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.

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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/