PiXL Pearls

Have we all been tricked into endless productivity? In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) takes on the myth that "doing more" equals "being more." We've turned into human "doings" instead of human beings, stuck in a cycle where multi-tasking – a concept created for computers – has encroached every aspect of work and life. This episode offers great reflections on this problem...

Sabotage is a well-known strategy in times of war. We may not be battling within our schools, but what if the greatest saboteur against progress in your leadership was you? The first episode of this new Pearls Podcast series takes us into the fascinating realm of "Simple Sabotage," where we examine covert tactics used by everyday citizens during WWII, inspired by the Simple Sabotage Field Manual c...

The PiXL Pearls is back for a 7th series! In this exciting eight-part series, we dive into the stories and lessons that will inspire today's leaders and shape the leaders of tomorrow. From the artistry of chocolatiers to the wisdom of Charles Dickens and the insights of forensic linguistics, each episode tackles essential themes such as sussing out sabotage and recognising the traps of toxic produ...

It's often acknowledged that starting is the hardest part, but by surrendering to feeling stuck at this step, perhaps many of us are doing a disservice to the innovative ideas waiting to emerge. In the final episode of the PiXL Pearls series, "The Hard Yards", Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) reflects on the inspiring relationship between Tchaikovsky and his benefactor, Nadezhda Von Meck. For 13 years, h...

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's bullfighting analogy "Querencia", this episode delves into the ways that finding your safe space can empower you to face challenges head-on and the secret weapon to transforming them into triumphs. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or simply someone looking to navigate life's storms, discover practical strategies to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and ignite yo...

Structure is crucial to build a strong leadership foundation, but at times, inflexibility can be a cause of collapse. In this episode, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) unpacks LEGO's dramatic rise, near-fall, and ultimate comeback. Their obsession with quality made them legends, but by the late '90s, that same rigidity nearly sank them. When they finally pivoted, they went too far, sacrificing core value...

Effective collaboration is a capstone of effective leadership for all involved, yet it is a skill that many find hard to master – both within and outside the schooling environment. In this episode of the PiXL Pearls podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) dives into the high-stakes collaboration that created the legendary Blackadder. Ben Elton and Richard Curtis wrote separately, swapping scripts and r...

Sadness is often considered to be a dreary topic, but it's vital to our humanity, and especially so in roles as educators and school leaders. Defined as a natural response to emotional pain, sadness can actually enhance our attention to detail, perseverance, generosity, and gratitude. In this episode of the PiXL Pearls podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores the unexpected power of sadness thr...

Thoughtful planning is imperative for successful leadership, yet, in the fast-paced school environment, many leaders find themselves acting now and thinking later – and subsequently rushing to put out the fires that arise from such snap decisions. Knowing when to go fast and when to go slow is a key tenant of effective and efficient leadership, but it remains a constant struggle for many. Rachel J...

In the second episode of PiXL Pearls Series 6, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) takes us on a transformative leadership journey inspired by the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Discover the hidden lessons in this natural process and how they apply to leadership and personal growth. Explore practical strategies to navigate change, avoid ego depletion, and overcome decision fatigue. Learn h...

We kick off PiXL Pearls Series 6 with an enchanting episode that dives into the story behind Disney's beloved song "A Spoonful of Sugar." Join Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) as she reveals how the Sherman Brothers turned a simple idea from Robert Sherman's son into a timeless hit that embodies the magic of making tough tasks enjoyable. Uncover the secret to Walt Disney's favourite song from Mary Poppin...

PiXL Pearls is back for series 6, brimming with inspiring stories to fuel your leadership journey. Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores invaluable lessons for leaders, drawing inspiration from Mary Poppins' wisdom to Pixar and LEGO's success stories. Discover how to tackle invisible challenges, embrace the power of slowing down, and understand the importance of sadness and pauses in leadership. Lear...

Thank you for listening to Pearls. Thousands of you have. More people are finding them every day. Do rate and review so even more people will find us. We're here to tell you about an exciting new podcast out the week beginning the 4th March, called "How Do You Teach?" There are 12 episodes (6 for English released on Mondays and 6 for Science released on Tuesdays) all on one stream. We talk about t...

Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) wraps up this series with a look at fear; how it manifests in leadership, and how it can hinder our development. From Rugby star Eddie Jones, to revered author and poet Maya Angelou, to highly decorated composer and musician Leonard Bernstein, there's lots to learn from how these iconic figures faced their fears and how it has propelled them in their respective fields to...

You'll be familiar with Coco Chanel, her work and her legacy. But what do you know about her upbringing? Join PiXL CEO, Rachel Johnson, as she explores the surprising losses Coco Chanel endured and how she used them to transform her life. Discover the seven forms of loss you may not have realised you've experienced and learn to apply four 'R's to avoid staying stuck where you are. What have you lo...

How is your emotional bank account today? Delve into the extraordinary journey of Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. From navigating crises to her heartfelt resignation, Ardern's story epitomises resilience and authenticity. Join us as we explore her highs, lows, and the courage to lead and leave on her terms, challenging perceptions of leadership as she candidly shares her emot...

PiXL CEO, Rachel Johnson, explores the synergy of realism and optimism through the captivating and inspiring stories of Franklin Roosevelt and Michael J Fox– Roosevelt, overcoming polio, and Fox, battling Parkinson's, exemplifying resilience fortified by their optimism. We delve into psychologist Martin Seligman's insights, distinguishing between pessimism and optimism. Find out how navigating cla...

How much time do you spend 'seeing the possible'? Join PiXL CEO, Rachel Johnson, as she dives into the theme of "Invisible Chains" and its impact on individuals, schools, and success. She explores the metaphor of the "chained elephant syndrome", delving into how past conditioning can limit our potential. Rachel reflects on language use, questioning how labels such as "disadvantaged" or school rati...

We all make mistakes, and more often than not, it arises as a result of us getting carried away and making the wrong judgment. Welcome to the PiXL Pearls, where we dissect pivotal moments across time and place, to identify what we can learn for our own leadership journeys. Join PiXL CEO, Rachel Johnson, as she takes us back to 1938, exploring Neville Chamberlain's attempt to avert World War II. Mu...

Trust is a crucial aspect of delivering impact and protecting those we work with so that they can be at their best. Join us in going back to 2007, as Rachel Johnson, PiXL CEO, delves into the role that trust played in the creation of one of the most remarkable innovations to the travel industry in the 21st century – Airbnb. Their mission of creating "a world where everyone can belong anywhere" was...

When it comes to making a difference in the communities you lead, it is imperative to be connected to them. This can come in a plethora of ways, and this week we put a spotlight on how Former President Barack Obama tried to maintain a connection with the people he led during his time at the White House. Tune in to the first episode of Series 5 of the PiXL Pearls Podcast with Rachel Johnson, CEO of...

We are back for Series 5 of the PiXL Pearls podcast! November 12th. This time we're exploring the biggest questions, asking how we can be in tune with communities, and how to build cultures of trust. We reflect on what is holding us back and how we can avoid being emotionally overdrawn. From world leaders, to successful businesspeople, to fashion icons, join us as we set off on an epic journey thr...

Series 5 of PiXL Pearls is coming in the new academic year. You may not know though that PiXL does two podcasts: Pearls and the Leadership Book Club, where two school leaders join our CEO - Rachel Johnson - to discuss one non-education book and how they applied the lessons from the book to their schools. Rachel is looking for guests for series 5 of the Leadership Bookclub and thought her Pearl lis...

Musician Joni Mitchell and rock bands Status Quo and R.E.M. all openly embraced change and challenge throughout their careers, and they became iconic. Join us on this - the 8th and final - episode of Series 4 of PiXL Pearls, where CEO Rachel Johnson delves into how questioning the status quo and navigating change are foundational to creating lasting change and long-term success as leaders. PiXL Pe...

Have you ever heard of a 'Popsicle Hotline'? The Magic Castle Hotel's ingenious way of creating magic memories ensures their guests keep coming back for more. Tune into this episode of the PiXL Pearls Podcast with Rachel Johnson to discover the ways in which the power of moments can be harnessed for greatness. PiXL Pearls are short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to i...