Listen Now

In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Rachel Johnson tells us the real Lord of the Flies story, where six boys were shipwrecked for 15 months.  Instead of assumed carnage, they established three things in particular which are the focus for this 10-minute episode: they agreed the roles of the team, created a system for handling conflict, and took deliberate steps to keep morale and hope high.   What is it we can learn from these boys, and use in our own teams to not just allow us to survive but to thrive? 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

The most intelligent animals exhibit the most playful behaviour. The difference, however, is that adults too often condition themselves out of it as they grow up. Why have we stopped having playful behaviour? And why is that a problem?  In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Rachel outlines why fun and laughter are essential to both our personal wellbeing and our relationships with others.  Human beings have a chronological age and a psychological age, and it doesn’t seem to matter how old we get physically, there is a part of us that still longs to act like a child sometimes. It brings people together through a signal of agreement and acceptance, lightens our hearts and distracts our crowded minds. 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

Moments of difficulty and trauma, that we've all been through with this pandemic, can be a way of starting our own personal growth: evaluating what's important, reflecting on the past, and thinking about who we want to be in the future. In this episode, Rachel Johnson begins by telling us a story from David Jason's book 'A Del of a Life', to make us consider how ultimately the hard things can help us to grow and blossom. 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

If you got to choose to be a ‘super chicken’ leader or an ‘average chicken’ leader you’d choose the former, right? And yet, this isn't what drives the most high-achieving teams.  In this episode, Rachel Johnson draws parallels between a bizarre (and somewhat disturbing) tale of the super chicken massacre and leadership styles. To have ‘super chicken’ leadership means to place value on those who outperform others, an environment where insecurity, fear, and not being in control can leave your staff feeling ‘hen-pecked.   We all understand what it means to have an organizational ‘pecking-order but just how much can we learn from the ‘average’ happy chicken, belonging to a thriving healthy cage, where their social cohesion leads to success?  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

In order to be your best self, you need the power of the right people behind you and beside you. This episode draws upon the example of one of the most successful Olympians of our time, Michael Phelps, and how the relationship and routine he established with the help of his coach and friend Bob Bowman, set him up for success. Rachel Johnson speaks about habits, routine, and the significance of silence to ask us how we might focus on bringing our best selves to the fore. 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

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

‘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

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

In these times, looking after our teams is so important and shouldn’t be underestimated. In this episode, Sir John Rowling draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela, a man who led people and made them feel like they mattered. How do you make your staff feel important? And why is doing so vital for impressive leadership? 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/

In this episode of PiXL Pearls, Sir John Rowling explores the idea that noble aspirations are not enough on their own to guarantee you’ll succeed. In schools, as with all settings, you need the ability to bring people together through leadership skills and talent too. How often do you take time to reflect on your leadership skills and to develop these? 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/

In this week’s #PiXLPearls podcast, Sir John Rowling reflects on IBM’s management of HIPOs: those staff members who showed high potential. He says that as leaders, it’s our responsibility to prepare the next generation for being the leaders of tomorrow. Do you make an effort to actively make this a priority? 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/

In this week’s episode, Sir John Rowling centers on six ‘pieces of wisdom’ from Simon Sinek, author of several thought-provoking leadership books. One of his core philosophies is about the ‘why’: the purpose, the reason why we do things, and how this is ultimately the stimulating energy, both for us and for those who we are leading. Sinek has a vision that it is well within our power to build a world where the vast majority of us wake up and feel inspired by what we do. 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/

Without balance, we would fall apart.   As we approach the point in the year where you may be more clear about what your teams might look like next academic year, we hope you’ll find this week’s podcast useful for considering your team structures.   In this episode, Sir John Rowling takes inspiration from the team structure of the early Christian Church. He suggests we need the apostles (the pioneers), the prophets (those who see ahead and analyse ways forward), the evangelists (those to get people on board with the message we have), the pastors (the carers) and the teachers (we definitely have those!) in order to create a balanced, harmonious and successful team. 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/