
Inspiration, Influence and Impact
By Karen Caswell

Inspiration, Influence and Impact Dec 22, 2022

#37. Chuck Anderson: Inspiring Thriving
Chuck's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
Person - Sue Langley
Book - The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
Cause - A cause you find meaningful and aligns with your values
Dream Travel Destination - Manly Beach
Connect with Chuck:
Email - chuckanderson@livingtothrive.com.au
Website - Living To Thrive
LinkedIn - Chuck Anderson
Instagram - @livingtothrive.com.au
Chuck Anderson is the co-founder and principal consultant of Living to Thrive that specialises in workplace mental health and psychological safety. His background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Diploma of Positive Psychology and Well-Being and Diploma of Risk Management. He has worked with a number of major clients across Australia including WeWork, Charles Stuart University, Australian Red Cross Life Blood, nbn and more.
Chuck is also a freelance well-being columnist writing newspapers such as the North Sydney Sun. He has had the pleasure of interviewing some of the world's foremost experts in the field of psychology including Dr Kristin Neff, Dr Ellen Langer and Dr Rick Hanson.
Over the last 22 years, he has worked across multiple sectors and industries, both in Australia and overseas, where he gained a wealth of diverse experience and knowledge. This includes seven years in defense where he was an intelligence specialist for the U.S. Navy.

#36. Sue Langley: The Impact of Positive Psychology
My guest this episode, Sue Langley, shares her passion for guiding and supporting others to be their best selves through practical application of neuroscience, emotional intelligence and positive psychology.
Sue's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- Person - people who inspire you
- Books - Social: Why Our Brains are Wired to Connect by Matthew Lieberman; J.D Robb and Robert Galbraith
- Podcast - Learn with Sue: Walk and Talk with Sue Langley; Audiobook - 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
- Cause - Support what you believe in
- Dream Travel Destination - Italy
Connect with Sue:
- Email - sue@langleygroup.com.au
- Website - Learn with Sue; Langley Group
- LinkedIn - Sue Langley
- Instagram - @suelangleyofficial
Sue Langley is a keynote speaker, global consultant and positive
leadership expert. Sue specialises in the practical applications of
neuroscience, emotional intelligence and positive psychology,
synthesising the science and research into simple, practical tools
that anyone can use.
As the CEO and Founder of the Langley Group, Sue has taught
thousands of business leaders, coaches and consultants how to
create positive work cultures and harness the brain's potential. As
Academic Director of the Langley Group Institute, Sue created the
world’s first nationally recognised Diploma of Positive Psychology
and Wellbeing. She has a Masters in Neuroscience of Leadership
and was a featured expert in the hit ABC TV series Redesign My
Brain and in the award-winning documentary Make Me a Leader.

#35. Kari Sutton: Inspiring Resilience
My guest this episode, Kari Sutton, shares her passion for helping parents and adults who care for kids lay the foundations of resilience and emotional wellbeing in early childhood, so we can protect our future generations. She talks about her determination to nurture conversations about how we cultivate children’s positive mental health to deliver tangible strategies and insights which are immediately actionable.
Kari's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- Person - start with yourself, then find a community
- Books - Atomic Habits by James Clear and Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
- Podcasts - Unlocking Us - Brene Brown and The Happiness Lab Dr Laurie Santos
- Cause - Anything that deeply resonates with you and has a positive impact on the world
- Dream Travel Destination - Alaska and Africa
Connect with Kari:
- X - @karisutton
- Instagram - @karisuttonofficial
- Website - https://karisutton.com
- Facebook Page - karisutton
- Linkedin - Kari Sutton
Kari Sutton is a consultant, author of two books,educator, and speaker who has helped over 25,000 children, parents, and educators with evidence- based strategies, tools and approaches to foster children's resilience and emotional wellbeing. During her 30 year career in education, both as a teacher and school counsellor, she had a front row seat dealing with the escalating crisis in children’s mental health and is determined to change the way we cultivate children’s positive mental health.

#34. Kelly Chase: Historical Contributions
My guest this episode, Kelly Chase, shares her passion for sharing the voices and stories of women in history, and her desire to support educators with resources for teaching all perspectives of our full history.
Kelly's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Dr Stephanie Smith; Vince Wall; Michael Cox; Brett Salakas
Books - Education: The School by Brendan Murray
Historical Fiction: Anything by Kim Kelly
Women’s History: Forgotten Warriors by Sarah Percy
Australian History: Making Australian History by Anna Clark
Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Podcasts - HP Reinvent the Classroom with Brett Salakas; Science Versus; Stuff the British Stole; Download this Show; Stop Everything; No Filter; Frontier War Stories
Cause - Save the Bilby Fund
Connect with Kelly:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HistoryDetect
Instagram/Threads - https://www.instagram.com/historydetective9/
Website or Blog - www.historydetectivepodcast.com
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/historydetectivepodcast
Podcast - History Detective
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historydetective

#33. Keelie Allen: A Kindness Movement
My guest this episode, Keelie Allen, shares her passion for making the world a better place and the life experiences that have inspired her to create a kindness movement.
Keelie's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
Person - Someone you haven't connected with for a while.
Book - Atomic Habits by James Clear
Podcast - Brene Brown's podcasts
Cause - Kindness
Dream Travel Destination - Anywhere with sunshine and beautiful beaches
Connect with Keelie:
Instagram - @randomactsofkeelie
Facebook - Random Acts of Keelie
Linkedin- Keelie Allen
Keelie Allen is a creator of kindness, and loves making a positive impact in the lives of others by helping them become the best version of themselves. With a passion for positive psychology, believing that there is power in numbers and that kindness has the power to change the world, had led her to where she is today, starting a kindness movement.

