Ready to break down the barriers to menopause education? 

In this episode I’m joined by Kathy Abernethy, a specialist from the British Menopause Society with over 30 years of clinical experience. 

Together, we explore the critical need for informed and prepared medical appointments. 

We also discuss the impact of stress on menopause, the evolving education on menstrual health, and the growing interest in menopause coaching for healthcare professionals. 

Tune in to learn more about how knowledge is power when it comes to the menopause.

Here are the Highlights:

02:27 How Kathy transitioned into menopause research unexpectedly

08:25 Menopause information needs to align with international guidelines

10:27 Lauren shares she went into an early menopause at 37

13:46 Celebrating menopause and changing the narrative

17:51 Link between cortisol and severity of menopause symptoms

21:44 In the last few years more focus on the life course of menstrual health

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Kathy Abernethy:

Kathy is past Chair of the British Menopause Society and contributed to their Handbook "Management of the Menopause'. 

Her courses and study days complement those of the BMS and are run by nurses for nurses. She is an editorial Board member of the journal 'Post-reproductive health'.

Kathy has worked in the field of menopause for many years, has published widely on the topic in the lay and nursing press and is registered with the British Menopause Society as a Menopause Specialist.

Kathy formerly led a multidisciplinary NHS menopause clinic and has her own private clinic in South West London as well as running menopause education programmes for nurses.

​

With a Masters in Reproductive Women’s Health and as a prescriber, her consultations are independent and she aims to inform women about menopause and enable women to make confident therapy choices. 

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

What does it mean to truly understand your hormones? 

And how does it impact your health? 

Kate Muir joins me on the podcast to share her story of resilience, advocacy, and profound change, from her unexpected personal health revelations to the creation of a groundbreaking documentary. 

Together we discuss the challenges, victories, and insights that led to a vibrant second act, shedding light on crucial issues surrounding menopause, health misconceptions, and the urgent need for better education and resources. 

Whether you're navigating menopause or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must listen!

Here are the Highlights

03:09 Lack of research leads to varying HRT advice causes confusion

11:45 Improving access to preventative women's health services and education

18:28 Motherhood enhances social skills; hormonal changes during menopause significantly affect brain function

21:56 Significant knowledge gaps exist in menopause research

25:33 Changing habits at midlife is challenging without adequate support

27:18 Preventive HRT could save the NHS money

33:22 Unexpected bleeding led to a revelation about hormonal health 

37:05 Many participants find relief in realising their experiences, such as menopause, are normal

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Kate Muir:

Kate Muir is a women’s health expert, investigative journalist and documentary maker in the UK. 

She created and produced two ground-breaking Channel 4 documentaries on the menopause, presented by Davina McCall, which ignited a massive conversation among women. 

She is the author of Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (but were too afraid to ask) now out in paperback, and her latest book is Everything You Need to Know About the Pill, an investigation into contraception, which follows her Pill Revolution documentary. 

Kate is an expert menopause speaker and campaigner, and a founder member of The Menopause Charity.

Previously, she was a foreign correspondent for The Times in New York and Washington, before becoming the newspaper's chief film critic. 

She has written four non-fiction books and three novels.

Find out more here: www.katemuir.co.uk

Connect with Kate:

Instagram:@menoscandal @pillscandal

X: @menoscandal @pillscandal

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Are you ready to uncover the transformative power of menopause support?

In this very first episode of Women of a Certain Stage, I flip the script and sit down with Amy Rowlinson, an inspiring coach and podcast host who is interviewing me about why I have launched the podcast.

Join us as Amy asks me about my motivation to support women through menopause, my own personal challenges, and the monumental mission I've embarked upon - to train 20,000 menopause coaches committed to changing lives.

We discuss the intense personal transformation that led me to this journey, the systemic need for change in workplace culture, and the profound community we are building to ensure that no woman has to face menopause alone.

Let's get started.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:36 Why personal issues were not brought up in the workplace

06:50 Always supporting others left me with no one to turn to

11:22 How I created a certified menopause coach diploma programme 

17:11 My advice on finding your support network and reaching out for help

21:32 Menopause resources, help and support is available to you

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches, Mentors and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Amy Rowlinson:

Hi, I'm Amy Rowlinson and I advocate for a transformative shift in how we as a society define and pursue and measure success. Shining a light on what is possible when you Focus on Why, I believe we can collectively shift the dial on global fulfilment paving the way for a better future for humanity.

 I am committed to closing the purpose gaps that often stand between where individuals and organisations are now and where they aspire to be. By bridging the divide between current practices and desired goals, clarifying purpose ignites greater motivation, enhances performance and fosters a deeper sense of fulfilment. This alignment not only drives sustainable success but also transforms how people live, work and achieve their aspirations.

​At Focus on Why, we’re here to help individuals and organisations connect with their true purpose, transforming the way they live and work. By bridging purpose gaps, we empower people to create a life and legacy that’s truly fulfilling, impactful and built for sustainable success. Let’s redefine what success means together!

Find out more: https://www.amyrowlinson.com/

Are you ready to embrace a whole new era of menopause support? 

The brand new podcast Women of a Certain podcast is changing how we talk about menopause, one empowering story at a time. The podcast’s aim is to transform the conversation around this pivotal life stage. 

I’m your host, Lauren Chiren, a menopause coach and speaker, and I'm on a mission to train 20,000 menopause coaches worldwide, empowering individuals, supporting organisations, and inspiring change. 

This isn't just about education though. It's about creating a global movement, breaking the stigma and transforming lives. In each episode, we'll explore what it means to navigate menopause with confidence and clarity.

You'll learn how to build a personalised menopause plan that works for you beyond just medical solutions, covering nutrition, movement, relaxation, supplementation, and much, much more. 

Why traditional approaches often fall short and how this new era of menopause coaching empowers people to take control of their journey. 

The ripple effects of this work from improving personal relationships to reshaping workplace cultures and even sparking new careers. 

Inspiring stories from real graduates and experts who are making a difference from corporate leaders saving careers to health and fitness professionals tailoring their work to menopause specific needs. 

You'll hear from passionate advocates, seasoned experts, people just like you who are redefining what menopause means in their lives and their communities. 

Together, we'll demystify menopause, bust the myths, and show you how it's possible to thrive through this pivotal stage of life. 

Whether you're a professional looking to support others or navigating your own journey, this podcast will inspire and equip you to take action. 

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

Join us as we chat with Sam Evans, co-founder of Jo Divine, a sexual health and pleasure expert with a unique perspective as a former nurse. 

Samantha has been featured on Channel 5's How To Have A Better Orgasm and Channel 4's S3x, Myths and the Menopause with Davina McCall, discussing s3xual health, intimacy, and pleasure.

Jo Divine collaborates with the NHS, private healthcare professionals, and leading cancer charities to provide expert advice, trusted products, and resources to improve sexual wellbeing. 

Sam shares how healthcare professionals and charities signpost patients to Jo Divine’s innovative products and supportive health brochures.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation about breaking taboos, empowering individuals, and making a difference in s3xual health and pleasure.

Here are the Highlights

03:45 Male gynecologists can be empathetic and understanding

07:31 Testosterone isn't a quick fix

09:43 Thrush and cystitis, struggle and DIY remedies

14:05 Frequent thrush may be worsened by treatments containing glycerin and propylene glycol

15:51 S3xual lubricants important even celebs advocating

19:02 Menopause can be managed with proper education and support

27:23 Encouraging women of all ages to embrace sexual freedom

28:22 Committed to selling irritant-free, skin-safe products

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Sam Evans

Samantha Evans co-founded Jo Divine, an online s3x toy company, with her husband Paul in 2007. 

Having a professional background in nursing, she is a features writer for Jo Divine and is passionate about sexual health and pleasure through using skin safe s3x toys and irritant free sexual lubricants.

Find out more here: https://www.jodivine.com/

Connect with Sam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtalkssex/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/samtalkssex

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jodivine

Holly shares her story of triumph over burnout and her own menopause journey. 

