Who I am today

I'm Leeza Browne - founder of Platinum Education Group, host of the Everything Early Childhood Podcast, and a mentor to child care leaders and owners across Australia. 

But if you ask my mum, she'll tell you I've been beating to my own drum since the day i was born. I came into this world backwards - breech, feet first, to a room full of student doctors observing - and I've been doing things my way every since.  

The Spark (why i started)

At school, if you told my teachers i'd end up a teacher, they would've laughed out loud or fallen off their chairs. I was labelled the "naughty kid". Too loud. Too curious. Too much. 

For a long time, i believe i had failed. But what I've learned since is this: "I wasn't broken. The system just wasn't built for kids like me."

That truth became my fire. It's why i stand up for children who don't fit the mould, for educators who feel overlooked, and for leaders who feel like they're failing alone. 

Where I started (first steps)

By year 9, i knew school wasn't for me. I wanted to get out into the world, contribute, and do something that mattered. 

One of my first jobs was with the Australian Medical Association. I was so proud to wear my first suit, sit at a desk and earn money. And here's the funny story: back then, i thought i had so much money that instead of doing my washing, i literally bought new clothes every week. 

But here's what i've come to believe; when you find what you're truly meant to do - or when it find you - there's no stopping you. 

For me, that was early childhood 

My why. 

But here's what i've come to believe; when you find what you're truly meant to do - or when it find you - there's no stopping you. 

For me, that was early childhood. As soon as i saw the spark in children's eyes learning something for the first time, i was hooked.

I started as a trainee and spent nine years studying while working full-time. Cert III, Diploma, Degree. By the time I walked across that graduation stage, my family cheering in the crowd, it wasnt about the paper. It was about proving that persistence and passion can rewrite any story. 

And it continues to be one one of my proudest moments. 

The Dream

From day one, owning a centre was always the dream. Actually it was five centres. 

But the one i ended up buying? it was the kind of place people said "You wouldn't even take your dog there". More educators than children. Enrolments crashing. A reputation no one wanted to touch. 

I remember standing in that empty room thinking: What have i done? 

But brick by brick, moment by moment, we rebuilt it. We grew gardens, we cooked with children, we reconnected families. We showed the community what was possible when you made every moment count. 

That service went on the be rated Exceeding, win awards, and most importantly, become a place families were proud of. 

The Evolution

 As much as i loved that centre, i knew my impact wasnt meant to stay inside four walls. 

I never set out to consult, not because i had some grand plan, but because people started asking for help. And i realised i had something to give. 

Since then, I've spoken on stages, travelled to centres around the world (Italy, Japan, Scotland, UK, New Zealand) launched a podcast, mentored leaders, and built a business I never could have imagined back then. 

It still blows my mind when people say "I know you from your podcast" or when i see a director or owner finally breathe after months of overwhelm. Or when an educator realises, "i can do this" 

That's why i do this. 

The fixer in me

If you know me, you know I'm always thinking: "There has be a better way" 

That curiosity has shaped everything. Ive become the fixer - the one who takes complicated jargon, untangles it like a ball of yarn, and makes it simple enough that every educator, at evey level, can actually use it. 

I believe our profession is rich and complex - and it should be. But if it isnt accessible, it isnt embedded. My job is to meet people where they are and make the complex simple. 

Because when things are simple, people feel confident. And when people feel confident, children thrive. 

What I believe

Here what i know for sure:

- no one should have to go through this journey alone.
- we all deserve real, authentic, meaningful connections
- systems dont exist to box us in - they exist to set us free
- Leadership isnt about being liked - its about being consistent, fair, and human

These beliefs are what fuel me. They're what i bring into every service, every program, every conversation. 

Where I am now - and whats next

Today, i lead Platinum Education Group, mentor incredible humans across the country, and host a podcast thats grown into something bigger than i ever imagined. 

I'm also writing my book, The resilient leader (working title). That feels big to say out loud - but its happening. Because these lessons arent just mine. They belong to every leader walking this path. 

But here's the truth; this isnt just about me. It's about us. The children we champion. The leaders we support. The communities we build.

Enough about me. I'd love to hear your story.