#32. Jane Taylor: The Impact of Unlearning
My guest this episode, Jane Taylor, shares how her life experiences led to her passion for connecting and building relationships with others, and how her journey of unlearning led to her own self-discoveries. She talks about how this knowledge and understanding now guide her as she supports people to change the way they see themselves in order to be whole-heartedly themselves.
Jane's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- Person - Your true self first and foremost
- Book - 'The Myth of Normal' by Gabor Mate
- Podcast - Being Well with Forrest and Rick Hanson
- Cause - Something that aligns with your heart
- Dream Travel Destination - The Greek Islands
Connect with Jane:
- Website - Jane Taylor and Habits for Wellbeing
- Instagram - @habitsforwellbeing
- Facebook - Habits for Wellbeing
Jane Taylor is a certified and registered ICF PCC coach, mentor, author of 4 journals, facilitator and registered teacher who is committed to helping support people to change the way they see themselves through "(Un)Learning, so You Can Reconnect, Realign and Reclaim Your Inner Resources and BE Whole-Heartedly YOU... One Habit at a Time!", so we can live in peace and harmony.
Jane began her career as a professional athlete competing on the world tennis stage before finding her passion – learning (or unlearning may be more accurate) and building relationships. This passion evolved in to a career in education as well as facilitating national coaching programs for Tennis Australia and co-ordinating national initiatives for education, before starting Habits for Wellbeing. Jane has supported and worked with over 33000 adults in leadership, coaching, education, emotional intelligence, mindfulness meditation, self-compassion, mental health promotion and prevention and organisational wellbeing.

#31. Sarah Donaldson: International Influence
My guest this episode, Sarah Donaldson, shares her passion for empowering people to be their authentic selves and for all people to feel seen, heard and valued, which is complemented and supported by her belief that education can and should be an act of social justice and an opportunity to nurture global citizens that embrace diversity and bring people in from the margins. She talks about her vision for deconstructing the status quo and recreating a more equitable society, as belonging and equity benefits us all, and the influence working in international schools had had on her beliefs and practice.
Sarah's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- People - Kathleen Naglee, Alysa Perraras, Emily Meadows, Bettina Love, Lee Ann Jung
- Book - 'Caste: The Origins of our Discontent' by Isabel Wilkerson
- Podcast - Unhinged Collaboration
- Cause - Nyaka Aids Orphanage - education and empowerment for children and educators in Uganda.
- Dream Travel Destination - The Amazon Rainforest
Connect with Sarah:
- Twitter - @wondrwomyn
- LinkedIn - Sarah Donaldson
Sarah Donaldson is currently the elementary associate principal at the International School of Curitiba, and has been in education for 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher, an EAL teacher, and a literacy coach. Sarah stands up firmly on the side of human rights, equity, diversity, social justice, and belonging. She believes that education can and should be an act of social justice, an opportunity to nurture global citizens that embrace diversity and bring people in from the margins in order to collaborate in solving the world's problems. In fact, Sarah’s Master’s thesis led her and a group of 17 inspiring 3rd graders to research and write a 300 page book on the topic.

#30. Lisa Baylis: Inspiring Self-Compassion
Lisa's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
Person - Start within...
Book - 'Self-Compassion for Educators: Mindful Practices to Awaken Your Well-Being and Grow Resilience' by Lisa Baylis
Podcast - Dare to Lead with Brene Brown; Work Life and ReThinking with Adam Grant
Cause - Reconciliation; Kindness
Dream Travel Destination - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
Connect with Lisa:
Twitter - Lisa_Baylis
Instagram - Lisa Baylis
Website - Lisa Baylis
Facebook - Lisa Baylis Educator
YouTube - @lisabayliseducator
LinkedIn - Lisa Baylis
Lisa Baylis has been sharing wellbeing strategies for the last 20 years. A natural born connector with an innate ability to make people feel valued and heard, she is an instructor, a counsellor, a facilitator, and a mother. Lisa is a published author of Self-Compassion for Educators as well as, the creator of the AWE Method — Awakening the Wellbeing for Educators — which merges self-care, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

#29. Amy Green: Elevating Wellness
My guest this episode, Amy Green, shares her vision for helping educators thrive both in and outside the classroom, her mission to support schools to identify effective systems to ensure the wellness of staff, and how her own wellness journey has inspired and influenced her work.
Amy's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- Person - Susan David
- Books - 'The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results' by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan and 'Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle' by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
- Podcast - Jay Shetty; Brene Brown
- Cause - One Girl - Educating Girls To Change The World
- Dream Travel Destination - Hawaii; Machu Picchu
Connect with Amy:
- LinkedIn - Amy Green
- Instagram - _thewellnessstrategy
- Facebook - The Wellness Strategy with Amy Green
- Website - The Wellness Strategy
Amy is founder of The Wellness Strategy, a published author, speaker, facilitator, and coach, and a leader in improving workplace culture and wellbeing in schools and organisations. As a past teacher and school leader, Amy is determined to change the way we view wellbeing to support our everyday and workplace needs. With a background in teaching and leadership and having studied human behaviour and positive psychology, Amy brings to the wellbeing space a fresh approach to what can be a sensitive topic.
Amy guides workplaces to understand the difference between individual and collective wellbeing to ensure all employees feel safe, valued, and fulfilled, and to bring about a workplace culture in which all staff thrive and flourish.

