S2 EP12 – Bring a Critical Friend on Your Leadership Journey

By Ontario Principals Council

Website https://www.principals.ca/en/index.aspx

The Leadership Talks Podcast features Gillian Kajganich, based as a Principal at West Ferris Secondary School in Northy Bay with NNDSB, and also welcomes Krista Tucker Petrick who is a Principal at Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay with NNDSB.

“Friends don’t let friends be a principal alone.” Over the course of a 15-year interwoven journey in education, we have cultivated a critical friendship– one that emphasizes “critical” when necessary and “friendship” when it matters most. Leadership in education can often feel isolating and deeply lonely, making it essential to build a strong, supportive network.

We propose taking this idea further to developing critical, trusting relationships with colleagues that foster both professional and personal growth. These relationships serve as a vital support system. As we strive to grow as leaders, vulnerability and trust become essential. A deep friendship offers the kind of honest feedback that others may hesitate to share and that we may not always want to hear.

When faced with complex situations, a critical friend can help navigate the path forward by weighing pros and cons objectively, without a personal stake. In this podcast, we’ll explore the importance of being and having a critical friend. We’ll share examples from our own experiences, reflect on how we support each other, and of course, include a few funny stories along the way.

OUR GUEST

Gillian Kajganich, NNDSB
Krista Tucker Petrick, NNDSB

HOSTS

Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council