EP230: Dr. Gareth Leechman on Leadership, Principal Wellbeing, and Navigating School Complexities

Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Dr. Gareth Leechman, headmaster of Arndell Anglican College in Australia. With over 18 years of experience as a principal, Gareth offers deep insights into the unique challenges and rewards of leading a school community. He opens up about his journey from a regional school in Grafton to becoming the chair of the Independent Schools Association in Australia, and the critical leadership lessons he has learned along the way.

Gareth reflects on the immense complexity of school principalship, where a leader might one day celebrate a joyful event and the next be faced with handling a community tragedy. He emphasizes how important it is for leaders to balance these contrasting moments while maintaining the well-being of students, staff, and themselves. Gareth shares practical advice on managing the weight of this responsibility, offering key insights into how school leaders can maintain their own mental and physical health while leading in high-pressure environments.

The conversation touches on the importance of building a strong leadership team. Gareth discusses how having a cohesive and aligned executive team has allowed him to focus on long-term goals, manage multiple stakeholders, and ensure the smooth running of the school. He reveals how effective delegation frees up time for more strategic work, including engaging with parents, board members, and the broader school community.

Throughout the episode, Gareth provides valuable advice for principals and leaders in education who may be facing turnaround situations in their schools. He outlines a step-by-step approach to tackling these challenges, explaining why leaders sometimes need to adopt a command-and-control leadership style in order to set things right before shifting to a more collaborative approach. His reflections on how to identify and address the most pressing issues first will resonate with leaders in any sector.

Gareth also touches on the importance of developing future leaders within a school. He discusses how he has fostered a culture of leadership development at Arndell Anglican College, creating opportunities for emerging leaders to step into roles and gain valuable experience. He believes that investing in the next generation of leaders is crucial for the future success of schools, especially as the demand for strong principals continues to grow.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in leadership, especially those navigating the complexities of educational institutions. Whether you're a seasoned principal or an aspiring leader, Gareth's experiences and insights will inspire you to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose.