<![CDATA[Places She Shapes]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.ukhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v3zy!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8f71a153-d687-4766-94dd-747a7e5b2c26_992x992.pngPlaces She Shapeshttps://www.placessheshapes.co.ukSubstackWed, 15 Jul 2026 05:31:32 GMT<![CDATA[Rochelle Wright: The Electrician Fighting for Change]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/rochelle-wright-the-electrician-fightinghttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/rochelle-wright-the-electrician-fightingSun, 12 Jul 2026 08:01:33 GMTRochelle Wright is an electrician at PPS Electrical, working on the Sellafield nuclear site in the Lake District. She is also a bodybuilder, a mum, and the founder of Herbasix, a platform she is building to give workers in construction a way to report harassment, access support, and actually be heard.



She wanted to be an electrician at school. She was talked out of it. At 25, she decided she was doing it anyway, and she has not looked back since.

What makes Rochelle’s episode so compelling is not just what she has done, but how honest she is about why she did it. The Unite the Union survey that changed everything. The day she cried in a toilet on site and drove home without explaining why.

She is also, it has to be said, brilliant company. This one is warm, funny, and completely unfiltered.

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes
✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

This series is proudly supported by JAC Project Management.

Leave a comment

]]><![CDATA[Places She Shapes longlisted at the British Podcast Awards!]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-longlisted-at-thehttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-longlisted-at-theWed, 08 Jul 2026 12:33:24 GMTWe have some news we’ve been bursting to share. Places She Shapes has been longlisted for the 2026 British Podcast Awards in the Business category!

When Zoe first sat down at Abbey Road Studios to record Season 1, the aim was simple: to share the unfiltered stories of inspiring women and the sliding door moments that shaped their journeys. Three seasons on, we’ve been lucky enough to sit down with an extraordinary line-up of guests, each one generous enough to share the real, unfiltered version of their story.

We think that’s exactly why the podcast has found its place in the Business category. These aren’t polished highlight reels. They’re honest conversations about ambition, resilience and the pivotal moments that change everything, from broadcasters and CEOs to founders, engineers and electricians, creating a mentorship platform for the next generation of women in business.

And it’s grown into so much more than a podcast. Our live events have brought the community together in person, and that community is growing with every episode. To everyone who listens, shares, and shows up, this recognition belongs to you too.

The best part? We’re just getting started, with more seasons already on the horizon. If you’d like to sponsor an aspect of the podcast or our live events, or host an event with us, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch!

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes
✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Emily Smith: Are You Sitting At The Right Table?]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/emily-smith-are-you-sitting-at-thehttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/emily-smith-are-you-sitting-at-theSun, 05 Jul 2026 08:01:45 GMTEmily Smith has a way of making the bold look straightforward. She moved countries at 12, survived being buried eight feet under snow in an avalanche at 21, handed in her notice when she felt undervalued, and walked into a room and won Woman of the Year to make a point. None of it was reckless. All of it was deliberate.



Emily is now CEO of Argyll, a property business with 23 buildings across prime Central London.

She has been with the company in various forms since 2005, rebuilding it, leaving it, being headhunted back, and eventually stepping into the top job in January this year. The story of how she got there is not a straight line, and that is exactly what makes it worth listening to.

In this episode she talks about knowing when you have done everything you can at a table that will never truly see you, and having the courage to get up and find a better one. She talks about culture, about ambition that has nothing to do with money, and about the moment she went on a walk in Devon and decided she was ready.

There is also an avalanche. You will want to hear that part.

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes
✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

This season, we’re delighted to be supported by Cripps, a Top 100 UK law firm proud to champion female leaders and help drive meaningful change.

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Emily Smith: Are You Sitting At The Right Table?]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/emily-smith-are-you-sitting-at-the-87ahttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/emily-smith-are-you-sitting-at-the-87aSun, 05 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMTEmily Smith has a way of making the bold look straightforward. She moved countries at 12, survived being buried eight feet under snow in an avalanche at 21, handed in her notice when she felt undervalued, and walked into a room and won Woman of the Year to make a point. None of it was reckless. All of it was deliberate.

Emily is now CEO of Argyll, a property business with 23 buildings across prime Central London.

She has been with the company in various forms since 2005, rebuilding it, leaving it, being headhunted back, and eventually stepping into the top job in January this year. The story of how she got there is not a straight line, and that is exactly what makes it worth listening to.

In this episode she talks about knowing when you have done everything you can at a table that will never truly see you, and having the courage to get up and find a better one. She talks about culture, about ambition that has nothing to do with money, and about the moment she went on a walk in Devon and decided she was ready.

There is also an avalanche. You will want to hear that part.

Search 'Places She Shapes' to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio! 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes ✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

This season, we're delighted to be supported by Cripps, a Top 100 UK law firm proud to champion female leaders and help drive meaningful change.

]]><![CDATA[Grace Allen: How To Be Successful Before You’re 25]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/grace-allen-how-to-be-successfulhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/grace-allen-how-to-be-successfulSun, 28 Jun 2026 08:01:45 GMTGrace is the founder of Sable & Sage, a project management and quantity surveying consultancy she set up while completing her chartership, and now, while expecting her first baby. She is, as Zoe puts it, the youngest business owner to appear on Places She Shapes, and she is absolutely someone to watch.

Her route into the industry wasn’t the obvious one. Grace chose a degree apprenticeship over university at 18, against her parents’ wishes, walked into a corporate environment straight from school, and never really looked back. What she spotted was a gap in the market, smaller hospitality projects that the big firms wouldn’t touch, and she backed herself to fill it.

This episode is honest and quietly inspiring. Grace talks about what it feels like to be the only woman in the room, how she’s learning to trust her own expertise when senior clients push back, and why she thinks women need to stop waiting for the right time.

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes
✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Grace Allen: How To Be Successful Before You’re 25]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/grace-allen-how-to-be-successful-40chttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/grace-allen-how-to-be-successful-40cSun, 28 Jun 2026 07:46:00 GMTMost people spend their twenties figuring out what they want to do. Grace Allen spent hers building a company.

Grace is the founder of Sable & Sage, a project management and quantity surveying consultancy she set up while completing her chartership, and now, while expecting her first baby. She is, as Zoe puts it, the youngest business owner to appear on Places She Shapes, and she is absolutely someone to watch.

Her route into the industry wasn't the obvious one. Grace chose a degree apprenticeship over university at 18, against her parents' wishes, walked into a corporate environment straight from school, and never really looked back. What she spotted was a gap in the market, smaller hospitality projects that the big firms wouldn't touch, and she backed herself to fill it.

This episode is honest and quietly inspiring. Grace talks about what it feels like to be the only woman in the room, how she's learning to trust her own expertise when senior clients push back, and why she thinks women need to stop waiting for the right time.

Search 'Places She Shapes' to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio! 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes ✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

]]><![CDATA[Tamsin Bennett: Construction, Grief and Resilience ]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/tamsin-bennett-construction-griefhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/tamsin-bennett-construction-griefSun, 21 Jun 2026 08:01:09 GMTSome careers make sense on paper. Tamsin Bennett’s makes sense when you hear her tell it.

Tamsin is Senior Technical Manager at Wates Development, one of the UK’s largest construction and development companies. She’s spent her career in one of the most male-dominated industries going, and the route she took to get where she is today was anything but straightforward. It went through a civil engineering degree, construction sites, a sewer under Oxford Street, and a sales job she didn’t love, before she finally landed where she was always meant to be.

When she realised she was on the wrong path, she did something most people only talk about. She walked away from a good salary, started again from the bottom, and backed herself when very few people would have.

There’s a moment in this episode where she talks about the man in a pub who changed the entire direction of her life. And another where she opens up about loss, and the one small question that can make all the difference to someone going through it.