#28. Brett Salakas: Inspiring Connections
My guest this episode, Brett Salakas, shares his wide and varied educational journey and its impact on his teaching pedagogy and practice. He talks about his passion for turning educational theory into real classroom practice, and supporting other educators to do the same. Brett's mission for connection, collaboration and inspiration drives his work and the influence and impact he hopes to have.
Brett's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- People - Matthew X. Joseph; Brian Aspinall; Cathy Hunt; Carl Hooker; Amanda Fox
- Book - 'Ready, Set, Fail' by Carl Hooker; 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene
- Podcast - The Dollop; Behind The Bastards; History Detective with Kelly Chase
- Cause - Deadly Science
- Dream Travel Destination - Antartica cruise
Connect with Brett:
- Twitter - @MRsalakas
- LinkedIn - Brett Salakas
- Website - salakas.live
Uniquely experienced, Brett’s innovation, curriculum insight and passion to deliver results set him apart. His reputation for innovation in the education industry is truly global. He has been the keynote speaker at multiple international conferences, in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America and has run Professional Learning for schools and systems both in Australia and in North America.
Brett is a teacher, leader, poet and the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of both the ED Poets Society and #TheWalkingED.
Brett has leadership experience within the Public Education System, Catholic and Independent systems as well as being a Curriculum and Digital Technologies Officer while teaching in Singapore. Couple that with the rare experience of having taught from Kindergarten to Year 10 and you will find that Brett brings a blend of deep pedagogical awareness and flexibility that allows him to rapidly adapt to and understand complex educational contexts.

#27. Allyson Apsey: The Impact of Serendipity
Allyson's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Person - Jessica Gomez
Book - Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
Podcasts - Super Soul Sunday with Oprah Winfrey; Brene Brown
Cause - support our educators
Dream Travel Destination - England, Scotland, Ireland
Connect with Allyson:
Twitter - @AllysonApsey
Instagram - @allysonapsey
Facebook - Allyson Apsey
LinkedIn - Allyson Apsey
TikTok - @allysonapsey19
Website - Serendipity In Education
Allyson Apsey has been an educator for 24 years; an award-winning school leader for 19 of those years. She is passionate about students and staff and leads others through their strengths. She tries to be transparent, vulnerable and supportive, and she doesn’t ask questions unless she wants the answers.

#26. Rachael Lehr: The Influence of Ideas
My guest this episode, Rachael Lehr, shares how the ideas and big dreams of others and books have inspired and influenced her teaching, learning and life journey. She also discusses her belief in the power of people and the human spirit as being vital for personal growth, and how she hopes to leave people better, and sparkle, through her presence, influence, or relationship with her.
Finding Your Leadership Sparkle
Rachael's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- People - Find people who inspire you, see you and challenge you, and connect any way you can.
- Book - Stolen Foucs by Johann Hari
- Podcast - Education Research Reading Room by Oliver Lovell
- Cause - Think local and find one your community needs.
- Dream Travel Destination - Europe
Connect with Rachael:
- Twitter - @rachaellehr
- Facebook Pages - @Dayton Primary School @ACEL WA
- LinkedIn - @Rachael Lehr

#25. Tammy Robinson: Inspiring A Community
My guest this episode, Tammy Robinson, shares how in the midst of grief she discovered her life's purpose and, in the process, healed her heart. She talks of her desire to empower young people and show them they are important, valued and respected. Tammy's goal is for the young people she supports to know that kindness is free, and to teach them that, as a community, we can create a ripple effect of kindness.
Tammy's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- Person - Sally Steele
- Book - 'Dare More, Care Less' by Sally Steele
- Cause - Beyond DV
- Dream Travel Destination - United Kingdom
Connect with Tammy:
- Facebook - Formally Ever After
Tammy runs Formally Ever After, a community program in Logan, Queensland. She is a mother of four (three adult children and her 12 year old daughter), and her partner enthusiastically helps with the program. Tammy works in the Aged Care industry as a Lifestyle Carer, and working with our elderly has always been her passion. In 2019 she lost three very important people in her life, and in 2020 she lost a fourth loved one. These tragic losses reminded her how precious life is and how important it is to be kind to one another. It also reminded her that if time is we have to give another, then we should give our time. Tammy believes we need to use our experiences in life to help lift others and to show our children and young adults that kindness is free.

