answers down (including reducing filler words) to fit within about 90 seconds to two minutes.  For lots more support like this, check out my leadership course, Help! I’ve an Interview in a Week available here: https://www.orladempseycoaching.ie/page/247284 TIMESTAMPS 00:53 Stop Rambling Overview01:59 Couse Intro: Help! I've an Interview in a Week03:56 Use Panel Keywords05:26 Define Your Core Message08:23 Lead With Answer09:36 One Example and Structure10:31 Keep Context Short11:24 Strong Verbs and Actions13:14 Know Your Destination14:53 Zip It Up16:03 Practice Cutting AnswersSend us Fan Mail

In episode 57 of the Growth and Educational Leadership podcast, I discuss handling multi-part interview questions that can throw school leaders off under pressure. I explain practical strategies such as asking permission to use a notepad, requesting clarification or repetition, and taking a brief pause to process before answering.  I show how to decode questions by pulling out the key verbs (e.g., led, engaged, overcame, evaluated) and then chunking the response into clear sections, using sequential language and the rule of three to keep it structured without sounding scripted. I highlight common mistakes like overexplaining context, focusing too long on the first part, and rushing the rest, and I recommend keeping the impact short at the end.  Learn more about 'Help! I’ve an Interview in a Week' here: https://www.orladempseycoaching.ie/page/247284 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Recap01:34 Why Multi-Part Questions Trip Us Up02:25 Use Notes and Ask Clarification07:45 Decode Questions With Verbs09:07 Chunking and Rule of Three10:21 Check Back and Keep Impact Brief12:10 Stay Grounded and Avoid Common Mistakes13:58 Structure Without Sounding ScriptedSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership podcast, I speak with Anne Jan Van Den Dool, an educational leadership specialist and director at Poel Management, about his 20+ years across primary, secondary, and vocational education, including interim school leadership. He describes learning leadership “the hard way” after becoming a young middle leader, realising that leading teachers is a different profession requiring skills, knowledge, and an identity shift, including clearly “saying goodbye” to the teacher team.  We discuss differences between Dutch and Irish middle leadership roles, leadership responsibility for teaching quality, aligning school values across all practices, and respecting the school as a system. Andjan explains interim leadership during high-stress periods, em He explores trust, vulnerability, “limbo” as a growth phase, burnout as feedback, and urges leaders to be true rather than wise. TIMESTAMPS 01:25 Early Leadership Lessons05:43 Teacher or Leader Identity11:19 Responsibility for Quality14:32 Values and Vision Hiring19:14 Interim Principal Work22:40 First Weeks Under Pressure25:33 Why Middle Leaders Matter29:02 Repairing Trust and Culture29:58 Trust and Insecurity31:34 Leading with Vulnerability33:51 Identity Stories in Leadership36:41 First Days as Middle Leader38:44 The Gift of Limbo41:35 Rethinking Career Paths46:09 Burnout and Balance49:46 When Leaders Feel Stuck54:10 Be True, Not Wise56:25 Connect and ClosingCONTACT DETAILS Contact Anne Jan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annejanvandendool/ Send us Fan Mail

In this week's episode, I welcome Shane Leaning to the Growth in Educational Leadership podcast, and we discuss his work in Shanghai, including leadership development through Education Leaders and his not-for-profit Work Collaborative, which grew out of his book Change Starts Here, on how schools build confidence to lead sustainable change amid external pressures.  We explore “othering” as distancing people by treating them as different, including a self-protective form linked to imposter feelings and a more destructive form rooted in stereotypes, and how it shows up in schools as “us and them” divides between leaders and staff.  Shane shares cross-country similarities in challenges like teacher retention and what systems might learn from each other, plus intercultural examples from UK-China meeting norms.  We discuss identity in staffrooms, psychological safety, feeling heard, and gratitude as practical ways to build connection and reduce miscommunication. CONTACT DETAILS Learn more about Shane's work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaningshane/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaningshane/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:45 Shane’s Leadership Work02:11 How His Projects Evolved06:02 Defining Othering11:14 Shared Global Challenges15:16 Messy Humans and Stereotypes19:56 Us and Them in Schools28:15 Culture Clash in Meetings31:14 Empathy in Interviews35:24 Awareness Over Assumptions37:25 Shane’s Podcasts and Wrap-UpSend us Fan Mail

