Hosts: Skye Hughes, Will Masara & Paolo

Guest: Andy Skidmore (CEO, Youth Impact Foundation)

Listen now on: ylaaus.com/podclass

Episode Summary

In Episode 57 of Podclass, we sit down with lifelong social entrepreneur Andy Skidmore for a powerful conversation on vision, trust, and systems change in the youth sector. As CEO and founder of the Youth Impact Foundation, Andy is on a mission to help young people thrive by fostering deep collaboration between youth organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

Whether you're a teacher, facilitator, or youth leader, this episode will challenge how you think about vision—not as a statement on the wall, but as a daily compass for decisions, alignment, and impact.

"Vision shapes your actions and behaviours today. It's what makes purpose personal." – Andy Skidmore

Discussion Segments

From Competition to Collaboration: A New Model for Impact

Andy shares the origin story of the Youth Impact Foundation—born not from ego, but from listening.

“How might we collaborate better together?”

That one question sparked a movement now impacting over 200,000 young people and growing.

He unpacks how collaboration, resource-sharing, and strategic alignment can reduce duplication in the sector and scale support for young people more sustainably.

Vision as Leadership: The Power of Alignment

This episode explores vision as a leadership practice, not a corporate buzzword. Andy challenges us to reflect:

What’s the vision for your classroom, not just your school?

Does your personal ‘why’ align with your organisation’s mission?

How does your leadership model the values you promote?

"Without vision, we run in 35 different directions and never truly arrive anywhere together."

Trust, Culture, and Saying No

Skye, Will, and Paolo reflect on how vision gives permission—to say no, to stay focussed, and to lead with integrity. They explore the link between vision and trust, and how organisations build (or erode) credibility through the consistency of their actions.

“If we’re not living the vision we talk about, we’re out of integrity. And students feel that.”

Practical Strategies for Educators

- Start Small, Go Deep:

If the school's vision feels distant, begin with your classroom. Ask: How do I want students to feel when they leave my room each day?

- Reconnect with Your ‘Why’:

In moments of exhaustion or disengagement, revisit your personal motivation. What part of the school’s vision aligns with your values?

- Lead with Vision, Not Just Tasks:

Whether you're a classroom teacher or school leader, make space for team alignment. Don’t just share the vision—live it.

- Use Vision to Guide Decision-Making:

Let your vision be a filter. If a program, initiative, or idea doesn’t align, say no. Sustainable leadership is strategic leadership.

Conclusion

This episode is a powerful reminder that vision isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. Whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an organisation, how you hold and share your vision can transform culture, deepen trust, and shift entire systems for the better.

“The vision is the destination—but how we get there must adapt to the needs of young people.”

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