#24. Tammy Baart: The Impact of Identity
My guest this episode, Tammy Baart, shares how identity has impacted her own life and learning journey, and her hope to be role model and provide a platform to celebrate Indigenous success. She talks about her passion for ensuring all children achieve success and exceed their own expectations, and her mission to support young people to know who they are and where they belong in the world. Learning about and reconnecting with her culture, has Influenced Tammy's sense of belonging and view of the world.
Tammy's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
- People - Joanne McEachen (The Learner First)
- Book - 'The Dreaming Path' by Paul Callaghan, 'The Yield' by Tara June Winch
- Podcast - Mojo Crowe with Ben Crow
- Cause - Know Your Country; Team Mills Foundation
- Dream Travel Destination - To see the Northern Lights
Connect with Tammy:
- Linkedin - Tammy Baart
- Instagram - @misstammy_blakignited
- Facebook - Blak Ingnited
A proud Dharug woman, Tammy, has grown up reconnecting with her culture; firmly believing that we must harness the power of education and its ability to create future opportunities. As the first in her family to graduate high school, Tammy is the epitome of a lifelong learner and acknowledges that we all play a role to play in shaping future leaders.
With over two decades of educational leadership – in School Executive roles and Curriculum Writing – Tammy uses her experience in both the Government and Independent sectors to advocate and enable change, prioritising student needs so children and youth can be empowered to write their own narratives. Ignited by a passion and drive to find the gaps in the education system, Tammy firmly believes and advocates for all students to have access to authentic and sustainable learning pathways.
Modeling learning and leading in two worlds, Tammy is a bold and courageous Indigenous woman who has foresight and vision to challenge herself and in turn those she works with to greater heights. Understanding the bigger picture while knowing the little things matter is Tammy’s superpower.
Leading with love and compassion, Tammy brings people together to commit to creating a new and higher standard of what is possible for our children.

#23. Alice Vigors: The Thinking Classroom
My guest this episode, Alice Vigors, shares her passion for creating a culture of thinking, visible learning and inquiry in teaching, leading and learning, and discusses the inspiration and influences that have helped fuel the fire on her journey. She also talks about her belief that all students should be known, valued and cared for in our schools; and that the teachers in our school are our greatest resource. Alice's inspiration, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Rebecca West from Talkin' Chalk, Aaron Johnston from Mr J’s Learning Space Book - The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros Podcast - Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks with Katey Street Cause - Student well-being Dream Travel Destination - Canada and Alaska Connect with Alice: Twitter - @alice_vigors Instagram - @thinkingpathways Website or Blog - thinkingpathwayz Facebook Page - Thinking Pathways Podcast - Teacher Takeaway Podcast Linkedin - Alice Vigors Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate assistant principal: curriculum and instruction, who uses her creativity, innovation and dedication to inspire others and build their capacity to make a positive difference to the education of all students. She has been a teacher and leader for 14 years, working in both the NSW Public and Catholic education systems. Alice has developed a website, blog and professional learning network called ‘Thinking Pathways’, a resource and information hub for sharing her knowledge and examples of classroom practice around the explicit teaching and scaffolding of critical and creative thinking skills, the implementation of visible learning practices and understanding the role of inquiry learning in teaching, learning and leading. Alice launched and co-hosts an educational podcast in March 2021 called the ‘Teacher Takeaway’ podcast to provide educators with practical takeaway ideas across a range of educational topics with three other prominent educational leaders. Alice has just written a book called the ‘Thinking Classroom: supporting educators to embed critical and creative thinking’ which is being released on the 26th October 2022.

#22. Sarah Johnson: A Full Life Focus
Sarah's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Latrese Younger; Megan Anderson; Neil Gupta
Books - 'The Path Back to You' by Ian Cron Suzanne Sstabile; 'Gift of Imperfection' by Brene Brown
Podcasts - Aspire Leadership Development Podcast with Joshua Stamper; Dare to Lead with Brene Brown
Cause - Youth Mental Health First Aid and American
Dream Travel Destination - Paris
Connect with Sarah:
Twitter - @SarahSajohnson
Instagram - @sarahsajohnson
Website - sarahsajohnson.com
Facebook - Sarah Johnson Consulting
Podcast - In AWE Podcast
Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. [Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University, and is in a Doctoral Studies program for Leadership, Learning, and Service.] She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories every week. She lives her own full life focus by pursuing passions such as running, writing, focusing on family, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning.

#21. Catherine Williams: The Impact of Connection
My guest this episode, Catherine Williams, shares how connecting with others inspired her teaching and positively impacted student engagement and learning. These connections also provided the opportunity for professional learning and innovation, in addition to support, encouragement and friendship. Catherine also talks of how she now finds inspiration in nature, and the joy she finds in serving and uplifting others.
Catherine's inspiration, influential and impactful recommendations:
- People - Connect with people who inspire you; Roman Nowak; Laurie McIntosh; Jen Jones
- Books - 'Kids Deserve It' by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome; 'Kids These Days' by Dr Jody Carrington; 'Teachers These Days' by Dr Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh
- Podcast - 'On Purpose' with Jay Shetty
- Cause - A cause in your local community; Businesses in the rural and remote locations
- Dream Travel Destination - Canada and Alaska; Top End of Australia
Connect with Catherine:
- Twitter - @cathwilliams05
- Instagram - @cathwilliams05 and @blue_wren_gardening

#20. Monique Maguire: The Impact of Martial Arts
Monique's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
Person: Nick Atkins
Book: A New Earth; Awakening Your Life's Purpose by Eckart Tolle
Podcast: Gary Vee
Cause: Push for Better Push Up Challenge
Dream Travel Destination: Japan
Connect with Monique:
Instagram: @cutting_edge_martial_arts and @monique_maguire
Website: Cutting Edge Martial Arts Centre

