Leading Lights Episode 4
Jayne Taylor, CEO of The Elephant Group on her path to leadership of the charity dedicated to improving fair access to top universities.
"I do think it's important to use the fire, not set yourself on fire.
So use all the passion, all the energy, all the stuff that you have but [don't] set yourself on fire in the process. Don't become a sacrifice because you're not any good to anyone if you burn out."
About the episode
Abi’s guest for Episode 4 is Jayne Taylor, CEO of The Elephant Group, a headteacher-led charity dedicated to improving fair access to top universities.
Through collaboration with school leaders, universities, and key partners, The Elephant Group supports academically able students from non-selective state schools, helping them achieve their aspirations through tailored programmes and sector-wide initiatives.
In this episode, Jayne shares how the impact of her older brother having a serious illness when she was ten defined her childhood, and sparked a keen desire to help young people derailed by difficult circumstances to achieve their academic potential.
She also shares her thoughts on:
- The surprising similarities between becoming a parent and becoming a chief exec;
- Why she thinks teenagers are underrated;
- What she's learned about leadership from playing Roller Derby and obsessively reading about mountaineering.
This is a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the charity sector, leadership, young people, academia, achieving a balance between family life and career goals, and much more.
About The Elephant Group
The Elephant Group is a headteacher-led charity that is committed to creating fair student access to top universities by collaborating with schools, universities, and wider partner organisations.
It identifies challenges faced by schools and works with key partners to create a lasting change. Via its core programmes, Elephant Access and the Meta Method, it works with over 3,500 students from low progression areas, delivering targeted activities designed to develop lifelong skills and support capable students into the universities and career paths that they deserve.
Its model of cross-sector collaboration allows it to draw on a wide network, gathering resources, information and connections to help upskill school staff and help students to develop the skills and knowledge that they need to make an informed choice based on their aspirations.
Find out more about The Elephant Group by following the charity on X or LinkedIn, or visit its website.
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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't miss our next fascinating guest - Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International - available from 3rd February 2025.
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Visit the Leading Lights page to find out more about MOREVER’s podcast and listen to our other episodes.