Laura Williams

Category: Podcast

  • 008 – Raising The Profile Of The Profession

    Listen on…

    Leyla Tovey from School Business Services joins me to talk about National School Business Leaders Day, the challenges that SBLs have faced over the last year, why the SBL profession and community is so unique and why it is important to think big!

    Also… keep listening until the end for a little surprise from me to celebrate National School Business Leaders Day!

    The episode at a glance:

    [1:50] –Leyla explains where the idea of National School Business Leaders Day (11th June 2021) came from and why it is important that SBLs are recognised for the amazing work that they do

    [6:38] – Leyla talks about some eye-opening experiences from her long-term Bursar cover roles…

    [13:16] – Leyla tells us about #SBLKudos and how school leaders (and fellow SBLs) can give SBLs a shout out both in the run up to and beyond National School Business Leaders Day

    [16:11] – We talk about the power of the SBL community, the frustrations we face and the power of recognition 

    [19:34] – We talk about how by sharing a voice we can raise the profile and awareness of our amazing profession

    [25:19] –Leyla gives you the full low-down on what’s happening, how to register and how to get involved in National School Business Leaders Day

    [29:50] – Find out the details of my National School Business Leaders Day surprise! 

    Related content:

    – Follow Leyla on Twitter

    – Follow SBS on Twitter

    Want to be a guest on the podcast?

    Click here to leave me your details and I’ll be in touch soon!

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 009 – GDPR: A Collaborative Model

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    Lisa Murphy, School Business Manager, talks about the collaborative approach her school cluster has taken to GDPR and the Data Protection Officer structure. She talks about how they did it, the benefits they have seen and shares tips on how you can do it too!

    The episode at a glance:

    [2:29] –Lisa explains the concept behind the Collaborative Data Protection Officer Network that her school cluster have adopted

    [7:00] – Lisa details the training that she and her colleagues undertook to gain the knowledge required to deliver this model

    [9:26]– Lisa explains how the DPO network is growing and how the model has expanded to support other schools

    [14:58] –Lisa shares her tips for starting your own DPO network 

    [21:44] –Lisa talks about the time commitment and processes involved in being a collaborative DPO 

    [24:35] – Lisa talks about the additional benefits that this type of model creates

    [28:06]  – Lisa shares her top tips for setting up a collaborative network and GDPR in general

    Related content:

    – Follow Lisa on LinkedIn

    Resources mentioned:

    – GDPRiS (in Schools) YouTube

    – Data Protection Toolkit for Schools

    – IT Governance Courses

    – University of Derby: Free GDPR Course

    – ICO Website

    If you’re an SBM:

    – PODCAST: 6 Strategic Tools for SBLs

    – PODCAST: 5 Things SBLs Need To Know About Procurement

    Want to be a guest on the podcast?

    Click here to leave me your details and I’ll be in touch soon!

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 010 – How To Develop A Self-Care Mindset

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    Julie Cordiner, School Finance Consultant, joins me to talk about the importance of self-care for SBLs and shares her strategies to avoid burnout, increase productivity and take back control.

    The episode at a glance:

    [2:06] – Julie tells us about her background and her interests outside of education

    [7:36] –Julie explains why self-care is so crucial and why she chose to speak about this rather than finance

    [9:31] –Julie describes her experience of burnout and how to take back control

    [13:05] –Julie talks about why you should start by concentrating on the things you can control and the steps beyond that to help you focus on self-care

    [20:08] –Julie admits to her own bad habit (which sounds delicious!) and emphasises the importance of forming good habits

    [26:41] –Julie shares tips on how to manage your workload and how it can impact your self-care

    [34:34] –Julie explains how planning is “a promise to yourself” and how you can make it happen

    [40:00] –Julie shares some other ways to manage your workload and your self-care including how to manage others

    [52:50] –Julie emphasises the three things she wants us all to think about in order to boost our self-care mindset and our productivity

    Related content:

    – Follow Julie on Twitter

    – Visit Julie’s website

    – Check out Julie’s fiction books

    Resources mentioned:

    – Productive Flourishing Planners

    – Atomic Habits by James Clear

    – Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy (Summary)

    – Deep Work by Cal Newport

    – Canva – Templates and Graphic Designs

    If you’re a School Business Leader:

    – Download: Productivity Guide & Planner – Working from Home

    – How to Break Bad Habits

    – How to Set Goals in 2021

    – The Triage System That Every Leader Should Implement

    Want to be a guest on the podcast?

    Click here to leave me your details and I’ll be in touch soon!

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 013 – Moving From Primary To Secondary

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    Jonny Coates, Business and Finance Director, joins me to talk about making the move from primary to secondary, the jaw-dropping challenges that came with it and the lessons he learned along the way….

