Flak Catchers
PiXL Pearls
Who really takes the heat when the pressure’s on? In this thought-provoking episode, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores the hidden world of “flak catchers”, the people who quietly absorb chaos, complaints and conflict to protect others and keep things moving. Inspired by Pixar’s early days and grounded in real school life, this episode highlights the critical (but often overlooked) role flak catchers play in every organisation – from reception staff to middle leaders, headteachers to executive assistants. This one’s a powerful summer reflection on how we lead, who we rely on, and...
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Compasssionomics
PiXL Pearls
Dive into the surprising science behind compassion. The research is clear: kindness doesn't just feel good, it does good. It reduces anxiety, improves recovery, lowers stress, boosts mental health and might even help you live longer. So what does that mean for schools? For the students navigating silent struggles? For the staff carrying invisible loads? Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) unpacks the evidence and explores how compassion can be one of our most powerful tools — not just in medicine, but in classrooms, corridors and staff rooms too. Kindness isn't a soft extra. It's strategy. Tune in to...
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About Time
PiXL Pearls
In this reflective opening to Series 8, Rachel Johnson delves into the fascinating and emotional relationship we all have with time. From the stillness of Miss Havisham’s clocks in Great Expectations, to W.H. Auden’s desperate plea in Stop All the Clocks, and the structured rhythms of school life, this episode blends literary insight, cultural reference and leadership experience to explore the difference between Chronos (measured time) and Kairos (meaningful, opportune time). Rachel invites listeners to examine how we speak about time, identify moments that matter and consider how to...
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PiXL Pearls Series 8 - starting 29th June 2025
PiXL Pearls
In Series 8 of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, we dive into eight powerful human stories designed to inspire, motivate and challenge both the people of today and the leaders of tomorrow. This series explores the real and raw moments behind leadership — from empathy and compassion to time management, handling complaints, and navigating polarised thinking. You’ll hear Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explore a range of stories, from the world successful enterprises like Lush to elite sport, each offering honest reflections and practical insights to support your own leadership journey....
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PiXL Pearls Series 8 - starting 29th June 2025
PiXL Pearls
In Series 8 of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, we dive into eight powerful human stories designed to inspire, motivate and challenge both the people of today and the leaders of tomorrow. This series explores the real and raw moments behind leadership — from empathy and compassion to time management, handling complaints, and navigating polarised thinking. You’ll hear Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explore a range of stories, from the world successful enterprises like Lush to elite sport, each offering honest reflections and practical insights to support your own leadership journey....
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PiXL Pearls Series 8 - starting 29th June 2025
PiXL Pearls
In Series 8 of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, we dive into eight powerful human stories designed to inspire, motivate and challenge both the people of today and the leaders of tomorrow. This series explores the real and raw moments behind leadership — from empathy and compassion to time management, handling complaints, and navigating polarised thinking. You’ll hear Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explore a range of stories, from the world successful enterprises like Lush to elite sport, each offering honest reflections and practical insights to support your own leadership journey....
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Hollow Easter Bunnies
PiXL Pearls
That giant chocolate Easter bunny – the initial thrill, the inevitable disappointment of its hollowness. In this episode, PiXL CEO Rachel Johnson dissects the surprising parallels between this childhood letdown and a critical leadership flaw: the "hollow Easter bunny" effect. She unwraps the fascinating history of these iconic treats, then delves into the seven insidious "poser tricks" outlined in Sutton and Rao's Friction Fixers, exposing how these deceptive behaviours erode team trust and sabotage meaningful progress. Are you, perhaps unknowingly, leading with empty promises rather than...
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Forensic Linguistics
PiXL Pearls
What does your writing reveal about you? In this thought-provoking episode of PiXL Pearls, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores the fascinating world of forensic linguistics—the science of analyzing language to uncover hidden truths. Discover how the FBI used linguistic clues to catch the infamous Unabomber and why the way we write can expose more than we realise. From emails to everyday communication, learn how your linguistic footprint shapes perceptions, builds trust, and influences leadership. Tune in for eye-opening insights into the power of words and how to use them wisely. ...
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Jargon Monoxide
PiXL Pearls
What do the words rizz, authentic, and hallucinate say about society in 2023? And how can we, as leaders and educators, navigate the tension between appearance and reality these words reveal? In this Pearls episode, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores how the "word of the year" trend—starting with Merriam-Webster in 2003—gives us a window into our collective mindset. From the roaring 1920s’ bees knees to today’s rizz (short for charisma), these words reflect shifts in culture, priorities, and values. Explore key lessons for educators and leaders about over-valuing charisma, the...
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The IKEA Effect
PiXL Pearls
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...
info_outlineEffective 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.
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PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/