The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast

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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"The Essential Art of Self-Care: Leadership's Secret Weapon"

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 boundaries isn't just healthy—it's profitable. Through engaging anecdotes and the intriguing "Three Ps of Self-Care," this episode offers actionable insights for women aiming to thrive in their careers without compromising their mental health. Tune in and learn why committing to self-care is the ultimate leadership strategy.
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Navigating the Podcast Journey: Behind the Scenes of Heels in the Hierarchy

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 like imposter syndrome, leadership authenticity, and the pressures women face in the workplace. They also highlight the empowering stories of inspirational women and delve into the significance of mental health discussions.
Join the conversation as they celebrate their achievements, express gratitude for the positive feedback, and offer a sneak peek into what's coming in Season Two. Explore the world of leadership, empowerment, and authentic connections with Heels in the Hierarchy.
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#HeelsintheHierarchy

Breaking the Silence: Workplace Mental Health

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 effectively.
Gain valuable insights on how leaders can support their teams by recognizing individual stress signals and fostering open conversations around well-being. Learn about the importance of breaking the cycle of negative thoughts through practical techniques like writing and speaking out loud, as well as the significance of maintaining a healthy routine at work.
This episode is packed with expert tips, real-life examples, and encouragement to bring your whole self to work, making daily discussions about mental health and well-being an integral part of professional life. Listen in for empowering advice that promises to challenge stigmas and promote a culture of support and understanding in the workplace.
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Links mentioned in this podcast:
Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
Advice, information and support from the experts
Every Mind Matters - NHS
 

Challenging the Likeability Dilemma for Women in Leadership

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 the subtle sexism women encounter, even from fellow women, and explore the importance of authenticity in reshaping leadership roles. Listen in as we share personal experiences, strategies for self-evaluation, and the power of curiosity in navigating gender dynamics.
Join us for a candid conversation aiming to empower women and celebrate authentic leadership without conforming to outdated norms. Tune in and transform your perspective on leadership in the modern world.
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Links referenced in this episode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2I4tus05hI
Robin Hauser | Keynote Speaker
 
Robin Hauser is an unconscious bias and D,E, & I keynote speaker, TED speaker and award-winning director of documentary films at Finish Line Features.  Her films and speeches illuminate pressing societal issues such as equality, financial savviness, the gender gap in tech, implicit bias, and the likability dilemma.  Robin is a diplomat for the American Film Showcase and has presented at The White House, NASA, SXSW, Google, Amazon and at US Embassies worldwide.
 

From Medical Aspirations to Corporate Success: A Journey of Resilience

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 is a testament to the power of flexibility and adaptation in the professional world. Through her experiences, listeners will learn valuable lessons on the importance of embracing change, pursuing passions, and understanding one's self-worth. With humorous anecdotes, thoughtful insights, and practical advice, Emma highlights how setbacks can transform into stepping stones towards success.
Whether you're juggling multiple roles in life or seeking new career paths, Emma's insights provide inspiration and practical strategies for achieving personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover how vulnerability, authenticity, and a strong support network can empower you to thrive in any industry.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Professor Steve Peters | Chimp Management
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
#HeelsintheHierarchy
#Authentic Leadership
#WomenInLeadership
#CareerResilience
#KnowYourWorth
#CareerTransition

Feeling Our Fear and Doing It Anyway

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 packing, navigating steep stairs, and dealing with makeup artists. Despite initial discomfort, they find the experience rewarding, highlighting the value of feedback and preparation for future endeavours.
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Inspirational Women

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.
Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierachy
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmeline_Pankhurst
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Gillard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacinda_Ardern
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_(singer)
https://melaine-klein-trust.org.uk
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