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Conversations on Leadership, AI, and the Arts

Picture of Michael
Michael

Over the years, I have taken part in several podcast conversations, and also hosted a series during lockdown. These were valuable chances to share ideas about leadership, teaching, technology, and the performing arts, and to stay connected with our communities.

If you are interested in getting to know me a little more, or hearing some of my thoughts across these areas, the following episodes may be of interest.

The Art of Teaching – Lessons from the Arts: Leading with Creativity
A conversation about how my background in the arts has shaped my approach to educational leadership.

EdLeaders – Practical AI Strategies in Education
A discussion on the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools, and what it means for teachers and assessment.

The Aside Podcast (Drama Victoria) – Putting on a High School Musical
Part of a seven-episode series exploring each stage of producing a high school musical, covering practical steps, common challenges, and the joy of school productions.

Loyola College Podcast Series
A series I hosted during lockdown, sharing stories and perspectives from across our school community.

Each conversation offered a different lens on what matters most in education. From creativity and connection, to emerging technologies and community engagement, these episodes capture ideas that continue to shape my work as a school leader.

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Book Review: Elevated Conversations

There are few things more familiar in schools than collaborative time that begins with good intentions but does not quite lead anywhere. Meetings happen, discussion takes place, yet it can feel as though the real work never quite gets done. Elevated Conversations by Simon Breakspear tackles this challenge in a practical and realistic way.

One of the strengths of the book is how clearly Breakspear describes what many educators experience but rarely name. He refers to “weary talk”, conversations that go around in circles, where some voices dominate, others disengage, and time runs out before anything meaningful shifts. This is not framed as a problem with people, but as a problem of structure. Bringing people together is not enough on its own. Good collaboration needs to be designed.
Book Review: Grounded

Every now and then a leadership book arrives at the right moment. Not because it introduces entirely new ideas, but because it gives language and structure to things many leaders already sense but rarely make time to explore.

Grounded by Katrina Bourke is one of those books.

At its heart, Grounded is not a book about leadership techniques. It is a book about leadership as a human practice.

Grounded is a calm and thoughtful contribution to the leadership space. It does not promise quick wins or dramatic change. Instead, it offers a framework for understanding yourself more deeply so that your leadership of others becomes clearer and more intentional.

For leaders in education, it is a timely reminder that leadership is not only about what we do, but about who we are while doing it.
Book Review: The Connection Conundrum

In my earlier review of The Connection Curriculum, I noted Matt Pitman’s call for educators to prioritise genuine human connection as the foundation of thriving schools. His follow-up book, The Connection Conundrum, takes that message further. Pitman places teachers at the centre of change, reminding us that connection is not a program or policy, but a practice built through daily, deliberate actions in the classroom. For me, his strongest challenge is around professional courage. He urges teachers to take risks, experiment, and lead from where they are, without waiting for permission. As a school leader, this resonates deeply. I value nothing more than when teachers bring forward new ideas and learn through action. Pitman’s book is a timely reminder that teachers are cultural leaders, and that schools flourish when we trust and empower them to act.