The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast

What if the thing that made school so hard is exactly what makes you an exceptional leader?
In this episode Pegsy turns the mic on SJ for a candid, personal conversation about SJ's dyslexia diagnosis — how it reshaped her sense of identity, changed the way she learns, and ultimately transformed her approach to leadership.
From the challenges of an education system not designed for her, to the creativity, intuition and empathy that dyslexia brings, this is an honest and empowering conversation about embracing difference rather than hiding it.
In this episode:
SJ's dyslexia diagnosis and what it meant for her identity
Navigating education and the workplace as a dyslexic woman
Practical adaptations that actually make a difference
The strengths dyslexia brings — and why organisations need them
Why diverse thinking isn't just a nice-to-have
If you've ever felt that the way your brain works is a problem to be solved — this episode is for you.
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Links mentioned in this episode: Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #DyslexiaAwareness #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipAndLearning #EmbraceYourDifference #PodcastForWomen #DiverseThinking #Resilience

Imagine spending decades adapting, compensating, and wondering why everything feels harder than it should — and then finding out there was a reason all along.
In this episode SJ and Pegsy explore Pegsy's personal experience of late ADHD diagnosis — the years of masking before she knew that's what she was doing, the ways it shaped how she worked and who she became, and the profound emotional impact of finally having an answer.
Honest, warm, and genuinely illuminating — this is essential listening for anyone who suspects they might be neurodivergent, anyone supporting a colleague who is, or anyone who has ever felt like they were quietly running a different operating system to everyone else.
In this episode:
What masking is — and the toll it takes over a lifetime
The everyday quirks and genuine strengths of ADHD
Workplace challenges and what actually helps
Practical steps for seeking a late diagnosis
How to support yourself — and help your colleagues understand you — after diagnosis
Think this might resonate with someone you know? Share it.
☕ Support us on Buy Me a Coffee 🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://heelsinthehierarchy.podbean.com/ ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
Links mentioned in this episode: ADHD and Job Loss — HuffPost UK
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #ADHDWomen #Neurodiversity #Masking #NeurodivergentWomen #WorkplaceNeurodiversity #PodcastForWomen #ADHDAwareness

The conversations that stayed with us. The moments we didn't plan for. The community that kept showing up.
In this Series 3 reflection episode, SJ and Pegsy look back at a season that covered men's mental health, continuing professional development, encouraging young girls to lead, a powerful personal interview with an educator, listener Q&A, and the WOOP method for making New Year intentions actually stick.
They share what surprised them, what moved them, personal updates from behind the scenes, and an open invitation to keep the conversation going — because the community built around this podcast is the whole point.
In this episode:
Key takeaways from Series 3's most resonant conversations
The TEDx talk on encouraging girls into leadership — and why it matters
The WOOP method — and why it works better than a resolution
Behind-the-scenes reflections and personal updates from SJ and Pegsy
What's coming next — and how you can be part of it
Enjoyed Series 3? The best thing you can do is share it with someone who needs it.
☕ Support us on Buy Me a Coffee 🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://heelsinthehierarchy.podbean.com/ ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
Links mentioned in this episode: TEDx Event — Girls in Leadership
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #Series3 #WomenInLeadership #ADHD #MensMentalHealth #GirlsInLeadership #WOOPMethod #PodcastForWomen #AuthenticLeadership #SeasonReview
 

It's February. Your resolutions are already on life support. You're not the problem — the approach is.
In this episode SJ and Pegsy revisit the New Year's resolution — all 4,000 years of it — and ask why something so well-intentioned fails so reliably. With a mix of history, psychology, and refreshingly practical advice, they explore what actually works when it comes to setting goals that last beyond January.
From micro-goals to the WOOP method, accountability strategies to self-compassion, this episode reframes goal-setting as something that should energise you rather than shame you. There's also genuinely useful guidance for managers on building psychological safety and clearer team strategy — because sustainable goals matter at work too.
In this episode:
The 4,000-year history of resolutions — and why we keep making them
The psychology of fresh starts and why timing matters
Micro-goals and the WOOP method — practical tools that genuinely work
Self-compassion as a performance strategy, not an excuse
How managers can use goal-setting to build wellbeing and team clarity
Still clinging to a January resolution? Or already quietly abandoned it? Either way — this one's for you.
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#HeelsInTheHierarchy #NewYearsResolutions #GoalSetting #WOOPMethod #MicroGoals #SelfCompassion #WorkplaceWellbeing #WomenInLeadership #PodcastForWomen #GrowthMindset

⚠️ Please note: due to technical difficulties, the sound quality of this episode is below our usual standard. The conversation is absolutely worth it — we just wanted you to know in advance.
The stories women carry to work with them every day. It's time we talked about them.
In this episode SJ and Pegsy share real listener stories gathered via social media — candid accounts from working women across the beauty industry, manufacturing, and the public sector. What emerges is a picture of unconscious bias, undervalued skill, subtle misogyny, and the invisible weight of emotional labour and multitasking that so many women carry without acknowledgement.
But this episode doesn't stop at the problem. SJ and Pegsy offer practical, grounded takeaways — on calling out bias with compassion, recognising and praising positive allies, and what it means to show up as a brave, visible leader even when the culture around you hasn't caught up yet.
In this episode:
Real listener stories from across industries — unfiltered and powerful
Unconscious bias and the subtle misogyny that's easy to miss
The mental load and emotional labour women carry at work
How to challenge bias constructively rather than confrontationally
Why visibility and bravery in leadership matter more than ever
Have a story of your own? Share this episode and keep the conversation going.
☕ Support us on Buy Me a Coffee 🎧 Listen & subscribe: https://heelsinthehierarchy.podbean.com/ ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #UnconsciousBias #EmotionalLabour #WomenAtWork #MentalLoad #SubtleMisogyny #WomenInLeadership #PodcastForWomen #BraveLeadership #WorkplaceEquality
 

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.
Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierachy
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#authenticleadership
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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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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/@HeelsintheHierachy
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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.
Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierachy
#heelsinthehierarchy
#authenticleadership
#womeninleadership
https://buymeacoffee.com/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.
Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierachy
#heelsinthehierarchy
#authenticleadership
#womeninleadership
https://buymeacoffee.com/heels_in_the_hierarchy