From the challenges she faced working in high-pressure environments to becoming a certified menopause coach, Holly's path is one of resilience and empowerment. 

Tune in as we explore stories of personal transformation and learn about how Holly's helping professional women regain their confidence and thrive through menopause…

Here are the Highlights

06:10 Ambition-driven stress and burnout

09:15 Holly's experience training to become a menopause coach

17:06 Stories of success and feedback

19:57 Facing challenges and learning to overcome them

28:29 Empowering women in the workplace post-menopause

36:56 ADHD and overlooked female symptoms

42:26 Holly's reflections on our course 

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Holly Finn:

Holly Finn, Founder and Coach at A BetterPause Coaching. I empower women to navigate the complex challenges of menopause with science-backed strategies and compassionate support. 

My own journey through perimenopause left me feeling burnt out, anxious, and unwell, but I fought to find answers and transform my health, work, and parenting. 

Now, I help women not only reclaim their health and energy but also discover who they are becoming in the second half of life—a time of profound transformation for the brain, body, and spirit.

Find out More: https://abetterpause.com/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

If you think you know everything about workplace rights, think again! 

Today we're joined by trailblazing employment rights attorney Jack Tuckner. 

Join us as we unravel the complex web of menopause, workplace rights, and legal protections. 

With decades of experience fighting for women's rights, Jack's experience is truly fascinating. 

From the history of sex discrimination laws in the US to the current legislative landscape, this conversation challenges the status quo and highlights the urgent need for more inclusive workplace policies. 

Whether you're a woman navigating menopause, a manager aiming for equity,  this episode will help you on your journey to creating a fairer workplace for all.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

01:22 S3x discrimination and women's rights in America

07:57 Lauren's journey from finance to menopause advocacy

16:57 Being protected in the workplace 

22:08 Jack's career in women's rights law

28:57 Maternity leave and discrimination in the workplace

32:16 Perimenopause, pregnancy, and workplace right

45:22 Empowering menopause coaches around the world

47:49 Advocating for legal action and initiatives 

14/02/25 - LC edited

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Jack Tuckner:

Jack Tuckner is a Women’s Rights in the Workplace attorney and a founding partner of Tuckner, Sipser, perhaps the only law firm in the nation concentrating its practice on workplace gender rights. 

His practice is focused on helping working women combat sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and other discrimination and illegal treatment faced by women, including illegal pay disparity, gender discrimination, maternity leave matters, unlawful retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Jack has long fought for women’s rights and against the unequal and wrongful treatment of women in the workplace. In doing so, Jack has gained a reputation for feminist activism and the pursuit of gender justice in pay for all women. 

He has been a pioneer in fighting against the many forms of pregnancy discrimination, including the illegal actions taken by employers to try to force women to quit their jobs, and the denial of workplace promotion and other benefits.

Find out more: https://womensrightsny.com/team/jack-tuckner/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Ever wondered how menopause coaching can make a difference in the workplace? 

Today, I speak to the inspiring Morna Dason-Barber, People Director at the Institution of Engineering and Technology. 

She shares her personal and professional experience as a menopause coach and her mission to support women's health in the workplace through vital education on menopause, fertility, and menstruation. 

We discuss the impact of menopause coaching on employee productivity, job satisfaction, and workplace inclusivity.

Tune in now to learn more about how to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for women at all stages of life.

Here are the Highlights:

04:10 Personal struggles started  menopause coaching journey

07:09 Symptoms led to a journey of understanding hormonal changes

12:05 The menopause plan is a coaching framework that profoundly impacts clients

16:40 Gaining practice clients at work

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Morna Dason-Barber FCIPD:

Morna is a highly experienced People Director with nearly 30 years’ experience within her professional field both in the UK and internationally.  Her work has seen her actively involved across all aspects of HR including recruitment, organisation change and transformation, leadership development, mergers & acquisitions and reward.

