PiXL Leadership Bookclub

PiXL ( a We Are In Beta production)
PiXL Leadership Bookclub

Everything rests on leadership. Each fortnight on PiXL’s Leadership Bookclub, Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, will be joined by two school leaders to discuss one non-educational leadership book that can change the way we think, teach, and lead. Reflecting, 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 subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership

  1. JUN 12

    The 4 Disciplines of Execution

    Welcome to the final episode of Series 5 of the PiXL Leadership Book Club. Join host Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) as she dives into "The 4 Disciplines of Execution" by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling. This week, Rachel is joined by Leo Dudin (Deputy Head Academic at Oakham School) and Carly Woodall (Head of Year 6 at Brooklands School). Together, they unpack the timeless principles of focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability from the book that has shaped much of PiXL's methodology. Discover how these educational leaders apply the four disciplines to enhance student outcomes and school leadership. Learn practical strategies for setting wildly important goals, developing lead measures, and creating a cadence of accountability. Tune in to explore the transformative power of disciplined execution in education.   Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1. PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    40 min
  2. MAY 29

    Fractured

    Welcome to the penultimate episode of the 5th series of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub! Join Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, with Chandini Misra (Principal at Repton Al Barsha in Dubai) and Amos Turner-Wardell (Principal at Regents International School Pattaya in Thailand), as they explore Jon Yates' impactful book, "Fractured: Why Our Societies Are Coming Apart and How We Put Them Back Together Again". Yates' book delves into the root causes of societal division and offers a hopeful roadmap for fostering belonging and unity. In a world where we increasingly spend less time with those different from ourselves, Yates demonstrates how engaging with diverse groups can build understanding, tolerance, and friendship.  Discover how these school leaders apply Yates' insights to create a sense of belonging within their educational communities. From fostering inclusive environments to implementing shared practices that bridge divides, they share practical strategies for uniting students and staff in diversity and fortifying empathy. Join us for an inspiring conversation on strengthening the bonds within your school community. Tune in to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub and learn how to build a more connected and inclusive environment in your schools today!   Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1. PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    43 min
  3. MAY 15

    The Promise That Changes Everything

    Explore Nancy Kline's "The Promise That Changes Everything" with Rachel Johnson (PiXL, CEO) Angela Stanton, Headteacher at Brookhurst School in Warwickshire, and Chris Stephens, Deputy Head at The Romsey School in Southampton. In a world where communication is key, Kline's book introduces a powerful promise: "I won't interrupt you". Learn how this pledge can strengthen relationships and improve conversations, particularly in the educational arena. Join these experienced leaders as they uncover practical strategies for better listening, drawing from Kline's research on independent thought and communication barriers. From understanding the mechanisms of the four systems of interruptions to implementing innovative practices like 'Solution Circles', this episode is packed with actionable tips for educators and school leaders. Don't miss this chance to transform your communication skills and deepen your connections with those you lead. Tune in to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub and unlock the promise that could change everything! Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1. PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    38 min
  4. MAY 1

    The Talent Code

    Host Rachel Johnson is joined by Paul Ainsworth (author and Education Director at Infinities Academy Trust), and Damith Bandara (Deputy Head at St Margaret's CofE in London), as they dig out the gems from Daniel Coyle's "The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secret of Skill". In this captivating book, Coyle reveals the key elements for optimising performance in sports, art, music, math, and more. Our guests unpack precisely how to apply this to the educational environment, giving us nuggets of wisdom they’ve collected as experienced school leaders. Learn about ‘Deep Practice’, ‘Ignition’, and ‘Master Coaching’ and how they can be implemented in schools to nurture talent, enhance learning, and propel leadership development. Join us as we explore practical strategies for fostering a culture of excellence and unlocking the potential of every staff and student. Tune in to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub for insights into unleashing greatness in education! Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1. PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    47 min
  5. APR 17

    High Performance

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub! This week, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) is joined by Alan Brooks (Deputy Head at St Michael's CofE High School in Wolverhampton) and Dina Shah (Deputy Principal at St Julian's School in Portugal). Together, they explore the transformative wisdom of Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes' "High Performance: Lessons from the Best on Becoming Your Best". Humphrey and Hughes reveal the eight essential habits of the world's leading sportspeople, coaches, and entrepreneurs– but what relevance could these lessons have in a school setting? From taking ownership of one's learning journey to identifying and fostering 'Trademark Behaviours', this book offers invaluable insights for educators and pupils alike. Whether it is instilling a sense of responsibility, fostering a growth mindset, empowering student voices or boosting self-efficacy, the lessons this book offers lay out a blueprint for success. Take advantage of this dynamic episode of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub podcast for the opportunity to learn how to start nurturing the best cultures for high performance within your team, your school, your community, and beyond. Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1.PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here   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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    38 min
  6. APR 3

    Fearless Organisation

    Welcome to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub, where this week, brave humble and fearless leadership takes centre stage! Join Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) along with Saiqua Zaneb (Assistant Head, Central Foundation Girls' School) and Cat Rushton, (Director of Institute, Academy Transformation Trust) as they uncover profound insights from Amy C. Edmondson’s ground-breaking book, "The Fearless Organization".   Edmondson’s work serves as a guiding beacon for cultivating psychological safety within teams, fostering an environment conducive to learning, innovation, and growth. Discover the vital link between psychological safety and high performance, and learn practical strategies for creating an educational environment where authenticity thrives and outcomes flourish as a result.   Our school leaders share their wealth of experience and practical tips for nurturing engagement, embracing diverse perspectives, and celebrating risk-taking. From cultivating the right conditions to making space for proactive enquiry, they dive into the methods and strategies they adopt to ensure they constantly strive to foster a sense of psychological safety within their teams. Tune in to break out of your comfort zone and embrace fearless leadership today!   Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1.PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here   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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    42 min
  7. MAR 20

    Deep Work

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub! Join host Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) as she engages in a captivating discussion with Samantha Rasmussen (Vice Principal at Ely College) and Lucy Morris (Deputy Head at The Kingston Academy). This week, they unravel the transformative insights of Cal Newport's "Deep Work". Newport's book sheds light on the power of focus amidst the chaos of modern life. It explores how, by mastering the ability to concentrate on cognitively demanding tasks, individuals can unlock extraordinary results and true fulfilment in their professional endeavours. Join us as we delve into the strategies for embracing deep work and harnessing it as a superpower in the busyness of the school day. From the physical act of shutting doors or removing themselves from distracting spaces to capitalising on "trapped time", our seasoned educators share their tested strategies for reclaiming precious moments of concentration amidst the chaos. Tune in to this episode to embark on a journey toward greater consistent productivity both in and out of the school setting.   Did you know we have two other podcasts?   PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here   2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here   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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    43 min
  8. MAR 6

    Fierce Leadership

    Set aside conventional wisdom as we challenge the status quo of organisational practices. Welcome back to Series 5 of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub, where we dive deep into the realms of leadership with unyielding curiosity. Join host Rachel Johnson as she embarks on an leadership approaches, extracting key messages and discussing the key concepts, alongside Jeremy Rowe (CEO/Director of Education at Sir John Leman High School), and Pav Aujla (Teaching and Learning lead at Creative Education Trust). In this illuminating episode, we explore the paradigm-shifting insights of Susan Scott's "Fierce Leadership". From debunking the myths of anonymous feedback to revolutionising accountability, Scott unveils a bold new perspective on effective leadership, and our guests apply this to the educational environment! Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as these leaders dissect the flawed "best" practices ingrained in school cultures and be fierce in your leadership.   Did you know we have two other podcasts? 1. PiXL Pearls - 10 minute leadership reflections Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here 2. How do you teach? Covering the trickiest issues in English and Science and giving practical ways of teaching them Listen on Apple Podcast here Listen on Spotify here   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 or email us at membership@pixl.org.uk to find out more. PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.

    44 min

About

Everything rests on leadership. Each fortnight on PiXL’s Leadership Bookclub, Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, will be joined by two school leaders to discuss one non-educational leadership book that can change the way we think, teach, and lead. Reflecting, 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 subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada