A Love Letter to Policing , Fit in or F*** off, and Countering the System with Neil Basu

What does leadership really look like inside one of the most high-pressure institutions in the country?

In this episode, Neil Basu, a former Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations for the Metropolitan Police Service and national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing from 2018-2021 discusses his book 'Turmoil: 30 Years of Policing, Politics and Prejudice', sharing hard-earned lessons from leading in crisis environments, navigating institutional resistance, and challenging cultures built on fear.

This is a candid conversation about power, courage, culture, and legacy and what leaders in any sector can learn from 30 years spent making high-stakes decisions when there’s no room for error.

The Courage to Fight Forward: Former GB Boxer Lesley Sackey

Former Team GB boxer and European gold medallist Lesley Sackey shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention and purpose. Discovering boxing in her twenties, she rose rapidly to elite level, learning discipline, adaptability and mindset. Personal challenges inspired her to found Fight Forward, supporting women recovering from abusive relationships through boxing. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and latest venture, Pillow, a digital platform providing tailored post-crisis support, while reflecting on leadership, risk-taking and the importance of trusting yourself to move forward.

The Trad Wife Trap, Ideal Worker Myth and Flexibility Paradox: Professor Heejung Chung

In this episode of Shifting the Needle, Geraldine Gallacher speaks with Professor Heejung Chung of King’s College London, author of The Flexibility Paradox. Professor Heejung Chung reveals why flexible working can leave people working longer and widen gender inequality, and explains the motherhood penalty and fatherhood bonus. They also tackle the “girl boss” versus “trad wife” debate, asking why young women feel boxed into two unappealing options and why choice isn’t truly free while structural inequalities remain. Finally, they explore the ideal worker myth, caring masculinity, and the case for a four-day week, with practical advice for employers and managers.