PiXL Pearls

Sadness is often considered to be a dreary topic, but it's vital to our humanity, and especially so in roles as educators and school leaders. Defined as a natural response to emotional pain, sadness can actually enhance our attention to detail, perseverance, generosity, and gratitude. In this episode of the PiXL Pearls podcast, Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores the unexpected power of sadness through the lens of a remarkable event: the 1914 Christmas Truce during WWI. Soldiers, enemies just moments before, came together in a profound display of humanity, driven by their shared sadness. Joy was born in the midst of profound sadness, and hope was found where there had been hopelessness. Uncover how embracing sadness can drive meaningful change, foster deep connections, and encourage gratitude in your school and community. Learn how to handle collective sadness, support struggling colleagues and students, and cultivate an attitude of kindness and appreciation.   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/

Thoughtful planning is imperative for successful leadership, yet, in the fast-paced school environment, many leaders find themselves acting now and thinking later – and subsequently rushing to put out the fires that arise from such snap decisions. Knowing when to go fast and when to go slow is a key tenant of effective and efficient leadership, but it remains a constant struggle for many. Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) dives into the story of the Pentagon, illustrating the devastating effects of rushed decisions. This project experienced many interruptions, and the building that stands today as the HQ of the United States Department of Defense is in an entirely different place than what was initially planned – there’s much to learn from how a lack of planning and thoughtful consideration led to delays and setbacks. Using lessons on leadership from Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner, authors of ‘How Big Things Get Done’, learn the pitfalls of acting too fast, and find out how you can escape the ‘break-fix’ cycle. Tune in for essential lessons on how slowing down and making well-considered choices can lead to smoother and better outcomes for you, your staff, and your pupils. 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/  

In this enlightening discussion, Rachel Johnson, the CEO of PiXL and an advocate for leadership development, draws parallels between the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and personal growth. She delves into practical strategies for navigating change and the importance of self-awareness. Rachel highlights the concept of ego depletion, revealing how it affects decision-making, and offers insights on maintaining your 'mojo' to avoid burnout. Together, these lessons inspire listeners to embrace transformation with renewed energy and motivation.

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Johnson, the CEO of PiXL and a leader in education, shares the enchanting backstory behind Disney's iconic song "A Spoonful of Sugar." She reveals how the Sherman Brothers crafted this timeless hit from a simple idea and its magic in transforming mundane tasks. Rachel discusses the significance of fun in motivation and productivity, offering unique strategies like temptation bundling and musical approaches to enhance our daily routines. Tune in for a delightful blend of Disney inspiration and leadership insights!

PiXL Pearls is back for series 6, brimming with inspiring stories to fuel your leadership journey. Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO) explores invaluable lessons for leaders, drawing inspiration from Mary Poppins' wisdom to Pixar and LEGO’s success stories. Discover how to tackle invisible challenges, embrace the power of slowing down, and understand the importance of sadness and pauses in leadership. Learn about the pitfalls of inflexibility and the significance of togetherness, while finding your 'Querencia'—your happy place. Unleash your inner Tchaikovsky with doses of inspiration, empowering you to lead with heart. Experience bite-sized reflections on leadership, one captivating story at a time.   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/

Thank you for listening to Pearls. Thousands of you have. More people are finding them every day. Do rate and review so even more people will find us. We're here to tell you about an exciting new podcast out the week beginning the 4th March, called "How Do You Teach?" There are 12 episodes (6 for English released on Mondays and 6 for Science released on Tuesdays) all on one stream. We talk about the trickiest issues in our subjects and how to help students overcome them. Full of great discussion and top tips, download them wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here Subscribe on Spotify here  

Learn how iconic figures like Eddie Jones, Maya Angelou, and Leonard Bernstein faced their fears and rose above them. Discover strategies for challenging fears, finding humor in adversity, and overcoming immobilization. Explore the transformative power of facing fears head-on for personal growth and resilience.

Explore the surprising losses Coco Chanel endured and how she used them to transform her life. Learn about the seven forms of loss you may have experienced and apply the four 'R's to avoid staying stuck. Discover strategies for coping with transitions and losses inspired by author Bill Bridges. Delve into making transformative changes by highlighting introspection, letting go, and building self-confidence.

Delve into Jacinda Ardern's emotional journey, from crises to resignation. Explore her resilience and authenticity, challenging leadership perceptions. Reflect on filling up your emotional bank account and managing burnout. Inspiring insights on leadership and personal development.

PiXL CEO, Rachel Johnson, explores the synergy of realism and optimism through the captivating and inspiring stories of Franklin Roosevelt and Michael J Fox– Roosevelt, overcoming polio, and Fox, battling Parkinson's, exemplifying resilience fortified by their optimism. We delve into psychologist Martin Seligman's insights, distinguishing between pessimism and optimism. Find out how navigating clashes between optimism and reality, mindful language use, and maintaining a balance between realistic assessments and hopeful envisioning can help you avoid the pitfalls of losing hope within your leadership. Tune in for engaging insights and a pragmatic approach to embracing optimism! With each episode we will be releasing a supporting resource. The aim of the resource is to ensure that you have a 25-minute window to give yourself time to think. Click here to access these resources. Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ Read Rachel's new book: Time to Think: The Things that stop us and how to deal with them Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify PiXL Pearls are short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. 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.