Breaking Barriers Podcast

Shape Talent
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According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until the year 2148 to achieve gender equality around the world, meaning that we are currently five generations away from achieving gender equality at the current pace of change. Join experienced broadcaster and journalist; Rachel Schofield as she interviews respected experts in the EDI field to explore the barriers faced by women in the workplace, talking through the practical ways that organisations can support gender equality. Each episode brings the latest evidence and best practice to help guide an informed approach to accelerating gender equality.

  1. MAR 6

    Gender equity in 2026: What progress now requires from HR leaders

    As organisations prepare for IWD 2026, many senior HR leaders are asking tougher questions: Where has progress on gender equity held? Where has it stalled? And where are new risks emerging? Join us next Thursday, 26th February at 2pm GMT, for a LinkedIn Live taking a clear-eyed look at the current state of gender equity across the UK and Europe. Gender equity in 2026: What progress now requires from HR & Inclusion leaders Featuring: 🔹 Sharon Peake, Founder & CEO, Shape Talent 🔹 Dr Priscila Pereira, Director of Research & Innovation, Shape Talent In this session, we’ll explore: 🔹 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 What progress looks like in practice, and where data shows real change versus surface-level movement. 🔹 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 The structural, cultural, and leadership factors that continue to block women’s progression, particularly into senior roles. 🔹 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 From evolving legislation and regulatory scrutiny to AI-driven change - and what HR leaders should be planning for now. This session is designed for senior HR and Inclusion leaders responsible for leadership pipelines, culture, and long-term talent sustainability.

    28 min

  2. FEB 3

    Why group coaching matters: Human connection in a changing world

    Group coaching is increasingly being adopted by HR, L&D and EDI leaders as a scalable, inclusive development solution - but many still question what makes it truly effective. We explore how group coaching supports leadership development, builds inclusion, and enables organisations to develop people at scale without losing human connection. Rachel Schofield is in conversation with: 🔹Professor Rebecca Jones, Managing Consultant, Shape Talent and Professor of Coaching & Organisational Behaviour 🔹Sezin Doliva-Silav, Senior Key Account Lead, Henkel and former Shape Talent Programme Coachee In this session, we explore: 🔹 What group coaching really is, and why it works 🔹A personal account from Sezin on the impact of group coaching 🔹Why group coaching continues to matter, particularly in an AI-centred world This is a conversational, evidence-led and practical discussion that will benefit HR, L&D and DEI leaders looking for development approaches that work.

    29 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    The Three Barriers® 3rd Edition: Breaking Obstacles to Women’s Progression

    Why are women still underrepresented in leadership despite decades of progress? Because of the systemic barriers that continue to hold them back. Join Rachel Schofield in conversation with Sharon Peake, CPsychol (Founder & CEO, Shape Talent) and Dr Priscila Pereira Law PhD FCIPD (Director of Research & Innovation, Shape Talent) for the launch of the 3rd Edition of the landmark Three Barriers® Report. Drawing on 7,500+ voices, 95+ references, and fresh global data, this new edition explores: 🔹 The Three Barriers® to women’s career progression 🔹 Sub-barriers like stereotypes, sponsorship gaps, and the likeability penalty. 🔹 Why personal barriers aren’t about women “lacking confidence,” but about workplaces penalising ambition. 🔹 What good looks like when organisations dismantle barriers systemically.

    41 min

  4. 10/17/2025

    Menopause at Work – Rethinking Support, Policy, and Culture

    Hear from leaders at Beiersdorf and Shape Talent as they share: Why menopause and perimenopause are workplace issues Practical steps for building supportive workplace cultures What meaningful support really looks like This is a must-attend for HR leaders, DEI professionals, and anyone shaping workplace wellbeing. Featuring: Vidya Kumar, HR Director Northern Europe, Beiersdorf Amy Chapman, Country Manager, Beiersdorf Jess Lazarczyk, Managing Consultant, Shape Talent

    30 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Building inclusive talent pipelines: Are women’s development programmes a thing of the past?

    Are women’s development programmes a thing of the past – or ripe for reinvention? Join our Founder & CEO, Sharon Peake, CPsychol, as she explores how organisations can accelerate talent inclusively and sustainably. What we’ll cover: - Are women’s development programmes outdated – or due a reinvention? - The 5 critical ingredients for accelerating internal talent - Why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in talent acceleration - How to ensure programmes deliver real, lasting talent mobility and retention If you’re an HR or Talent leader committed to equity in your leadership pipelines, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    30 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    Coaching That Cuts Through: How evidence-based, expert coaching drives real career advancement

    Coaching is everywhere – but what actually has real career impact? Led by Professor Rebecca Jones, we dive into: - Why evidence-based coaching delivers deeper, measurable outcomes - How specialist expertise, like gender equity and industry knowledge, transforms impact - What separates good coaching from game-changing coaching Rebecca is a leading expert in coaching effectiveness, with a PhD in Work & Organisational Psychology. A Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Professor in Coaching and Behavioural Change, who specialises in evidence-based coaching, inclusive leadership, and lasting behaviour change.

    28 min

  7. 06/23/2025

    Inclusive by Design: How Talent Strategy Can Protect EDI Progress

    Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional, well-designed systems. As many organisations struggle to maintain momentum on EDI, talent strategy can be a powerful lever to protect progress, embed equity into decision-making, and ensure that inclusion is built in, not bolted on. In this session, we explore how to: - Design inclusive talent systems that safeguard EDI gains - Evaluate how policies and programmes impact different genders and identities - Use workforce segmentation to better meet diverse needs - with real-world examples

    43 min

  8. 06/13/2025

    EDI in Uncertain Times – A review of the different paths organisations are taking

    How are organisations evolving EDI to remain impactful and defensible in the current climate? As organisations navigate a rapidly shifting landscape, EDI strategies are being tested like never before. Regulatory pressures, budget constraints, and shifting stakeholder expectations are forcing business leaders to make difficult choices. This raises the question: how do we sustain meaningful progress on EDI and navigate these challenges with confidence?

    54 min
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About

According to the World Economic Forum, it will take until the year 2148 to achieve gender equality around the world, meaning that we are currently five generations away from achieving gender equality at the current pace of change. Join experienced broadcaster and journalist; Rachel Schofield as she interviews respected experts in the EDI field to explore the barriers faced by women in the workplace, talking through the practical ways that organisations can support gender equality. Each episode brings the latest evidence and best practice to help guide an informed approach to accelerating gender equality.

Information

  • Creator
    Shape Talent
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Breaking Barriers Podcast