The Heels in the Hierarchy Podcast

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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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.
Subscribe to our channel!  https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierachy
 
Links mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHqdkLko57n/?igsh=MWx6aWlzaTVjdmh0cA%3D%3D
https://www.viacharacter.org/
 
 
 
 

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

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

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

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

Thirty-one episodes. Countless conversations. One very steep learning curve.
In this Season One finale, SJ and Pegsy get candid about what it actually takes to launch a podcast from scratch — the technical struggles, the unexpected highlights, the moments of self-doubt, and the feedback that kept them going.
They reflect on the themes that defined the season — imposter syndrome, leadership authenticity, inspirational women, and the mental health conversations that clearly struck a chord — and offer a genuine, unscripted look at what they've learned about themselves along the way.
Plus: a sneak peek at what Season Two has in store.
In this episode:
Behind the scenes of building Heels in the Hierarchy from the ground up
The episodes and moments that meant the most
Honest reflections on imposter syndrome, authenticity, and growth
What's coming in Season Two — and why it's worth the wait
If this podcast has resonated with you this season, this is the episode to share.
Subscribe and don't miss Season Two. 🎧
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #SeasonFinale #PodcastForWomen #WomenInLeadership #BehindTheScenes #ImposterSyndrome #AuthenticLeadership #Season2 #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastLaunch
 

Most of us know what workplace stress feels like. Far fewer of us talk about it openly. That needs to change.
Recorded to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, this episode sees SJ and Pegsy tackle one of the most important — and most avoided — conversations in professional life. With surprising statistics, practical strategies, and refreshing honesty, they explore what stress really does to us at work and what leaders can do to make a genuine difference.
In this episode:
The real relationship between workplace stress and mental health
How to recognise stress signals in yourself and your team
Practical techniques for breaking cycles of negative thinking
Why bringing your whole self to work isn't weakness — it's leadership
How to start normalising mental health conversations every single day
Whether you're a leader wanting to better support your team, or someone quietly struggling yourself, this episode offers both validation and a way forward.
Subscribe and join the conversation. 🎧
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
Links mentioned in this episode: Mental Health Awareness Week — Mental Health Foundation Rethink Mental Illness — Advice, Information & Support Every Mind Matters — NHS
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #MentalHealthAtWork #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #WorkplaceWellbeing #StressManagement #WomenAtWork #BreakTheStigma #LeadershipAndWellbeing #PodcastForWomen #WorkplaceWellness

Be competent and you're cold. Be warm and you're not taken seriously. Sound familiar?
SJ and Pegsy dig into Robin Hauser's acclaimed TED talk on the likeability dilemma — and why women in leadership are still navigating a double standard that men simply don't face.
From subtle everyday sexism to the biases women hold about other women, this is a candid, thought-provoking conversation about what authentic leadership really looks like — and why conforming to outdated moulds is no longer an option.
In this episode:
The likeability trap and why it disproportionately affects women
Modern sexism — subtle, persistent, and often unintentional
How curiosity and self-awareness can shift the dynamic
Personal experiences from SJ and Pegsy on navigating gender bias at work
Subscribe and join the conversation. 🎧
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
Links mentioned in this episode: Robin Hauser's TED Talk — The Likeability Dilemma Robin Hauser | Keynote Speaker & Filmmaker
About Robin Hauser: Robin Hauser is an unconscious bias and DEI keynote speaker, TED speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker at Finish Line Features. Her work explores equality, the gender gap in tech, financial literacy, and implicit bias. A diplomat for the American Film Showcase, she has presented at The White House, NASA, SXSW, Google, Amazon, and US Embassies worldwide.
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #LikeabilityDilemma #WomenInLeadership #GenderBias #AuthenticLeadership #UnconsciousBias #RobinHauser #WomenAtWork #PodcastForWomen #BreakingBarriers
 

What happens when the career you planned simply doesn't happen — and something better does instead?
In this episode SJ and Pegsy welcome their first ever guest: Emma Anderson, Head of Currency Solutions at Planet. Emma's path was supposed to lead to medicine. It didn't. What followed instead is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and quietly refusing to give up.
From navigating academic setbacks to finding her feet in the payments industry, Emma talks candidly about career transitions, self-worth, and the unexpected places empowerment can come from. There's humour, there's honesty, and there's practical wisdom in abundance.
In this episode:
How Emma pivoted from medical aspirations to a senior role in FinTech
The mindset shifts that made the difference
Why vulnerability and authenticity are professional strengths, not weaknesses
The books and thinking that shaped her approach
If you've ever found yourself on an unexpected path and wondered whether it's leading somewhere good — this one's for you.
Subscribe and join the conversation. 🎧
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeelsintheHierarchy
Links mentioned in this episode: Professor Steve Peters | Chimp Management Atomic Habits by James Clear
#HeelsInTheHierarchy #WomenInLeadership #CareerResilience #KnowYourWorth #CareerTransition #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInFinTech #Reinvention #GuestEpisode #PodcastForWomen