In today's episode, we're joined by Sophie Pender, founder of the 93% Club and Forbes 30 Under 30, who built the UK's biggest network for state educated people after realising that class in the workplace was the one thing nobody was talking about honestly.

We talk about what classism really looks like in 2026, private vs public school experiences, and how your background can shape your life in ways other people often don’t even realise.

Sophie also shares what it was actually like growing up on one of the biggest council estates in North London and then walking into one of the UK’s top universities, and why nothing really prepares you for that gap.

What you’ll learn:

🚌 How private vs public schools still shape your opportunities in the UK

📚 Why only 7% of the UK is privately educated, but they dominate top careers

📈 #1 reason why classism is at an all time high in the UK

🏢 Dealing with judgement at work and university

🏠 How your home & childhood life shapes what you think is ‘normal’

Resources & links mentioned:

• Sophie Pender’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sophieapender/
• The 93% Club - https://www.93percent.club/

🔔 Join the HERd* broadcast channel here: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbY4liwxlLnewx4H/?igsh=MWhuaXFweGtucTB3cA==

📱 Find us on socials:

Instagram & Tiktok - @drfayebate

Podcast Instagram & Tiktok: @herdiscussionspod

📩 Want to reach out?

Email: [email protected]

🛑 Disclaimers:

Opinions are my own. This content is for educational / entertainment purposes and not medical or financial advice.

Links to subscribe / follow:

• Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/her-discussions-by-dr-faye/id1835829612⁠
• Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5viLYizHD4Zy6J42iqtPRo⁠

Can I ask you a BIG favour? 💙

• Please leave a review or rating. It helps us grow the podcast and bring you more amazing guests.
• Share with someone who needs this; it might help them live a happier, healthier life.
• Follow us on social media or join the broadcast channel to send us your questions for our guests. I'll leave the link here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbY4liwxlLnewx4H/?igsh=MWhuaXFweGtucTB3cA==⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbY4liwxlLnewx4H/?igsh=MWhuaXFweGtucTB3cA==⁠

🛑 Disclaimers:Opinions are my own. This content is for educational / entertainment purposes and not medical or financial advice.