PiXL Pearls
PiXL (a We Are In Beta production)
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Top 10 PiXL Pearls Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best PiXL Pearls episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to PiXL Pearls for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite PiXL Pearls episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Pentagon
PiXL Pearls
07/28/24 • 10 min
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 Johnson (PiXL CEO) dives into the story of the Pentagon, illustrating the devastating effects of rushed decisions.
This project experienced many interruptions, and the building that stands today as the HQ of the United States Department of Defense is in an entirely different place than what was initially planned – there’s much to learn from how a lack of planning and thoughtful consideration led to delays and setbacks. Using lessons on leadership from Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner, authors of ‘How Big Things Get Done’, learn the pitfalls of acting too fast, and find out how you can escape the ‘break-fix’ cycle. Tune in for essential lessons on how slowing down and making well-considered choices can lead to smoother and better outcomes for you, your staff, and your pupils.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
1 Listener
10/27/24 • 1 min
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 productivity.
Join Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, as she shares bite-sized, powerful reflections on leadership to ignite change in yourself and those around you. Every story is an opportunity to grow, every insight a potential turning point.
Releasing fortnightly from 10th November – step into the stories that will reshape how you lead and inspire others.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Inflexibility
PiXL Pearls
09/08/24 • 10 min
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 values for risky innovation.
Yet, LEGO’s story didn’t end in disaster, largely attributed to an embracing of balancing paradoxes—innovation with discipline, creativity with control.
Join Rachel as she outlines the dangers of overplaying strengths, the importance of a bifocal perspective that keeps one eye on the present and one on the future, and the power of embracing both/and thinking.
Tune in to “Inflexibility” to find that sweet spot where flexibility meets consistency, and where you can lead with both humility and confidence.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Creating a Balanced Team
PiXL Pearls
05/31/20 • 14 min
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Invisible enemy
PiXL Pearls
07/14/24 • 11 min
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 how to maintain your MOJO—your positive spirit—and avoid the pitfalls of NOJO, or "no joy." Rachel shares insights on how to replenish your energy and stay motivated during times of transformation.
Join us for an enlightening episode that blends nature's wisdom with actionable leadership advice, helping you embrace change and emerge stronger, ready to soar to new heights.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
The Hard Yards
PiXL Pearls
10/06/24 • 9 min
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, her financial support gave him the freedom to focus on composing the operas and symphonies that cemented him as a legend. Their bond was felt more than merely a financial help – it gave Tchaikovsky a safe space to share his creative process and thoughts on mastering his craft, a relationship built solely through letters.
Through exploring Tchaikovsky's belief in working through creative blocks, Rachel draws attention to the discipline of self-mastery and the importance of finding trusted people to share your struggles with. Whether you're feeling stuck, doubting your abilities, or just waiting for inspiration to strike, there’s a powerful leadership lesson here: sometimes you have to start before you feel ready, be patient with the process, and surround yourself with people who get it.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to navigate challenges with both creativity and discipline. Tune in for practical takeaways on confidence, perseverance, and the power of finding a supportive sounding board.
What are you waiting for inspiration for and do you just need to sit down and start?
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Sadness and pauses
PiXL Pearls
08/11/24 • 10 min
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 through the lens of a remarkable event: the 1914 Christmas Truce during WWI.
Soldiers, enemies just moments before, came together in a profound display of humanity, driven by their shared sadness. Joy was born in the midst of profound sadness, and hope was found where there had been hopelessness.
Uncover how embracing sadness can drive meaningful change, foster deep connections, and encourage gratitude in your school and community. Learn how to handle collective sadness, support struggling colleagues and students, and cultivate an attitude of kindness and appreciation.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Hard work
PiXL Pearls
05/08/22 • 13 min
Interestingly, only in recent history has working hard signalled pride rather than shame. In this episode, Rachel Johnson digs into what we consider ‘hard work’ in the 21st century and why we might all be very wrong in the assumption that being busy is being productive. She asks us to think about the time we allow for thinking and processing (being vs doing), and why it is important we try and carve out time exactly for this purpose.
PiXL Pearls are short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge.
PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership
Series 2 and 3 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Querencia
PiXL Pearls
09/22/24 • 10 min
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 your school's full potential. Let's discover how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and unleash our inner bison for maximum impact in “Querencia”.
Join Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) through an exploration of one of the mightiest animals – the indomitable bison, in this the penultimate episode of the 6th series of the PiXL Pearls podcast.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
Better together
PiXL Pearls
08/25/24 • 8 min
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 ruthlessly editing each other’s work.
But when their sharp wit collided with Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson in rehearsals, creative sparks—and tensions—ignited, leading to the series' dramatic end. Rachel also explores how PIXAR’s 'Brain Trust' turned similar tension into storytelling magic.
This episode is packed with leadership lessons—from embracing diverse perspectives to setting clear boundaries in collaboration, and knowing when to step back without stifling creativity.
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think 2: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.
The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.
Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 are presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, and Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling.
They both draw on literature, life, and experience in leadership to explore different elements of what it is to be a good leader and how we can become even better leaders, both in and out of schools.
Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.
PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/
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FAQ
How many episodes does PiXL Pearls have?
PiXL Pearls currently has 82 episodes available.
What topics does PiXL Pearls cover?
The podcast is about Teaching, Leadership, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on PiXL Pearls?
The episode title 'The Pentagon' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on PiXL Pearls?
The average episode length on PiXL Pearls is 10 minutes.
How often are episodes of PiXL Pearls released?
Episodes of PiXL Pearls are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of PiXL Pearls?
The first episode of PiXL Pearls was released on Nov 14, 2019.
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