Pixie Cockerill: On being a yes (wo)man

Pixie’s twenties have been shaped by saying yes - whether to career opportunities, solo concerts, or being a little different. She joins me to talk risk, radio, and reasons for backing yourself.

It’s 2:30pm, the sun is shining, I’ve just finished a slice of leftover pizza, and from the very laptop I’m writing this on, ZM is playing out the speakers. That, in itself, is nothing unusual - I often keep the top-40 radio station running as I work - although today holds a little extra meaning, given that Pixie Cockerill, who I had the privilege of interviewing a few days earlier, is behind the mic.

Weaving together pop culture commentary (it’s Mean Girls' 21st anniversary!), details on the songs she’s playing (Tate McRae’s latest track is set to feature in the upcoming F1 movie!), and the occasional personal anecdote (she’s going to Europe soon!), the 21-year-old has seemingly mastered the craft of hosting a solo weekend show - to my untrained ear, anyway. Although, the experts seem to agree: she recently picked up one of the top honours for emerging broadcasters at New Zealand’s Radio Awards.

The Christchurch-born, Auckland-based broadcaster - who, during our time on the phone, reveals herself to be a brilliant conversationalist with a welcoming spirit and a gift for making you feel like you’ve been friends for years - credits much of the joy and success she’s found in her twenties to one simple trait: being a “yes man.”

“I love that movie,” Pixie laughs, referencing the titular Jim Carrey comedy. “I’ve always felt like I related to that life. Even as a kid, I loved giving things a go, even if I ended up with scrapes all over my knees.”

These days, that penchant for stepping outside her comfort zone continues to ripple through nearly every part of Pixie’s life. Just take her entry into the world of radio - and the increasingly prolific career she’s building within - as one (very telling) example.

“I had been thinking of studying law after high school,” Pixie laughs, recalling how a gentle nudge from her mum (who she proudly notes is also her best friend, and soon-to-be European travel buddy) led to a last-minute application to broadcasting school, submitted mere moments before the final deadline. When she got the call to say she was one of only 20 to be accepted, Pixie knew she had to take the leap.

“It would have been silly not to take it. Within that first week, even that first day, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I’ve never looked back.” The lesson? To “always listen to your Mum,” of course, but also, to “give things a shot.”

In the three years since, Pixie has completed her degree, earned herself the title of ZM’s Music Director (a role that, for what it’s worth, has seen her meet (and hug!) the likes of Gracie Abrams, Teddy Swims, Role Model, and Myles Smith), and learned to trust her ever-growing sense of confidence.

“At work, I’m always asking ‘what if we try that?’” she says. “And if I get shut down, I’ve grown to be okay with that, because just putting myself out there is a success in itself. In high school, I was never someone to put my hand up - I had such a fear of being wrong. But I’ve grown to be okay with failing - if it’s wrong, oh well, I can pass it off, and go forward with the next thing, knowing that I’ve learned from it.”

Clearly, this approach is paying off for Pixie - not just in terms of her outward success, but also, and arguably most importantly, in her inner sense of happiness. On that note, I’ve never heard someone express gratitude for their life so many times in one conversation (flipping through my notes, I can count at least a dozen iterations of “I’m just so grateful,” or something close to it) - which is, of course, a testament to the life you can unlock when you’re brave enough to say yes, and a reflection of Pixie’s remarkable ability to hold onto her joy with both hands.

And while she can speak about her gratitude (which, to be fair, is rather fitting, given her profession), learning to slow down and sit in that gratitude remains a work in progress for Pixie.

“I love having my foot on the gas, but I’ve definitely fallen into a trap of always trying to find what that next step is,” she says. “While recording a podcast last year, I heard the quote ‘everything in moderation, including moderation,’ and that’s stayed with me. Yes, I want to work hard, but I want to make sure I treat myself and take time to celebrate my wins. I often consider, ‘would this make my younger self proud?’ I want to keep having those moments where I enjoy that pride of little me and present me”

Loneliness, too, is something Pixie’s still figuring her way through - though, in recent months, she’s found solo dates to be a surprisingly powerful antidote. “Loneliness seems to be part of being human, and moving to a different city can bring that out,” Pixie reflects. “You know that idea of wishing you were someone’s number one? When you don’t have a partner or best friend around you, it can sometimes feel like no one’s there for you, and you’re doing everything for yourself.”

That’s where the solo dates come in. “I’m a big advocate,” Pixie grins, listing off a few of her go-tos - café visits, dinners at nearby restaurants, and most of all, concerts.

“I had to do a pep talk in the mirror before my first solo concert,” Pixie reminisces. “But then being in that mosh pit and dancing with everyone, I realised how much I loved it. Whatever your source of enjoyment is, it’s so rewarding to be able to do it by yourself. And if you can do these things alone, that can make you feel like you can do anything.”

To be clear, it’s not all solitude and loneliness - Pixie has built many strong relationships throughout her twenties, especially with her colleagues and bosses. As you’d expect, she’s immensely grateful for them. But when I ask Pixie what’s enabled her to form these bonds, her answer is a little less expected, and she points to her willingness to embrace the things that make her a little different.

“I don’t mind not following the herd and being a bit of a black sheep,” Pixie shares. “I’ve grown to love being unique. I think that’s what makes you more memorable, and that’s actually how you relate to people. So much of a relationship comes from telling stories - and when you share those personal, unexpected, or niche things, people can recognise themselves in it, and feel safe to share with you in return.”

And for anyone looking to follow in Pixie’s footsteps, or even just borrow a little of the wisdom she’s collected in these early years of her twenties, that’s the core of her advice. That, and being willing to say yes to new opportunities, even when they fall outside your comfort zone.

“Even if it feels so scary at the start, I promise afterwards you’ll be so grateful you did it. When you put yourself in those situations that are uncomfortable, you’ll learn things about yourself, and that’s what your twenties are for. Try before you buy! Twenties are for trying, thirties are for buying,” Pixie shares with a laugh as our chat comes to an end, and she prepares to head back to the office to schedule the station’s music.

Later, as I reflect on our conversation (and continue to bask in the warmth of it), one of Pixie’s comments jumps out at me: “They’ve made a huge mark on me, but I’ve probably not made any sort of mark on them.”

She’d been speaking about the global artists she’s crossed paths with through her work, and how much those moments have meant to her. And while I can’t speak for the A-listers, I can confidently say that she’s had a significant impact on me - thanks, in no small part, to her palpable joyfulness, generosity, and willingness to offer a window into her world. And I have no doubt that anyone lucky to experience her presence - whether in-person or across the airwaves - would very much agree.

---

Written by Chantelle Cobby for In Our Twenties.
Follow Pixie on Instagram @pixiecockerill.