Honest, funny, and completely herself, Tamsin is exactly the kind of guest this podcast exists for.

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes

✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[Tamsin Bennett: Construction, Grief, and Resilience]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/tamsin-bennett-construction-grief-83fhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/tamsin-bennett-construction-grief-83fSun, 21 Jun 2026 07:55:00 GMTSeason 3 | Episode 2 – Places She Shapes with Zoe Smeeth

Some careers make sense on paper. Tamsin Bennett's makes sense when you hear her tell it.

Tamsin is Senior Technical Manager at Wates Development, one of the UK's largest construction and development companies. She's spent her career in one of the most male-dominated industries going, and the route she took to get where she is today was anything but straightforward. It went through a civil engineering degree, construction sites, a sewer under Oxford Street, and a sales job she didn't love, before she finally landed where she was always meant to be.

When she realised she was on the wrong path, she did something most people only talk about. She walked away from a good salary, started again from the bottom, and backed herself when very few people would have.

There's a moment in this episode where she talks about the man in a pub who changed the entire direction of her life. And another where she opens up about loss, and the one small question that can make all the difference to someone going through it.

Honest, funny, and completely herself, Tamsin is exactly the kind of guest this podcast exists for.

Search 'Places She Shapes' to find us on all your favourite podcast platforms or use the link in bio!

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes

✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

]]><![CDATA[Kelly Cates: The Road To Match of the Day]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/kelly-cates-the-road-to-match-ofhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/kelly-cates-the-road-to-match-ofSun, 07 Jun 2026 08:01:06 GMTWhat does it take to step into one of the biggest jobs in British broadcasting, with the whole country watching?

Kelly Cates spent nine years honing her craft at Sky Sports News, made a leap into the unknown at 30 with no job to go to, and built a career defined by preparation, self-belief, and knowing when to just say yes. Then came Match of the Day.

In this episode, Kelly talks about the screen test, the senior director who quietly cleared obstacles she didn’t even know were there, and the mantra that got her through her first night presenting one of the most iconic programmes on British television. She is honest about what women in broadcasting still face, why confidence matters more than competence, and what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in practice.

Kelly’s episode is the perfect way to open Season 3.

🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms: https://pod.link/1812292057
Stay connected, follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes

Leave a comment

]]><![CDATA[Kelly Cates: The Road To Match Of The Day]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/kelly-cates-the-road-to-match-of-d87https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/kelly-cates-the-road-to-match-of-d87Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMTWhat does it take to step into one of the biggest jobs in British broadcasting, with the whole country watching?

Kelly Cates spent nine years honing her craft at Sky Sports News, made a leap into the unknown at 30 with no job to go to, and built a career defined by preparation, self-belief, and knowing when to just say yes. Then came Match of the Day.

In this episode, Kelly talks about the screen test, the senior director who quietly cleared obstacles she didn't even know were there, and the mantra that got her through her first night presenting one of the most iconic programmes on British television. She is honest about what women in broadcasting still face, why confidence matters more than competence, and what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in practice.

Kelly's episode is the perfect way to open Season 3.

]]><![CDATA[The Wait is Over. Season 3 Arrives This Sunday!]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-wait-is-over-season-3-arriveshttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-wait-is-over-season-3-arrivesThu, 04 Jun 2026 09:25:18 GMTWe have been sitting on this one for a while, and honestly, the wait has made it even sweeter.

Eight extraordinary conversations recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, plus our brand new spin-off, New Tracks, featuring four more stories of ambition, resilience, and the moments that changed everything.

We are talking to women across business, sport, the built environment, and beyond. Women who have taken risks, rebuilt after setbacks, and carved out paths that did not exist before they walked them. Each episode dives into those pivotal sliding door moments, the decisions, the detours, the defining chapters, that shaped who these women are today.

We are thrilled to introduce a brand new strand this season too. New Tracks shines a spotlight on women earlier in their careers, voices that deserve to be heard right now, not ten years from now.