#19. Paul Taylor: Tranforming Teaching and Learning
Paul's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Educators outside your own school who do things that you want to know more about
Book - An Ethic of Excellence by Ron Berger
Podcast - John Hattie
Cause - Domestic Violence; Ration Challenge: Raising Funds for Refugees
Dream Travel Destination - Switzerland
Connect with Paul:
Banora Point Primary School - 07 5524 1444
Twitter - @pdtaylor73 @i_on_the_Future
Deeper Learning - deeperlearning.com.au
Paul Taylor is Principal of Banora Point PS (enrolment 590) on the far North Coast of NSW. Over a 27-year career Paul has taught all grades, held all executive roles in NSW DoE schools and worked internationally as a classroom teacher in West Yorkshire.
Paul was fortunate to be the recipient of two NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships in 2004 and 2005 and was a state finalist in the 2015 Australian Teaching Awards. Paul was named in The Educator Magazine ‘Top 40 Hotlist’ in 2016 and has sat on the judging panel of these awards since 2018.
Paul is the founder and leader of iOnTheFuture Events. iOTF conferences grew rapidly in the 20 teens, with 900 teachers from 210 schools attending the 2019 iOTF6 event. Over the years the annual iOTF conference has hosted luminaries such as Ron Berger, Larry Rosenstock, Eric Mazur, Scott Hartl, Bob Lenz, Stephen Harris and Mark Scott. For the 2020 year, Paul has moved the focus of iOTF Events away from ‘the why’ of education change and a one day conference, to ‘the how’ with practical three day institutes (in partnership with PBL Works and EL Education) that drill deep down into the learning design and instructional practice required to help students develop ownership of and purpose for learning.
Under Paul’s leadership, the Banora Point PS staff team have transformed teaching and learning, pioneering the introduction of student engaged assessment practices as found in EL Education’s Leaders Of Their Own Learning materials. Through this work, staff have empowered learners to take responsibility for the development of both their own character and academic growth and to contribute to a better world.

#18. Laurie McIntosh: A Journey of Affirmation
Laurie's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Dr Jody Carrington; Barbara Gruener
Books - Kids These Days by Jody Carrington; Teachers These Days by Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh; What Happened to You by Bruce D Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Podcasts - Mr D Times 3 with Joe Dombrowski; and We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
Cause - Blankets of Hope
Dream Travel Destination - Australia; Hawaii
Connect with Laurie:
Twitter - @lauriesmcintosh and @MrsMacsKinders
Instagram - @mrsmacskinders
Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection and community are the moments this kindergarten teacher and author lives for.
With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging the accomplishments of educators and affirms them as they journey on their paths, cheering them on as they use connection and relationship to revolutionize their practice.
Storyteller, light bringer and dreamer, Laurie uses her 20+ years in education to forge new paths. With the stories she held writing ‘Teachers These Days’ with Dr. Jody Carrington and her 2 appearances on The Ellen Show Laurie strives to bring teachers together in community and to define and exemplify what it truly means to be a ‘teacher these days’.

#17. Ryan Persaud: Embracing Diversity
Ryan's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
People - Alysa Perreras - DEIJ Consultant; Darnell Fine - DEIJ Consultant; Jennifer Abrams Coaching, Mindset, Hard Conversations; Tonya Gilchrist/Erin Kent - RWW Workshop/Literacy; Dr Derrick Gay - Intercultural Competency; Dr Doug Fisher - Science of Learning; Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning
Books - Neuroteach (Whitman), The Motive (Lencioni), Dare to Lead (Brown), Me and White Supremacy (Saad)
Podcasts - Cult of Pedagogy (Jennifer Gonzalez), Ignite Edtech Podcast (Craig Kemp), At the Table (Lencioni)
Cause - Ukraine; Nyaka Aids Orphan Project - Uganda
Dream Travel Destination - Home (Canada)
Connect with Ryan:
Twitter - @ryanpersaud23
LinkedIn - br.linkedin.com/in/ryan-persaud
Ryan is an experienced educational leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education sector (20 years). He is skilled in K-12 Educational Leadership, DEIJ, Systems Thinking, Curriculum Design, Educational Business and Finance, and Innovation. Ryan is a strong leadership professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Education from the University of Toronto and currently working on an Educational Doctorate from the University of Western Ontario.

#16. Roman Nowak: The Journey of Hope
Roman's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:
Person - Tyler Arnold
Book - 'Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity' by Justin Baldoni
Podcast - Man Enough with Justin Baldoni, Liz Plank and Jamey Heath; Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead with Brene Brown; Super Soul with Oprah Winfrey; A Slight Change of Plans
Cause - Support your local community
Dream Travel Destination - Hawaii; Australia; Paris; Poland
Connect with Roman:
Twitter - @NowakRo
Instagram - @roman.nowak
Blog - mrromannowak.wordpress.com
A teacher for the past 18 years, Roman has taught varying subjects from grades 7 to grade 12. A passionate ELA teacher, department chair, and leader for several years, Roman has transitioned to various roles from the classroom, to student success coach and leader, to a specialist in the integration of technology in the classroom and a coach to develop 21st-century skills. He has also completed a 3-year secondment with the Ministry of Education of Ontario to lead and champion the Student Success and Learning Until 18 Strategy. A father of two, he is passionate about pedagogy and researches strategies to increase student engagement and motivation. In the last few years, he has done meaningful work, research, and led movements to include more diversity and center teaching around equity and social justice. Presenter and speaker at various conferences in Canada and the United States, guest on various podcasts, Roman loves to collaborate with educators across the globe on various projects. An active member on Twitter and founder of the #BuildHOPEedu chat, his objective is to participate in the active changes in the education system through equity, HOPE, and student engagement. His first book, Build H.O.P.E.: the Courage to Change, to Teach, and to Lead is due out later this year.

