
Advertise on podcast: PiXL Leadership Bookclub
This podcast has
63 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
PiXL ( a We Are In Beta production)Explicit
No
Date created
2020/03/13
Latest episode
2026/07/15
Average duration
36 min.
Release period
31 days
Description
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
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Check latest episodes from PiXL Leadership Bookclub podcast
This Is Strategy
2026/07/15
What makes a great strategy? According to Seth Godin, it starts with asking better questions.
In last episode of Series 7 of the PiXL Leadership Book Club, Rachel Johnson is joined by school leaders Sian Cumming and Luke Moseley to explore This Is Strategy, a refreshingly different leadership book packed with thought-provoking ideas rather than traditional chapters.
Together, they reflect on what strategy really means in schools, from designing elegant systems and creating the conditions for success to resisting the temptation of heroic fixes. They explore how shared language, culture and clear thinking can transform organisations, why hidden decisions "get mouldy", and how leaders can make time for the work of thinking, not just the job of doing.
Expect practical insights into building better systems, leading meaningful change and choosing the right questions before chasing the right answers. Along the way, the conversation unpacks memorable ideas such as "systemic advantage defeats heroic effort", why constraints can be a gift, and how finding the right balance of coaches and cheerleaders can strengthen leadership.
Whether you're leading a classroom, a department or an entire school, this episode offers a powerful reminder that great leadership isn't about having all the answers - it's about creating the conditions where better ones can emerge.
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
Founders Mentality
2026/07/01
What does it take to grow an organisation without losing what made it effective in the first place?
In this episode, Rachel Johnson is joined by Dele Rotimi and Deborah Syme to explore The Founder’s Mentality by Chris Zook and James Allen. The book challenges the idea that growth challenges are driven by external pressures, arguing instead that the biggest risks are internal, loss of clarity, increasing distance from the front line and the steady creep of complexity.
Applying these ideas to education, this conversation explores how school and trust leaders can stay anchored in purpose, maintain a strong sense of ownership across teams and remain closely connected to the everyday realities of students and staff. From simplifying processes to sharpening focus, the discussion highlights practical ways to protect culture and sustain momentum as organisations evolve.
This episode offers a powerful lens on growth leadership, reminding us that scaling successfully is not about doing more, but about staying true to what matters most.
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
Shatterproof
2026/06/17
In this episode we take on one of the most widely accepted ideas in leadership and ask a difficult question: what if resilience isn’t enough?
In Shatterproof, organisational psychologist Dr Tasha Eurich challenges the belief that we should simply “push through” tough times. Instead, she offers a more honest and sustainable approach, one that recognises that resilience has limits and that growth comes not from endurance alone, but from understanding and responding to what we truly need.
Rachel Johnson is joined by Paul Staveley and Anna‑Marie Rooney to explore what this means in the context of school leadership. Together, they reflect on the pressures leaders face, the reality of feeling stretched too thin and the habits that can keep us stuck in cycles of exhaustion.
This is a conversation about moving beyond coping. From recognising personal stress triggers to replacing unhelpful patterns with ones that restore energy and clarity, the episode offers practical, research‑informed ways to turn challenge into meaningful growth.
Honest, thought‑provoking and deeply relevant, this episode invites leaders to rethink not just how they survive difficult moments, but how they emerge from them stronger and more self‑aware.
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
Rest
2026/06/03
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
Leading Remotely
2026/05/20
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
Come What May
2026/05/06
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
Laws of Connection
2026/04/22
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
Team Habits
2026/04/08
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
Shift
2026/03/25
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
Season 7 - starting 25th March
2026/03/18
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
Be a guest on Series 7
2025/08/13
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.
The One Thing
2025/06/18
What if doing less is the key to achieving more?
In this final episode of the PiXL Leadership Book Club, Rachel Johnson is joined by school leaders Tom Moseley and Stephanie Shaldas to discuss The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan – a book that challenges everything we think we know about productivity, balance and success.
Together, they unpack the dangers of distraction, the myth of multitasking and the liberating clarity of asking one powerful question: What's the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?
In a profession that demands so much, this episode is a chance to pause and reflect on where we're really putting our energy, bravely asking ourselves 'what might change if we dared to focus?'
Listen now, and if you are a PiXL member, explore the Leadership Thinking Guide on getting serious about subtraction to help you apply the insights to your work and your life.
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
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Poor
2025/06/04
What does it take to break the cycle and who helps make that possible?
In this deeply moving episode of the PiXL Leadership Book Club, Rachel Johnson is joined by Rebecca Broadley and Sapna Vadher to discuss Poor by Katriona O'Sullivan, a story of survival, resilience and the transformative power of education.
Growing up in poverty, becoming a mum at 15 and experiencing homelessness, Katriona defied the odds and credits the teachers and mentors who saw something in her when it felt like no one else did. Her memoir is a fierce call to action to recognise the invisible battles many children face and to lead with compassion, high expectations and belief.
Katriona has previously joined us to share her story at PiXL events and it never fails to stop people in their tracks. This conversation builds on that legacy, offering school leaders a powerful reminder: your words, your care, your belief might just be the turning point in a child's life.
An unforgettable listen for anyone who leads, teaches or holds space for young people.
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
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Ruthlessly Caring
2025/05/21
What does it really take to lead well in today's uncertain and fast-moving world?
In this episode of the PiXL Leadership Bookclub podcast, Rachel Johnson is joined by Lynsey Holzer and Kerim Ramadan to explore Ruthlessly Caring by Amy Walters Cohen.
They reflect on how school leadership is evolving and what it means to embrace paradoxes like being ambitious while staying grounded, or confident while remaining humble.
Drawing from the book's five leadership mindsets, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone leading in schools today, whether that is for one school, or many as part of your Trust!
Tune in today for the practical top tips that you can use to master thinking through paradoxes, not simply being paralysed by them when they come up.
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
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Women Who Work Too Much
2025/05/07
Are we all using our last embers just to keep going in our jobs as teachers?
This week on the PiXL Leadership Bookclub, Rachel Johnson is joined by guests to explore Women Who Work Too Much by Tamu Thomas. This is a powerful guide to breaking free from burnout, overwork and the pressure to prove your worth by doing more.
Though written for women, the truths in this book resonate across the profession: educators are carrying an ever-growing load—at work, at home, and in their own heads. They dive into 'talk boundaries', rest, guilt and the belief that we must earn our worth through relentless effort.
If you're tired of feeling stretched thin but still pushing through, this one's for you!
Tune in and ask yourself: what might change if you stopped seeing rest as weakness?
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
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
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