Summary

In this episode, Rachael Falloon reflects on one of the most challenging aspects of leadership: unlearning the habits, assumptions and instincts that once brought success but can ultimately limit growth.

Drawing on her experience as a senior executive leader and school principal, Rachael shares how letting go of the need to be the fixer, learning to trust others, and leading with greater curiosity transformed her approach to leadership. She explores how self-reflection, compassion and the willingness to unlearn can help leaders move beyond simply managing people to creating the conditions in which others can thrive.

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone leading in complex, high-responsibility environments and serves as a reminder that becoming a better leader is often less about acquiring new skills and more about having the courage to let go of old ones.

Keywords

Leadership, Unlearning, Growth, Trust, Curiosity, Education Leadership, Self-Development, Leadership Habits

Takeaways

• The importance of unlearning habits for leadership growth
• The role of curiosity in leadership development
• How being a doer can hinder leadership effectiveness
• The transition from micromanaging to empowering others
• Strategies for reflecting back instead of fixing
• The role of vulnerability and trust in leadership development
• Creating safe environments for team members to unlearn and experiment
• The impact of curiosity on leadership and unlearning processes
• Practical questions to foster reflection and growth in teams
• How unlearning enhances listening, compassion, and decision-making

Chapters

00:38 Introduction to Leadership as a Reflective Discipline

01:49 The Essence of Leadership Growth

02:55 Unlearning as a Leadership Necessity

06:52 The Shift from Fixer to Empowerer

10:07 The Impact of Feedback on Leadership

13:12 Creating a Safe Environment for Growth

16:14 Encouraging Experimentation in Leadership

20:12 The Role of Curiosity in Unlearning

26:31 The Courage to Unlearn and Let Go

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-falloon-74774413/