PiXL Pearls

In this energising episode of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores what it means to reinvent. Delve into a true tale of transformation that will inspire you to make a change – not by starting from scratch, but by reimagining how we present who we are and what we do.

From Coca-Cola's brand strategy to school leadership, this episode is a masterclass in storytelling, relevance and evolution. You'll discover how enduring success often comes not from radical change, but from refreshing the message, the medium and the mindset.

Packed with practical reflections, Rachel unpacks what educators can learn from the world's most recognisable brand, why narrative matters more than ever and how to reframe your story to better connect with pupils, parents and staff.

Are you ready to reframe, refocus and re-engage the people who matter most?

Tune in to Reinvention today and start thinking differently about the story your leadership is telling.

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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 how to make sure the right people are protected so the real work can thrive.

Are you building a culture that values its flak catchers?

Tune in to Flak Catchers now to rethink roles as you prepare for the new year.

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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 explore why kindness works and how to build a culture of everyday empathy

Because when people are struggling, compassion might just be the most important thing we can offer.

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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 better balance the urgency of now with the power of presence.

Whether you're deep in school leadership or just navigating the demands of daily life, this is a timely invitation to pause, reflect, and reclaim what time means to you.

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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.

Whether you're just starting out or have been leading for years, this is a series that speaks to the heart of what it means to lead well in today's world.

Real stories. Real people. Timeless lessons.

Tune in and take a pearl of wisdom with you!

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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.

Whether you're just starting out or have been leading for years, this is a series that speaks to the heart of what it means to lead well in today's world.

Real stories. Real people. Timeless lessons.

Tune in and take a pearl of wisdom with you!

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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.

Whether you're just starting out or have been leading for years, this is a series that speaks to the heart of what it means to lead well in today's world.

Real stories. Real people. Timeless lessons.

Tune in and take a pearl of wisdom with you!

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

The PiXL network spans thousands of schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system.

Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically.

PiXL Podcasts are We Are In Beta productions.

For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

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 tangible results?

Join Rachel for a thought-provoking exploration of authentic leadership, where she challenges listeners to abandon hollow gestures, cultivate genuine substance, and drive impactful change within education and beyond.

It's time to trade appearances for genuine influence and lead with unwavering integrity.

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.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

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/

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.

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.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

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/

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 importance of knowing what you stand for and the need to check the facts presented to us – let's use a messy present to lead into a better future. Packed with thought-provoking insights, reflective questions, and practical takeaways, this episode challenges you to consider the words you use, the ones you live by and how they shape the way you lead.

Tune in for a jargon-free take on language, leadership, and staying grounded in the messy reality of progress!

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.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

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/