Case Study #06
Investing in the people who keep schools running.
“It made you feel alive… like you can actually achieve your goals.”
At a Glance
Client: Nazareth College
Industry: Education
Audience: Non-teaching / professional staff
Format: Making a Difference workshop
Focus: Strengths, self-awareness, and personal development
Outcome: Increased engagement, confidence, and long-term staff growth
Client Reflection
“Breaking our goals down made them achievable… and working through obstacles together was incredibly valuable.” — Victoria Richardson
“It gave me the opportunity to understand myself better — to lead my team and be part of the community.” — Juliana Martino
“I still think about this session… our staff have evolved, stepped into new roles, and are thriving.” — Victoria Richardson
Client Context
In every school, there is a group of people who keep everything moving — administration, operations, and support staff. They are critical to the school experience, yet often receive less investment in their own development. Nazareth College identified an opportunity to invest in this group and strengthen their connection to their roles and the broader school community.
Challenge
Non-teaching staff often:
feel overlooked in professional development
have limited opportunities to reflect on their strengths
are highly focused on supporting others, with little focus on their own growth
The school wanted to create a space where staff could feel valued, recognised, and supported.
Approach
Dan Kuss facilitated a ‘Making a Difference’ workshop designed to:
help individuals recognise the value they bring
build self-awareness and confidence
strengthen connection to their role and school community
support meaningful personal and professional
goal setting
The session combined strengths-based development, reflection, and group discussion in a highly engaging and supportive environment.
This workshop was co-facilitated with leadership consultant Sue Giacobbe.
Results
The workshop created both immediate and long-term impact. Participants experienced:
increased self-awareness and confidence
stronger connection to their role and contribution
clarity around personal and professional goals
practical strategies for overcoming obstacles
In the years following the session, the school observed: strong staff retention movement into new and more senior roles continued professional growth and development
Verification
Workshop reel and testimonial video: vimeo.com/389889010
LinkedIn article: Making A Difference
Downloads
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