Four years without a blog post, and now—suddenly, I’m back again. Maybe it’s time I stopped pretending that this is a “regular” blog and instead admit the fact that this little corner of the internet is simply where I come to think out loud when life finally gives me the headspace. And, as always, it seems to be term seven that opens the door.
Since I last wrote, I’ve gone from rediscovering my desk under the mountain of papers to rediscovering something far more important: momentum. Clearing my office wasn’t just about neat piles and tidy drawers; it gave me a kind of mental clarity I didn’t realise I’d been missing. It also reminded me that small wins matter, especially in a job where the to-do list has no respect for time, terms, or sleep patterns.
I promised myself I’d keep ahead of my governors’ reports this year, armed with calendar reminders and a vow to stop creating my own unnecessary stress. And, in a rare plot twist, I’ve actually stuck to it so far (long may this continue!) I’m not claiming perfection, but let’s just say I haven’t been found frantically typing at midnight (yet). That’s what I call progress…
Settling Into the Role… Finally?
A decade into school business management and I think I might be finally getting the hang of it. I’m still tempted to introduce myself as “fairly new to the profession”, but even I can no longer get away with that kind of nonsense. Ten years is not new. Six years in the same school is definitely not new.
What has made the difference, and what has always made the difference, is the SBL network around me. I’ve borrowed more ideas, hacks, templates, and life lessons than I could ever count. My approach now is a patchwork of wisdom from people far smarter than me, stitched together into something that works for me and the people in my orbit.
I’m still operational so I won’t pretend otherwise, but I’ve learnt to trust my managers more deeply, step back more confidently, and think more strategically without guilt. That didn’t come from a course or a manual. It came from time, experience, and the slow but steady realisation that I don’t need to hover to lead.
And Now… That Public Speaking Promise
At the end of my last blog I said it out loud: this is the year I will lean into public speaking rather than nervously trying to wriggle out of it. I said I wanted to grow my profile, accept invitations, and push myself further.
Well—update time.
I’m doing it.
I have said “yes” to things that made my stomach flip and there’s no getting out of them now. What I do remember from previous endeavours is that every single time I’ve walked off a stage, I’ve felt that same rush of joy and disbelief: I did it. I actually enjoyed it. Why on earth was I panicking?
(And then I promptly forget that feeling until the next opportunity appears… but I’m working on that part.)
Looking Ahead
If term seven was about clearing space, term one seems to be about using it. I’ve felt more grounded going into this school year – more confident, more focused, and more willing to challenge myself.
So here it is, another thing I’m saying out loud so I can’t quietly back out:
I’m going to keep writing. Not perfectly, not regularly, but honestly.
If the last four years have taught me anything, it’s that life moves quickly but reflection slows it just enough for us to appreciate the journey.
And if you catch me dodging a speaking invitation or conveniently “forgetting” to update this blog again… well, you know what to do.
Briscoe Campbell 