Having previously held several senior leadership positions within organisations such as Land Rover, Lloyds Banking Group and BSI, Morna is currently the People Director for the Institution of Technology and Engineering (the IET).  Since joining, Morna has driven significant change and transformation programmes encompassing new ways of working, organisation design, culture and leadership.

A passionate advocate for wellbeing and women’s health, Morna has led the wellbeing agenda at the IET with a focus on supporting women through all stages of their health including the menopause. She is a certified Menopause Coach, Founder of ‘Forge-your way’, a midlife and menopause coaching business and actively works with women within and outside the workplace to support and enable them to thrive through this phase of life.

Do you want to learn more about the business of menopause healthcare? 

In this episode I sit down with Jill Angelo, the pioneering founder of Gennev: a telehealth clinic dedicated to women's health. 

Jill shares her incredible journey of venturing into the menopause startup space, the challenges of educating investors and navigating the biases against female entrepreneurs. 

We discuss the societal impact of her work, the growth of the menopause industry now valued in the multibillions, and the ongoing efforts to revolutionise menopause care and awareness. 

Tune in to hear Jill’s amazing story.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

07:08 Educating investors on women's health topics was challenging

11:53 The medical industry improving, offering more options for women, but it is also confusing

19:43 Celebrity partners with Gennev to discuss women's life changes on social media.

27:09 Gennev, acquired by Unified Women's Healthcare in 2022

28:29 Change within large systems is slow but rewarding; collaboration in menopause health is crucial.

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Jill Angelo:

Jill is a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for women's health and wellness in menopause. With over 8 years of experience as the founder and CEO of Gennev, she has built and scaled the nation's leading virtual menopause clinic, providing accessible and evidence-based medical and lifestyle care to women in all 50 states through a team of OB/GYNs and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. In 2022, Jill successfully led her company through a merger with Unified Women’s Healthcare, where she currently operates as President of Gennev and Unified Women’s Healthcare Virtual Clinic. In this role, she oversees growth, clinic operations, technology and platform innovation, financial and strategic initiatives that improve the standard of care during the perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause transitions. 

Named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Top 100 Female Founders, Jill is a driving force for bringing effective health solutions to women in the most vibrant years of their lives. 

Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Forensics from the University of Minnesota, Moorhead. 

Find out more: https://www.gennev.com/

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible Hayley Sharp. A corporate powerhouse and Menopause Champion, Hayley's journey through early menopause, triggered by breast cancer treatment, is a testament to her strength and determination. 

Tune in to hear how she has overcome challenges in engineering - a highly male-dominated industry - and learn about her unwavering commitment to improving workplace culture. 

She shares lessons she's learned, initiatives she's spearheaded, and her vision for a future where menopause awareness is mainstream. 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that promises to reshape your perspective on well-being, personal resilience, and the transformative power of advocacy.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:13 Hayley's journey through cancer and menopause diagnoses 

14:35 Menopause care and patient treatment

21:30 Staying healthy and prioritising self-care

24:55 Promoting menopause awareness in male-dominated fields

33:45 Trust the process, follow advice, and live your life

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Hayley Sharp:

Hayley Sharp is the Marketing & Communications Director at Waterman Aspen and is also the company’s Menopause Champion. Her passion for raising awareness about menopause stems from her own personal journey: after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, Hayley was thrust into menopause at just 36 years old. This life-changing experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those navigating menopause, particularly in the workplace. Recognising the importance of support, Hayley is committed to fostering a more informed and empathetic work environment. 

Why filling the menopause knowledge gap is so important. Julie Cosgrove, a menopause advocate and nurse with over 30 years of experience, joins me, Lauren Chiren, on the podcast to share her remarkable journey. From operating theatres to transformative menopause coaching, Julie's story is a masterclass in reinvention and lifelong learning. 

Even healthcare professionals can be caught off guard by menopause, and Julie shares how this knowledge gap led her to become a champion for menopause education and support in workplaces. This episode proves that it's never too late to learn, grow, and make a difference in others' lives! 

Join us on the Women of a Certain Stage podcast as we tackle the importance of menopause awareness and the transformative impact of learning. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:57 What is a PIP assessment?

