EP : 79 The Weight Leaders Carry and Why It Matters
Fri Jan 30 2026
In this thoughtful and deeply human episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Dame Alison Peacock former headteacher and founding CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching to explore the realities of school leadership that are rarely spoken about openly.
Alison describes headship as “both impossible and delightful,” a phrase that captures the tension so many leaders live with every day. Together, we reflect on the unpredictability of leadership, the emotional load leaders carry and the pressure created by inspection, accountability and constant readiness.
This conversation moves beyond systems and structures and centres on people. We talk honestly about isolation in leadership, the myth of the heroic leader and how cultures of trust, collaboration and creativity are not optional extras; they are protective factors against burnout.
Alison shares powerful reflections from her own headship, including leading a school in special measures, and how shifting from control to emancipating teachers rebuilt agency, energy and collective purpose.
This episode is for school leaders, teachers and anyone in education who is holding responsibility alongside care and wondering how to do that without losing themselves in the process.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Why school leadership feels both deeply rewarding and relentlessly demandingThe impact of constant unpredictability and emotional readiness on leadersHow inspection and accountability quietly shape leadership behaviourWhy anchoring leadership to a nobler purpose changes everythingThe hidden isolation many leaders experience and why it mattersWhy leadership is not about being the hero, but enabling othersWhat “emancipating teachers” looks like in practiceHow burnout begins with feeling unseen, unheard and disconnectedWhy valuing staff wellbeing is essential, not “soft” leadershipHow creativity protects against burnout and restores professional trustWhy school culture is shaped in small, everyday momentsWhat sustainable leadership really requires beyond enduranceKey Message
Leadership is not meant to be carried alone.
Burnout is not a personal failure.
Endurance is not the same as sustainability.
When leadership is rooted in humanity, creativity and shared purpose, it becomes possible to protect both people and outcomes. The tension between heavy and hopeful, impossible and delightful, is not a sign that something is wrong, it is the reality of leading well.
This episode is an invitation to lead with intention, connection and courage and to remember that how we lead matters just as much as what we lead.
Connect with Dame Alison Peacock:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dame-alison-peacock-dl-dlitt-7b996b24
Would you like to talk about coaching options? 1:1 sessions or group? Book a call here: https://calendly.com/rowenaphicks/30min
Follow me on:
1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks
2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks
3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks
Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com
Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com
More
In this thoughtful and deeply human episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Dame Alison Peacock former headteacher and founding CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching to explore the realities of school leadership that are rarely spoken about openly. Alison describes headship as “both impossible and delightful,” a phrase that captures the tension so many leaders live with every day. Together, we reflect on the unpredictability of leadership, the emotional load leaders carry and the pressure created by inspection, accountability and constant readiness. This conversation moves beyond systems and structures and centres on people. We talk honestly about isolation in leadership, the myth of the heroic leader and how cultures of trust, collaboration and creativity are not optional extras; they are protective factors against burnout. Alison shares powerful reflections from her own headship, including leading a school in special measures, and how shifting from control to emancipating teachers rebuilt agency, energy and collective purpose. This episode is for school leaders, teachers and anyone in education who is holding responsibility alongside care and wondering how to do that without losing themselves in the process. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why school leadership feels both deeply rewarding and relentlessly demandingThe impact of constant unpredictability and emotional readiness on leadersHow inspection and accountability quietly shape leadership behaviourWhy anchoring leadership to a nobler purpose changes everythingThe hidden isolation many leaders experience and why it mattersWhy leadership is not about being the hero, but enabling othersWhat “emancipating teachers” looks like in practiceHow burnout begins with feeling unseen, unheard and disconnectedWhy valuing staff wellbeing is essential, not “soft” leadershipHow creativity protects against burnout and restores professional trustWhy school culture is shaped in small, everyday momentsWhat sustainable leadership really requires beyond enduranceKey Message Leadership is not meant to be carried alone. Burnout is not a personal failure. Endurance is not the same as sustainability. When leadership is rooted in humanity, creativity and shared purpose, it becomes possible to protect both people and outcomes. The tension between heavy and hopeful, impossible and delightful, is not a sign that something is wrong, it is the reality of leading well. This episode is an invitation to lead with intention, connection and courage and to remember that how we lead matters just as much as what we lead. Connect with Dame Alison Peacock: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dame-alison-peacock-dl-dlitt-7b996b24 Would you like to talk about coaching options? 1:1 sessions or group? Book a call here: https://calendly.com/rowenaphicks/30min Follow me on: 1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks 2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks 3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com