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.
What is the biggest problem in education that nobody is talking about?
In this episode of the SLT Podcast, Ziggy sits down with Yamina Bibi — award-winning deputy headteacher, English teacher, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, author, and education project specialist — for a powerful conversation about leadership, representation, systemic barriers, coaching, and the future of education.
Yamina speaks honestly about the lack of diversity at senior and executive leadership level, why representation matters for all young people, and why schools must move beyond surface-level conversations to confront systemic racism, discrimination, and barriers within the profession.
The conversation also explores what separates good leadership from exceptional school leadership, the importance of values, systems, accountability, psychological safety, coaching, mentoring, and investing in your own development.
Yamina also reflects on her own journey through education, the mentors and coaches who shaped her, the importance of networking, and why schools must do more to retain global majority teachers, early career teachers, women, and mother teachers.
💬 “The future of education depends on young people seeing themselves in their school teachers and leaders.”
Sponsored by Uniform Education, the official recruitment sponsor of the SLT Podcast.
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⏰ Chapters:
0:00 – Sponsor intro: Uniform Education
0:15 – Welcome to the SLT Podcast
1:16 – Introducing Yamina Bibi
2:19 – Yamina joins the conversation
3:06 – The biggest problem in education nobody is talking about
3:45 – Systemic barriers and global majority teachers
4:37 – Why representation in leadership matters
6:07 – Diversity benefits every young person
7:15 – White working-class pupils, London schools, and opportunity
9:45 – What separates good leadership from exceptional leadership?
10:56 – Values, systems, and accountability in schools
12:07 – Radical candour: high support and high challenge
14:16 – What would Yamina prioritise as a headteacher?
15:28 – Psychological safety and school culture
16:52 – Creating your own pathway in education
18:10 – Mentorship, career clarity, and leadership development
20:37 – Why coaches and mentors matter
23:20 – Coaching and development in education
24:04 – How coaching changed Yamina’s leadership style
26:11 – Why teachers should consider coaching
28:48 – Investing in yourself as an educator
30:06 – Coaching, systemic barriers, and professional development
32:45 – What excites Yamina about the future of education
34:16 – The national policy Yamina would influence
35:26 – Initial teacher training and the importance of support
38:30 – Quick-fire leadership questions
41:25 – The future of education depends on representation
42:19 – Final reflections and outro
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📢 About SLT Podcast:
Hosted by Rena Johnson — Deputy Head, Designated Teacher, SENDco & DSL — and Ziggy Moore — Assistant Headteacher & Founder of Moore Education — the SLT Podcast is a bi-weekly series featuring powerful conversations with leaders doing impactful work in education and youth development.
Each episode creates space for honest discussion around education, safeguarding, leadership, school culture, parents, young people, and the real issues affecting schools today.
#SLTPodcast #YaminaBibi #EducationLeadership #DiversityInEducation #SchoolLeadership #RepresentationMatters #TeacherDevelopment #CoachingInEducation #SeriousLeadersTalking
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