09:31 Learning and discovering about menopause as a nurse

15:02 The menopausal basics course

20:22 The 7 steps of the menopause plan

26:36 Seeing growth and client's improvements 

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Julie Cosgrove:

Hello, I’m Julie, a Certified Menopause Coach and Registered Nurse. My role as a coach is to support those women who are struggling to manage their symptoms which are impacting their lives, work and relationships.The other side is to raise awareness of what menopause is, so women can advocate for themselves and understand what is happening. It was through my occupation health role, that I attended a menopause awareness session, with Lauren from Women of a Certain Stage. This is when the penny dropped that I was perimenopausal. I arranged a call with Lauren to find out where I could get training to help those women I came across in my nursing role. She offered me the chance to become one of her first menopause champions, which then led me to the menopause coaching course! I completed a 6-month Menopause Coaching diploma, where we were taught Laurens’ signature programme – The Menopause Plan. A comprehensive holistic 7-week programme, that dials back the symptoms. During the course we worked with two practice clients, I was blown away with their results, and I continue to be when I see women going from being anxious and lacking confidence to blooming into a newer version of themselves. My biggest regret is that when I realised I was perimenopausal I didn’t reach out for help. I didn’t think there was any other option other than HRT. How wrong I was! I now wish I had reached out, found and completed the Menopause Plan much earlier, and had worked with a Menopause Coach back then. If I did, who knows where I would be now!

Find out more: https://juliemenopausecoach.co.uk/

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliemenopausecoach/

Today we're welcoming Deon Hall-Garriques, a certified menopause coach, corporate leader, yoga instructor, and holistic health expert who has seamlessly blended her background as a certified professional accountant with a passionate dedication to women's wellness.

Deon shares her personal journey through menopause and how it drove her to become a certified menopause coach. We'll explore her mission to support professional women over 40 in achieving balance and thriving in their health and careers. 

Listen in as Deon reveals the knowledge she gained from the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma and introduces two innovative coaching programs she has developed to help women master their menopausal experience. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and investing in yourself.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:23 How Deon got her menopause coaching credential

08:42 Reflections on the course

14:58 Menopause research and the advice of experts 

16:42 Deon's programs for menopause confidence

27:42 Investing in personal growth, support and resilience

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Deon Hall-Garriques

Deon has been empowering women for over 10 years to tap into their innate power to reclaim and rebalance their health naturally through her “5-Step Approach,” which uses self-care, detoxification protocols, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Deon has helped 100s of women to lose weight, regain energy, get better sleep, balance their hormones, and transform their overall health. She has been dubbed the “Menopause Mama” because of her success in helping menopausal women alleviate their symptoms and reclaim their bodies so they feel like

themselves again. Deon advocates for women’s health and is dedicated to building a wellness movement that empowers women to achieve balanced, thriving lives. She is the founder of Balance Beyond 40, where she supports women over 40 in finding harmony in their health and easing menopause symptoms naturally. 

Find out more here: Deonhall.com

Five Secrets to Shedding Menopause Belly Fat Naturally: https://balancebeyond40.com/free-gift/

Connect with Deon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancebeyond40/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balancebeyond40

Have you ever wondered what happens when menopause is triggered by cancer treatment? In this episode, I interview Michelle Hindle, a dedicated Macmillan nurse specialist at the forefront of supporting those navigating medical and surgical menopause after cancer. 

Michelle sheds light on using menopause as a form of treatment, the life-changing effects of estrogen-blocking medications, and the struggles people face during sudden menopause. 

Join us on the Women of a Certain Stage podcast to learn about the critical gaps in healthcare and how Michelle is leading the charge in transforming menopause after cancer care.  

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:39 Managing the side effects of cancer treatment

09:14 Menopause coaching and treatment practices

15:17 Holistic mental health solutions

22:52 A breast self-examination guide

26:43 Exploring coaching and menopause education

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

About Michelle Hindle:

With over two decades of nursing experience across specialities including palliative care, surgery, and oncology, I currently serve as a Band 7 Macmillan Breast Care Nurse Specialist at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay. In my role as lead nurse for Self-Supported Management, I champion the Macmillan Recovery Package – ensuring individuals are empowered with the tools and confidence they need to navigate life after cancer treatment.

After qualifying as a certified Menopause Coach through the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma, I discovered a profound and often overlooked need: support for those who experience menopause as a result of cancer treatment. The physical, emotional and psychological impact of treatment-induced menopause can be life-altering – and yet it is rarely talked about, let alone addressed.

Now, I continue to support patients directly, and have been invited back to teach on the Menopause Coach Diploma, sharing both my clinical insight and personal passion for improving post-treatment care. I’m committed to reshaping how menopause is understood and supported in oncology settings, especially across the North of England, where my work is already making an impact.

I believe everyone deserves to thrive beyond treatment – not just survive. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate leadership, I’m helping to make that a reality.

In this episode, Lauren sits down with personal stylist, speaker, and founder of Feron Clark Style, Anita Feron Clark, to explore the powerful connection between style, confidence, and menopause.

With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, including senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Austin Reed, and London College of Fashion, Anita shares how personal styling goes far beyond wardrobe choices. She helps professional women, corporate leaders, and teams build confidence, executive presence, and wellbeing, especially during menopause and other key life transitions.

From colour analysis to wardrobe edits, from corporate workshops to one-to-one coaching, Anita empowers women to feel visible, confident, and fully in control of how they show up at work and in life. This conversation is essential listening for HR leaders, menopause coaches, corporate wellbeing professionals, and any woman looking to reclaim her personal brand, presence, and power during menopause.

Discover how personal style can become a strategic wellbeing tool to support career growth, confidence, and leadership impact at every stage of life.

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

01:25 Discovering the World of Color

05:49 The Psychological Impact of Color

07:40 Dopamine Dressing and Color Theory

10:42 Adapting to Changing Colors

25:43 Practical Tips for Shopping and Wardrobe Management

31:24 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

Connect with Anita:

https://www.instagram.com/feronclarkstyle/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/feronclarkstyle/

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments. 

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage. 

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Thebe for a candid and deeply personal conversation about menopause, perimenopause, and the state of women’s health today. Together, we unpack the confusion, frustration, and misinformation that surround menopause — and why women are still too often left without the guidance, support, or healthcare access they deserve.

We explore how lifestyle interventions, nutrition, fitness, and accurate medical guidance can transform the menopause experience, and we discuss how the menopause market has become a multi-billion dollar industry filled with both opportunity and far too much misinformation.

Importantly, we shine a light on the critical role of community — how connection, shared experience, and real education can empower women to navigate menopause with confidence. We also talk about why workplaces must step up, creating menopause-aware environments that truly support women at this stage of life.

And… for those who listen carefully, there’s a blooper moment you won’t want to miss — proof that even when we’re discussing serious topics, real conversations always come with a little bit of laughter.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:19 Personal Journeys into Menopause

02:22 Discovering Perimenopause

06:59 Creating Community Support

10:43 Challenges in the Workplace

12:08 Medical and Lifestyle Interventions

13:23 The Role of Advocacy and Awareness

15:44 Global Perspectives on Menopause

18:26 Debates on Hormone Therapy

20:55 Importance of Lifestyle Choices

22:55 Evolving Medical Conversations

24:40 Understanding Neurodiversity in Health Coaching

25:27 Debunking Menopause Diet Myths

26:13 The Menopause Market and Misinformation

27:26 Navigating Social Media and Marketing Influence

29:49 Challenges in Menopause Coaching

31:22 The Importance of Medical Guidance

36:13 Community and Education in Menopause

41:19 Personal and Professional Motivation

45:08 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram | www.instagram.com/amanda.thebe

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/amandathebex

Twitter | https://twitter.com/amandathebex

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thebe/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/AmandaThebex

Podcast | www.amandathebe.com/podcast

FREEBIE:

Grab my 12 Week Core Program, ABS ON FIRE

https://www.amandathebe.com/abs-on-fire/

Menopause Resources

https://amandathebe.com/meno-resource/

BOOK:

Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!

www.amandathebe.com/books - all buying options listed here.

