The Principal's Perspective

A principal interview panel, emotional labour you can’t rehearse for, staff who feel powerless, and AI that’s changing how leaders work. In this year’s final episode, Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins take on your toughest questions.Join in as they:Go deeper into principal interview technique, the questions that really distinguish candidates, and how to respond with authenticity rather than polished jargon.Explore what can and can’t be taught about the emotional and political labour of principalship – and how aspiring leaders can still prepare.Break down daily practices, wellbeing routines and calendar design that help leaders stay effective, visible and human.Discuss how Adrian is using AI in his role as principal – from analysis of complex information to a new, more personalised school website – and where he draws the line on AI‑generated comms.Adrian and Teagan close out 2025 with a conversation that is both thought-provoking and immediately useful, helping you refine your leadership approach and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/⁠Show Notes:Brené Brown – Strong GroundJulia Baird – Bright Shining and PhosphorescencePatrick Lencioni – The Ideal Team PlayerViktor E. Frankl – Man’s Search for MeaningJane Wilkinson – Practice Matters in Educational Leadership1

How do schools reimagine long held traditions for modern contexts? Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins share the story of Westbourne Grammar’s shift from chapel and chaplaincy to a philosophy led program called Echoes and Dialogues. They reveal the tension, stakeholder engagement, and data informed reflection behind this change, and how leadership humility and philosophical dialogue create belonging and critical thinking. You’ll learn: How to evaluate which traditions still serve your purpose.How to involve staff, students, and families in change.Why decoupling religion from wellbeing can open space reflection. How philosophy builds ethical, articulate future leaders.A thought-provoking case study in courageously leading reform while protecting community identity. Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/⁠ Show Notes: Carl Jung – Modern Man in Search of a Soul Michael Polanyi – The Tacit Dimension 

From purpose to performance through systems thinking. Everything in a school is connected. Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins unpack a five-linkage model: Purpose → Strategy → Capabilities → Organisational Design → Management Systems and show how leaders can create coherence. Hear how misalignment shows up (trust, retention, clarity), what to prioritise because you can’t do it all, and how to use reverse-engineering questions and simple two-by-two prioritisation to sequence change. They share examples for talent management, leadership capability frameworks, coaching, student leadership redesign, and radical transparency. You’ll learn: How to define ‘winning’ for your context and choose what not to do How to spot and fix capability gaps that block strategic deliveryHow to decentralise decisions without losing alignment How to communicate openly because radical transparency builds trustWhat is one thing you will realign to strengthen thelinkages and remove friction from your structure? Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins:https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/ Show Notes:  Jonathan Trevor - Align: A Leadership Blueprint for Aligning Purpose, Strategy, and Organization  A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin – Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works  L. David Marquet – Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders Marshall Goldsmith – What Got You Here Won’t Get You There  AHISA - Association of Heads ofIndependent Schools of Australia | Home 

A cyber attack happens every six minutes – is your school prepared?Recent major data breaches underscore a familiar pattern: human‑layer compromise, rapid escalation, complex comms and governance decisions. In this episode, Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins reveal how real the risk is and go inside a school’s worst IT day. They look at what a critical cybersecurity incident means for schools and map the decisions leaders must make. The episode covers ransomware, threat actor negotiations, legal and insurance pathways, data breach notifications, and recovery. Learn about practical breach response tactics and strengthening your posture following an attack with penetration testing, frameworks, and managed detection and response support.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

Join this episode as we reveal the hidden curriculum ofleadership - the emotional labour, politics, and identity work no one prepares you for. Hear how Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins sustain resilience, build trust, and gain influence. Tune in for ‘In the Trenches’, where they share the hardest leadership lessons they have learned - making tough calls with empathy, not taking things personally, and trusting intuition.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/Show notes: Kahlil Gibran – The Prophet

What does it take to become a principal - and when do you know you’re ready? Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins break down real pathways to principalship, how to build breadth in skills and experience, and how to prepare applications and interviews that land while staying authentic. Tune in for practical steps, honest insights, and a nudge to take the next step.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠⁠Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

Dr. Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins explore how AI is transforming schools today and shaping tomorrow’s leaders. From AI avatars to ethical frameworks, discover how technology is amplifying human intelligence and reshaping education.Main Themes in Episode 9AI is not replacing us –it’s amplifying us.How AI avatars are personalising communication and extending leadership.From plagiarism fears to cultivating sophisticated learners with AI.Why ethical frameworks and policies are critical in the AI era. Get curious about AI and the future of education technology and listen to this episode!Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠⁠Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/Link to 7.30 report ABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nM1faDNcroLink to the 2025 Australian Education Awards Article here.

