Explore the intriguing concept of the 'hollow Easter bunny' effect, where leaders may appear substantial but lack true depth. Dive into the history of chocolate bunnies, paired with the seven deceptive 'poser tricks' that undermine team trust. Discover how empty promises can hinder progress and the importance of authentic leadership. Rachel encourages a shift from superficial gestures to genuine impact, inspiring listeners to cultivate real influence and integrity in education and beyond.

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/

Why do we cherish things we put effort into? The concept known as the IKEA Effect reveals that personal investment boosts our perceived value of creations. This discussion dives into how this affects education and leadership, emphasizing the importance of ownership and engagement. Discover how collaboration can enhance commitment and when our love for our work might cloud our judgment. With practical tips at hand, learn to inspire confidence and teamwork while avoiding the trap of overvaluing just the effort.

Explore the hidden challenges of giftedness through the lens of Disney's Encanto. Discover how the pressures faced by characters like Luisa and Bruno reflect real struggles in schools. Delve into the role of behavioral drivers and the importance of a supportive culture that values well-being. Learn strategies to foster genuine belonging and ensure that every individual is recognized for who they are, not just their accomplishments. This discussion emphasizes the value of authentic communication and the need to appreciate the complexities of each person.

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/