How a podcast became a trusted companion for principals
As The Principals podcast reaches 100 episodes, it is the willingness of principals to share their experiences, challenges and lessons learned that has transformed it from a resource for new leaders into a trusted companion for school leaders across every stage of their career.
Originally pitched as a single-season podcast, The Principals podcast has just celebrated its 100th episode in its third season. Hosted by Eleisha McNeill, the podcast started as a verbal companion to Te Ara Tīmatanga mō ngā Tumuaki | The Beginning Pathway for Principals.
“When we started the podcast, we hoped it would be a useful resource for new principals because they often get thrown in the deep end, without a lot of preparation,” says Eleisha.
The team behind the podcast didn’t expect it to extend beyond the first season, but then the stats came in.
“We really had no idea what the appetite would be for a podcast like this ... But the stats showed it was getting traction and then we knew it would turn into something bigger than we had originally hoped.”
The format of the show is chatty and easy to listen to, with the focus on real principals sharing their own experiences. First-time principal Sharlyn Holt has worked at Tongariro School since 2024 and often listens to the podcast while walking.
“I find it an accessible way to stay connected with the wider education community and hear what other school leaders are experiencing,” she says.
It’s a contrast to the information-dense personal learning development that principals also have to complete.
Acting principal Michael Greenwood has stepped up to the top leadership position at Panmure District School this year while the principal is seconded to the Ministry of Education. He listens to the podcast during his daily commute home from work; a 30-minute drive.
“I also find myself listening while completing routine tasks at home, such as ironing shirts,” he says. “It is a great opportunity to reflect, learn from experienced principals and consider how their insights apply to my own leadership journey.”
Podcast host Eleisha McNeill.
Learning from those who've been there before
While the first season passed on knowledge and insights for new principals, the subject matter has evolved alongside the audience and their desires
“We had basic topics covering the realities of being a principal, making sure principal listeners know how to deal with their communities and did not feel isolated,” says Eleisha.
“As a beginning principal, I have found the podcast to be an incredibly valuable resource,” says Michael.
“It has become one of the first places I look when I am seeking advice or guidance on a particular aspect of school leadership. Hearing authentic, real-world experiences from other principals provides practical insights that are often difficult to find elsewhere.”
He says many of the topics have aligned closely alongside the Beginning Principal modules.
Feedback on the podcast highlights how much listeners enjoy hearing from their counterparts across the motu.
Tongariro School principal Sharlyn Holt.
“They’re able to get advice on how to handle situations from those who’ve been there before,” says Eleisha. “Listeners can be inspired to approach or think about a situation differently based on how another principal has dealt with something.”
“Principalship can be both rewarding and challenging, and listening to others share their experiences, successes and lessons learned provides reassurance, inspiration, and practical ideas,” shares Sharlyn.
“It reminds us that many of the challenges we face are shared and that there is great value in learning from one another.”
Growing audience, shared challenges
Now the audience has expanded to include aspiring principals and current principals who are interested in hearing about challenges others have faced and how they moved through them. With a new audience, demand for the podcast has only grown.
Similar themes have emerged across the conversations Eleisha has been having on the show: “Staffing, the pace of change in education are all challenges that principals have in common,” she says.
What links all the principals together – those interviewed and those who listen – is passion for their schools.
“Principals love their job, their schools, their ākonga and the staff. They give it everything, and sometimes I think it comes at quite a high personal cost,” adds Eleisha.
Conversations that stay with you
The most memorable shows for Eleisha have been the episodes interviewing principals who have had to stand up and lead in a crisis – from weather events, the Christchurch earthquakes, the Mosque attacks, and deaths in school.
“Principals are expected to lead their communities through incredibly difficult times … It's been a huge privilege to hear about how they’ve navigated these emergencies.”
As a parent herself, she’s also found it interesting what other parents expect from their schools.
In Season 2, she interviewed a principal who had to deal with a parent who took a complaint to the Ombudsman about their child missing out on selection for a sports team. There have also been legal challenges on student selection for prizes and prefect appointments.
Sharlyn has resonated most with the episodes that focus on leading through change, building strong school culture and maintaining a clear sense of purpose in complex environments.
“As a principal, I've found that the stories of leaders who remain grounded in their values while navigating significant change closely reflect my own experiences,” she says.
“Those conversations reinforce the importance of relationships, community and keeping learners at the centre of every decision.
Connection through principalship
Episode three from Season 2, transitioning into the principal role, has reflected his own experiences as a new principal, says Michael.
He’s also been learning how to approach recruiting and retaining staff, prepare for ERO reviews, and manage property projects, areas he had limited expertise in before his role.
Panmure District School acting principal, Michael Greenwood.
“The podcast provided practical advice and reassurance as I navigated those responsibilities,” he says.
Importantly, the show is creating community for principals.
“I hope the podcast makes principals realise they are not on their own,” says Eleisha. “There’s a whole raft of people who are doing something similar and collaborating.”
All of the principals interviewed on the show have invited others to reach out to them for any further advice.
“I always feel so lucky to be talking to these amazing people who care so much about their jobs and the communities they serve. It’s not something they do for the money; rather, they genuinely care about their schools,” says Eleisha.
Listen to The Principals podcast
With new episodes uploaded weekly, host Eleisha McNeill talks to tumuaki and other experts about the joys and challenges of leading a kura. Each episode is around 25 minutes long.
Upcoming episodes will feature principals from the New Zealand Education Excellence Awards, as well as topics around attendance, leading beyond crisis, leading a high equity index school, leading specialist schools, and transitioning out of a school.
Find all episodes at podbean.
Episodes featured in this article
Season 2, Episode 33: Navigating legal challenges in school leadership
Season 2, Episode 15: Leading curriculum and pedagogical change
Season 2, Episode 3: From classroom to core team: stepping up
Season 1, Episode 28: Working with your ERO evaluation partner
