The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast
We discuss the experiences and challenges faced by working women today and explore a range of topics, from navigating career advancement to balancing work and personal life without stepping on toes. Each episode features relevant topics, inspiring stories and practical advice to empower women on their professional journey. Maybe you’re a single parent to teenagers and have a high maintenance dog, you care for elderly relatives, or you’re simply spinning plates outside work too. You’ll gain new perspectives, practical strategies, and have the reassurance that even seemingly accomplished women leaders face challenges similar to yours. In each series we’ll share career journeys and expert insights with occasional guests. Like you they weren’t born leaders, and their paths weren’t always smooth. You’ll hear about their stumbles and successes, their mentors and motivators, and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers revealing the real person behind the “polished exterior”. We hope you’ll laugh, learn, and enjoy different perspectives around women in work and leadership and all that it entails. So, step into an episode of Heels in the Hierarchy - the place where we explore current challenges and opportunities and share extraordinary insights for ordinary women - one conversation at a time.
Episodes
Hosts SJ and Pegsy reflect on Series 2 of Heels in the Hierarchy, revisiting key episodes and discussions on self-care, emotional intelligence, feedback, trust and leadership. They highlight personal stories, practical insights and moments of vulnerability that shaped the season.
The episode includes a discussion about this series' powerful guest interview with JJ, where topics included domestic abuse, culture and faith. Later the...
Hosts SJ and Pegsy discuss menopause in the workplace, covering what menopause and perimenopause are, common symptoms, and why tracking changes matters.
They share statistics, personal stories, legal and business reasons to support employees, and practical reasonable adjustments and tips for managers to create a more inclusive workplace.
Welcome to the "Heels in the Hierarchy" podcast, where SJ and Pegsy delve into the intricate dynamics of women in leadership roles. In this episode, our hosts delve into the profound impact that leadership perspectives, particularly negative bias, can have on team dynamics and individual performance. Inspired by insights from Simon Sinek, they explore how forming narratives about under-performance can damage confidence and produc...
Welcome to the "Heels in the Hierarchy" podcast where hosts SJ and Pegsy discuss the real-life challenges and triumphs faced by working women. In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation with JJ, a psychotherapist working in both NHS and private practice. JJ shares her unique journey of navigating career and personal life, including her experiences of overcoming obstacles, breaking free from cultural expectations, and f...
In this episode of the "Heels in the Hierarchy" podcast, hosts SJ and Pegsy delve into the intricate dynamics of giving and receiving feedback in the workplace, especially for aspiring women aiming for leadership roles. They explore vulnerability as an essential component of effective feedback and the misconceptions that often accompany it. Drawing from diverse professional experiences, they discuss the distinction between feedback...
In this enlightening episode of the Heels in the Hierarchy podcast, hosts S.J. and Pegsy dive deep into the crucial role of emotional intelligence in today's workplaces. They explore how self-awareness and understanding can transform interactions and enhance team dynamics. Discover how emotional intelligence not only fosters psychological safety but also empowers individuals and teams to excel.
Join the conversation as S.J. and Pe...
Welcome to this episode of "Heels in the Hierarchy" where hosts SJ and Pegsy delve into the critical yet often misunderstood concept of self-care. In a lively discussion, they unravel the distinction between self-care and wellbeing, emphasising self-care as an everyday choice and essential leadership competency. Discover how small daily practices can exponentially enhance your personal and professional life, and why setting boundar...
Welcome to the final episode of Heels in the Hierarchy's first season! Join hosts SJ and Pegsy as they candidly discuss the journey of launching their podcast dedicated to exploring the challenges faced by working women today. From the initial struggles of recording and editing to finding their authentic voices, they share behind-the-scenes stories and personal highlights.
In this episode, SJ and Pegsy reflect on essential topics l...
Join S.J. and Pegsy in this enlightening episode of the Heels in the Hierarchy podcast as they delve into the pressing issue of mental health and well-being in the workplace, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18th May, 2025). Discover surprising statistics about stress in the workplace, explore the intricate relationship between stress and mental health, and learn practical strategies to identify and manage stress e...
Welcome to "Heels in the Hierarchy," hosted by SJ and Pegsy.
In this episode, we delve into "The Likeability Dilemma," a compelling TED talk by Robin Hauser. We discuss the persistent challenges women face in leadership roles, including the pressure to balance competence and likeability.
Unpack the intricacies of modern-day sexism and the gender biases that persist, challenging traditional leadership moulds. Gain insights into th...
In this episode of the "Heels in the Hierarchy" podcast, join hosts SJ and Pegsy as they welcome Emma Anderson, the Head of Currency Solutions at Planet. Emma shares her fascinating career journey, from her initial aspirations in medicine to her dynamic role in the payments industry. Discover how Emma overcame academic challenges, navigated career transitions, and found empowerment and resilience in unexpected places.
Emma's story...
In today's episode of Heels in the Hierarchy, SJ and Pegsy record their experiences of preparing for a photo shoot to create marketing materials. They express nervousness and excitement about stepping out of their comfort zones, emphasising the importance of embracing opportunities and overcoming fears. Once the photoshoot is over, they reflect on the process of planning and executing the photo shoot, including the challenges of pa...
In this episode, SJ and Pegsy discuss six inspirational women who have influenced their lives and thinking, discovering interesting overlaps and similarities in their stories.
Join SJ and Pegsy for a journey of discovery into what makes these women so special. Click on the links below for further information about the women they discuss.
Welcome to Heels in the Hierarchy. Today we introduce ourselves, share our backgrounds and explain the concept and rationale behind this new podcast series.
Heels in the Hierarchy will discuss experiences and challenges faced by working women today. We'll explore a range of topics from navigating career advancement to balancing work and personal life without stepping on toes.
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