Award-winning Staffordshire consultancy Map Room has launched a brand-new video podcast series, “The Power of Inspirational Women,” celebrating the stories of female leaders who are shaping industries across the UK.
Map Room partners with some of the UK’s largest and most successful businesses, and this podcast aligns with its purpose: “Creating Outcomes that Change Lives.”
Hosted by Vicki Heath, the series marks International Women’s Day on 8th March and features influential female leaders from leading companies, operating on a national stage.
In this no-holds-barred podcast series, each interview strips away the ‘corporate polish,’ and focuses on the reality of being a female leader in business—from hard choices and balancing family life with a career to overcoming imposter syndrome and building resilience.
The series will be rolling out across Map Room’s social media channels in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
Championing the Voices of Women in Leadership
Map Room’s Senior Relationship Manager, Vicki Heath, who has been inspired by female leaders throughout her career, is now paying it forward by leading these conversations.
Her interviewees include:
- Mandy Beech – Executive Director, Nationwide
- Simone Fox – Director of Specialist Services, The Co-operative Bank plc
- Angela Norman – Managing Director, YBS
- Rose Buckler – Head of Business Banking Operations, Starling Bank
- Leah Spears – Head of Brand, Paddy Power
- Lucy Rawles – Senior Product Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
- Zoe Gwilt – Head of Fraud Operations, Virgin Money
- Josie Morris – Managing Director, Wool Cool
- Lisa Bridgewood – General Counsel, Knights
- Becky Owen – Director of Commercial Banking, Leonard Curtis
- Toni Long – Head of Barclays Direct-Regions, Barclays UK
- Zoe Evans – Company Secretary, Map Room
- Emma Ames – Managing Director, People & Talent, Map Room
A Personal Mission
Vicki, a mother of three, including 14-year-old daughter Poppy, shared how deeply personal this project is for her.
“As a mum, it’s really important to me that my children know that if they work hard enough, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. My teenage daughter Poppy is already starting to think about her future, and I want these women’s stories to show her that anything is possible. Through these powerful conversations, I’ve also realised that so many working mums experience ‘mum guilt’ while trying to balance their careers and family life.”
She continued: “After seeing some incredibly inspiring International Women’s Day content last year, we 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.
“I’ve had the privilege of interviewing these remarkable female leaders from across the UK, many of whom have inspired me throughout my own career. The podcast has given me the opportunity to uncover the person behind the role, explore what it truly takes to succeed, and understand how these leaders balance everyday life with leadership. This project highlights the power of choosing your own path—whether it’s traditional, unconventional, or something entirely unique. Every leader has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to share them.”
A Commitment Beyond International Women’s Day
Featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies for 2024, Map Room is also the headline sponsor for the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce International Women’s Day event on March 7th, 2025.
At the event, Vicki Heath and Emma Ames, Managing Director of People & Talent, will take the stage to preview the video project and contribute to discussions on women in leadership.
Emma Ames added: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Chambers’ International Women’s Day event and actively contributing to the conversation, championing women in leadership and celebrating the incredible female leaders at Map Room.”
“Our people are our brand and the driving force behind our success. Women shape every part of our business—from strategy to service delivery, from behind the scenes to centre stage. Their spirit, strength, determination, and leadership deserve to be celebrated.”
