Get ready for an inspiring conversation with our host Cathleen O’Sullivan and Laura Venezia, an educational leader whose passion for nurturing others has taken her across the U.S., China, Hong Kong, and now Germany.

In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Laura reflects on her early love of teaching, the challenges and lessons of working internationally, and how her commitment to kindness and inclusion continues to guide her as a leader.

She shares practical advice on balancing technology with real connection, building collaborative relationships, and embracing those everyday moments that can have a lasting impact. Laura also talks about her shift from teacher to leader, learning to let go of needing approval, and the importance of staying true to your values when leading yourself and others.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

08:11 Discovering passion in early education

15:48 Building a unique identity within a multicultural school setting

17:38 Spontaneous move to China, culture shock in education, and risks of individual learning over collaboration

26:02 Using tech wisely while embracing curiosity and unscripted teachable moments

32:15 Making space for curiosity and role modeling openness

37:33 Transition through COVID, values-driven community in Germany, and leadership journey

42:11 Leadership as guiding others, building trust, and creating safe spaces

45:43 Finding alignment through support, self-reflection, and feedback

52:34 Growth through uncertainty, shifting from classroom teacher to school-wide leader

55:41 Embracing authenticity and letting go of control

59:47 Asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating presence in family life

Key Takeaway:

• Purpose Over Performance: Laura highlights that leadership in education and beyond is about nurturing kind and authentic people, not just chasing results.

• Role Modelling and Connection: Laura explains why our behaviour as leaders matters most, from how we manage emotions to how we build relationships.

• Knowing Yourself: Laura and Cathleen talk about the importance of understanding your own values and letting go of the need for approval in order to grow as a leader.

About Laura Vinezia:

Laura is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years experience in early childhood education. Her career has taken her across the globe, with impactful roles in schools in the United States, China, Hong Kong, and now Germany, where she continues to inspire and lead. Passionate about the foundational years of learning, Laura is deeply committed to nurturing young minds and hearts. Her work is guided by a clear and meaningful purpose: to help “make good people.” Through her leadership, she strives to create inclusive, thoughtful, and compassionate learning environments that support the growth of both children and educators.

Connect with Laura:

Business: lis.school

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-venezia

X/Twitter: @LauraVCole

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

Youtube:

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Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: www.cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel

Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7

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