Episode 15: Leading with Courage and Kindness: A Conversation with Jane Phipps

Leadership with Sonia

In this episode of the Leadership with Sonia podcast, Sonia engages in an inspiring conversation with Jane, the Chief Operating Officer of Teach for Australia. They explore the power of courage, kindness, and authenticity in leadership. Jane shares her journey from a mathematician in the defense world to a leader in education, revealing the impact of both positive and negative role models on her leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, fostering an inclusive environment, and embracing the values of kindness and courage in leadership.

Listeners will learn about the transformative work of Teach for Australia in low socioeconomic schools and how they can support the organization's mission. Jane also opens up about her personal strategies for continuous learning, including therapy, reading, and staying active. Tune in to hear how embracing authenticity and kindness can create magic in leadership and make a lasting impact.

Key Points:

• Courage and Trust in Leadership: Jane discusses how trusting her team to be themselves and allowing room for experimentation and learning fosters courage within her organisation.
• The Power of Kindness: Jane shares her belief that kindness is a leadership superpower, creating an environment where magic happens and people thrive.
• Impact of Role Models: Jane reflects on two contrasting role models in her career—one who embodied inclusivity and compassion, and another who led through authority and exclusion—shaping her own leadership style.
• Authenticity and Self-Confidence: Jane stresses the importance of being authentic in leadership, advising her younger self (and listeners) to embrace who they are and lead with both heart and head.
• Continuous Learning: Jane highlights her approach to self-improvement through reading, listening to podcasts, and seeking therapy to maintain her confidence and vulnerability as a leader.
• Supporting Teach for Australia: The episode concludes with ways listeners can support Teach for Australia's mission, including spreading the word about the organisation's impactful work in education.

Join Sonia and Jane in this compelling episode as they delve into the core of authentic leadership. Discover how courage, kindness, and trust shape Jane's approach to leading her team at Teach for Australia.

Connect with Jane Phipps on LinkedIn

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Learn more about Sonia:

Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/