The podcast is back! This week I interview Katie Tuite, founder of Empower Dyslexia, a dyslexia specialist teacher and consultant in County Meath, about her business and dyslexia journey. After completing a DCU Master’s in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) in 2019, Katie found there is no dyslexia specialist role within Ireland’s education system, so she took a career break after her second child and began private practice in 2024. She discusses how understanding of dyslexia has evolved beyond phonological deficits to encompass broader processing, its prevalence (at least 10%, up to 20% in some areas), hereditary patterns, and higher incidence in some lower-socioeconomic-status or closely related rural communities. Katie provides Croke Park hours (in-person within an hour’s drive or online nationwide), describes building her reputation through Instagram and local parent talks, highlights business realities like taxes and insurance, and emphasises students’ strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and empathy. Her key message to teachers is that every class likely includes a child with dyslexia and that even average-performing diagnosed students work far harder and need extra compassion; she also stresses the importance of supportive staff rooms and asking for help.  Contact Katie at [email protected] and @empower_dyslexia. TIMESTAMPS 00:36 From Masters to Private Practice01:53 How Dyslexia Understanding Evolved03:04 Who Dyslexia Affects Most06:02 Training Teachers in Schools08:05 Business Pivot to Teaching09:19 Taking the Career Break Leap10:28 Building a Reputation Online15:01 Going Legit Self Employed17:24 Online Payments Reality17:54 Dyslexia Roots and Workshops18:42 Finding the DCU Masters20:25 Dyslexia Strengths and Empathy22:26 Building Supportive Groups25:51 Specialist Lens in Schools27:21 Compassion for Dyslexic Students28:54 Teacher Support and Staffroom Culture31:23 Belonging and Staying Connected31:55 Contact Details and Farewell Send us Fan Mail

Orla interviews Siobhan Fitzgerald, principal of Eglish National School, a small rural DEIS school in East Galway, where she says most pupils have experienced significant trauma and many are from the Traveller community. Siobhan describes developing the LET's Stand Public Speaking programme after noticing students could create strong PowerPoints but were unable to present, and she outlines teaching public speaking as incremental skills (e.g., structure with beginning–middle–end, eye contact, body language) using a model–share–guide–apply approach.  The conversation links public speaking to student voice, listening, confidence, leadership, and teacher self-awareness, arguing that students need practice before being asked to share opinions and that teachers already use public-speaking skills daily. Siobhan discusses teamwork, coaching for school leaders, effective interview communication, and announces a forthcoming 10-book fiction box set for ages 7–13, published by Outside the Box, aimed at wellbeing and connecting children with nature. TIMESTAMPS 02:13 School Context and Trauma03:15 Public Speaking Spark05:05 Building the Program06:44 Kids Need a Voice10:41 Listening and Student Voice12:54 Teach One Skill13:11 Speech Structure Hand Model15:53 Eye Contact and Practice17:25 Getting Staff Onboard19:45 Teachers as Speakers24:03 Skills and Reflection Time26:37 Leadership Reflection Courage29:04 Judgment and Visionary Style31:07 Teamwork and Learning Leaders31:25 Team Roles and Flexibility34:17 Elastic Band Leadership Mindset35:30 Leadership in Small Schools39:01 Impact Over Comparison41:46 Coaching for School Leaders44:38 Public Speaking for Principals48:41 Interview Answers and Authenticity51:49 Jargon Versus Real Stories57:18 New Children’s Book Series01:01:17 Nature, Wellbeing and FarewellUSEFUL LINKS Here are links to Siobhan's programmes for schools and children LET's Standhttps://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/display-product-page/lets-stand-primary Listen, How Child and Student Voice can Change the Worldhttps://www.routledge.com/Listen-How-Child-and-Student-Voice-Can-Change-the-World/KeenanFitzgerald/p/book/9781032750330 Adventures in Coill Calm serieshttps://www.otb.ie/shop/well-being-sel-sphe/adventures-in-coill-calm/ [Interview by Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail

Orla interviews Steven Farrell O Callaghan of Clark Recruitment on the Growth in Educational Podcast about his recent Home of the Year final appearance with his husband Mike, the publicity it brought, and his 18 years with Clark, which he officially took over in 2024 after joining in 2008.  Stephen explains Clark’s relationship-driven approach to serving both employers and candidates, including on-site client visits, structured competency-based interviewing, candidate coaching, and an aftercare check-in process (weeks 1, 4, 6, 8, and 12).  He discusses application volumes (e.g., ~300 for admin roles), international sourcing via partners and a work permit department, and the value and limits of psychometric tools (InnerMetrics/DISC) for hiring and team development.  The conversation covers interview best practices, STAR storytelling, issues with untrained panellists, overly long multi-stage processes, and encouraging educators to take risks, apply even without every requirement, and seek mentoring. TIMESTAMPS 00:48 Home of the Year Spotlight02:52 From Publicity to Networking03:17 Recruitment Relationship Building06:07 Sourcing and Application Volume08:18 International Partners and USP09:51 Leadership Qualities and Listening11:27 Aftercare and Psychometrics14:41 Better Interviews and Panels22:05 Candidate Prep and Storytelling24:23 STAR Technique Breakdown25:20 STAR Story Endings26:11 Interview Surprise Fallout27:09 Too Many Interview Rounds29:09 Why In Person Matters30:24 Hiring Timelines Reality31:56 Coaching Strengths Answers32:51 Recruiter Value Explained35:24 Long Term Relationships36:52 Psychometrics For Teams42:33 Competencies And AI Gaps45:36 Apply Anyway Take RisksCONTACT DETAILS Clarke Recruitment Website:  https://clark.ie/Watch Stephen and Mike on Home of the Year here: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/home-of-the-year/SI0000000759?epguid=IP10017032-12-0007Clarke Recruitment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkrecruitment/[Interview with Orla Dempsey} Send us Fan Mail

Orla interviews primary teacher and Instagram creator Aislinn Nic Pháidín: (Is Muinteoir Mé) about taking a two-year career break to become a Teacher Fellow in DCU’s BEd programme after teaching since graduating from Marino in 2013/2014. Ashlyn describes her hesitant application process, fear of change, and practical trade-offs, including commuting, longer days, no school holidays, and a pay cut, balanced by funded further study and a Master’s.  She explains the fellowship’s purpose of bringing current classroom insights into third-level teacher education, mentoring and visiting students on placement, and why it is limited to two years. Aislinn reflects on realising she was near burnout, feeling refreshed, revisiting best practice, and promoting relationship-building, balance, and well-being for student teachers.  She discusses how drama built confidence, and how COVID led to webinars, Irish-language resources, and a bilingual teacher planner. TIME STAMPS 00:43 Aislinn's Teaching Journey01:52 Applying for the Fellowship03:38 Fear of Change and Decision06:32 Tradeoffs and Master’s Funding07:15 Why It’s Only Two Years09:13 Returning Refreshed11:52 Sharing the Move Online15:17 Qualities of Teacher Fellows19:06 Imposter Syndrome and Team Balance21:03 Relationships First21:36 Teacher Wellbeing Boundaries23:26 Rest Is Productive25:23 Priorities And Time27:13 Drama Builds Confidence29:59 Showtime In Class34:14 Planner Born In Covid38:20 Helping Teachers Take Risks39:10 Leap Of Faith Closing[The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast Host: Orla Dempsey] Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, I interview Brien Kearns, administrative principal of Castletown National School in Navan, County Meath, about his career from an early HR role in the Department of Justice to nearly 20 years in teaching and becoming a principal in 2020 just before COVID. Brien explains how HR experience shaped his approach to relationship-building, communication, professionalism, and handling grievances, and how principals spend much of their time on “managing the organisation.” He discusses hiring for fit and strengths, supporting staff at different life stages, and the value of reflection through school self-evaluation and critical friends.  Brien shares lessons from failing principal interviews before succeeding on his third attempt, emphasising credible, evidence-based answers, preparation, feedback, and perseverance. He advises using AI carefully without losing authenticity, and stresses following policy, circulars, and frameworks for fairness, trust, and protection.  He closes with advice for new principals: be genuine, empower staff, seek help, show humility, and accept ongoing learning and imposter syndrome. TIMESTAMPS 00:23 From Teacher to Principal02:28 HR Roots in Justice05:31 Relationships Drive Schools08:17 Hiring and Staff Fit11:02 Duty of Care for Staff12:38 Learning From Interview Failure17:13 Postgrad and Answer Structure18:36 Advice After Rejection21:02 Feedback for Middle Leaders23:12 Self Awareness as a Leader23:42 Growth Through Change24:31 Learning From Failure25:36 Reflection Habits26:51 School Self Evaluation28:12 Critical Friends Network29:37 Job Applications Lessons33:23 AI Without Losing Voice35:54 Policies And Frameworks42:26 New Principals Advice44:42 Imposter Syndrome Reality45:43 Final EncouragementSend us Fan Mail