#15. Rachael McPhail: The Impact Of One
Rachael's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Kirli Saunders; Teela Reid; Common Ground; Clothing the Gaps; Joe Williams
Books - Dark Emu - Uncle Bruce Pascoe; Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) - Anita Heiss; The White Girl - Tony Birch; Bindi - Kirli Saunders; Loving Country - Uncle Bruce Pascoe
Podcasts - Blacademia - Amy Thunig; Sobah Podcasts - Dr Clinton Schultz; Frontier War Stories - Boe Spearim; Dreamy - Common Ground; Bring Back the Warrior - Dwayne Bannon Harrison
Movies - Incarceration Nation; The Bowraville Murders; In My Blood It Runs; Will Australia Ever have a Black Prime Minister; High Ground; Servant or Slave
Causes - #Boots4Community, by Blackfit Fitness; #FreeHer campaign, by Sisters Inside/Debbie Kilroy; #WearItBlakWednesday, by Trading Blak; #NotADateToCelebrate - Abolishing Australia Day; #RaiseTheAge of criminal responsibility; Seed Mob
Dream Travel Destination - To 4WD through the top end, Darwin, Kakadu, Katharine, Fitzroy Crossing, over to Broome, and to also visit the Torres Strait islands.
Connect with Rachael:
Instagram - @place_names_in_addresses
Website - www.change.org/traditionalplacenames
Facebook Page - @place_names_in_addresses
Rachael McPhail is a proud Gomeroi woman, who lives on Wiradjuri Country in Coolamon, and has just completed her Bachelor of Social Work through Charles Sturt University. Rachael works for the Disability Trust as Project Manager – Reconciliation Action Plan, supporting the organisation in the development of their Reflect RAP, and working to inspire cultural change and embedding a First Nations perspective in all areas of practice. Rachael was successful in her campaign to ask Australia Post to include traditional place names in addresses. She is now campaigning for the creation of a database of traditional place names that has been verified by Elders and community leaders.

#14. Kath Murdoch: 'Wonder'-ful Impact
Kath's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Kimberly Mitchell; Trevor MacKenzie; Judy Halbert and Linda Kaser; Yong Zhao; James Mannion
Books - 'Atlas of the Heart' by Brene Brown; 'Choice Words' by Peter Johnson
Podcast - James Mannion’s ‘Rethinking Education’ and Levi Allison’s ‘Recess Duty'
Cause - Any cause contributes to the protection of wilderness and of course dealing with climate change - Bob Brown Foundation
Dream Travel Destination - Spain
Connect with Kath:
Twitter - @kjinqiiry
Instagram - @kjinquiry
Website or Blog - www.kathmurdoch.com.au
Facebook Page - Kath Murdoch Consulting
Kath Murdoch is an experienced teacher, author, university lecturer and popular consultant. She is highly regarded for her work in the field of inquiry-based learning in which she has taught, written and researched for over 35 years. Kath began her professional life as a primary classroom teacher before taking up an academic position in the Education Faculty at the University of Melbourne where she worked for a decade, Since that time, Kath has worked as an independent consultant to schools and education organisations around the world Kath is the author of over 15 books for teachers including the best-selling ‘Power of Inquiry’ and the exquisite set of inquiry coaching cards ‘The Art of Inquiry Teaching’. Kath has recently published her first children’s book, ‘The Wonder of Winsome,’ a story about curiosity and is soon to release her new book 'Getting Personal with Inquiry Learning’

#13. Tonya Gilchrist: Professional Learning Equity
Tonya's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations.
People - Laura Robb and Evan Robb; Cornelius Minor; Nawal Casiano; Adam Grant; Inspire Citizens; Globally Reconnect
Books - Choice Words by Peter Johnston and Think Again by Adam Grant
Podcast - Recess Duty with Levi Allison
Cause - Direct Relief
Dream Travel Destination - Maldives
Connect with Tonya.
Twitter - @Mrs_Gilchrist
Instagram - @tonyagilchrist
Website / Blog - tonyagilchrist.com
Facebook Page - Tonya Gilchrist
Facebook Group - Tonya Gilchrist
LinkedIn - Tonya Gilchrist
Tonya Gilchrist is an international learning strategist who specializes in helping schools around the world amplify inquiry and honor agency for deep learning and transfer across languages, literacies, and disciplines. From Readers'/Writers' Workshop to Reggio to UDL to IB, Tonya works with schools to tailor professional learning just for their specific contexts and their unique needs. Previously, she enjoyed many years as an educator, instructional coach, and curriculum specialist.

#12. Beck Keough: Making Learning Stick
Beck's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Jane Hunter; Kath Murdoch; Trevor MacKenzie; Rebecca Bushby (Bathurst-Hunt); Kimberly Mitchell; The ACARA Team
Book - Inquiry Mindset: Assessment Edition by Trevor MacKenzie
Podcast - STEM Ed; Ten Minute Teacher Podcast; The Dave Burgess Show; History Detective; Edulatte
Cause - Ronald McDonald House
Dream Travel Destination - England
Connect with Beck:
Twitter - @beckkeough1
Instagram - @incuriatedbeck
Beck Keogh is an experienced educator who is engaging students in authentic learning experiences that motivate and allow them to connect with real life. She’s the founder of Edulatte - a virtual coffee lounge where educators can share, collaborate and create, and creator of the inCURiATE pedagogical model.

