Step into [ed]Leadership with Trent Driver
Revealing the machine
In this episode of Stepping into [ed]Leadership, we are joined by Trent Driver, Principal and CEO of Scotch College in South Australia, who shares his journey from classroom teacher to educational leader. Trent reflects on being tapped on the shoulder for early leadership roles and the joy he found in teaching and learning – a passion that continues to ground his work today. We discuss the psychological barriers teachers often face when stepping into leadership and highlight the importance of preparing others for leadership by making the big picture of schools visible.
Trent offers rich insights into the shift from managing students to leading adults, the transferable skills between classroom teaching and executive leadership, and the need for leaders to step out of the day-to-day detail to focus on shaping the future. We unpack how influence works within a school community and the lessons he learned through a carefully managed leadership transition. Trent also shares his views on educational debates, the critical role of data in driving improvement, and the need for schools to better understand and measure their impact. His advice for aspiring leaders is candid: embrace discomfort, develop resilience, and find authentic alignment with the schools you serve.
Throughout our conversation, Trent’s deep commitment to authenticity, adaptability, and moral leadership shines through. He challenges the idea of work-life balance exploring both the costs and the rewards. Drawing from experiences across diverse educational contexts, Trent offers a compelling vision of leadership that honours tradition while striving for innovation. Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to redefine your impact, Trent’s reflections will leave you inspired and ready to tackle the challenges of educational leadership with purpose and courage.