The Swell and the Stillness: Leading in the Storm of Schooling is a leadership journey researched and designed specifically for school leaders navigating the complexity, pace, and pressures of contemporary education. In a system that often feels turbulent and relentless, this program offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters — cultivating the inner and outer resources needed to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Through a progression that moves from inner awareness to strategic foresight, the program supports leaders to strengthen their personal grounding, lead others with steadiness and care, and make sense of complexity in order to lead with vision. It invites thoughtful, human-centred leadership — grounded in research, supported by practical tools, and oriented toward meaningful change.

This is not just a leadership program — it’s an invitation to lead differently. Delivered through a complete and comprehensive format, it includes live interactive webinars, curated supportive resources, a subscription to the Potential Project app, and more. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical strategies, participants will leave better equipped to hold steady in the storm, lead with intention, and shape a future for their schools that is both purposeful and sustainable.

Why This Program, and Why Now:

School leaders are facing growing complexity, pressure, and burnout — with rising levels of school-based stress and serious challenges impacting leadership wellbeing. The Swell and the Stillness: Leading in the Storm of Schooling is designed to meet this moment. Aligned with AITSL’s Model of Behaviour Change, the program supports school leaders to strengthen their awareness, mindset, and strategic leadership practice in ways that are practical, sustainable, and deeply human.

Live Webinar Topics:

The series of Live Webinars offers school leaders a powerful progression from personal grounding to strategic leadership. Across the sessions, you’ll explore how to lead yourself with purpose and steadiness, support others with clarity and care, and navigate complexity with strategic, human-centred leadership. Each webinar is designed to be practical, reflective, and immediately relevant to the real-world challenges of school leadership today.

Leading in the Storm of Schooling - Live Webinar Topics

Important Dates:

Live Webinar 1:
The Inner Compass – Finding Stillness Amid the Swell
Thursday 24th July at 3:30pm (AEST)

Live Webinar 2:
Steadying the Ship – Leading People Through Uncertainty
Thursday 31st July at 3:30pm (AEST)

Live Webinar 3:
Navigating to New Horizons – Shaping the Future With Strategic Vision
Thursday 7th August at 3:30pm (AEST)

Live Ask Me Anything:
Thursday 14th August at 3:30pm (AEST)

You will receive:

Participants will receive a rich package of support, resources, and ongoing learning opportunities. Each live webinar includes practical tools, real-world case studies, reflective exercises, and evidence-based techniques to support meaningful leadership. After each session, participants will receive curated resources, discussion guides, and access to additional Q&A time with facilitators. The program concludes with a live "Ask Me Anything" session and a certificate of attendance. All participants also receive complimentary access to Potential Project’s exclusive mindfulness training app, supporting sustained development beyond the program.

Leading in the Storm of Schooling - You Will Receive

The program's impact:

Participants in our Term 2 cohort reported significant increases in their confidence across ten key leadership mindsets — from psychological safety and calm communication to navigating change and staying anchored in values. On average, confidence levels shifted from somewhat confident to confident, with many moving into the very confident range by the end of the program. These self-reported improvements speak to the practical, immediate value of the learning.

What school leaders have said about our programs:

School leaders describe this program as some of the best professional learning they’ve experienced — helping them feel more focused, in control, and better able to respond rather than react. Many speak to a renewed sense of calm, optimism, and clarity in the face of day-to-day challenges, with one leader calling it “the best program I have undertaken in thirty years of being an educator.” Others highlight its impact not just professionally but personally, noting improved communication, reduced stress, and a deeper understanding of how to lead with awareness and care.

Leading in the storm of schooling - testimonials

Your Facilitators:

This program is led by experienced facilitators Dr Johanne Klap and Jenny Steadman, who bring deep expertise in educational leadership, organisational development, and human-centred change. Jo draws on her award-winning PhD in Mindful Leadership, as well as decades of experience designing and delivering programs for the Education Department and beyond. Jenny combines neuroscience-based leadership insights with practical tools, and has supported school leaders across Australia through times of change and challenge. Together, they offer a rich blend of research, strategy, and grounded facilitation to support school leaders navigating complexity with clarity and care.

Leading in the Storm of Schooling - Facilitators

Program Investment

$360 plus GST per person for the full program. Places are capped for maximum engagement and go ahead is subject to a minimum number of attendees. A full refund will be provided if minimum numbers are not enrolled.

For More Information:

Please contact Jenny Steadman via Humanitix Host button or email jenny.steadman@potentialproject.com.

Click here to access the detailed brochure.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Why this program and why now