#11. Tara Martin: Life Is Inspiration
Tara's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Person - Dave Burgess
Book - Teach Like a PIRATE by Dave Burgess; How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Podcast - Unlocking Us by Brene Brown
Cause - Anything that supports children
Dream Travel Destination - Greece
Connect with Tara:
Twitter - @TaraMartinEDU
Instagram - @tarammartin.real
Website or Blog - tarammartin.com
Facebook Page - Tara M Martin
Podcast - The REAL Journey Show
Tara Martin is an enthusiastic educator, national speaker, and author who thrives on change and refuses to settle for the status quo. She has served as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach for several years, and most recently, a district administrator. Tara is the author of the inspirational book, Be REAL: Educate from the Heart and Cannonball In, a motivating children's book illustrated by Genesis Kohler. Tara firmly believes machines and artificial intelligence will never replicate an individual’s REAL identity–the unique strengths, talents, and life experiences of every human. Tara's passion for education and love of writing led her to a new role where she coaches and serves educational authors as the Director of Public Relations and Communication for DBC, Inc. Tara’s ambition is to lead a culture of innovative change, keep social-emotional learning at the heart of our work, and encourage others to Cannonball In and fulfill their true potential!

#10. Lisa Currie: Kindness Ripples
Our guest this episode, Lisa Currie, shares how she found inspiration through tragedy, and that carrying out intentional acts of kindness brought light back into her life, which led to a calling to serve and connect with others. She discusses her passion and mission to improve the lives of children in some way, and how creating kindness ripples has impacted her life, and how she hopes to positively impact the lives of others.
Lisa's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Person - Barbara Gruener
Book - 'How Full Is Your Bucket?' by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton
Podcast - Functional Medicine podcasts
Cause - Royal Children's Hospital
Dream Travel Destination - Australia
Connect with Lisa:
Instagram - ripplekindness4schools
Website - ripplekindness.org
Facebook - Ripple Kindness Project
Lisa has served education and the community through a wide range of roles including volunteering in schools, establishing an outreach program for disadvantaged families, and advocating for well-being and social emotional learning. Her current role as the founder of Ripple Kindness Project is creating social emotional resources to support teachers and students.

#9. Jessica Vance: Curious Questioning

#8. Dan Jackson: Effective Impact
Dan's Inspirational, Influential or Impactful recommendations:
People - Educating Laura, Trevor MacKenzie, Holly Clark, Kasey Bell
Books - Dive into Inquiry by Trevor MacKenzie, Understanding by Design by Grant P. Wiggins and Jay McTighe, Work Less, Teach More by Dan Jackson
Podcast - The Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzalez, After the Bell with Educating Laura, The Shake up Learning Show with Kasey Bell.
Cause - Support yourself. Teachers are a cause worth supporting.
Travel Destination - Norway.
Connect with Dan:
Twitter - @DanJacksonTPD
Instagram - @DanJacksonTPD
Website - Teacherspd.net
Facebook Page - TeachersPD
Podcast - Effective Teaching
Book - Work Less, Teach More
Dan has been teaching since 2006 in Sydney. He has had many different roles including: classroom teacher, stage advisor, headteacher, deputy principal, and acting principal. He is currently an education consultant and presenter. Dan is the founder of TeachersPD, host of the Effective Teaching podcast, author of the Number 1 best seller on Amazon Work Less Teach More, a husband, and the father of two children.

#7. Barbara Gruener: Connecting by Heart
Barbara's Inspirational, Influential or Impactful recommendations:
People - Laurie McIntosh, Roman Nowak, Vernon Wright, Michele Borba, Lisa Currie just to name a few role models.
Book - The Negativity Remedy by Nicole J. Phillips
Podcast - The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos
Cause - Donors Choose because it helps teachers and, in turn, supports our most precious natural resource, the children
Dream Travel Destination - Australia
Connect with Barbara:
Twitter - @BarbaraGruener
Instagram - @BarbaraGruenerAuthor
Website or Blog - corneroncharacter.blogspot.com
Facebook Page - mrquigleyskeys
Podcast - CharacterSpeaks
Author page - barbaragruenerauthor.com
Barbara is a bilingual educator, author, mentor, coach, speaker, and veteran school counselor, who has spent 38 years in education.

#6. Stephanie Smith: Empowering Young People
Stephanie's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Connect with Young People; Pivot Learning
Book - Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace; The School in the Cloud by Sugata Mitra
Podcast - Game Changers with Phil Cummins and Adriano Di Prato
Cause - The Foundation for Young Australians
Dream Travel Destination - Egypt
Connect with Stephanie:
Twitter - @SmilesStephi @MoAD_Canberra
Instagram - @Stephi_Smith_Inquirer_ @oldparliamenthouse
Website - Museum of Australian Democracy
Facebook - Inspiring Picture Book Ideas and Australian Civics Educators Network
Stephanie is an experienced primary school teacher who has tight in multiple states and territories, and has transferred her knowledge, skills and expertise into an education role at the Museum of Australian Democracy. She has a PhD in play-based learning in primary classrooms, the significance of developing 21st Century skills and teacher PD around science and mathematics.

