Stories of Leadership, Resilience, and Impact
This International Women’s Day, we didn’t just want to join the conversation. We wanted to amplify the voices of women in leadership. That’s why we launched The Power of Inspirational Women, a 13-part video podcast series hosted by Vicki Heath, Senior Relationship Manager at Map Room. Across the series, Vicki sits down with remarkable women from diverse industries to talk about ambition, resilience, and the realities of modern leadership.sdfsdf
For Vicki, this project was personal. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside incredible women who have inspired her. Their stories deserve to be heard. And as a mum to a 14-year-old daughter, Vicki is determined to show that success does not mean compromise. You can lead, lift others, and live fully.
“After seeing some incredibly inspiring International Women’s Day content last year, I made a commitment here at Map Room, not just to consume, but to create. That’s where the idea for this podcast came from, and it’s been an amazing project to be part of. — Vicki Heath
These are not polished success stories. They are real, unfiltered conversations with women who have reached the top of their fields, each with a unique story to tell. Across the 13 podcasts, we hear from women who have navigated the realities of balancing personal priorities with ambition. Setbacks become stepping stones instead of roadblocks. These leaders share how they navigate male-dominated spaces, their thoughts on the future of leadership, and how they create space for others to thrive. Mentorship and allyship emerge as powerful themes, with each guest reflecting on how they have lifted others and been lifted themselves. Throughout the series, it is clear that leadership is not about titles or ladders. It is about the people, the decisions, and the values that guide the way. If you are curious to hear more, here are the inspiring women who shared their stories across the series: Leah Spears, Rose Buckler, Josie Morris MBE, Zoe Evans, Mandy Beech, Lisa Bridgewood, Simone Fox, Emma Ames, Toni Long, Becky Owen, Angela Norman, Lucy Rawles, Zoe Gwilt. For the full conversations and stories, you can watch the complete podcast series online.
This series is about more than inspiration. It is about real, practical insights from women who have lived the highs and lows of leadership. Their words are not just quotes. They are roadmaps.
“If you want to achieve big things, you have to be ready to feel a bit uncomfortable. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, not just once, but over and over again. — Josie Morris MBE, Managing Director, Woolcool
Josie shares how embracing discomfort is not something to fear but something to welcome. It signals growth. Her story highlights how those who achieve the most are often those who stay uncomfortable, pushing themselves and their teams to go beyond the expected. Working in a family-led, women-run business, she brings a unique perspective that values empathy, resilience, and collective success.
“There’s always someone ahead of you who’s paved the way. It’s our job to keep that path open, and make it even wider for those coming next. — Toni Long, Head of Barclays Direct-Regions, Barclays UK
Toni’s conversation is a reminder that leadership is not just personal. It is about creating space for others to grow. Her episode shows how the real impact of a leader comes from opening doors and challenging systems that hold talent back.
“The reality is, you’ve got to make decisions every day and not every decision is going to be perfect. It’s about being brave enough to make a call and stand by it. The fear of making the wrong decision can paralyse you, but doing nothing is often worse than doing something imperfectly. — Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services, Nationwide Building Society
Mandy’s insight captures the essence of bold decision-making. She highlights that perfectionism can be a trap, and sometimes the courage to act is what sets leaders apart. Her perspective adds another layer to the podcast’s message about resilience and self-belief.
Emma Ames, Map Room’s MD of People and Talent, and Vicki Heath, podcast host, took to the stage at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Women’s Day event. Alongside four other remarkable women, they shared insights, reflections, and the stories that inspired The Power of Inspirational Women podcast.
Their presentation offered a first look at the podcast trailer, giving attendees a glimpse into the voices and conversations that shape the series. The event became a space for genuine connection and inspiration, highlighting the importance of amplifying real experiences from women leading across industries.
This podcast series is more than just conversations. It is a movement for change, for sharing, and for lifting others. If you are looking for inspiration, real-world insights, and authentic stories from women shaping today’s business landscape, join us on this journey.
“This wasn’t just a campaign. It was a reminder that stories matter, that representation matters, and that when we lift each other, we all rise. — Emma Ames, MD of People & Talent, Map Room