Growing Our Own Leaders

Evelyn Carter

Last time on Leading for Impact in Anangu Lands Schools, we explored the idea of walking together in leadership. It was a deep dive into what true partnership looks like between site leaders and Anangu educators. And, honestly, I I think it’s what sets the foundation for everything we’ll be discussing today.

Liam Warragul

Absolutely. We talked about how co-leadership works in practice — and not just, you know, as a nice concept on paper. The commitment to walk alongside Anangu staff isn't just empowering; it’s essential for creating strong and sustainable school communities.

Evelyn Carter

Right. And one moment that really stood out to me was when we discussed the importance of cultural connection in leadership. This idea that leadership isn’t just about positions or titles, but about understanding the community, the culture, and really, the land we’re working on.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, I remember that too. Leadership here — it’s nothing like a one-size-fits-all model. It’s rooted in relationships, trust, and giving space and more importantly time for Anangu voices that have been, well, historically overlooked.

Evelyn Carter

I loved the reference to the important words of our dear friend, Thomas Hampton. Thomas always reminded us to 'Hurry-up and slowdown'.

Evelyn Carter

Yes that's so important... slow down and listen! We also touched on how principals and site leaders can create environments where Anangu educators feel empowered to step into leadership roles. Small steps, like shared decision-making or mentoring, signal that they’re seen not just as contributors, but as partners.

Liam Warragul

Or leaders in their own right — yeah. That distinction, it’s so important.

Evelyn Carter

It is. And it’s also what leads us to today’s focus: creating pathways for Anangu educators to grow into leadership roles through programs like Growing Our Own.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly, Liam. And that’s where programs like Growing Our Own come into the picture. They’re not just about filling roles but nurturing leadership that is deeply rooted in culture and community — it’s leadership that emerges organically, shaped by the values and strengths of Anangu co-ordinators and AEs themselves.

Liam Warragul

Yeah. This program... it’s like a bridge — connecting where people are now with where they could go. I I think sometimes we forget how transformational it can be to create those supported steps forward.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. Growing Our Own focuses on mentoring Anangu co-ordinators so they’re prepared for leadership responsibilities. But preparation isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about confidence, too. There’s this beautiful synergy between the two — one builds on the other.

Liam Warragul

It’s true. I mean, let’s take Anangu Co-ordinators as an example. Their roles go way beyond the day-to-day. They guide cultural practices, they build bridges between staff and families, and they model what community-based leadership really looks like.

Evelyn Carter

Yeah, and they bring that deeper cultural understanding into spaces that might not fully grasp it otherwise. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about leading with heart and heritage. Do you have a story that comes to mind, Liam?

Liam Warragul

Yeah, actually. There’s someone I worked with who started as a classroom assistant — pretty quiet, really reserved. Over time, through various opportunities like this and a principal who truly invested in her, she started to step into bigger responsibilities. First, it was leading small group work. Then she started co-leading cultural education sessions, guiding others with her knowledge and her voice.

Evelyn Carter

That’s incredible. What was the turning point for her?

Liam Warragul

It was when the principal asked her to co-facilitate a staff meeting. She told me later that it was terrifying at first — but also, for the first time, she saw herself as someone who could lead. She told me, “I felt like I had a place at the table.” The confidence she gained there… it was like a launchpad. Today, she’s an Anangu Co-ordinator who co-leads school initiatives and now mentors others in the school.

Evelyn Carter

That’s so powerful, Liam. It’s such a reminder that leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows when there’s belief, support, and a clear pathway to move forward.

Evelyn Carter

Stories like that really shine a light on what’s possible when belief and opportunity align. But, as we celebrate these successes, we also can’t ignore the barriers that still exist. For many Anangu educators, these aren’t just logistical challenges — they’re systemic ones. Things like unclear roles, a lack of representation in leadership pathways, and, honestly, the weight of systemic bias still create hurdles that can feel insurmountable.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and let’s not forget time constraints. I mean, when you’ve got staff juggling work, and family responsibilities, community demands and cultural responsibilities it can feel like leadership isn’t even on the table. It’s not that the opportunity isn’t there — it’s that the system doesn’t always make room for it.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. And that’s where programs like Growing Our Own come in as enablers. They not only provide structured pathways but also address these barriers in a really intentional way. It’s about creating opportunities that are truly accessible, not just in theory but in practice.

Liam Warragul

And it’s not just the programs themselves. It’s the mindsets that drive them. When principals see coaching and mentoring as core to their role — not just, you know, as an add-on — that’s when we start to see real change. I I think it sets the tone for the entire school community.

Evelyn Carter

Absolutely. In fact, I spoke with a principal who totally embodied this coaching mindset. She didn’t just create opportunities; she made space for them. I’ll never forget her story about an educator she worked with. At first, this staff member was hesitant to even take on minor leadership tasks. She didn’t think she had what it takes.

Liam Warragul

What changed?

