EP12: Phil Walklate (Headteacher at Erasmus Darwin Academy)

Inspirational Erasmus Darwin Academy Headteacher, Phil Walklate joins Dr Paul Mansell and Jack Bullock in the studio to talk about his experiences of pressure in an educational setting. Given the responsibility of Phil's job, he describes his general approach to performing well himself as a leader whilst also allowing others to flourish. Studying an undergraduate at Staffordshire University, Phil then completed a PGCE in Physical Education, earning him a job as a PE teacher, before eventually working his way up the ladder to being a Headteacher. Now managing over 100 members of staff and nearly 1200 students, Phil has to deal with the pressures of ensuring his students are receiving the best experience possible. The trio discuss the importance of using values as a way of leading under pressure, how a leader should focus on the personal development of their team, and how to perform well when the focus is on outcomes. Phil details the important of transparency in leadership and how showing vulnerability by sharing stories is an effective in allowing connections to form between individuals. The idea of avoiding groupthink is also discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices