Finding Purpose Through Challenge
Jim Manning, Deputy Head at Phoenix, has travelled an extraordinary path, from a turbulent childhood to the military and now into educational leadership. His journey is one of resilience, reflection, and deep compassion for helping others grow.
“I didn’t enjoy school,” Jim shares. “I was always in trouble and labelled as thick. But I wasn’t, my needs just weren’t met.”
After joining the Army, Jim found time to read, reflect, and realise that education could be done differently. That moment shaped his mission: to lead schools where every Pupil feels seen, supported, and valued.
Leading with Authenticity
Jim believes leadership is about doing, not just talking. “You can’t just talk the talk, you’ve got to walk it too,” he explains.
He leads by example, never asking Team Members to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. Whether sweeping floors, de-escalating a crisis, or mentoring new Team Members, Jim sees himself as part of the same Team, working toward a shared purpose.
“I’m a leader, but I’m also a Team Member,” he says. “We’re all part of something bigger, and that means being human, open, and approachable.”
Being a Positive Male Role Model
For Jim, being a positive male role model isn’t about perfection, it’s about honesty.
“You can’t be positive all the time. It’s about recognising when you’re struggling and reaching out. That’s strength.”
Jim promotes this openness among his Team Members and Pupils. Through supervision sessions, regular check-ins, and a genuine open-door policy, he fosters an environment where conversations about well-being are normal, not taboo.
Movember and Men’s Mental Health
Jim has taken part in Movember before, but the moustache isn’t the message, the awareness is.
“I think Movember is brilliant,” he says. “It gets men talking. My generation wasn’t good at that. Things are better now, but we still have work to do.”
From his time in the military, Jim saw firsthand how far mental health awareness has come. “When I served, counselling after deployment didn’t exist. By the time I left, we had psychologists supporting us before coming home. That’s real progress.”
Looking After Yourself First
Jim uses what he calls his circle of priorities to manage balance and mental health.
“At the centre of that circle is you,” he says. “That’s not selfish, if you don’t look after yourself, you can’t look after anyone else.”
His advice to others?
“Keep trying. Keep going. You don’t have to be the fastest, just keep plodding forward at your own pace.”
A Final Message for Movember
Jim’s final message for Pupils and colleagues alike is simple but powerful:
“Be true to yourself.”
It’s a reminder that strength isn’t about silence or toughness, it’s about authenticity, connection, and taking care of your mental health all year round.