Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Janine Stratford, a leadership coach, career strategist, coach-trainer and founder of Coaching Focus, enjoyed a 28-year teaching career culminating as a deputy principal. During a career interview, her thoughts crystallised.
She says, “It suddenly became clear to me that my role wasn’t just to lead one school, but to build leadership capacity across all our schools. I aim to empower others to strategically design successful careers and foster thriving educational communities.”
Trained in behavioural analysis, Stratford assists leaders in self-management, leadership and communication. As an internationally certified coach, she integrates coaching principles into her leadership development programs. Beyond designing and delivering these programs, she is a sought-after career strategist, with 91% of her 2023 clients securing new roles ranging from middle leader to school principal.
Founded in 2015, Coaching Focus offers various programs for educators, including:
For individuals:
33 Clements St, Highett, Vic 3190
0400 120 822
janine@coachingfocus.com.au
linkedin.com/in/janinestratford
coachingfocus.com.au
Janine Stratford
Founder, Leadership Coach, Coach-Trainer and Career Strategist
Coaching Focus
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
1994–2014
2015–2018
2022–2023
2023
2024
1994–1999: Human Resources Manager and Company Director
2002–2009: Head of Health & Personal Development, Bialik College
2005: Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Welfare - The University of Melbourne
2006–2007: Method Lecturer - Monash University
2006–2009: Parent and Youth Coach, self-employed
2009–2011: Coordinator of Student Wellbeing, Bialik College
2011: Master of Education - Educational Management - The University of Melbourne
2012: Started the DP Network
2012–2014: Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing, Head of Senior School, Korowa Anglican Girls’ School
1994–
2014
2015: Awarded Certified Professional Behavioural Analyst – DTS International
2015–2018: Designed The Elevating Leadership Program - for middle leaders; designed the 20-hour coach training program for educational leaders; founded Coaching Focus
2016: Began The Leading Edge: Women in Education Conference
2016–2018: Youth Committee Chair - Brighton North Rotary Club
2018: Awarded Associate Certified Coach - International Coach Federation; Formed middle leaders’ network - The Leadership Exchange
2015–
2018
2022: Awarded Professional Certified Coach, International Coach Federation
2022–2023: Board Member - Brighton North Rotary Club
2022–
2023
Coordinator of the annual fund-raiser, the Recycle Regatta, Brighton North Rotary Club
MC for Bayside Big Serve, combined Rotary Club event
Radio Show Host – Southern FM
Awarded Paul Harris Fellow, Brighton North Rotary Club, 2023 for outstanding service to the community
2023
Chair of Youth Suicide Awareness Project, Brighton North Rotary Club in collaboration with The University of Melbourne and the Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Adolescent Health since 2019
The Leading Edge: Women in Education Conference is delivered for the 20th time
Launching the Leadership Blueprint program – making leadership more strategic
The Educator’s Most Influential Educator
2024
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Career Coaching, Resumes and Interviews
The Leading Edge: Women in Education Conference
Leadership Blueprint – learn to lead strategically
Elevating Leadership Program – the ultimate middle leaders’ program
Customised Programs for schools
Leadership Development for Middle Leaders
Leadership Coaching
Coach-Training Programs
For schools:
In 2023 alone, Coaching Focus partnered with 526 schools and 787 individuals. One standout initiative is The Leading Edge: Women in Education Conference, launched in 2016 to address barriers women face in career advancement. This year, the 20th conference will take place, having benefited over 550 women over the past nine years.
Stratford aims to bridge the gap between classroom experience and leadership skills.
“Teachers are often promoted for good teaching but lack leadership expertise. They seek evidence-based approaches and certainty, and that’s where I come in,” she says.
“Through my support and education, the leaders in our schools will lead with clarity, confidence, consistency and a considered approach and be role models for exemplary human interactions with their students and with our parent communities,” Stratford adds. “I know that if the staff are happy, supported, achieving and growing, this makes for a more inclusive and innovative school environment, and this becomes the lived experience of students as they grow and develop into young adults.”
Stratford’s extensive experience in various educational sectors gives her a unique perspective on the challenges her clients face.
She says, “I intuitively ask insightful questions to assist them, whether it’s to unpack their challenges, explore their options or find the best workable solutions.”
Her skill in behavioural analysis helps her quickly identify issues and support clients with practical strategies to improve teamwork and leadership.
Supported by an administrative team, Stratford focuses on building leadership capacity in schools, continuously adapting her programs to meet educational developments.
“Each initiative addresses a specific need I've identified, closing skill gaps,” she says.
Coaching Focus is set to celebrate a decade of success in 2025 and is geared to continue influencing and mentoring teachers and schools across Australia and New Zealand.
“Not a day goes by without me coaching, training or supporting someone that will incrementally improve leadership in our schools,” says Stratford.