Season 3 is proudly supported by Cripps, a Top 100 UK law firm championing female leaders and driving meaningful change, and by JAC Project Management.

New episodes drop every Sunday. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss the first one.

Search ‘Places She Shapes’ on your favourite podcast platform, or follow the links below to listen, watch, and stay connected.
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @PlacesSheShapes
✨ Follow us on TikTok and Instagram:

- Places She Shapes

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

]]><![CDATA[📺Places She Shapes LIVE Podcast now available on ALL platforms!]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-podcast-nowhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-podcast-nowWed, 06 May 2026 08:02:01 GMTWhether you were there on the night, or wish you had been, our second LIVE podcast episode is now available. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacesSheShapes and listen on all podcast platforms: https://pod.link/1812292057 ✨

What made this episode different?

🌟 This live recording was made possible in collaboration with Oyster’s Leading from the Front, and with the support of JAC Project Management.

We are especially grateful to our guest speakers:

  • Michelle Lloyd Jones, Ascent Flight Training

  • Zoe Moss, Cast Group

  • Ali Wibroe, Oyster and Leading from the Front

  • Annelies Kruidenier, Oyster and Leading from the Front

  • Franky Rousell, Jolie

A huge thank you to Anna Matveeva and the team at Moore Kingston Smith for hosting the evening so warmly, and to everyone who joined us in the room. Thank you for the energy, the questions, and the conversations that carried on long after we wrapped.

📺 Watch the full LIVE Podcast and Season 2 episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacesSheShapes
✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes
🎧 Streaming on all podcast platforms: https://pod.link/1812292057
🌐 Find out more: www.placessheshapes.co.uk

-The Places She Shapes Team

]]><![CDATA[Places She Shapes LIVE at Moore Kingston Smith]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-at-moore-kingston-12ahttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-at-moore-kingston-12aWed, 06 May 2026 07:58:00 GMTOur second live podcast episode is here.

Recorded at Moore Kingston Smith in collaboration with Oyster’s Leading from the Front, and with the support of JAC Project Management, this special episode brings together an inspiring group of women shaping places, projects, businesses, and communities.

Featuring guest speakers Michelle Lloyd Jones from Ascent Flight Training, Zoe Moss from Cast Group, Ali Wibroe and Annelies Kruidenier from Oyster and Leading from the Front, and Franky Rousell from Jolie, the conversation captures the energy of the room, the questions from the audience, and the connections that carried on long after the microphones were off.

A huge thank you to Anna Matveeva and the team at Moore Kingston Smith for hosting the evening so warmly, and to everyone who joined us live.

Listen now, watch the full episode on YouTube, and stay connected with Places She Shapes on TikTok and Instagram at @PlacesSheShapes.

]]><![CDATA[🥂Places She Shapes LIVE Podcast in collaboration with Leading from the Front]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-podcast-inhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/places-she-shapes-live-podcast-inFri, 01 May 2026 15:23:47 GMTOn Wednesday 29th April 2026, Places She Shapes returned to the stage for our second LIVE podcast event, this time exploring The Shape of Ambition and what that looks like for women navigating leadership, industry and impact today.

We are especially grateful to our guest speakers for sharing their stories with such honesty and generosity, including Michelle Lloyd Jones (Ascent Flight Training), Zoe Moss (Cast Group), Ali Wibroe (Oyster & Leading from the Front), Annelies Kruidenier (Oyster & Leading from the Front) and Franky Rousell (Jolie).

A huge thank you to Anna Matveeva and the team at Moore Kingston Smith for hosting the evening, and to everyone who came along, that leaned in, asked and listened. Thank you.

At the event, we announced some exciting news. New tracks, a spin-off series and Season 3 are all on the way this May. You will hear more shortly, so keep an eye on this space.

