Ever noticed how one person can shift the energy in a room?
It might be a colleague walking in with calm, grounded presence, instantly putting others at ease. Or someone arriving with tension and urgency, and suddenly the atmosphere changes.
Our way of being speaks before we do. It sets the tone. It shapes the experience of those around us.
In this episode, I chat with Tracey Ezard, leadership expert, educator and keynote speaker to explore the subtle but powerful influence we have on our classrooms, teams and school communities.
Together, we reflect on how our mindset, our energy and our self-awareness play a vital role in how we connect, teach and lead.
We discuss the importance of leading with authenticity, the value of self-reflection and why personal wellbeing cannot be separated from professional presence.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How our presence shapes culture, connection and trust.
- Why authentic leadership builds stronger teams.
- When strengths become blind spots in our leadership.
- What self-awareness and reflection make possible.
- How meaningful conversations create more trust and job clarity.
- And so much more.
Who is Tracey Ezard?
Tracey Ezard is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, educator and author of Ferocious Warmth and The Buzz. With a background in teaching and school leadership, she has spent decades working alongside educators and leadership teams across Australia and internationally.
Her work helps people build strong learning cultures, lead with authenticity, and develop what she calls “ferocious warmth”, the blend of courage and care that creates trust-filled, high-impact environments.
Tracey’s approach is grounded, generous and deeply human, helping people lead with both clarity and compassion.
Why this conversation matters…
Schools are emotional ecosystems. In the day-to-day intensity of teaching and leading, it is easy to focus on tasks and timelines. But what Tracey reminds us is that our presence carries weight. Our tone can either open space for connection or create distance. The way we show up becomes part of the culture, whether we mean it to or not.
This episode is not about adding more to your to-do list. It is about taking a breath, turning inward, and noticing what you are bringing with you into every space. Because the energy we bring into the room often shapes what is possible for everyone else.
You can quote us on that…
“When we’re self-reflective, we bring our better self.”
Tracey Ezard
“It’s what I encourage every school leadership team to be talking deeply about: how do we want to be?”
Tracey Ezard
Contact
Tracey Ezard Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Books
Want to learn more?
The learning doesn’t have to stop here. Get your free dose of wellbeing education in your inbox with Meg’s Thought Of The Week. Click here to subscribe.
Loved this episode?
The best way you can support The School of Wellbeing podcast is by sharing this episode with your family, friends and other big-hearted humans in your life! Click here to subscribe and share.
Like what you hear?
Please leave me a review – I love a gold star as much as the next teacher! Click here to review The School of Wellbeing Podcast.
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.
Join me on Social Media
5-STEP GUIDE
TO MORE ENERGY
Helpful tips on
how to live well
