Places She Shapes

What happens when your comedy is so sharp that politicians start to wonder if you might actually be one of them?Rosie Holt trained as an actor, waited tables between auditions, and hustled her way through fringe theatre before finding her voice on the stand-up stage. She’s been heckled, ignored, and underestimated - but she refused to give up.In this episode, we talk about the journey that shaped her comedy, the moments that demanded resilience, and the fearless way she challenges the world with wit and insight. Rosie’s story is a reminder that persistence, talent, and a little audacity can turn every “no” into a stage for success.

What happens when you walk into business with no plan, no safety net, and everything to lose? Zoe Moss grew up with a work ethic forged through paper rounds and café shifts, and stumbled into construction almost by accident. She built a 20-year career defined by grit, big opinions, and a refusal to play small. The biggest leap came when she co-founded Cast Interiors, the first majority female-owned fitout contractor, growing it in just five years into one of the industry’s most disruptive firms. In this episode, we talk about risk, resilience, and what it really takes to shape a business, and a culture, that refuses to apologize for ambition. Zoe’s story proves that sometimes the boldest growth comes from walking away with nothing.

What happens when one woman refuses to stay silent in a predominantly male industry? Faye Allen BSc (Hons), PgDL, FRICS, MAE - author of Building Women: How Everyone in Construction Can Win and Regional Director at Rimkus APAC and EMEA, has spent over three decades in construction, breaking barriers, challenging bias, and reshaping the rules as she went. From apprentice surveyor to industry leader and author, Faye has seen it all, and she’s determined to make construction safer, fairer, and more respectful for the next generation. ~ Places She Shapes is a podcast hosted by Zoe Smeeth that amplifies the voices of inspiring women and explores the moments that have shaped their journeys. Follow now for clips, and watch the full episodes on your favourite podcast platform. This podcast puts the spotlight on those driving and thriving in the property, construction, real estate, fit-out industries, and more. It’s a chance to hear the sliding door moments, the good, the bad, and the unapologetically ambitious, that have shaped each guest's journey

How does a poetry-loving girl from rural Wales become a trailblazing force in London’s commercial property scene? In this episode, Zoe Smeeth talks with Julie Rees about career detours, founding her own firm, navigating male-dominated boardrooms, and the power of facing failure head-on. It's a story of resilience, reinvention, and retaining your sense of humour... preferably in a marble-clad lobby.PlacesSheShapes.co.uk

Interior architect Gurvinder Khurana joins Zoe Smeeth at Abbey Road Studios to reflect on a life shaped by grit, grace, and gorgeous design. From smuggling friends out of arranged marriages as a teen to launching a boutique design firm with zero clients (and two bottles of wine), Gurvinder’s journey defies convention. They discuss integrating heritage, parenting feminist sons, redefining workplaces, and why emotional intelligence might just be the most radical tool in the construction industry.

Diana Pego shares her bold journey from a music-loving teen in Brazil to becoming a project director in the UK’s male-dominated design and build industry. In this inspiring and candid conversation with host Zoe Smeeth, Diana opens up about resilience, career pivots, and redefining success—on her own terms. A must-listen for anyone navigating ambition, identity, and imposter syndrome in the workplace.

Sarah Atherton has been many things—soldier, nurse, social worker, single mother, and MP. In this candid conversation, she opens up about growing up surrounded by boys, fighting to be heard, entering politics by accident, and sticking to her principles even when it cost her everything. From Berlin bars to the House of Commons, this is a story of resilience, rebellion, and quiet revolution.

Places She Shapes, hosted by Zoe Smeeth and recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, is a show that puts the spotlight on those driving and thriving in the property, construction, real estate, and more. It’s a chance to hear the sliding door moments - the good, the bad, and the unapologetically ambitious - that have shaped each guest's journey.Find the show on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and TikTok @PlacesSheShapes for more.

From dreaming of dance floors to dominating boardrooms, Marian Ferguson’s path to becoming a powerhouse in building services engineering is anything but conventional. In this episode, Marian shares how she went from being told "no" at the door of the R&A Golf Club to opening doors for others through her own engineering design business. We talk early rejections, mid-career reinvention, and what it's like to start your own company in your late 40s—while tackling gender bias with grit and grace. Marian's journey is a blueprint for resilience, and a rallying cry for anyone who's ever been underestimated.

How do you keep rising when every step forward comes with another challenge?Trish Watson built a business, lost it in the crash, and built again. Today, she’s Managing Director of Thirdway Interiors, leading teams that design some of London’s most dynamic workplaces - but the road here has been anything but straightforward.In this episode, we talk about the sliding door moments, the battles she’s fought, and the resilience it takes to carve out your own place in an industry that doesn’t always welcome you. Trish’s story proves that sometimes the only way forward is the one you create yourself.🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms - don’t miss it: https://pod.link/1812292057You 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

Amanda Salt never set out to be a leader—she just kept refusing to follow outdated rules. In this episode of Places She Shapes, Amanda sits down with host Zoe Smeeth at Abbey Road Studios to share her journey from outspoken tomboy to furniture industry disruptor to accidental mentor. Along the way, she opens up about burnout, bouncing back, ADHD, financial fear, the pain of letting go, and the thrill of letting go on purpose. It’s a deeply candid, inspiring conversation about career pivots, unexpected diagnoses, and finding fulfilment in the most surprising places—even at someone else's company.