🎧 Listen now 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacesSheShapes

✨ Stay connected, follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes

🎧 Streaming on all podcast platforms: https://pod.link/1812292057

🌐 Find out more: www.placessheshapes.co.uk

- The Places She Shapes Team

]]><![CDATA[⭐Our NEXT Live Podcast]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/our-next-live-podcasthttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/our-next-live-podcastWed, 15 Apr 2026 12:01:15 GMTOn 29th April, Places She Shapes returns with a second live podcast recording - taking place near Liverpool Street, and we couldn’t be more excited. We’re bringing together an incredible group once again to explore the pivotal decisions, bold moves, and defining moments that shape ambitious women.

In Collaboration with Oyster’s Leading from the Front, and hosted at the stunning Moore Kingston Smith offices.

This isn’t just another event. It’s a chance to step inside the conversation.

Our aim has always been to amplify the voices of inspiring women and exploring the stories that shaped their journeys, this event gives us the opportunity to share the conversations live!

If you joined us last time, you’ll remember the energy in the room - the kind that stays with you long after the event ends.
If you didn’t, this is your moment.

✨ A live podcast recording
🎤 The chance to ask questions in real time
💡 Stories that challenge, inspire, and resonate

Join Us

If you’d like to:

  • See two incredible guests from Season 2 return

  • Meet three new voices

  • Be part of a live, unscripted conversation

  • And connect with people who believe in ambition, growth, and learning from others

Please email Lara.B@jac-group.co.uk to reserve a ticket.

📅 29 April 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Near Liverpool Street

- Places She Shapes Team

]]><![CDATA[🎙️The Places She Shapes Podcast LIVE at WSP - Video and Recording Now Available]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-places-she-shapes-podcast-livehttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-places-she-shapes-podcast-liveFri, 06 Mar 2026 09:20:21 GMTOn 25 February 2026, for the first time, Places She Shapes stepped out from behind the microphone at Abbey Road Studios.

Recorded in front of a live audience of 150, the evening brought together a group of brilliant, lively, curious people who all believe in the power of amplifying inspiring women’s voices.

Today, we are delighted to be able to share that live episode with you.

What made this episode different?

🤝 An introduction to the evening and podcast - by host Zoe Smeeth
🌟An incredibly honest opening speech from Laura Collins outlining her 20-year career
🎤 Powerful conversations with Claire Gott, Michelle (Mitch) Lloyd Jones, Amanda Salt, and Diana Pego on how they are shaping their industries and leadership
💬 Audience questions

Thank You

This live recording was made possible by partnership with WSP in the UK & Ireland and JAC Project Management. Their support allowed us to create a space where these conversations could unfold with intention.

We’re especially grateful to our guest speakers.

  • Claire Gott - Head of Building Structures UK, WSP

  • Michelle (Mitch) Lloyd Jones - Former Fighter Pilot & Qualified Flying Instructor, Ascent Flight Training

  • Amanda Salt - Managing Director, EMEA, Insidesource

  • Diana Pego - Project Director, Area

  • and Laura Collins - Senior Development Director, Stanhope PLC

You can watch their full individual episodes on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platforms.

To everyone who joined us in the room - thank you for your engagement.

🎧 Listen Now

📺 Watch the Live Podcast and full Season 2 episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacessheShapes ✨ Stay connected - follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes 🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms - don’t miss it: https://pod.link/1812292057


The Places She Shapes Team

]]><![CDATA[The Places She Shapes Podcast LIVE at WSP]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-places-she-shapes-podcast-live-ba0https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/the-places-she-shapes-podcast-live-ba0Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMTOn 25 February 2026, for the first time, Places She Shapes stepped out from behind the microphone at Abbey Road Studios.

Recorded in front of a live audience of 150, the evening brought together a group of brilliant, lively, curious people who all believe in the power of amplifying inspiring women’s voices.

Today, we are delighted to be able to share that live episode with you.

What made this episode different?

