It’s our pleasure to invite you to join us for our free, Term 3 Masterclass webinar Leading Under Pressure on Friday, 28th August 8:00am – 9:00am
E tūtaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi, kei runga te Mangōroa e kōpae pū ana.
The clouds in the sky gather, but above them extends the Milky Way.
This webinar explores what authentic leadership looks like when leaders are faced with sustained pressure, competing expectations, and public scrutiny – and how values-based leadership is applied in schools and corporate contexts in Aotearoa.
In this session, we will explore:
– the pressures shaping modern leadership,
– what authentic leadership looks like under pressure,
– how to maintain the course for positive change,
– practical ways to communicate clearly and maintain trust,
– how to stay grounded and values-led in leadership roles.
Register here and read more about our panelists below!
Our panel are:
Bronwyn Te Koeti-James – Tumuaki, Arowhenua Māori School
Steve McCracken – Principal, Whangaparāoa College
Angus Jenkins – Founder, Angus Jenkins Leadership
More about our speakers:
Bronwyn Te Koeti-James Kia ora ko Bronwyn Te Koeti-James tōku ikoa. Ka uri ahau nō Te Tai o Poutini. Ko Kāi Tahu rātou ko Kāti Mamoe, ko Kāti Wairaki, ko Hawea, ko Rapuwai, ko Waitaha kā iwi. Bronwyn descends from the south-west coast of Te Waipounamu and brings more than 36 years of experience in education across both English and Māori-medium settings. Her career has taken her from the Bay of Plenty to the South Island, providing her with a deep understanding of the diverse opportunities and challenges facing schools, communities and education leaders.
Ten years ago, Bronwyn stepped into her first principalship as Tumuaki of a small South Canterbury kura. Working alongside her kura community, she has led a journey of Māori cultural revitalisation, championing the aspirations and vision of the hāpori ā-kura. As the leader of the only kura Māori in South Canterbury, she has navigated the unique pressures that come with leading change, balancing community expectations, limited resources, and the responsibility of sustaining a strong cultural and educational vision.
Steve McCracken (Ngāi Te Rangi) is Principal of Whangaparāoa College, a large and rapidly growing Year 7–13 school on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast. Since his appointment in 2021, he has led significant improvement across student achievement, wellbeing, curriculum, and organisational growth, including record NCEA results, the establishment of a Trades Academy, and the implementation of innovative teaching practices.
Nationally, Steve is Chair of the Secondary Principals’ Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and Chair of the Phase 5 Curriculum Assurance Group. He also serves on the Minister of Education’s Professional Advisory Group, helping shape the future of curriculum, assessment, and qualifications in New Zealand.
Steve is passionate about leading through change, building high-performing teams, and creating school cultures where learners and staff thrive. His leadership is grounded in strong relationships, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring every young person is known, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Angus Jenkins has spent 30 years in rooms with leaders operating below their own ceiling. He knows what that gap costs – and paid it himself. Schools carry that gap differently. Principals and educational leaders hold impossible pressure with limited support. The cost of playing small shows up in classrooms, staffrooms and communities, far beyond the leader themselves.
As a speaker, MC, facilitator, coach and mirror holder, he helps leaders close the distance between who they are and who they’re capable of being. His flagship keynote, Unapologetic, challenges audiences to name exactly where they say sorry, shrink and stay small, and leave with a real shift in what’s possible when they stop.
Angus blends personal storytelling, playful humour and deep insight. He creates psychological safety fast, reads a room instinctively, and holds space for honest conversations that move people. He’s the founder of Angus Jenkins Leadership and a longtime Springboard Trust volunteer.
We look forward to having you join us!