The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast

From Administration to Assembly: A Late Blooming Teacher’s Rise to Leadership

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 women, and keep questioning the norms that hold people back.

Lead Her: 4 Steps to Shape the Next Generation of Female Leaders

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 alpha-loaded leadership definitions, using conflict as teachable moments, praising progress intentionally, and making leadership visible and relatable to girls of all ages.
https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/59179
Gaëlle Deschamps - Entrepreneur, Leadership Trainer, Executive Coach
Gaëlle believes every woman has the potential to lead. She is a fierce advocate of Women Empowerment. Gaëlle studied Executive leadership with Harvard and Strategy with the London Business School. She brings to this TED talk, 23 years of Corporate experience at L’Oréal, SABMiller and the Coca-Cola company, holding senior roles in International Marketing and Learning & Development. Gaëlle was on the Global Leadership Faculty at the Coca-Cola University training 86,000 employees. Founder of G Force, a training company with the mission to help women step up as authentic and confident leaders. She creates powerful and transformative programmes including the “The Art of Confidence©️”, which is CPD certified. Gaëlle is currently creating a Leadership programme to shape the NextGen of female leaders with secondary schools. In her spare time, she writes children books "It's You & Me Time" with her young daughter, while raising money for children's charities.
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Qualified or Experienced? The CPD Dilemma

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.
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International Men's Day: Rethinking Masculinity and Mental Health

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 download, share and subscribe as the hosts embar on Series 3, with promises of further honest, people-centred conversations about women, work and leadership.
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Reflections & Revelations: Series 2 Highlights from Heels in the Hierarchy

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 they reflect on other episodes which discuss negative bias, blind spots in leadership, and menopause in the workplace.
Listeners are invited to download, share and subscribe as the hosts prepare for Series 3, with promises of further honest, people-centred conversations about women, work and leadership.
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Menopause at Work: Breaking the Silence, Keeping the Talent

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.
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Breaking Bias: Leadership and the Power of Positive Narratives

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 productivity, while reinforcing positive actions can transform work environments.
Join us as SJ and Pegsy unravel personal stories and strategies that challenge established narratives, fostering an environment of trust and development. From understanding imposter syndrome to providing constructive feedback, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders aiming to cultivate a supportive and thriving workplace.
Tune in to discover how conscious leadership and peer accountability can inspire genuine and sustainable organisational growth.
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Links mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHqdkLko57n/?igsh=MWx6aWlzaTVjdmh0cA%3D%3D
https://www.viacharacter.org/
 
 
 
 

Finding Strength Through Faith and Community: JJ's Inspiring Journey

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 finding empowerment through faith and community support.
TRIGGER WARNING : THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SOME REFERENCES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SELF HARM
JJ's story is a testament to resilience, highlighting how her faith provided strength and direction during difficult times. From dealing with a challenging marriage to embracing opportunities in her professional life, she discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her path and how she learned to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.
Join us for this insightful episode as we explore themes of faith, community, and the importance of supporting one another as women in the pursuit of balancing career advancement with personal well-being.
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Empowering Vulnerability: Rethinking Feedback in the Workplace

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, supervision, and coaching, highlighting the emotional and relational aspects that are frequently overlooked in traditional managerial training.
The discussion further sheds light on building trust, understanding power dynamics, and fostering a culture where both managers and employees can thrive. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, SJ and Pegsy provide practical strategies to enhance professional growth and create a feedback-rich environment. Whether you're a giver or a recipient of feedback, this episode offers valuable perspectives to empower women in their career journey without stepping on toes.
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Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to Thriving in the Workplace

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 Pegsy share their experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with cultivating emotional intelligence. Learn how leaders can harness this skill to create environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to contribute their best selves.
Whether you're navigating career advancement, striving for better work-life balance, or leading a team, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and practical strategies to help you succeed. Step into the world of Heels in the Hierarchy and discover how emotional intelligence can be your competitive edge.
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