Conversations with School Leaders

This is a podcast that engages school leaders across Ontario in authentic conversations about their passion and expertise in K - 12 education. We hope listeners will gain practical insights and strategies from each other to enhance learning and strengthen their school communities. Most importantly, this podcast will highlight stories, perspectives and the joy of school leadership! 

Podcast Hosts

Photo of Lawrence DeMaeyerPhoto of Susie Lee-Fernandes

Lawrence DeMaeyer 

Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council 

Susie Lee-Fernandes

Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council 

Share Your Story

Please consider joining us as a guest by completing our brief proposal form.

Leadership Talks Proposal Form

Episode 0 - Leadership Talks: Getting Started
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

Season 2 Episodes

Listen here or on your favourite podcast service. We invite you to subscribe, follow, favorite and comment!

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

Episode 2.2 Transcript PDF

Episode 1 - OPC International Exchanges Program

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

Past Episodes

Leadership Talks Podcast Season 1

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Professional Learning Opportunities