EP232: Gez Mulvahil on Leadership in Education, Community Building, and the Loneliness of School Principals

Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White speaks with Gez Mulvahil, Executive Officer of the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (ACPPA). With over 30 years of experience in Catholic education, including eight years as a school principal, Gez brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership in education, the complexities of school management, and the personal challenges leaders face in their roles.

Gez begins by sharing her journey from growing up in a small country town to becoming a principal in Darwin, emphasizing the importance of community. She reflects on how the tight-knit environment of her childhood shaped her leadership style, focusing on the value of connection, trust, and relationship-building in school settings. Gez's story highlights how great leaders foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual support within their teams, schools, and communities.

As the conversation continues, Gez offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by school principals. She discusses the often-overlooked reality of leadership loneliness, explaining how principals are often the "keepers of secrets" and how isolating it can be to carry the weight of confidential information about staff, students, and families. Gez opens up about how she managed this loneliness and stresses the importance of having strategies and support systems in place to deal with it.

One of the key themes in this episode is the balance between administrative duties and maintaining a strong school community. Gez candidly shares her experience navigating the steep learning curve of school administration—budgeting, human resources, and compliance—while also working to sustain the positive culture established by her predecessor. She reflects on how crucial it is for school leaders to develop their own toolkit to manage the evolving demands of leadership, and how adaptation and continuous learning are essential for success.

Gez also touches on the significance of storytelling in leadership. She explains why honoring a school's history and culture is vital when stepping into a leadership role. She believes that every school has a foundational story, and staying connected to that narrative is key to building trust and continuity, even as changes occur. Gez shares practical advice for new leaders on how to understand and respect a school's legacy while making necessary updates and improvements.

Throughout the episode, Gez highlights the importance of teamwork. She explains how building a strong leadership team and cultivating a supportive environment can significantly impact a principal's effectiveness. Gez introduces a unique concept she used called "tapping out," where team members could step in for one another during high-pressure moments, helping to alleviate stress and maintain a collaborative dynamic.

This episode is filled with practical advice and reflections for school leaders, educators, and anyone in leadership roles who wants to create a strong community and navigate the complexities of their responsibilities. Gez’s candid stories and actionable insights offer a refreshing take on leadership, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and heart.