The SLT Podcast (Serious Leaders Talking)
The SLT Podcast (Serious Leaders Talking)
Podcast Description
The SLT Podcast focuses on the realities of being a Black senior leader in education and the unique challenges and responsibilities. that entail. Rena, Ziggy And Jordan discuss how they navigate systemic barriers, such as underrepresentation and biases, while striving to create inclusive environments. In additions to the pressure of being role models for both students and colleagues, advocating for equity and diversity.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as educational leadership, systemic racism, equity in education, and mentorship. Specific episodes discuss topics like the politics surrounding VAT on private school fees, the journey of transforming struggling schools into successful institutions, and the importance of mentorship for Black youth. Episodes highlight the lived experiences of guests and address pressing issues like representation and inclusion in education.
The SLT Podcast focuses on the realities of being a Black senior leader in education and the unique challenges and responsibilities. that entail. Rena, Ziggy And Jordan discuss how they navigate systemic barriers, such as underrepresentation and biases, while striving to create inclusive environments. In additions to the pressure of being role models for both students and colleagues, advocating for equity and diversity.
The emails you draft at 11pm but delete before hitting send. The frustrations whispered in the staff room. The career doubts you're too afraid to voice. In this raw Q&A episode, Ziggy and Rena tackle three real questions from teachers that cut to the heart of what it's really like in education right now.
The Questions:
- Why does it feel like teachers are expected to manage behavior but no longer allowed to discipline?
- I work hard, get good results, but my career has stalled—what am I missing?
- I love teaching but I'm tired. How do I know whether to push through or move on?
Key Takeaways:
- Discipline is subjective—but consistency across staff is non-negotiable
- The ”Maverick Teacher” problem: How inconsistency undermines ECTs
- Why parents are now sending AI-generated 6-page complaint emails
- The career killer nobody talks about: Not having an advocate
- Working hard ≠ career progression without clarity and positioning
- Being ”uncoachable” often comes down to ego (they went there)
- How to know if it's short-term tiredness or long-term depletion
- Why teaching feels more draining than it used to (spoiler: it's not just age)
- Education adjacent roles you didn't know existed: Virtual schools, museum education, sports clubs, local authority positions
Hosts: Rena Johnson (Future Ed Best School Leader 2025) & Ziggy Moore
The Caribbean Food Analogy: Why asking you to subscribe goes against everything Ziggy was taught growing up (but he's asking anyway—please just hit that button!)
People/Organizations Mentioned:
- Hussain Hussain (Cape Mentors) – ”Check your ego”
- Gary Phillips – Career mentorship
- Melissa – Current headteacher & advocate
- Aspiring Heads
- Step Up Network
- Virtual Schools (children looked after)
- Barnardo's, museums, football clubs (alternative education careers)
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!We fund this passion project ourselves. If you listen on your commute, laugh at our banter, or find value in what we do—just hit subscribe. That's literally all we ask.
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Disclaimer
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