Leading From the Middle: Building Relational Culture with Strength, Safety and Courage

Critical Agendas presents a full-day workshop designed specifically for middle leaders—those educators who occupy the challenging space between senior leadership and classroom teaching, often supporting students, guiding staff, and holding space for parents simultaneously. 'Leading From the Middle' focuses on building the relational skills, leadership confidence, and wellbeing practices that middle leaders need to lead with both clarity and care. Facilitated by Kristy, an experienced educator and consultant currently completing her Masters in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne, the workshop draws on restorative practice, positive psychology, and almost two decades of work with school communities across Australia and Asia. Participants explore how to build relational culture with strength, safety, and courage—developing practical strategies for navigating the competing demands of middle leadership while maintaining their own wellbeing and professional identity.