Today, I’m bringing the first season of the podcast to a close. I’m sharing some stats, some news and saying a massive thank you to you all!  The episode at a glance: [0:20] – Bye-bye comfort zone! I talk about overcoming my fear to launch the podcast and how much of a fun experience it has been. [1:31] – The bit with the stats. I share some insane stats from the first season… and you made them happen! [2:39] – Fancy joining me? I’ve started recording Season 2 already and I’m  looking for new guests! Get in touch if you fancy it! Resource: DOWNLOAD ..read more

In this episode, I’m sharing my top delegation tips. If you’ve ever thought, ‘it’s just easier to do it myself’ rather than delegate to a member of your team then this episode is for you!  I talk about what might be stopping you and how you can go about it without stressing yourself out even more…  The episode at a glance: [0:29] – I talk about the barriers I put up to justify not delegating and how you should question them. [3:00] – I share some failsafes I have used in the past to help me delegate successfully. Support: If you’re still panicking about the size of your wor ..read more

In this episode, I’m sharing the line management framework I recommend to SBLs, Heads and CEOs.  Not sure how often you should meet with your staff?  Want to improve communication with your team?  Trying to build up to a difficult conversation?  This episode has the answers! The episode at a glance: [0:45] – I talk about how to create safe, informative meetings with staff that avoid too much formality but still feel structured and professional. [3:36] – I describe some of the situations that would require you to adjust your management style and how ..read more

Neil Limbrick, IT Consultant and Partner of Limbrick Consultancy LLP, joins me to talk about the challenges facing the sector today and how SBLs and ICT teams can work together to create some truly innovative and sustainable solutions. In particular, Neil digs into the key relationship that is the SBL and ICT lead and talks about how you can develop a shared mission and vocabulary to make that partnership even stronger. The episode at a glance: [2:32] – Neil talks about the challenges that schools and particularly ICT teams have faced throughout the pandemic [9:28] – N ..read more

In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to system to help school business leaders manage interruptions.  I’m also sharing a 3-step process to help you to create structure, set boundaries and say no as well as some useful phrases to say to others to help you get started! The episode at a glance: [0:45] – I talk about the importance of boundaries and why I used to feel uncomfortable saying no  [2:37] – I share a strategy to help you to build structure into your role and two other steps to create boundaries that stick [4:54] – I tell you about my go-to system an ..read more

Micon Metcalfe, School Business Professional and MAT Executive Leader, returns to the show to talk about all things financial benchmarking. Is it worth it? How does it work? What info should you be looking at? This episode has all the answers! And because it’s us… we didn’t stop there (again!) We also talk about governance, Ofsted, the ESFA, the DfE, the SRMA role and MATs in terms of growth, central team structures and what we think the future holds for education generally… Really, there is nowhere we won’t go! The episode at a glance: [2:15] – Micon shares her views on financial benchma ..read more

Micon Metcalfe, School Business Professional and MAT Executive Leader, joins me to talk about her SBL journey, the evolution of the SBL role, what the future holds for the profession and how SBLs can prepare themselves for it… The episode at a glance: [1:50] – Micon talks us through her entry into and through the education sector [12:56] – Micon delves into the changes and challenges she experienced moving from a small primary to a larger primary and then onto a secondary  [30:08] – Micon talks about her experiences with and thoughts about the financial elements of the role ..read more

David McClelland, School Business Manager, joins me to reflect on his first year as a SBM and also share his thoughts on the profession more generally – with his new and fresh perspective! The episode at a glance: [1:23] – David explains why he felt August 2020 was a good time for him to jump into the SBL role and what he thinks the similarities and differences are between schools and other organisations [12:25] – David discusses the commonalities between SBLs regardless of their path into the sector and how his role as a School Governor has helped him in his role [22:37]&n ..read more

In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips and advice to help new SBLs gather all the information, evidence and intelligence they need to get to grips with the role quickly and become the SBL superhero they were meant to be! The episode at a glance: [0:48] – I talk about the power of perception and what you need to do to figure out everything you need to know in your new role [2:32] – I break things down into 5 key areas to concentrate on in your first term as SBL [9:00] – I share some top tips to help you stay focused  Related Content: RESOURCE: New SBM Checklist & ..read more

Tina Button, School Business Manager, joins me to talk about the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and shares her tips on how to do just that! We talk about Headteachers, SLT, staff, governors, parents, contractors, local businesses and fellow School Business Leaders! The episode at a glance: [1:43] – Tina talks about the importance of less-tangible relationship benefits and shares her experiences. [2:43] – Tina talks about the most important professional relationship for SBLs – the one they have with their Headteacher [7:03]  ..read more