Charlotte, an IT manager and mother, recounts a decade-long struggle with severe, undiagnosed abdominal pain while maintaining a senior role, raising a toddler, and leading a team. The episode follows her journey through hospitals, referrals between gynaecology and gastroenterology, and the toll of being doubted by healthcare and employers.

The conversation highlights workplace compassion, the realities of chronic unexplained illness, how patients are sometimes gaslit, and practical recommendations for managers and colleagues to support employees facing long-term health challenges.

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Women's Health Concerns Dismissed

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/a62595229/women-dismissed-pain/

In this episode, SJ and Pegsy examine the refreshed UK Women’s Health Strategy, spotlighting long delays in endometriosis diagnosis (nine years on average) and over half a million people waiting for gynaecology care. Hosts discuss how funding tied to patient feedback and new pain standards may change things, but question accountability and real impact.

They focus on the workplace consequences—how undiagnosed or poorly supported conditions damage careers, mental health and income, and why managers need to build trust, be curious, and offer reasonable adjustments. The episode closes with a call to share the episode and push for practical employer action, not just awareness.

The Renewed Women's Health Strategy for England (published 15 April 2026) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/womens-voices-to-be-at-the-heart-of-renewed-health-strategy

BBC Radio 4 Today Programme — 15 April 2026https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p002vsnk

BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour — 15 April 2026, 10am https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb

Woman's Hour on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0xFLqrSAFDNqlBstjAd8Mk

Woman's Hour on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womans-hour/id130950322

"Health strategy bids to stop women being 'ignored, gaslit and humiliated' in NHS" https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2kke1jn8xo

KEY REPORTS & RESEARCH

Endometriosis UK — Today's Statement on the Renewed Women's Health Strategy (April 2026)

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org

Endometriosis UK — "Years of being dismissed, ignored and belittled" (February 2026 Report)

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org

RCOG: "A Work in Progress" — Evaluating the Women's Health Strategy (2025) https://www.rcog.org.uk/about-us/campaigning-and-opinions/a-work-in-progress-evaluating-the-womens-health-strategy/

Full PDF report: https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/eqlnvyf1/a-work-in-progress-evaluation-of-the-womens-health-strategy.pdf

RCOG — Response to Today's Renewed Strategy (April 2026) https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/rcog-welcomes-renewed-womens-health-strategy-but-calls-for-investment-and-delivery-to-match-ambition/

RCOG — Warning: Almost Three-Quarters of a Million Women Waiting (January 2026) https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/as-we-enter-2026-almost-three-quarters-of-a-million-women-remain-waiting-for-gynaecology-care-and-inequalities-are-widening-warns-rcog/

PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS

Women and Equalities Committee: "Medical Misogyny is Leaving Women in Unnecessary Pain" (December 2024)

 https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/328/women-and-equalities-committee/news/204316/medical-misogyny-is-leaving-women-in-unnecessary-pain-and-undiagnosed-for-years/

Full report PDF: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/45909/documents/228040/default/ The landmark parliamentary report that officially named "medical misogyny" and found women were being told to "suck it up."

Women and Equalities Committee: Menstrual Health of Girls and Young Women (March 2026)

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmselect/cmwomeq/1265/report.html The follow-up inquiry published just six weeks ago, finding the Government's response to the December 2024 report "deeply disappointing."

House of Commons Library: Access to Endometriosis Services (research briefing)https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10591/

Hansard: Westminster Hall Debate — Women's Health Strategy, Endometriosis and Fibroids (March 2026)

FURTHER READING

The Independent: "Women waiting too long for NHS care because of medical misogyny, top doctor warns" (April 2026)

Digital Health: "£1.5m FemTech Fund Launched Under Women's Health Strategy" (April 2026) https://www.digitalhealth.net/2026/04/1-5m-femtech-fund-launched-under-womens-health-strategy/

Women's Health Strategy as Part of the NHS Long Term Plan (explainer) https://www.wms.co.uk/womens-health-strategy

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#DismissedDelayedDeservingBetter

SJ and Pegsy discuss Endometriosis Awareness Month, revealing alarming delays to diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of endometriosis, and how it can occur beyond the pelvis.

They share personal stories, explain types of endo, and call on employers and healthcare systems to provide better understanding, flexible support and faster access to care.

Great article from Sanju Pal (on LinkedIn) about Living with Endometriosis on BBC Asian Network with Neelam Heera - Shergill, Founder and CEO of Cysters.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanju-pal-64b96166_endowarrior-disability-rights-ugcPost-7444362266352828417-89eC/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAATHrhcBOFez-fdXkMXRgl9tSQzof3kp8jQ

And another from Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women about the Government introducing their Equality Action Plans, which are set to include menopause support in the workplace (via LinkedIn)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/big-news-the-government-has-introduced-share-7435731330489012225-OEnq/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAATHrhcBOFez-fdXkMXRgl9tSQzof3kp8jQ&utm_campaign=share_via

In this episode of Heels in the Hierarchy, Pegsy interviews SJ about her dyslexia diagnosis and how it reshaped her identity, learning and leadership.

They explore the challenges of education and the workplace, practical adaptations, and the strengths dyslexia brings—creativity, intuition, and empathy.

The conversation emphasizes resilience, embracing difference, and the value of diverse thinking for women and organisations.

Rebel Ideas, Matthew Syed:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Ideas-Matthew-Syed/dp/1529348404

In this episode of Heels in the Hierarchy, SJ and Pegsy discuss Pegsy's personal experiences of explore living with neurodivergence - focusing on her late ADHD diagnosis, how a lack of awareness about the potential of ADHD being part of her character and how this led to lifelong masking, ways of working and ways of being, and then the emotional impact of finally being diagnosed and how this led to a more information understanding of the multiple facets of personality.

They discuss everyday quirks and strengths, workplace challenges, managing teams and practical steps for seeking diagnosis, considering the results and ways to support yourself following a late diagnosis and to help your colleagues to understand you as an ADHD woman.

#ADHD

#LateDiagnosis

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/adhd-firing-job-loss-rates_uk_69c4006de4b0e447525b701e

In this reflection episode of Series 3, SJ and Pegsy revisit conversations on men’s mental health, continuing professional development, a powerful TED talk on encouraging young girls to lead, a personal interview with an educator, listener Q&A, and New Year resolution strategies like the WOOP method.

They summarize key takeaways, share personal updates and behind-the-scenes learnings, and invite listeners to engage, download, and share as the community continues the conversation about women, work, and leadership.

Like, engage, share, follow, and continue the conversation about women, work and leadership.

https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/59179

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In this episode SJ and Pegsy revisit New Year’s resolutions in February, exploring their 4,000‑year history, the psychology of fresh starts, and why resolutions often fail.

They share practical approaches—micro‑goals, the WHOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) method, accountability tips, and self‑compassion—and offer advice for managers on building psychological safety, wellbeing, and clearer strategy.

Tune in for candid stories, workplace examples, and realistic ways to set sustainable goals without pressure.

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*Due to some technical difficulties, the sound quality of this episode is not to our usual high standards. *

In this episode of Heels in the Hierarchy, hosts SJ & Pegsy discuss listener stories collected via social media about the real challenges working women face across the beauty industry, manufacturing, and the public sector. They explore themes of unconscious bias, the undervaluing of skilled work, subtle misogyny, and the mental load of multitasking and emotional labour.

SJ & Pegsy share reflections and practical takeaways — from praising positive allies and challenging bias with compassion to being brave and visible as leaders — and invite listeners to reflect, support one another, and continue the conversation about change.

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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.

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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 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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