Three men. One destination. Three very different approaches.

The early 20th-century Race to the South Pole has fuelled endless books, films and leadership lessons. Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen each chased the same goal, but history has judged them in radically different ways — heroes to some, flawed men to others.

In this episode of the PiXL Pearls Podcast, Rachel Johnson (CEO, PiXL) explores how hindsight reshapes reputations, what these expeditions reveal about decision-making under pressure, and why the essence of a leader often shows most clearly when things fall apart.

From compassion in the face of disaster to ambition that cuts corners, this story prompts us to ask: how will our own leadership be remembered? And when pressure comes, what will spill out of us?

Expect reflection, challenge, and lessons that go far beyond the ice.

If you enjoyed PiXL Pearls...

Check out the PiXL website: https://www.pixl.org.uk/ for free downloads

Read Rachel's three books:

Time to Think 1: 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

Box Clever: Quadrants to change the way we live and lead

Listen to the PiXL Leadership Bookclub.

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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