Developing leaders at Knox

Strategic momentum for achieving sustainable change

For Nicola Molloy (Knox Prep Director of Teaching and Learning K-6) one of the most significant leadership insights was learning the value of intelligent pacing.

“One of the key shifts for me has actually been slowing down,” she reflected. “Deliberately slowing down a big change can accentuate and ultimately accelerate or sustain that change. Rather than asking, ‘What’s the next thing I need to do?’, I’m increasingly asking, ‘What are we learning?’ and ‘What needs refining before we do it again?’”

Her reflection highlighted the importance of thoughtful timing and the role that plays in effective leadership.

Leadership builds leaders

Bianca Tobia (Team Leader Year 7, Technological and Applied Studies and Drama Teacher, and Academic Mentor) shared how the program strengthened her thinking beyond individual responsibility.

“Leadership isn’t about being the best,” she said. “It’s about bringing out the best in others. My biggest insight in this leadership capacity was built through opportunity. You cannot simply tell someone they are a leader. You have to give them authentic opportunities.”

Bianca’s journey illuminates the value of advancing into servant leadership.

Fostering an environment for success

For Rob Gulson (Deputy Head of Boarding and Head of Stage 6 Boarding) the program fortified his systems-thinking approach.

“Leading change isn’t about finding the right solution,” he said. “It’s about creating the conditions for which that solution can succeed when we get there.”

What began as an effort to improve a specific program evolved into a broader consideration of the systems, structures and environment needed for long-term success.

Leadership in action

For Katrina Wallis (Prep Diverse Learning Year 5 and House Leader of Thomson), the program reinforced the foundations required for successful leadership.

“Successful leadership requires self-awareness, knowledge of team members, a clear purpose, and understanding how to communicate and implement positive change,” she said.

A collegial learning experience

Several Knox staff felt the value of learning alongside colleagues in the Knox Leaders Development Program.

“The Knox Leaders Program challenged me to think more strategically, expanded my perspective on leadership, and connected me with an inspiring network of colleagues across the School,”said Tenika O’Brien (Director of Student Development Stage 4 and PDHPE Teacher). “It has been one of the most valuable professional learning experiences of my career.”

Kate Lee (Head of Digital Learning) encouraged staff to embrace opportunities that stretch and develop their leadership capacity.

“There are many opportunities at Knox to stretch your thinking and push yourself just to the edge of your comfort zone,” she said. “The Knox Leadership course provided the time to learn, reflect and hold each other accountable for the small shifts in practice we identified and wanted to make in ourselves.”

Rob Gulson similarly reflected on the opportunity to challenge his thinking while becoming more intentional in the way he communicates and leads.

“Leadership isn’t always about having the right answers,” he said. “It’s about asking the big questions at the right time. […] The Knox Leader Development Program has given me the opportunity to step back and reflect on my leadership, while also providing practical strategies I can apply immediately. I’ve particularly valued the chance to learn alongside colleagues, challenge my thinking and become more intentional about how I communicate and lead others.”

For many participants, the program provided an opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership while growing both personally and professionally.

“The Knox Leader Development Program has been a thoroughly educational experience, and has encouraged both professional and personal growth,” said Matt Pendlebury (Prep Year 3 Teacher and House Leader of Haslett). “I would recommend this program to anyone at Knox looking to progress their understanding of leadership theory and improve the ways they work with their teams.”

The presentations were a powerful reminder that values-based leadership is defined by a commitment to growth, reflection, collaboration and service. Through the Knox Leader Development Program, staff are continuing to strengthen their capacity to lead with purpose while creating lasting impact across the School community.