Five minutes with Mr Allan Shaw

Allan Shaw may have joined Radford as Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) this term, but he’s no newcomer to the College. Allan became a valued member of the College Board’s Education Committee in 2005/06 and, going from strength to strength, became Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School a few short years later. We are thrilled to have Allan back to support the leadership team and ensure the smooth operation of the College in his interim capacity. In this conversation, he reflects on his journey, the changes at Radford and his approach to the COO role.

Tell us a bit about your previous time working at Radford College and the roles you held.

I was invited to join the College Board’s Education Committee in 2005/06. I served on that Committee until I became a staff member in 2012. That year, I succeeded John Leyshon as Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School and served in this role until mid-2014.

In addition, both of my sons attended the College—Reilly graduated from Year 12 in 2013, while Cassidy joined the Junior School in its first year and transferred to a school in Melbourne at the start of Year 10, ahead of my departure. My partner, Susan Hobson, also taught here from 2005 until early 2014.

What have you been doing since leaving Radford?

I left Radford to become Principal of The Knox School in Melbourne, serving in that role until 2021. Since then, I have worked part-time as an Ambassador for Independent Schools Victoria, served as an External Advisor to the Board and CEO of the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, and as a School Council member of Geelong Grammar School. Additionally, I have provided coaching and mentoring to school principals and senior staff, as well as consulting services to various school boards and leaders.

What brings you back to Radford after 11 years?

I have returned at the request of the new Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury, to assist as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

You left as Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School and have returned in an executive leadership and administrative role. What’s it like to be back, and how are you navigating your new role?

Executive leadership roles are primarily about leading and managing people and supporting staff to do their job really well. If that is achieved, the school thrives. In this sense, the differences between my time here as Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School, my tenure as Principal of The Knox School in Melbourne and my current interim role are minimal. These roles involve ensuring the school’s goals are achieved, the daily operations of the school run smoothly, and leading and supporting staff.

How has Radford changed since you were last here?

In many ways, not much has changed. In other ways, there are huge differences. The size of the College is much greater, and the infrastructure has changed significantly to accommodate the additional students. Many of the staff are people I recognise, and some I worked closely with many years ago. It is a pleasure to be back around them and to meet new faces.

What are your goals as Interim COO?

Anyone in an interim role works hard to see that the areas they are responsible for run smoothly, assisting the permanent staff to do their jobs well. I will work hard to ensure this occurs and, if necessary, tidy things up for my successor. I don’t believe anyone in an interim position should begin new initiatives.

What does a day in the life of a COO look like?

My day starts early and ends late. I engage in numerous conversations, whether face-to-face, over the phone, or through written correspondence. For example, as I write this around lunchtime, I have already answered 70 emails today. A significant part of my role involves providing clarity and direction when others are uncertain, ensuring that tasks are completed to a high standard and supporting the College Board in my capacity as Interim Secretary. Additionally, I liaise with parents and external contractors who supply goods and services to the College. While I don’t interact directly with students, I take great pride in overseeing the operations that support them and the teachers.

What do you do when you’re not at Radford?

I like physical exercise (swimming laps, going to the gym and yoga), catching up with friends, reading or listening to books and teaching myself to draw again. A long time ago, I was a visual arts and design and technology teacher, and I am working on learning to draw again after a long absence.

People may be surprised to know that . . .

I meditate twice per day for 20 minutes and have done so for more than 35 years.