Name: Loretta Wholley

Title: Principal

Organisation: Genazzano FCJ College

Loretta Wholley, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College, is a dedicated education professional with a passion for leadership and fostering holistic development in students. She has built an illustrious career, marked by her commitment to excellence, international-mindedness, and innovation.

Loretta's journey in education spans several decades, showcasing her unwavering dedication to shaping young minds through risk-taking and reflection. She is starting her fifth successful year as the School Principal at Genazzano FCJ College, where she continues to contribute to the school's success. Before her role at Genazzano FCJ College, Loretta served as the School Principal at Merici College in Canberra from 2013 to 2020. She is originally an educator from Western Australia.

A proud alumna of the Australian Catholic University, she earned her Master's of Educational Leadership in Educational Leadership and Administration from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, she holds a Master of Religious Education from The University of Notre Dame Australia, earned between 1995 and 2000.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Loretta's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Dialogue, empathy, companionship, authenticity, gentleness. These have been behaviours I have had to learn and am continuing to practice in order to build trust.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Purpose and Focus. The Vision and Mission of any organisation should provide these two things, which are translated into actions and goals. They are talked about and lived.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Believe in their abilities. Catch yourself when you think you are not doing it, and apologise and acknowledge that you know they can do it and that you are there for them to bounce off the ideas or decisions they make.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

Ones who encouraged and challenged you to be the best version of yourself. A reviewer recently told me to stop filling the empty spaces and silences and to give people time to interpret what is happening. It was great advice. It reminded me that I didn't need to have all the solutions and that even when I think I have the solution (I should be quiet and gently guide, not tell).

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Give yourself space: to think, to consider, to discern, to question.

Tick off that to-do list. To ensure you celebrate achievements, no matter how small.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I have intrinsic and extrinsic goals I give myself as I plan ahead - some items have deadlines, some are continuously evolving. I write everything down. Lots of little papers and big papers, tagged inspirational quotes online. I revisit them when I am looking for a driver to get me through a difficult or challenging time in order to refocus and do the things I can control.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

Don't take on the monkeys. You can hold it for them and be there for someone while they consider their next step, then you guide them on how to work through an issue, and then give the monkey back.