Participants of the Knox Leader Development Program recently gathered in the Bryden Room to present their leadership projects and reflect on their development as leaders. It was an inspiring occasion, with staff sharing their vision and purpose, achievements and future goals, leadership journey, and key learnings gained through the process.
Across a diverse range of projects, common themes emerged: adaptive leadership, collective purpose, trust and empowerment, leading change, strategic thinking, and creating environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
For Nicola Molloy (Knox Prep Director of Teaching and Learning K-6) one of the most significant leadership insights was learning the value of intelligent pacing.
“One of the key shifts for me has actually been slowing down,” she reflected. “Deliberately slowing down a big change can accentuate and ultimately accelerate or sustain that change. Rather than asking, ‘What’s the next thing I need to do?’, I’m increasingly asking, ‘What are we learning?’ and ‘What needs refining before we do it again?’”
Her reflection highlighted the importance of thoughtful timing and the role that plays in effective leadership.
Bianca Tobia (Team Leader Year 7, Technological and Applied Studies and Drama Teacher, and Academic Mentor) shared how the program strengthened her thinking beyond individual responsibility.
“Leadership isn’t about being the best,” she said. “It’s about bringing out the best in others. My biggest insight in this leadership capacity was built through opportunity. You cannot simply tell someone they are a leader. You have to give them authentic opportunities.”
Bianca’s journey illuminates the value of advancing into servant leadership.
For Rob Gulson (Deputy Head of Boarding and Head of Stage 6 Boarding) the program fortified his systems-thinking approach.
“Leading change isn’t about finding the right solution,” he said. “It’s about creating the conditions for which that solution can succeed when we get there.”
What began as an effort to improve a specific program evolved into a broader consideration of the systems, structures and environment needed for long-term success.
For Katrina Wallis (Prep Diverse Learning Year 5 and House Leader of Thomson), the program reinforced the foundations required for successful leadership.
“Successful leadership requires self-awareness, knowledge of team members, a clear purpose, and understanding how to communicate and implement positive change,” she said.
Several Knox staff felt the value of learning alongside colleagues in the Knox Leaders Development Program.
“The Knox Leaders Program challenged me to think more strategically, expanded my perspective on leadership, and connected me with an inspiring network of colleagues across the School,”said Tenika O’Brien (Director of Student Development Stage 4 and PDHPE Teacher). “It has been one of the most valuable professional learning experiences of my career.”
Kate Lee (Head of Digital Learning) encouraged staff to embrace opportunities that stretch and develop their leadership capacity.
“There are many opportunities at Knox to stretch your thinking and push yourself just to the edge of your comfort zone,” she said. “The Knox Leadership course provided the time to learn, reflect and hold each other accountable for the small shifts in practice we identified and wanted to make in ourselves.”
Rob Gulson similarly reflected on the opportunity to challenge his thinking while becoming more intentional in the way he communicates and leads.
“Leadership isn’t always about having the right answers,” he said. “It’s about asking the big questions at the right time. […] The Knox Leader Development Program has given me the opportunity to step back and reflect on my leadership, while also providing practical strategies I can apply immediately. I’ve particularly valued the chance to learn alongside colleagues, challenge my thinking and become more intentional about how I communicate and lead others.”
For many participants, the program provided an opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership while growing both personally and professionally.
“The Knox Leader Development Program has been a thoroughly educational experience, and has encouraged both professional and personal growth,” said Matt Pendlebury (Prep Year 3 Teacher and House Leader of Haslett). “I would recommend this program to anyone at Knox looking to progress their understanding of leadership theory and improve the ways they work with their teams.”
The presentations were a powerful reminder that values-based leadership is defined by a commitment to growth, reflection, collaboration and service. Through the Knox Leader Development Program, staff are continuing to strengthen their capacity to lead with purpose while creating lasting impact across the School community.
08 November 2026
On Sunday 8 November, Knox hosted the NSW VEX Robotics State Championships in the Great Hall. More than 400 students making up 100-plus teams from schools across NSW competed in four divisions for a place at the Australian National Championships.
07 November 2026
After months of designing, testing, competing and refining, Knox Robotics students are preparing for the next major milestone in their VEX Robotics journey – the NSW State Championships.
01 November 2026
Over a hundred singers from the Knox Prep Vocal Ensemble, Senior School Choirs and the Knox Community Choir gathered at Sydney Town Hall for the Celebration Sing Out.
