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
The IKEA Effect
PiXL Pearls
01/05/25 • 12 min
Why do we value things we build ourselves more?
Harvard Business School calls it The IKEA Effect—and it’s a game-changer for educators and leaders.
In this episode of The PiXL Pearls Podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) dives into fascinating studies showing how effort drives ownership and engagement. Whether it’s a flat-pack bookcase or a school project, the harder we work, the more we cherish the result—sometimes more than it’s worth!
Rachel explores how this applies to classrooms and leadership: How can we create a sense of ownership for students and teams? Where does collaboration build commitment? And when does “labour of love” cloud our judgment?
Packed with practical tips, this episode helps you harness The IKEA Effect to inspire ownership, confidence, and teamwork—without overvaluing the effort itself.
Following lots of requests we are now releasing the transcript for each Pearls episode in series 7 – download them here
If you enjoyed PiXl Pearls...
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's two books:
Time to Think: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about 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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
Giftedness
PiXL Pearls
12/22/24 • 13 min
Join Rachel Johnson (CEO, PiXL) as she uncovers the hidden challenges of “giftedness” through Disney’s Encanto. In this episode, she explores how the pressure to be “strong” like characters like Luisa, or the burden of being misunderstood like Bruno, mirrors struggles faced by many in our schools. Tap into Transactional Analysis and break down common drivers such as “Be Strong” and “Please Others” that shape our actions and self-worth, often at a cost.
Discover practical ways to build a culture where students and staff feel valued beyond their achievements. Learn how to foster genuine belonging, create spaces for real listening, and ensure that the “Brunos” and “Luisas” in your community are truly seen and supported.
This episode has fresh insights and actionable strategies to help your school celebrate each individual’s humanity, not just their output, because we all know that the greatest gift is who they are—not just what they do.
Following lots of requests we are now releasing the transcript for each Pearls episode in series 7 – download them here
If you enjoyed PiXl Pearls...
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's two books:
Time to Think: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about 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/
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/
Toxic Productivity
PiXL Pearls
11/24/24 • 13 min
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 of toxic productivity, exploring some actionable insights to refocus our efforts as leaders and help us to enforce the boundaries that we all need to be impactful taskers – not just multi-taskers.
Are you ready to redefine what it means to work well?
Tune in to “Toxic Productivity” today to discover the approaches that you can use to make some changes in your school, your classrooms and your life.
Following lots of requests we are now releasing the transcript for each Pearls episode in series 7 – download them here
If you enjoyed PiXl Pearls...
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's two books:
Time to Think: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about 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/
Scrooge
PiXL Pearls
12/08/24 • 10 min
In this festive yet timeless episode of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) dives into the leadership lessons hidden within Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol.
Explore the transformative power of purpose and habit formation as we follow Scrooge’s journey from miserly isolation to generosity and connection.
Discover practical insights on how changing your perspective and forming small, consistent habits can lead to meaningful change in your personal and professional life.
Whether it’s Christmas or not, this episode offers powerful reflections to inspire leaders at every level.
Following lots of requests we are now releasing the transcript for each Pearls episode in series 7 – download them here
If you enjoyed PiXl Pearls...
Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads
Read Rachel's two books:
Time to Think: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them
Time to Think 2: The Things that stop our teams and what to do about 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/
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FAQ
How many episodes does PiXL Pearls have?
PiXL Pearls currently has 86 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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