PiXL Leadership Bookclub

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 [https://auth.pixl.org.uk/members/feature/1/49893403] 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/ [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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-things-that-stop/dp/1036004805] Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them [https://amzn.eu/d/0a7iASie] Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Quadrants-change-live/dp/1036007308]   Listen to the PiXL Pearls. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pixl-pearls/id1486355262]  Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Nqrj9VkMfRyLJkgf3iJW?si=99fdb153790d48f8]   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/ [https://www.pixl.org.uk/]

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/ [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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-things-that-stop/dp/1036004805] Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them [https://amzn.eu/d/0a7iASie] Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Quadrants-change-live/dp/1036007308]   Listen to the PiXL Pearls. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pixl-pearls/id1486355262]  Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Nqrj9VkMfRyLJkgf3iJW?si=99fdb153790d48f8]   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/ [https://www.pixl.org.uk/]

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/ [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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-things-that-stop/dp/1036004805] Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them [https://amzn.eu/d/0a7iASie] Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Quadrants-change-live/dp/1036007308]   Listen to the PiXL Pearls. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pixl-pearls/id1486355262]  Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Nqrj9VkMfRyLJkgf3iJW?si=99fdb153790d48f8]   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/ [https://www.pixl.org.uk/]

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/ [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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-things-that-stop/dp/1036004805] Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them [https://amzn.eu/d/0a7iASie] Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Quadrants-change-live/dp/1036007308]   Listen to the PiXL Pearls. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pixl-pearls/id1486355262]  Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Nqrj9VkMfRyLJkgf3iJW?si=99fdb153790d48f8]   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/ [https://www.pixl.org.uk/]

There’s an art to negotiating, and who better to learn how to handle the toughest conversations than from a former hostage negotiator? In our next episode, we delve into Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, a former international FBI hostage negotiator whose high-stakes experiences have shaped a revolutionary approach to everyday negotiation. Rachel (PiXL CEO), and Grace and Kay unpack how Voss transforms the tactics once reserved for life-or-death scenarios into practical strategies for influencing outcomes at work, in schools, and beyond. From tactical empathy to the surprising power of “no”, and how a well-placed mirror or label can unlock breakthroughs, this is a masterclass in human connection and persuasion – something all school leaders can benefit from. Whether you’re handling a tricky conversation with colleagues or parents, or just trying to get your pupils to do their homework, this episode has something for you. Get ready to negotiate like life depends on it – because sometimes, your success just might make a difference in those who you lead.   If you enjoyed PiXL Leadership Book Club... Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ [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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Think-things-that-stop/dp/1036004805] Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about them [https://amzn.eu/d/0a7iASie] Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Box-Clever-Quadrants-change-live/dp/1036007308]   Listen to the PiXL Pearls. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pixl-pearls/id1486355262]  Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45Nqrj9VkMfRyLJkgf3iJW?si=99fdb153790d48f8]   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/ [https://www.pixl.org.uk/]