The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast

In this reflection episode of Series 3, SJ and Pegsy revisit conversations on men’s mental health, continuing professional development, a powerful TED talk on encouraging young girls to lead, a personal interview with an educator, listener Q&A, and New Year resolution strategies like the WOOP method.

They summarize key takeaways, share personal updates and behind-the-scenes learnings, and invite listeners to engage, download, a...

In this episode SJ and Pegsy revisit New Year’s resolutions in February, exploring their 4,000‑year history, the psychology of fresh starts, and why resolutions often fail.

They share practical approaches—micro‑goals, the WHOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) method, accountability tips, and self‑compassion—and offer advice for managers on building psychological safety, wellbeing, and clearer strategy.

Tune in for candid stories, w...

*Due to some technical difficulties, the sound quality of this episode is not to our usual high standards. *

In this episode of Heels in the Hierarchy, hosts SJ & Pegsy discuss listener stories collected via social media about the real challenges working women face across the beauty industry, manufacturing, and the public sector. They explore themes of unconscious bias, the undervaluing of skilled work, subtle misogyny, and the...

Hosts SJ and Pegsy talk with Audrey, an Assistant Associate Head Teacher who returned to education later in life and worked her way into school leadership.

They discuss career change, self-doubt, mentorship, and the gender gap in senior roles.

The episode also tackles practical classroom challenges—social media, student wellbeing, and cultural inclusion—and leaves listeners with clear takeaways: go for opportunities, support other ...

In this episode of Heels in the Hierarchy we discuss Gaelle Deschamps' TED Talk about how girls lose interest in leadership during adolescence and why leadership training must start early. We unpack the LEAD HER approach—lead by example, encourage leadership skills, ask probing questions, and define leadership inclusively—and share practical tips parents, mentors and teachers can use every day.

Highlights include the impact of alph...

SJ and Pegsy explore why many women question their competence and whether formal qualifications matter more than hands-on experience in career progression.

They discuss cultural conditioning, leadership styles, mentoring and practical steps to assess motivations, advocate for yourself, and empower other women to grow without feeling the need to constantly prove their worth.

Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@Heelsi...

In this episode SJ and Pegsy explore International Men's Day, unpacking its purpose, the mental health challenges men face, and the impact of positive male role models in sport, media and everyday life.

They highlight warning signs to watch for, discuss cultural influences and social media risks, and suggest practical ways women and men can encourage open conversations and stronger support networks.

Listeners are invited to downloa...

Hosts SJ and Pegsy reflect on Series Two 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 t...

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 Peg...

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...