Welcome! 

Join our hosts Susie and Lawrence to hear more about what Leadership Talks is all about. We are looking forward to our conversations with leaders in education sharing their passions, areas of expertise and authentic stories about what drives their leadership journey.

Episode 0 Transcript PDF

Our Guests 

• Ana Mena, Trillium Lakelands DSB
• Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead

Details

This episode takes us global!

We welcome Lisa Piquette, OPC International Learning Lead, and Ana Mena, principal with the Trillium Lakelands DSB, in a conversation about OPC’s International Exchanges which is a job shadowing experience that immerses administrators in a personal and professional learning journey as they spend time learning with school leaders in other countries, shadowing them in their daily work, living in their homes, and experiencing life as they do. In this session you will hear what participants have to say about their experiences, the impact on their professional practice and advice to anyone considering participating in an international exchange. 

Further information about registration, the current roster of participating countries and deadlines can be found on the webpage for International Exchanges - Ontario Principals Council.

Episode 2.1 Transcript PDF

Episode 2 - Leading with Confidence: Empowering Women in Leadership Roles

Our Guest

• Sheena Yap Chan, author | podcaster | speaker | consultant

Details

Joining us for this episode of Leadership Talks is Sheena Yap Chan, bestselling author of The Tao of Self Confidence and Bridging the Confidence Gap with Wiley, and a renowned speaker on leadership and empowerment. Sheena shares how confidence-building strategies can transform leadership potential, especially for women in education. This conversation explores the unique challenges women face in leadership, actionable steps to build self-belief and how cultivating authenticity can inspire and empower teams.

Drawing on her books and lived experience, Sheena shares practical advice for school principals and leaders on fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices are celebrated. From navigating cultural expectations to bridging gaps in confidence that hold women back from leadership opportunities, Sheena offers both inspiration and actionable tools. Listeners will walk away with strategies to strengthen their leadership presence, uplift others, and create schools rooted in equity, authenticity and visibility.
To find out more or connect with Sheena, visit

• LinkedIN - https://linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan
• All other links - https://sheenayapchan.com/links

Episode 2.2 Transcript PDF

Episode 3 - Understanding Trauma-informed Practice 

Our Guest 

• Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly York Catholic DSB

Details

In today’s classrooms, educators shape not only academic outcomes but also the emotional and psychological safety of their students—especially those students who have experienced trauma. Dr. Jackie Eldridge, formerly of York Catholic District School Board, joins us on Leadership Talks, to share her personal trauma story, where school became a refuge. This talk will explore the critical role teachers and administrators play in creating trauma-informed environments that transform both student success and school culture.

Trauma isn’t just an event—it’s the emotional and physiological response to an experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. For students, trauma can arise from abuse, neglect, racism, poverty, or violence. When unaddressed, it may appear as defiance, withdrawal, anxiety or inattention—not as a lack of desire to learn but as a nervous system in survival mode.  

Trauma-informed practice is a mindset—a shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and eventually, “What’s strong in you?” It’s about recognizing signs of trauma, responding with empathy, and avoiding harm through punitive systems.  

Administrators must model emotional intelligence, foster psychological safety, and embed trauma-informed values into every layer of school life. Teachers, on the frontlines, build safe, responsive classrooms and protect their own well-being too.  

Ultimately, trauma-informed practice isn’t a program—it’s a paradigm. The most powerful tool in any school is the adult who chooses to see, hear, and believe in every child.  

Let’s explore together practical strategies, tactics and skills that can be immediately applicable in classrooms.

Season 2 Episode 03 Transcript

Episode 4 - The Sciences and Successes in School Improvement Planning

Our Guest 

• Sara D'Angelo, Toronto DSB

Details

Sara D’Angelo shares her passion for social justice, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practice in education. She talks about how she models leading from the heart with a focus on building relational trust and offering voice and choice. The intentional use of the school improvement process viewed as a multi-year plan produced results for a school community to arrive at an environment reflective of the 3Cs –

Sara invites colleagues who have questions or would like further support to reach out to Rosaria.D'Angelo@tdsb.on.ca.

Season 2 Episode 04 Transcript