The current structure of school leadership is often unreasonable and resource-constrained, leading to high levels of stress and burnout for those who commit to the role. This systemic pressure often distracts leaders from their core purpose of fostering teaching and learning, compromising their ability to thrive.Host Brian O'Doherty speaks with Professor Patricia Mannix McNamara about how the sector must shift its focus from merely sustainable leadership to enabling leaders to truly flourish. They delve into the origins and decade-long impact of the Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL), balancing theory with practice, and the collaborative advantage of uniting primary and post-primary leaders. Crucially, they explore the systemic and personal changes required to protect the wellbeing of those at the helm.Patricia Mannix McNamara is the Director of Human Rights and EDI at the University of Limerick and an established Professor. She is a leading voice in human-centered leadership, organizational culture, and human rights, committed to supporting school leaders.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTVision for PDSL: demystifying school leadershipBalancing theory to scaffold leader practice.Collaborative advantage of cross-sectoral learning.Moving beyond sustainable to flourishing leadership.Systemic conditions for leader well-being.GUEST DETAILSPatricia Mannix McNamara is the Director of Human Rights and EDI at the University of Limerick, where she is also an established Professor. She advocates for human-centered leadership and has researched workplace culture for almost 30 years. Her main skills and contributions include leadership coaching, mentoring, and opening up the space for the humanity of leadership.MORE INFORMATIONIPPN is the officially-recognised, professional network for leaders of Irish primary schools. It is anindependent, 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.ieOur podcast is produced by dustpod.ioQUOTESThe space for a school leader to thrive and grow is as important, as important as the space for a child in that school to thrive and grow. - Patricia Mannix McNamaraI believe that if you're going to be leading people, you should have some professional development in leadership. - Patricia Mannix McNamaraI think it's really important for creating a sense within those graduates of the need for kindness and care and human centred leadership. - Patricia Mannix McNamaraKEYWORDS: #FlourishingLeadership #SchoolCulture #PDSL #MiddleLeadership #EducationalLeadership

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