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 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.

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/

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.

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/

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.

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/

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.

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/

Sabotage is a well-known strategy in times of war. We may not be battling within our schools, but what if the greatest saboteur against progress in your leadership was you?

The first episode of this new Pearls Podcast series takes us into the fascinating realm of "Simple Sabotage," where we examine covert tactics used by everyday citizens during WWII, inspired by the Simple Sabotage Field Manual created by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA.

Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) delves into what these historical sabotage tactics reveal about our own practices and ourselves. This episode poses important questions to help leaders reflect: are we unwittingly becoming the saboteurs in our own lives?

Explore how to identify and address subtle, self-inflicted sabotages and consider how to lead with clarity and purpose, making sure every step moves your team and your school closer to success, not further from it.

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/

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.

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/

It'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.

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 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/

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.

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 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/

Structure is crucial to build a strong leadership foundation, but at times, inflexibility can be a cause of collapse.

In this episode, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) unpacks LEGO's dramatic rise, near-fall, and ultimate comeback.

Their obsession with quality made them legends, but by the late '90s, that same rigidity nearly sank them.

When they finally pivoted, they went too far, sacrificing core values for risky innovation.

Yet, LEGO's story didn't end in disaster, largely attributed to an embracing of balancing paradoxes—innovation with discipline, creativity with control.

Join Rachel as she outlines the dangers of overplaying strengths, the importance of a bifocal perspective that keeps one eye on the present and one on the future, and the power of embracing both/and thinking.

Tune in to "Inflexibility" to find that sweet spot where flexibility meets consistency, and where you can lead with both humility and confidence.

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.

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 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/

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.

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 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/