PiXL Leadership Bookclub

PiXL ( a We Are In Beta production)
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Everything rests on leadership. Each episode on PiXL's Leadership Bookclub features Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, who is joined by two school leaders to unpack one non-educational leadership book. Together they discuss how these books can change the way we think, teach, and lead. Through their reflections, they talk about the lessons they have learned about their own leadership, and the result is honest, candid conversation, with practical takeaways for all educators. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL membership: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership

  1. Jun 3

    Rest

    Episode 5 of this series invites us to challenge one of the most deeply embedded beliefs in leadership: that working harder always leads to better outcomes. In this episode, Rachel Johnson is joined by Glynn Palmer‑Bell and Sevda Halavurt to explore Rest by Alex Soojung‑Kim Pang, a book that makes the case for “deliberate rest” as a crucial part of high performance. Drawing on scientific research and examples from some of history’s most creative thinkers, Pang shows that rest isn’t the opposite of work, it’s what makes great work possible. Together, they reflect on what this looks like in the reality of school life, where the pressure to keep going can feel relentless. From rethinking productivity to recognising the role of rest in creativity, clarity and decision‑making, this conversation offers a refreshing and much‑needed perspective. This episode challenges the idea that exhaustion is a badge of honour and instead reframes rest as a leadership discipline. If you want to lead with more energy, sharper thinking and greater sustainability, this is a conversation worth listening to. If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    40 min

  2. May 20

    Leading Remotely

    Leading across multiple schools or teams brings a unique challenge: how do you stay connected, aligned and impactful when you can’t always be physically present? In this episode of the PiXL Leadership Book Club, Rachel Johnson is joined by Daniel Terry (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Cygnus Academies Trust) and, Victoria Blunt (Executive Headteacher, Harlington and Sundon Lower Schools) to explore Leading Remotely by Mike Parkes, a thought-provoking look at leadership in an increasingly connected world. Together, they unpack what remote leadership means in education today, particularly within MATs and across multiple school sites. From building strong cultures and maintaining clarity of vision to avoiding micromanagement and creating genuine ownership, this conversation explores the tensions and opportunities that come with leading from afar. The discussion dives into practical strategies around communication, meetings, accountability and decision-making, alongside reflections on how leaders can move beyond chasing the latest KPI and instead stay rooted in purpose and values. Expect honest insights into what happens when leadership evolves beyond a single site and why clarity, connection and culture matter more than ever. If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠

    39 min

  3. May 6

    Come What May

    What does it really mean to lead through uncertainty, disruption and loss? In this episode, Rachel Johnson is joined by Victoria Reed and Jo Smith to discuss Come What May by Professor Lucy Easthope, a powerful and compassionate guide to navigating life’s most difficult moments. Drawing on her experience supporting survivors of major disasters, Easthope offers a clear-eyed view of what recovery actually looks like, not a straight line, but a complex and often messy process. Together, they explore what this means for school leaders: how to respond in moments of crisis, how to support others without overreaching, and how to recognise the quieter phases of recovery that often go unseen. From the idea of the “slump” to the risks of learned helplessness, this conversation brings honesty, depth and practical wisdom to the realities of leading in challenging times. This is an episode about resilience, but not the polished kind. It’s about carrying on, making sense of what’s happened and finding a way forward with care, patience and humanity. If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠

    43 min

  4. Apr 22

    Laws of Connection

    In Episode 3, the Leadership Bookclub turns its focus to one of the most powerful yet underestimated forces in leadership: connection. Drawing on The Laws of Connection by David Robson, this episode explores why relationships matter far more than we often realise, not just for wellbeing but for effectiveness, creativity and long‑term success. Robson’s research reveals that our ability to connect isn’t limited by personality or confidence, but by hidden psychological barriers that quietly shape how we relate to others. Rachel Johnson is joined by Ronan Sharkey and Kiran Satti for a thoughtful and energising conversation about what this means for schools and colleges. Together, they unpack ideas such as the liking gap, the beautiful mess effect and fast‑friendship, and reflect on how leaders can build deeper, more trusting relationships with staff, students and colleagues. This episode challenges the myth that connection comes naturally and shows how intentional, evidence‑based practices can transform school culture. If you’re looking to strengthen trust, collaboration and belonging in your community, this conversation offers powerful insights and practical starting points. If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠⁠⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe on Spotify⁠⁠ PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠

    47 min

  5. Apr 8

    Team Habits

    Team culture doesn’t come from posters or policies. It comes from the habits we repeat every day. This episode dives into Team Habits by Charlie Gilkey, a book that shows how small adjustments to the way people work together can transform energy, belonging and overall impact. Joining Rachel Johnson are Matt Renshaw and Claire Harley, who bring real stories from school life to the table. They unpack why team culture isn’t shaped by big initiatives but by the repeated rhythms we often barely notice: how meetings run, how communication flows, how expectations are shared and how people signal their availability. This episode is full of “oh, that’s us” moments and simple changes that can reduce friction almost immediately. If you’re a leader eager to strengthen collaboration, boost morale or create a calmer, more purposeful environment, this conversation offers practical, realistic starting points. From "rocket practice" frameworks that out into practice communicating effectively, to DRIP (decision, recommendation, intention or plan), there are so many golden nuggets that you can try out in your team meetings. Tune in today! If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Subscribe on Spotify⁠ PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠

    39 min

  6. Mar 25

    Shift

    We’re starting the season with Shift by Dr Ethan Kross, a fascinating exploration of how our emotions work and how we can take charge of them using simple tools that sit right in front of us. From shifting perspective to grounding ourselves in our senses by pausing, Kross opens the door to practical, science-backed strategies that help us think clearly and make better decisions. Host Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) is joined by school leaders Dr Chris Baker and Rozina Mulla to discuss what these ideas look like in the everyday lives of educationalists. Together, they explore how leaders can use emotional awareness to improve decision-making, support their teams and create healthier, more productive school cultures. Expect honest reflections and relatable stories, as well as plenty of practical insights you can put to use straightaway like carrying out "space audits" and visualising techniques to manage emotions. Whether you’re keen to manage stress more effectively or help your staff navigate the emotional demands of the job, this episode offers powerful guidance grounded in neuroscience but fully rooted in education. Prepare to lead by managing your emotions, rather than being managed by your emotions. If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: ⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/⁠ for free downloads Read Rachel's three books: ⁠ Time to Think 1: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them⁠ ⁠Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them⁠ ⁠ Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead⁠ Listen to the PiXL Pearls. ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠ Subscribe on Spotify PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠

    48 min

  7. Season 7 Trailer

    Season 7 - starting 25th March

    The PiXL Leadership Book Club is back for Season 7 - with new books, new guests and lots of new takeaways to share. In each episode, two school leaders discuss how non-educational leadership books can help with leading remotely, building resilience, and even learning to rest. Now, there is a concept for leaders! We look at how the thinking behind huge corporations, and of change making leaders, can be applied to our teams in our settings, because our leadership is stronger when ideas are shared. So if you're looking for fresh thinking, actionable ideas, and a chance to pause and reflect, this is your invitation to join the conversation.  Join PIXL CEO - Rachel Johnson - every Wednesday, on the PiXL Leadership Book Club. Starting 25th March 2026. Follow us now in your podcast app to make sure you don't miss out. Books we’ll be discussing are: Come What May - Lucy Easthope Leading Remotely – Mike Parkes Rest - Alex Soojung-Kim Pang Shatterproof - Tasha Eurich Shift - Ethan Kross Team Habits - Charlie Gilkey The Founders Mentality: How to Overcome the Predictable Crises of Growth - Chris Zook and James Allen The Laws of Connection - David Robson

    2 min

  8. 08/13/2025 ·  Bonus

    Be a guest on Series 7

    We hope you are enjoying your summer holidays! We are preparing for Series 7 of the PiXL Leadership Book Club Podcast and now it's your turn to be a guest discussing the books on the list. Click here to see which books we'll be discussing and to register your interest in taking part. Or... know someone who would be a great guest? Send them the link to this and tell them how brilliant they'd be. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    1 min
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About

Everything rests on leadership. Each episode on PiXL's Leadership Bookclub features Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, who is joined by two school leaders to unpack one non-educational leadership book. Together they discuss how these books can change the way we think, teach, and lead. Through their reflections, they talk about the lessons they have learned about their own leadership, and the result is honest, candid conversation, with practical takeaways for all educators. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL membership: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership

Information

  • Creator
    PiXL ( a We Are In Beta production)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    PiXL Leadership Bookclub

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