    The episode at a glance:

    [3:34] –Jonny describes his journey into school business leadership

    [7:33] –Jonny talks about the main differences he found between primary and secondary schools

    [13:44] – Think you’ve heard it all? Think again. Jonny talks about his first day in his new job and the bombshells that followed

    [23:02] –Jonny shares the challenges of culture change

    [29:57] – Jonny describes his experience with a common emotion in the SBL role – loneliness – and how he went about fixing it

    [31:00] –Jonny tells us how the story ends…

    [34:19] – Jonny explains how to undertake your own due diligence when considering new roles

    [38:16] –Jonny talks about his current role and let’s us in on his aspirations for the future

    [44:16] –Jonny tells us about the importance of learning both from your experiences and CPD

    Related content:

    – Follow Jonny on Twitter

    If you’re a School Business Leader:

    – PODCAST: How to hit the ground running without a handover

    – BLOG: How to get all staff involved in the financial wellbeing of your school

    – BLOG: How to be seen as a team player within SLT

    Want to be a guest on the podcast?

    Click here to leave me your details and I’ll be in touch soon!

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 000 – What’s it all about?

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    Welcome to the show about all things School Business Leadership!

    If it doesn’t involve teaching children, then I can guarantee we’ll be talking about it here! Finance, HR, Governance and everything in between…

    If you’re a School Business Manager, Headteacher, Senior Leader, Governor… actually, any type of school leader (!) – aspiring, new or experienced – and you want to learn more about the ‘business of education’ then this podcast is for you.

    Don’t forget to hit ‘Subscribe’ so you don’t miss an episode!

    Get in touch with Laura….

    Website, Blog & Free Resources: https://www.ljbusinessofeducation.co.uk

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauraljbusiness

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraljbusiness/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraljbusiness

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraljbusiness/

  • 001 – Why SBLs Are Vital To The Success Of A School

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    Vicki Manning, Headteacher, talks about her amazing School Business Manager, how they have built a strong relationship & why the School Business Manager role is essential to the success of a school.

    The episode at a glance:

    [2:31] –Listen to why Vicki’s SBM is a pivotal part of the team.

    [6:42] – Learn how Vicki’s relationship with her SBM developed over time and how they work together day to day.

    [12:05] –Listen as Vicki talks about the teacher/support staff divide and how she approaches it as Headteacher.

    [15:59] –The key ingredients of Vicki’s strong relationship with her SBM revealed!

    [19:32] –Vicki talks about how she line manages her SBM differently to her SLT

    [20:36] – Vicki talks about the importance of CPD for her SBM and in particular, the impact that coaching has had

    [23:11] –Learn how coaching has affected Vicki’s relationship with her SBM

    [26:30] –Vicki gets super-specific about the value her SBM adds to her school and why she believes all Heads should spend time investing in and developing not only the role but the relationship

    Related content:

    –       Read what Vicki’s School Business Manager has to say about their relationship, the impact of coaching and how to ask your Head for what you need

    SBL Group Coaching Program: Starting 21st April 2021 – Want to join us?

    Find out more about my SBL Group Coaching Program – Starting April 2021

    If you’re a School Business Leader…

    –       How to choose the right coach for you

    –       What course or CPD should you do next

    –       How to build your confidence

    If you’re a Head…

    –       CPD for your School Business Manager

    Subscribe:

    ·      If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 002 – How To Hit The Ground Running Without A Handover

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    Sara Poultney, School Business Manager, shares 9 hot tips to hit the ground running in a new school when you haven’t had a handover.

    If you’re new to your school or you’re about to start your first School Business Manager role, this episode is for you!

    The episode at a glance:

    [4:08] – Sara’s advice on the first thing you should do after you’ve been appointed

    [6:36] –Sara talks about how to figure out how things operate when you’re starting from scratch

    [9:04] – Listen as Sara talks about her first meeting with her Head, the challenges she faced and how she made the role her own

    [14:20] – Sara shares a sneaky tip that will help you find out just about anything!

    [15:31] – Find out how to keep some perspective…

    [18:25] – Sara talks about the various types of support that are available to SBLs

    [21:29] – Sara explains the importance of stepping back and taking stock

    [24:45] – We talk about why SBL wellbeing is so important

    Related content:

    –       Follow Sara on Twitter

    If you’re a School Business Leader…

    –       New SBM Checklist

    –       How to set goals in 2021

    –       Applying for a new SBL job

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 003 – 5 Things SBLs Need To Know About Procurement

    Listen on…

    Lorraine Ashover, Director of Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services, shares 5 things that all SBLs need to know about procurement! 

    The episode at a glance:

    [2:07] –Lorraine tells me why she wanted to work in the education sector, how she got into procurement and why it can be a tricky area to navigate

    [8:01] – Learn about the impact of Brexit on procurement processes – what’s the same and what’s changed 

    [14:08] – Learn how to assess which procurement process to use and when you might consider switching it up

    [24:28] – Lorraine emphasises why you should always read the fine print in contracts and shares her tips on how you can tweak contracts to work to your advantage

    [35:23] – Lorraine explains how to put contract management systems in place after you have completed the procurement process

    [47:55] – Lorraine explains the benefits of collaboration in the procurement process and shares some examples

    [58:13] – Lorraine discusses how contracts have been affected by the pandemic and how they may be impacted moving forward

    [60:30] – Find out which frameworks Lorraine recommends and when to consider using them

