What lessons can we learn from getting it wrong?
In this episode of The School of Wellbeing, I’m joined by David Bott, Co-Founder of The Wellbeing Distillery and a globally respected educator. Together, we unpack the emotional weight of mistakes in schools and how they can help us grow, connect and lead with more heart.
This conversation is about shifting from perfection to reflection, embracing vulnerability and learning to see mistakes as stepping stones, not setbacks.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why mistakes often feel so personal and how to move through the discomfort
- The power of vulnerability in teaching and leadership
- How student voice and listening can transform the way we approach mistakes
- Practical strategies like the “elephant or goldfish” tactic for handling mistakes
- How to balance the visible and invisible aspects of wellbeing
- Why professional arrogance can get in the way of understanding what students really need
Who Is David Bott?
David Bott is the Co-Founder and Director of The Wellbeing Distillery. He is a globally respected educator, speaker and consultant who works with schools and education systems around the world to embed wellbeing into the heart of teaching and learning. With years of experience in education, including senior leadership roles in Australia and the UK, David brings deep insight into the human side of education.
Why This Conversation Matters
Working in schools is both rewarding and challenging. Every day, teachers and leaders navigate lessons that don’t go to plan, conversations that escalate and decisions that sometimes feel too heavy to carry alone.
This episode is a reminder that mistakes are not a sign of failure, they’re a sign that you’re learning and growing. By embracing mistakes, we can build stronger, more compassionate learning environments where both students and educators can thrive.
If you’ve ever walked away from a lesson, a meeting or a conversation feeling like you could have handled it differently, this conversation is for you.
You can quote us on that…
“Growth comes from reflection, not from perfection.”
David Bott
“Wellbeing is invisible. It’s internal. It’s the voice in the head.”
David Bott
Contact
David Bott Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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