Welcome!
Hi, I’m Rachael. I help school leaders and their teams untangle challenges and build the confidence, resilience and focus they need to thrive.
Life as a school leader can feel overwhelming, with constant pressures and competing priorities.
That’s why I’ve created a collection of short articles and case studies packed with insights, strategies and support tailored to you.
Looking for something specific or want personalised advice? Get in touch, I’m here to help!
Lightness when time feels tight
In busy terms, there’s often an unspoken belief that ease equals complacency. That if things feel lighter, you must not be pushing hard enough but lightness is not laziness. Lightness is clarity. It’s being deliberate about what truly matters and letting go of what doesn’t.
Belonging in leadership
Contrary to popular opinion, confidence is not a trait that you’re either lucky enough to be born with or you’re not. Everyone can learn to become confident and develop their confidence, it takes practice. I’m not talking about ‘fake it until you make it’, what I am talking about is developing real, unwavering confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Reclaiming perspective as a school leader
January isn’t quite the fresh start that September is for school leaders; it can feel more like a re-entry. The pace begins to build again quickly, diaries refill and the long stretch to the next break (and beyond) can suddenly feel very real. Many school leaders find themselves pulled straight back into the detail before they’ve had a chance to properly lift their heads.
Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely: The power of peer groups
Contrary to popular opinion, confidence is not a trait that you’re either lucky enough to be born with or you’re not. Everyone can learn to become confident and develop their confidence, it takes practice. I’m not talking about ‘fake it until you make it’, what I am talking about is developing real, unwavering confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Beyond the quick fix: finding balance in wellbeing that lasts
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between hedonic wellbeing; the temporary boost that comes from pleasure or relaxation and eudaemonic wellbeing; the deeper sense of satisfaction that comes from living and leading with purpose. Both matter and understanding them can help you find balance, protect your energy and lead in a way that feels good and does good.
Spotting your interference: leading with clarity and intention
Contrary to popular opinion, confidence is not a trait that you’re either lucky enough to be born with or you’re not. Everyone can learn to become confident and develop their confidence, it takes practice. I’m not talking about ‘fake it until you make it’, what I am talking about is developing real, unwavering confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Starting the year with intention; taking a coaching approach
Just like that brand-spanking new planner, the start of the academic year can feel clear, calm and brimming with the promise of exciting possibilities. But I know from my own experience that it’s easy to start with strong intentions for them to quickly become buried under the general weight of daily leadership life.
Finding steadiness in the wobble
Sometimes, life throws a curveball that can knock you off your usual rhythm. One of those personal things that sits quietly in the background, tugging at your focus and your energy. And when your personal life wobbles, the rest doesn’t pause, which can create a strange kind of split; part of you fully present, part of you elsewhere.
Why invisible wins deserve your attention as a school leader
Some of the most powerful leadership shifts happen quietly, behind the scenes, when no one’s watching. They’re often the signs that you’re becoming the kind of leader you want to be and who your team needs; grounded, aware, open and learning. Spotting these invisible wins can have a huge impact.
Expanding your self-knowledge; the key to leadership growth
When you understand how you show up as a leader, you can identify your strengths, manage your blind spots and use your unique qualities to your advantage; it’s a real super-power! It helps you recognise when you’re in a reactive mode versus a proactive one, which is essential for making thoughtful decisions, fostering collaboration and responding to challenges in a calm, clear-headed way.