    [67:07] – Listen to Lorraine’s recommendations as to where you can find further procurement advice and support

    Related content:

    You can find Lorraine at:

    –       Website: www.minervapcs.com  

    –       Twitter: @minervapcsboss

    Procurement Advice and Support for School Business Leaders:

    –       DfE Buying for Schools & Regional Buying Hubs

    –       Achilles – Public Sector Procurement

    –       Procurement Portal – Mills & Reeve

    –       ISBL – Chartered Institute Purchasing & Supply Award

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 004 – How To Tackle Imposter Syndrome

    Listen on…

    Shirley Si Ahmed, School Business Manager, talks about how she tackled imposter syndrome and why SBLs are real-life superheroes…

    The episode at a glance:

    [2:13] –Shirley talks about working in a local authority education team and the challenges she faced having never worked in a school.

    [5:51] –Find out how Shirley became a School Business Manager and what it was like during her first year.

    [14:14] –Shirley talks about faking it until you make it!

    [18:07] –Shirley shares her experiences of her local SBM cluster opening up to the idea of collaboration.

    [21:55] – Shirley reflects on the impact of COVID on the role of SBL.

    [28:18] –Shirley talks about the scope of the SBL role and how it can be intimidating.

    [30:33] –Learn about the Dunning-Kruger effect and how Shirley feels it mirrors her SBL journey!

    [36:50] –Shirley describes the strength she finds in her network and encourages others to do the same.

    Related content:

    Follow Shirley on Twitter

    SBL Connect

    The Dunning-Kruger Effect

    If you’re a School Business Leader…

    – New SBM Checklist

    – SBLs: If You’re Feeling Down, Read This

    – To Anyone Who Doesn’t Feel Good Enough

    – SBLs: It’s Good To Talk

    – PODCAST: Hit The Ground Running Without A Handover

    If you’re a Headteacher…

    – CPD for your School Business Manager

    – PODCAST: Why SBLs Are Vital To The Success Of A School

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn

  • 012 – The One With The Q&A – About Me

    Listen on…

    You asked and I answered…  Today, it’s me in the hot seat answering your questions! Talking about my life as a SBL, my journey to SBL coach, supporter and champion and everything in between…

    Here’s to 10% braver!

    The episode at a glance:

    [0:41] – Had I not gone into education, what would my career have been and why? I tell you about my ‘almost’ careers and why surprisingly, I’m not too far away from them!

    [1:47] – How did I become a SBM? I explain my roundabout route into the role and why it was definitely not part of my plan…

    [3:00] – What was my favourite thing about being an SBM? So many things… I have a list (of course!)  

    [3:52] – What made me decide to come out of schools? I talk through my education career path and how that led me to where I am now.

    [5:50] – How do I keep current now I’m not working in a school? Hint: it involves doing something I absolutely love to do!

    [7:18] – Do I have a special talent or party trick? I reveal a couple of random skills… one useful, one not so much!

    [8:15] – What is my favourite ever conference or training experience? I tell all about how I ended up speaking at my first conference… by accident! 

    [12:10] – What is the coolest project I’ve ever worked on? I share my thoughts on project dynamics.

    [12:53] – Advice for new or aspiring SBMs? I talk about why education can be a strange place and how you can feel at home more quickly.

    [13:26] – What area of the SBM role did I struggle with most? I talk about why this area was a struggle and where the ‘mental block’ came from…

    [14:04] – What is the one thing I wish I had learnt sooner? Hindsight is a wonderful thing and hopefully, mine can help you!

    [15:40] – What is my favourite Friends moment? I epicly fail to narrow it down… but I do have a shortlist!

    [16:17] – How do we keep resilience going as SBLs? I talk about SBL CPD and the power of the SBL community.

    [18:24] – What advice would I give someone who is at crisis point? I explain what you should (and shouldn’t) do…

    [19:47] – If I could coach anybody, who would I choose to coach and what would I try and help them to do?  Officially the hardest question.

    [20:21] – What is the bravest thing I’ve ever done? I talk about how composure and 10% braver have been critical tools for me.

    Related content:

    SBL CPD Survey: What are your CPD plans, thoughts and opinions?

    BLOG: 10 Ways To Decide If You’re In The Right Job

    PODCAST: How To Tackle Imposter Syndrome

    Want to know more about my SBL Support Sessions, Masterclasses or SBL Group Coaching Program?

    My mailing list receives all the latest updates and info about these before anybody else (as well as a weekly Tuesday e-mail guaranteed to amuse, entertain and occasionally inspire!) 

    Click here to join my mailing list and you’ll be the first to know about the next round of support sessions and masterclasses as well as get an early heads up on when the doors for my next SBL Group Coaching Program will open again!

    Want to be a guest on the podcast?

    Click here to leave me your details and I’ll be in touch soon!

    Subscribe:

    If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! 

    ·      Or click here if it’s easier!

    Get in touch:

    You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

    You can also find Laura here…

    –       Website, Blog & Free Resources

    –       Twitter

    –       Instagram

    –       Facebook

    –       LinkedIn