Evelyn Carter

The principal did. She made sure this educator had dedicated time to focus on study and mentoring. But more than that, she encouraged her to try leadership tasks in a safe and supportive environment. Running a meeting here, guiding a small project there. Every step of the way, this principal acknowledged progress, not just outcomes. And you know what? That belief transformed her. Today, she’s leading staff development sessions and mentoring new Anangu staff members.

Liam Warragul

That’s incredible. It just shows how much of a difference it makes when leaders are willing to invest in their staff. Like, really invest — not just with resources but with their time, their guidance, and, well, their trust.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. And that’s why the role of site leaders is so critical here. Leadership development, especially for Anangu educators, isn’t something that can happen passively. It takes intentionality and a real commitment to creating environments where staff feel empowered to step up.

Liam Warragul

And that empowerment… it’s the thread that connects everything we’ve been talking about. When Anangu educators see that belief in them, when they’re supported through programs like Growing Our Own and regular coaching conversations by principals with a coaching mindset, that’s when those barriers start breaking down.

Evelyn Carter

That’s right. What we’re really talking about here is creating spaces where confidence can grow, where potential can be realized, and where leadership becomes not just a goal but a shared reality.

Evelyn Carter

And creating those spaces where confidence in leadership can grow? It’s all about intentionality. When we give people opportunities to lead — whether that's co-leading meetings, engaging with families, or mentoring others — we're not just assigning tasks. We're building capability, fostering belief, and showing them that leadership isn’t a distant goal; it’s something they can step into, right here and now.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, I’ve seen it happen firsthand. There’s one Anangu Co-ordinator I worked with who kept saying, you know, “I’m not ready for this.” But the principal kept encouraging him, coaching him through small but significant tasks. And you could just see his confidence growing.

Evelyn Carter

What kind of tasks are we talking about?

Liam Warragul

Well, one moment that stood out to me was when he facilitated a team conversation around a really tough topic. He was nervous, sure, but he’d been mentored step-by-step on how to plan, how to guide the dialogue, and, more importantly, how to trust his instincts. By the end, you could see how much his team respected his leadership.

Evelyn Carter

Can we just pause on that for a moment? That’s exactly what we mean when we say confidence grows from opportunity. It’s not about being perfect or getting everything right the first time. It’s stepping into those roles, even when it feels outside your comfort zone, and having the right support to learn as you go. That’s how growth happens.

Liam Warragul

Absolutely. But it’s also about what happens after. When leaders take the time to recognize those moments — to affirm, “Hey, you did a great job with that” — it’s a game changer. That validation sticks with people.

Evelyn Carter

Liam, you’ve mentioned before how mentoring plays a huge role in this. Could you share one of those stories?

Liam Warragul

Oh, sure. There’s another Anangu leader I know who credits her confidence to her principal’s belief in what she could do. Early on, he asked her to co-lead a family engagement session. She was hesitant, even shy, but he walked her through every step — from preparing an agenda to managing questions in real-time. When she actually stepped into that role, something shifted. She told me later, “For the first time, I felt like a leader, not just like someone helping out.”

Evelyn Carter

That phrase — “I felt like a leader” — it’s so profound, isn’t it? It really shows how much impact intentional coaching and recognition can have. It’s not just about skill building; it’s about reshaping how educators see themselves and their potential in these roles.

Liam Warragul

Exactly. And when those same leaders go on to mentor others, the ripple effect is incredible. Because, you know, when you’ve been through it yourself and felt that encouragement, it’s like you carry that with you, investing it into the next generation of leaders.

Evelyn Carter

It’s a cycle of growth. And all it takes is that space for opportunity - and someone willing to believe in what’s possible.

Evelyn Carter

Speaking of that cycle of growth, Liam, it’s so interesting to think about how these intentional spaces for mentorship aren’t just transforming individual leaders, but entire communities. How have you seen those ripples expand in your experience?

Liam Warragul

Absolutely. And, you know, one thing that really stands out is just how intentional leadership development needs to be. It’s not about waiting for talent to emerge — it’s about actively fostering it, every single day.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. And the stories we’ve shared today really underscore that point, don’t they? Whether it’s a principal empowering a hesitant educator to co-lead or a first-time leader gaining confidence by stepping up in a safe space, it all comes back to creating those opportunities and believing in people’s potential.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and not just believing but showing it. Whether it’s a kind word after a meeting, time carved out for mentoring, or just simply reminding someone how much they’re capable of — those moments matter. They’re what drive growth, inside and out.

Evelyn Carter

They really do. And for every site leader, the question is: who on your team could be ready to take the next step, if they had the right support? And what small, intentional actions can you take today to make that happen?

Liam Warragul

That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Seeing the potential in others and committing to it, over time, until it becomes a shared reality.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. And on that note, Liam, that’s all for this episode of Leading for Impact in Anangu Lands Schools. Thanks for diving into these conversations with me — and with our listeners.

Liam Warragul

It’s always a pleasure. And to everyone out there, thank you for listening. Take care, and we’ll see you next time.