School leaders are often overwhelmed, balancing complex demands while trying to foster real change in their school communities.
This episode explores how strategic planning—often viewed with skepticism—can actually provide the focus, clarity, and "protected time" necessary to ensure leaders thrive.
We dive into the concept of "mission creep" and why aligning your school’s vision, mission, and values is the ultimate key to sustainable leadership.
Joining us is Róisín Coughlan, Director of Purpose Strategy at Mantra Strategy. With over 26 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector and a deep background in social care and innovation, Róisín shares her unique insights on navigating the realities of school leadership.
Discover how intentional, creative strategy can help you reclaim your focus and maximize your impact on the children you serve
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Strategies for school leadership success
Combatting mission creep in education
Aligning vision, mission, and values
Sustainable leadership in primary schools
Focusing on core purpose impact
GUEST DETAILS
Róisín Coughlan is the Director of Purpose Strategy at Mantra Strategy. She brings over 26 years of leadership experience across the social care, mental health, and social inclusion sectors.
Róisín is a specialist in strategic planning, design thinking, and creative innovation, helping organizations clarify their core identity to lead with greater confidence and strategic discipline
MORE INFORMATION
IPPN is the officially-recognised, professional network for leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an
independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association, with a local, regional and national presence.
It provides practical resources, professional learning, and peer support to strengthen leadership capacity and sustainability. IPPN also advocates on behalf of school leaders, ensuring their perspectives influence education policy and practice.
Learn more about IPPN and our work at ippn.ie
Our podcast is produced by dustpod.io
QUOTES
It's just about positioning yourselves slightly differently in order to maximise that impact. - Róisín Coughlan
I don't have any hidden agenda, you know. I am there to enable organisations to get to an understanding of where it is that they want to go. - Róisín Coughlan
You want the teachers and the leaders to feel safe, valued, supported, and inspired. - Róisín Coughlan
KEYWORDS: #SchoolLeadership #StrategicPlanning #EducationPolicy #ImpactfulLeadership #PrimarySchools
What is Leading for Impact with IPPN?
Leading for Impact explores the experience of the practice of primary school leadership, the challenges that arise and the opportunities that present, with insights provided by expert voices from education and beyond.
We bring you conversations with school leaders who've faced the same impossible juggling acts we all know too well, plus policy makers, mental health experts, and stakeholder voices who understand the systemic pressures you face.
You’ll discover evidence-based solutions, hear how other schools have tackled similar challenges and gain fresh perspectives that help you see your own practice with new clarity.
Leading for Impact – Real conversations for real school leaders from IPPN, the network for Irish Principals and Deputy Principals.
Discover more at ippn.ie