On the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, host Orla interviews photographer Jill O’Meara about personal branding and headshot photography for professionals, including ambitious teachers seeking leadership roles. Jill explains how she creates a safe, guided studio experience in Enfield, Co Meath - optional makeover, posing, real-time photo review, attention to detail, and tailored planning around clients’ colors and personality - to help clients feel grounded, confident, and accurately represented. They discuss the risks of outdated or unrepresentative images, the many uses for professional photos (LinkedIn, CVs, WhatsApp, newsletters, podcasts, speaking, awards, editorial, school websites), and Jill’s on-location staff headshot work. Jill shares her background in architecture, the importance of body language and “listening eyes,” and her takeaway: “do it anyway.” TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Jill Studio Experience01:52 Networking Photographer Life03:14 Headshots And Authenticity04:50 Teachers Confidence Online06:44 Where To Use Photos08:56 Personal Brand Explained10:01 On Location Team Headshots11:42 Architecture To Photography13:07 Tailored Shoots Planning17:07 Helping Camera Shy Clients20:41 Clients Return And Legacy22:41 Ripple Effects of Leadership24:16 Home Self vs Work Self25:36 Family Shoots and Studio Fun27:43 Know Your Audience28:41 Body Language in Portraits30:51 Grounded Confidence on Camera33:48 Interview Presence and Nuance35:44 Building Real Confidence38:02 Brand Photos for Opportunities41:15 Do It Anyway42:21 How to Book Jill43:23 Final Thanks and WrapCONTACT JILL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-o-meara-photography/ Website: https://www.jillomeara.ie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillomearaphotography/  Send us Fan Mail

In this Growth in Educational Leadership podcast episode, I interview Nick Woolley, a former secondary maths teacher and now full-time coach and coach trainer, co-director of the Inclusive Futures Academy.  Nick describes discovering coaching on a leadership course, becoming an ICF-accredited coach, and returning to education after initially trying to leave the sector, now coaching students through senior leaders.  He explains Inclusive Futures (a not-for-profit CIC focused on social mobility) and the Academy’s ICF-accredited, phased coach training model that can be tiered across school roles to build a coaching culture, including a recent project training Year 10/transition-year students to mentor younger peers.  Key themes include coaching as effective communication, active listening, silence, curiosity over advice-giving, contracting (“what do you want from this conversation?”), and transparent leadership to gain buy-in during change. TIMESTAMPS 00:52 Nick’s Teaching to Coaching Journey02:22 Building Inclusive Futures Academy05:55 Coaching Skills for Schools06:52 Power of Listening and Silence11:36 Training Pathways and Offerings17:01 Ripple Effect and Hidden Impact20:48 Leading Change Through Buy-In26:03 When Change Isn’t Optional27:03 Invite Staff Input27:26 Transparency Builds Trust28:49 Director Caught Middle30:50 Coaching for Leaders32:09 Loneliness at the Top33:11 Coaching Skills Teachers Have35:25 Coaching Not Advice37:42 Clarify What You Need39:05 Beware Scripted Coaching40:54 Empower Not Depend41:46 Permission to Mentor43:53 Contracting Conversations47:48 Feeling Heard Exercise49:39 Change Needs Context51:04 How to Contact Nick51:59 Final Thanks and Wrap UpCONTACT DETAILS Nick's website: https://inclusivefutures.co.uk/ Email Nick here:  [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickwoolleycoach/  Send us Fan Mail