#5. Craig Ladek: The Impact of Service
Craig's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Books - Exit Wounds by Major John Cantwell; The Crossroads by Mark Donaldson VC; Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Podcast - The Unforgiving60 with Tim Curtis and Ben Pronk
Cause - Movember and the ANZAC Day Appeal
Dream travel destination - anywhere in Australia that is remote
Connect with Craig:
Instagram - @teamtemperedcoach or @crossfittemperedormeau
Facebook - Crossfit Tempered Ormeau
Craig is an Australian Defence Force veteran, and a Level 2 CrossFit Coach, who owns and runs CrossFit Tempered Ormeau. He is currently studying Clinical Exercise Physiology full time and is a dad to three amazing girls. Craig spent 15 years in total in the Australian Army, with postings in Darwin, Sydney and Albury/Wodonga, and Operational Service in Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan 2010. Prior to the Army, Craig was a heavy diesel fitter working in Melbourne, Perth, Yalara (Uluru) and in remote gold mines.

#4. Fi Morrison: STEM-spirational
Fi's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Trevor MacKenzie; Kath Murdoch; COUNTLESS educators (all can be found on the STEM ED podcast or in the STEM ED magazines)
Books - Inquiry Mindset by Trevor MacKenzie; Invent to Learn by Sylvia Libow Martinez and Gary Stager; Daily STEM by Chris Woods
Podcasts - STEM Everyday podcast with Chris Woods; Game Changers with Phil Cummins and Adriano Di Prato; The Teacher Takeaway Podcast
Cause - Deadly Science
Travel Destination - Maldives; Europe
Connect with Fi:
Twitter - @stemedmagazine @FiMorrison2
Instagram - @stemedmagazine @teach.edtech
Website or Blog - stemedmagazine.com
Facebook Page - facebook.com/stemedmagazine
Podcast - STEM ED Podcast
Fi Morrison is the Founder of STEM ED Magazine. She has 15 years of experience working with children in a range of fields and is currently a full-time Primary School Teacher in Sydney, Australia.
Fi is passionate about early years education, innovation, inquiry and implementing authentic STEM pedagogy into the classroom. She strongly believes in supporting others, and empowering teachers to further develop their skills and evolve their classroom practice.
Fi is a highly accomplished presenter and the host of a successful podcast that includes a number of international guest speakers. She frequently presents at events, as well as delivers webinars and collaborates with other educators to share her knowledge, experiences and expertise.

#3. Tamara Letter: Inspired By Kindness
Tamara's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Akilah Ellison, Roman Nowak, Barbara Gruener, Cathy O’Grady, Laurie McIntosh, Kate Lapetino, Kelly Pace, Melanie Korach, Melinda Forward
Book - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Podcast - Ted Talks Daily and KindSight 101 with
Cause - Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Travel Destination - Australia
Connect with Tamara:
Website or Blog - tamaraletter.com
Twitter - @tamaraletter
Instagram - @tamaraletter
Facebook Page - Group: “A Passion for Kindness”
TikTok - @tamaraletter
Tamara Letter is an enthusiastic presenter, writer, and kindness cultivator who strives each day to add a little good to the world. She is a passionate educator with more than two decades of experience as an elementary teacher, differentiation specialist, technology integrator, and instructional coach. Her messages of positivity and joy inspire educators in all levels of service to create a culture of kindness through social-emotional learning and character education.

#2. Trevor MacKenzie: Inspiring Inquiry
Trevor's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
Person - Fi Morrison - STEM Ed Magazine and Podcast
Book - The Self Driven Child: The Science of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives - William Stixrud, Ned Johnson
Podcast - Educational Duct Tape - Jake Miller
Cause - Mental Health
Travel Destination - Australia; The Netherlands; South Africa
Connect with Trevor:
Website - trevormackenzie.com
Twitter - @trev_mackenzie
Instagram - @tntmackenzie
Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiry consultant who has worked in schools throughout Australia, Asia, North America, South Africa and Europe. Trevor’s passion is supporting schools in implementing inquiry-based learning practices. He is a highly regarded speaker known for his heartfelt storytelling, kind demeanour, and student-first philosophy.
Trevor’s graduate research focused on identifying and removing the barriers to implementing inquiry-based learning in the K-12 setting. He is an inquiry practitioner currently as a teacher with the Greater Victoria School District in Victoria, Canada. He has two publications: Dive into Inquiry and Inquiry Mindset, both published by Elevate Books Edu. He has vast experience supporting schools across several years in implementation strategies in public schools, international schools, and International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP/MYP/DP).

#1 Dave Burgess: Discover Wide
Dave's Inspirational, Influential and Impactful recommendations:
People - Find a community
Books - Thrive Through the Five by Jill Siler; Ryan Holiday series
Podcasts - Ryan Holiday; Rich Roll; Tim Ferris; DBC Inc Authors
Cause - Our fellow educators
Travel Destination - Hawaii; Australia; Russia
Connect with Dave:
Website - Dave Burgess; Dave Burgess Consulting
Twitter - @burgessdave
Instagram - @dbc_inc
Podcast - The Dave Burgess Show
Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, co-author of P is for PIRATE, and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development.
