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.
Apr 11, 2021
10 min
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.
How much can we learn from the ‘average’ happy chicken, belonging to a thriving healthy cage, where their social cohesion leads to success?
Mar 28, 2021
10 min
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.
Mar 14, 2021
10 min
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?
Feb 28, 2021
14 min
‘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
Feb 14, 2021
9 min
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.
Jan 31, 2021
11 min
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.
Jan 17, 2021
11 min
PiXL Pearls is back for season 2. January 17th.
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.
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/
Jan 15, 2021
1 min
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.
Oct 4, 2020
10 min
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.
Sep 20, 2020
11 min
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