I interview Xiaoxiao Mulhall, current president of Network Kildare (part of Network Ireland) and founder of Sinoventures, about inclusive growth through global connections and building deeper member relationships. Xiaoxiao explains Network Kildare’s role as a women’s network supporting business owners, employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting guided networking, joint events with other branches, and plans to increase visibility via PR, LinkedIn, Instagram, and personal branding.  Drawing on her experience helping Irish and European businesses enter the Chinese market, she discusses fear, research, cultural understanding, protecting brand and regulatory alignment, and taking calculated risks. She shares leadership insights: confidence follows action, authenticity in public speaking, preparation, delegation, and prioritisation, and emphasises that women and teachers are already leaders.  She previews a Chinese New Year event and explains how to join via NetworkIreland.ie or [email protected]. Timestamps 00:48 What Network Kildare Does01:41 Theme Inclusive Global Growth04:05 Going International Without Fear09:02 Confidence Follows Action10:48 Why She Said Yes to Becoming VP12:02 Personal Branding and LinkedIn15:58 Time Management and Delegation19:48 Recognising Everyday Leadership22:09 Public Speaking and Authenticity24:37 Interviews and Asking Why28:44 Member Research and Inclusion Events31:52 Chinese New Year Celebration34:11 Closing Advice and How to JoinSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Growth and Educational Leadership Podcast, I interview teacher and HSCL liaison officer Cathal Twaddle about his career milestones, psychology studies, and leadership learning shaped by sport. Cathal describes an early prison service role and how a manager linked team sport to resilience and teamwork, which became a lens for his teaching and leadership.  He discusses “two roads” moments influenced by his parents’ limited educational opportunities and his father’s dementia, emphasising reflection and ambition.  Cathal defines high performance as consistently doing simple, logical tasks, applying this to teaching and student voice. He explains inclusion as broader than additional needs, and outlines HSCL work supporting families, including homelessness, by building trust through visibility, clear communication, and demystifying attendance processes.  He also shares interview strategies, networking, transferable teacher skills, and reverse-engineering leadership goals. TIMESTAMPS 01:04 Prison Service Beginnings02:47 Sport Mindset and Two Roads06:34 From Coaching to Teaching10:03 High Performance Basics12:14 Student Voice Made Simple15:29 Inclusion Beyond SEN17:41 HSCL Role and Homelessness20:09 Building Trust With Parents23:52 Interview Lessons From Sport27:24 Career Advice and Reflection31:41 Networking and Transferable Skills33:57 Reverse Engineering Leadership Goals36:38 Final Thanks and Wrap Up Send us Fan Mail

In this week's episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, I speak with Andrea Byrne, who shares her journey from a secondary school teacher to becoming an online fitness coach and gym owner.  Andrea discusses the challenges and rewards of her career change, the importance of community in her gym, and the transition from using Instagram as a teacher to leveraging it for her fitness business. Useful Links: The Andrea Byrne Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jbCWAicOiJUYB0pAfKxug?si=d3a3c8c3e2d0403b Anú Gym: https://www.instagram.com/_anufitness/ Andrea Byrne Online Coach: https://www.instagram.com/andreabyrnecoaching/ 00:00 Welcome to the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast00:06 Reconnecting with Andrea Byrne00:47 From Teacher to Fitness Coach01:50 Reflecting on Teaching Career02:42 The Decision to Leave Teaching05:00 Starting a New Business06:45 Building a Gym from Scratch11:14 Creating a Community-Focused Gym16:19 Balancing Fitness and Life17:21 Seeking Business Advice and Support19:04 Challenges of Transitioning from Teaching to Business20:30 Balancing Teaching and Business Responsibilities23:33 Building and Growing a Gym Business26:46 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding30:31 Community and Client Relationships32:32 Promoting the Gym and Future Plans35:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, I welcome Sean McWeeny, a math educator and juggling enthusiast.  Sean shares his innovative approach to making math enjoyable and accessible through his unique workshops that combine juggling and quadratic equations.  He discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, developing a growth mindset, and fostering intrinsic motivation in both students and teachers.  Sean also delves into the significance of empathy and compassion in education and coaching, and offers insights into effective leadership strategies in schools. TIMESTAMPS 00:16 Introducing Sean McWeeny: Passion for Maths and Juggling01:23 Revolutionising Maths Education Through Juggling02:21 Encouraging Mistakes and Redefining Success04:13 Finding Joy and Engagement in Learning08:38 The Importance of Skills Over Knowledge23:03 The Role of Compassion and Empathy in Education24:10 The Importance of Compassion and Empathy24:50 Heart-Centred Leadership25:19 Embracing Mistakes in Teaching25:55 The Influence of Jerry Duffy26:36 Effective Communication with Students27:36 Praise in Public, Reprimand in Private28:34 Soft Skills in Leadership30:45 The Chimp Paradox and Leadership31:56 Lessons from Pat McCormick34:47 Coaching Mindset in Teaching36:06 Motivating Through Fun vs. Fear40:58 Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation43:15 Wrapping Up and Final ThoughtsFollow Seán on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mrmathweeney/ Send us Fan Mail