Leadership is tested in moments of uncertainty and tough decisions. In this episode of The Principal’s Perspective, Dr. Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins explore what it takes to lead with clarity during a crisis.From risk mitigation strategies to managing media and shaping a culture of resilience, they share insights, lived experiences, and actionable tactics for school leaders.Are you ready to lead when it matters most? Tune in for tools to act with integrity and calm under pressure.Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to ⁠marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au⁠. Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠Teagan Collins: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

This week on the Principal’s Perspective, we’re dedicating 38 minutes to answering your questions! From trust-building to crisis management, Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins provide deeper insight into the issues every leader faces.Key Takeaways:The importance of intentional visibility in leadership.Strategies for building trust and collaboration in teams. Balancing tradition and innovation in a growing school community.Real-world examples of distributed leadership in action during a crisis. Tune in now for a focused, insightful conversation that drills into deeper layers of strategy and practice.Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to ⁠marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au⁠. Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/Teagan Collins: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/References in the episode:Book - Opening Your Presence – Presenting the you that you want others to see by Greta MuellerProverb – ‘The Wise Old Owl’"A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw, the less he spoke; The less he spoke, the more he heard"Teagan Collins’ TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/0KByQSN9zqM?si=M5RluwJrLZkbOEUdThe Leadership Principles: https://online.fliphtml5.com/wdhpg/afiq/ 

This week on The Principal's Perspective, Dr. Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins explore conversations that matter—those pivotal moments that shape relationships, inspire change, and set the course for meaningful work. They share personal stories, practical advice, and tools to navigate tough discussions with curiosity and confidence, while celebrating the power of positive interactions that build trust and connection. Episode 6 highlights: How genuine listening and curiosity can transform conversations. Practical tools like the Growth Framework for confident discussions.Pivotal moments that shaped Adrian and Teagan’s leadership journeys. Tune in for insights and inspiration to help you lean into conversations that shape lives and drive change! Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to ⁠marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au⁠.  Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn:  Dr Adrian Camm: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/⁠ Teagan Collins: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/ Book referenced:  Now We’re Talking – How to discuss what really matters by Sarah Rozenthuler  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it truly means to mobilise people, unlock potential, empower teams, and create a culture of trust and accountability. Dr. Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins share their experiences and strategies for building high-performing teams, supporting leadership development at every level, and ensuring that talent gets noticed. From the real impact of distributed leadership to the importance of clarity and brevity, this conversation explores why vulnerability is a strength, sharing personal insights and lived experiences. Tune in to hear about: The systems and structures that elevate individuals and propel teams to excellence  The role of trust, feedback, and clarity in supporting high-functioning teams.  Why seizing opportunities and doing the work is essential for personal and professional growth. People are not just part of what we do in schools – they are what we do. Join us as we unpack the ‘why and how’ of investing in individuals and mobilising leadership for extraordinary outcomes. Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au. Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn: Dr Adrian Camm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/Books referenced in this episode: Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos by Tasha Eurich  Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen  Humilitas by John Dickson  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni  Dare 2 Lead by  Brené Brown 

In this episode of the Principal's Perspective, we dive into the sometimes overlooked but critical topic of school finances. Join us and explore the challenges of balancing educational priorities with financial sustainability, the tough decisions leaders face, and the strategies that keep schools thriving.From maintaining world-class facilities and managing staff conditions to navigating government funding changes and exploring innovative revenue streams, this conversation puts a lens on what it really takes to lead a school in today’s complex landscape.You might be a school leader, or just curious about thebusiness side of education but either way you will find plenty of insights, personal stories, and thought-provoking discussions in this episode. Tune in to learn:The tension between educational ideals andfinancial constraintsHow leaders make tough calls on class sizes,staff workloads, and budgetsInnovative ways schools are generating revenuewithout compromising their visionDon’t miss this candid conversation about why moneymatters in education.Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn:Dr Adrian Camm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

What does it really take to align a school around a powerful vision? In this episode of The Principal's Perspective, Dr. Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins explore how visionary leadership shapes a school's direction, starting with mission, vision, and values, moving through strategy development and resource allocation.From shaping learners who inspire the world to building a culture of distributed leadership and lived values, this episode dives into the real work of school transformation. 🎧 Tune in to learn:Why a clear vision mattersThe importance of building and implementing a strategy Decision-making frameworks that help assess the impact and feasibility of new opportunities Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn:Dr Adrian Camm - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/Teagan Collins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

What should principals really be spending their time on?In this episode of The Principal’s Perspective, Dr Adrian Camm and Teagan Collins explore the power of purposeful leadership and why protecting your time and energy is essential to making an impact.They share practical strategies for:Avoiding distraction and staying focused on your core purposeIdentifying what to delegate and how to build the right support teamLeading with authenticity while adapting to your school's evolving needsAdrian and Teagan also reflect on how leadership style influences school culture and why vulnerability can be a leadership strength.Whether you're a current or aspiring principal, this conversation will help you refocus on the work only you can do.Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn:Dr Adrian Camm - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/ Teagan Collins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/

Leading Through Change – and Coming Back to ItWhat does it take to lead – and to return to leadership with confidence after stepping away?In the first episode of The Principal’s Perspective, Westbourne Grammar Principal Dr Adrian Camm and Associate Principal Teagan Collins reflect on the ongoing tensions and competing priorities of Principalship – from the need to be visible and accessible, to the demands of strategic leadership – and how they navigate these complexities in their day-to-day roles.Together, they unpack the lessons learned through lived experience – from navigating change and growth to finding clarity in the messiness of real life.🎧 What you'll hear in this episode:• A defining moment that has shaped how Adrian thinks about work life balance for leaders • Teagan’s candid insight into the transition back to work and identity• How leaders can make space to focus on what only they can do Have a topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Send your suggestions to marketing@westbourne.vic.edu.au.Want to learn more about our hosts? Connect with them on LinkedIn:Adrian Camm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancamm/Teagan Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-collins-45699811a/