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...
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Giftedness
PiXL Pearls
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...
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Scrooge
PiXL Pearls
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...
info_outlineIt’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.
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PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production.
For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/