

PiXL Pearls
PiXL (a We Are In Beta production)
PiXL Pearls are short reflections on life and leadership which inspire, encourage, motivate and challenge thinking.
The series is hosted by Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO), who draws 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.
PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production.
PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership
The series is hosted by Rachel Johnson (PiXL CEO), who draws 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.
PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production.
PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 28, 2021 • 15min
The Script
In education, we are in the business of connection. Ultimately, when students, staff and stakeholders feel a sense of community towards your school and its 'emotional script', they are likely to engage and commit at a much deeper level. In this episode, Rachel Johnson draws upon stories from Alfred Hitchcock, Apple, Disney and more in order to ask: how does your school make you feel? PiXL Pearls: Short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. The PiXL network spans almost 3,000 schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system. Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling, and Series 2 is presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL. 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 school. PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production

Feb 14, 2021 • 9min
The Art Of Editing
'Editing' is making a decision about what serves you and what you are better off without. This episode draws upon examples from important editors of art, literature, and film in order to help demonstrate why editing is an essential skill for us all. These days are filled with pressures and anxieties, but sometimes it is important to ask, "What are you going to 'stop' doing? What can be cut from your 'to-do' list?" Listen for 10 minutes to The Art of Editing, take a breath, and then "Cut" PiXL Pearls: Short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. The PiXL network spans almost 3,000 schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system. Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling, and Series 2 is presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL. 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 school. PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production

Jan 31, 2021 • 12min
Finding Space
How do you make time to be able to think? Do you allow yourself to stand alone with your thoughts? In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Rachel Johnson puts forward that perhaps many of us are not investing the time we should, to find space and clarity within our own minds. There are 3 things, Rachel suggests, that might help us mentally declutter. We hope at this time, when so many of us feel overloaded and worried, this episode may help you plan out how to find space for you and your thoughts. PiXL Pearls: Short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. The PiXL network spans almost 3,000 schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice and equip leaders throughout the educational system. Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling, and Series 2 is presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL. 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 school. PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production

Jan 17, 2021 • 11min
The Voice
In this first episode, The Voice, Rachel talks about the importance of the voices we listen to, and of discovering our own voice and why it may just be important to use it. Reflecting on the year that has gone and being released on the anniversary of Sir John's death, this episode aims to encourage, challenge and support you, leaving you in no doubt if the important role you play in the lives of others. PiXL Pearls: Short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. The PiXL network spans almost 3,000 schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice and equip leaders throughout the educational system. Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling, and Series 2 is presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL. 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 school. PiXL Pearls Podcast is a We Are In Beta Production

Jan 15, 2021 • 1min
PiXL Pearls Series 2 - January 17th
PiXL Pearls is back for season 2. January 17th. PiXL Pearls are short reflections on life and leadership, in schools. They are here to inspire, encourage, motivate, and challenge. The PiXL network spans almost 3,000 schools across key stages 1-5. We collaborate, share best practice, and equip leaders throughout the educational system. Series 1 was presented by Founder-Director Sir John Rowling, and Series 2 is presented by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL. 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 school. 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/

Oct 4, 2020 • 11min
Defining Moments
We have our defining moments, all of us, but as teachers, we may well also be providing these for others, often unwittingly. Sir John Rowling reflects on how often the impact of these defining moments can alter the course of our lives, even if they occur by chance. He reflects on the defining moment that started him on a magnificent career in education, and the moment which led to the eventual formation of PiXL in 2006. Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically. PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production. PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope. For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

Sep 20, 2020 • 11min
How to be a Success
When you take over a job from someone else, at whatever level, there is always the expectation that you have to fill their shoes and various ways to approach it. In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Sir John Rowling draws on the steps Tim Cook took when he replaced Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011. He focused on instilling values, focusing on strengths, and retaining and hiring talent. By focusing on these steps, perhaps you too can lead and develop an organisation that has a dramatic impact for all the people you serve. Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically. PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production. PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope. For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

Sep 6, 2020 • 12min
Watch the Jargon
In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Sir John Rowling contemplates the disingenuous use of words such as 'passionate' and 'excited'. There's no doubt there is value in these words if you truly feel them and can communicate it to others. Sometimes, however, they can feel like the right thing to say even when it's not altogether true. Can you recall feeling cynical about someone else's passion for a project? We often have a lack of self-awareness about what we say and the impact it has on others if we use empty words, but being aware of this can be crucial for our leadership to have impact. Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically. PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production. PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope. For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

Aug 23, 2020 • 11min
Truth and Nothing but the Truth
Can people trust what you say? Or are they inclined to say in their private conversations and inner thoughts, 'I take everything they say with a pinch of salt'? This episode of PiXL Pearls is about lying, and how that relates to trust in an organisation. Lies happen a lot in leadership, but if we want respected leadership, then there is a strong case for the truth. Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically. PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production. PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope. For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/

Aug 9, 2020 • 9min
The Prize and the Price
This week's episode takes inspiration from the reflections of newsreader Trevor McDonald in his autobiography 'An Improbable Life'. McDonald muses over how there is, almost always, a price to be paid when in pursuit of your 'prizes'. What is the elusive 'pot of gold' that you strive towards as your prize? Sir John Rowling suggests the answer is to be thrilled by the joy of the chase for your pot of gold, yet being aware of when the price outweighs the prize. Subscribe now to download every episode directly to your phone automatically. PiXL Pearls is a We Are In Beta production. PiXL (Partners in Excellence) is a partnership of over 1,600 secondary schools, 500 sixth forms, 830 primary schools, and 75 providers of alternative education. Through our support for schools together we share best practice to raise standards and to give students a better future and brighter hope. For more information visit: https://www.pixl.org.uk/