🤝 An introduction to the evening and podcast - by host Zoe Smeeth 🌟An incredibly honest opening speech from Laura Collins outlining her 20-year career 🎤 Powerful conversations with Claire Gott, Michelle (Mitch) Lloyd Jones, Amanda Salt, and Diana Pego on how they are shaping their industries and leadership 💬 Audience questions

]]><![CDATA[Michelle “Mitch” Lloyd Jones: Against All Odds, Into the Sky]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/michelle-mitch-lloyd-jones-against-15bhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/michelle-mitch-lloyd-jones-against-15bSun, 15 Feb 2026 14:00:40 GMTMichelle “Mitch” Lloyd Jones knew from the moment her father took her to air shows that she wanted to be a pilot. But when she first applied to the RAF, women had only just been accepted as aircrew - and she was offered a commission as an air traffic controller instead.

She didn’t stop there. Mitch reapplied, was selected to be a fighter pilot, and went on to fly the Tornado F3, deployed to exercises across the globe. After two years on squadron, she found her real passion teaching as a qualified flying instructor. Today, she trains generations of fast jet pilots and works with Ascent Flight Training on the Texan aircraft as part of the UK’s military flying training system.

In this episode, Mitch shares the sliding door moments, the challenges she overcame as one of the first female fighter pilot instructors in the UK, and what it really takes to step into the cockpit when the odds are against you. Her story is unforgettable.

🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms - don’t miss it: https://pod.link/1812292057

You can now watch full Season 2 episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacessheShapes

✨ Stay connected - follow us on TikTok and Instagram: Places She Shapes

]]><![CDATA[Michelle “Mitch” Lloyd Jones: Against All Odds, Into the Sky]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/michelle-mitch-lloyd-jones-againsthttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/michelle-mitch-lloyd-jones-againstSun, 15 Feb 2026 09:01:47 GMTMichelle “Mitch” Lloyd Jones knew from the moment her father took her to air shows that she wanted to be a pilot. But when she first applied to the RAF, women had only just been accepted as aircrew - and she was offered a commission as an air traffic controller instead.

She didn’t stop there. Mitch reapplied, was selected to be a fighter pilot, and went on to fly the Tornado F3, deployed to exercises across the globe. After two years on squadron, she found her real passion teaching as a qualified flying instructor. Today, she trains generations of fast jet pilots and works with Ascent Flight Training on the Texan aircraft as part of the UK’s military flying training system.

In this episode, Mitch shares the sliding door moments, the challenges she overcame as one of the first female fighter pilot instructors in the UK, and what it really takes to step into the cockpit when the odds are against you. Her story is unforgettable.

🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms - don’t miss it: https://pod.link/1812292057

You can now watch full Season 2 episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacessheShapes

✨ Stay connected - follow us on TikTok and Instagram: Places She Shapes

]]><![CDATA[Una Barac: Trusting Your Gut When the Path Isn’t Obvious]]>https://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/una-barac-trusting-your-gut-when-a3bhttps://www.placessheshapes.co.uk/p/una-barac-trusting-your-gut-when-a3bMon, 02 Feb 2026 12:32:20 GMTWhat does it take to leave everything behind, start over in a new country, and still chase your dream? Una Barac grew up in the former Yugoslavia before moving to the UK in the 1990s. She began her career at Foster and Partners, working on landmark projects across London, New York, and Sydney. But despite her training as an architect, Una realised her real passion was interior design - creating spaces that are not just iconic, but functional and human. One gut decision sparked by a single email became her sliding door moment, setting her on the path to founding Atellior, her international design studio. Today, with offices in London and Croatia, Una and her team specialise in luxury, hospitality, and residential projects, shaping everything from historic restorations to contemporary new builds.

In this episode, Una reflects on resilience, instinct, and the importance of understanding both the client and the end user when designing spaces that truly inspire. Her story is proof that sometimes the boldest designs begin with the boldest decisions. 🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms - don’t miss it: https://pod.link/1812292057 You can now watch full Season 2 episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlacessheShapes

✨ Stay connected - follow us on TikTok and Instagram: Places She Shapes

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