TEDx:

TEDx Hawkesbury, Should Men Talk About Menopause?

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, Lauren Chiren sits down with Katie Parry, midwife, and graduate menopause coach with Women of a Certain Stage to discuss her personal journey from clinical burnout to becoming a menopause specialist.

After years of working in midwifery and emergency healthcare, Katie experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll that many healthcare professionals face. Seeking a new path, she discovered the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma and retrained to support women through one of the most critical, yet overlooked, phases of life: menopause.

Katie shares how her clinical background combined with her specialist menopause training allows her to provide evidence-based support for women struggling with hot flushes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and brain fog. She also discusses the growing need for qualified menopause coaches to bridge the gap in healthcare for midlife women.

This episode is essential listening for nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to pivot into menopause coaching or better support women in midlife.

Connect with Katie at www.menopauseunmasked.com.

🌿 What we cover:

• How burnout ended Katie’s career as a midwife and what she thought was early dementia
• The moment she realised menopause coaching could help others and herself
• Why flexible thinking and self-kindness were game-changers for her recovery
• How simple changes like drinking more water and decluttering made a huge difference
• The confidence boost of returning to work after six months off and feeling stronger than ever

Why coaching isn’t just for clients — but for every stage of life.

Katie’s mission: to start the conversation earlier and help women feel heard before things spiral.

💬 Katie’s biggest realisation:

"If I don’t make myself a priority, no one else will."

🎧 A message for anyone listening:

Menopause isn’t just about symptoms. It’s about confidence, identity and learning how to take back control, with the right support.

[00:01:22] Menopause support training journey.

[00:05:34] Coaching in nursing professions.

[00:09:33] Mindset shifts in self-care.

[00:11:22] Accountability for personal happiness.

[00:16:21] Menopause and work environment.

[00:20:10] Raising awareness about perimenopause.

[00:23:36] Menstrual cycle education importance.

[00:25:56] Investment in menopause coaching.

[00:28:47] Impact of menopause on work.

[00:31:45] Menopause opportunities.

Inspired by Katie's story?

You can train to become a certified menopause coach and help others too.

👉 Find out more here https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause-coach-2024-ed/

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

In this empowering episode, our CEO Lauren Chiren sits down with Dr. Ferhat Uddin — a GP with over 20 years of experience in women’s health — to unpack the often-misunderstood landscape of menopause care and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Together, they explore why perimenopause is frequently overlooked in medical training and how tools like the Primary Care Women’s Health Forum and the Balance Menopause App are equipping both clinicians and patients with the knowledge to take control.

Dr. Uddin shares how a three-month symptom tracker can help uncover cyclical hormonal shifts and explains why a short trial of HRT may be the key to confirming menopause-related symptoms. She also breaks down the science of how declining estrogen impacts cholesterol (HDL, LDL), increases insulin resistance, and contributes to wider metabolic changes.

This episode also introduces a holistic menopause toolkit, covering:

-The role of strength training and targeted micronutrient checks (Vitamin D, B12, Ferritin)

-CBT-I for improved sleep

-Practical self-care strategies to boost resilience and energy

Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to upskill or an individual navigating midlife changes, this conversation offers evidence-based guidance, trusted resources, and actionable steps to reclaim your confidence, optimize your well-being, and extend your health span.

Core Takeaways:

💡 Medical education gaps: seek evidence-based menopause resources.

💡 Symptom tracking + HRT trial clarify hormone-driven issues.

💡 Manage cardiovascular risk: monitor lipid profiles and blood sugar.

💡 Build a menopause toolkit: exercise, nutrition, supplements, CBT-I.

💡 Empowerment through partnership: collaborate with GPs and coaches.

[00:01:29] Women's health and menopause education.

[00:07:04] Patient empowerment and transformation.

[00:09:25] Perimenopause awareness and symptoms.

[00:11:45] Symptom tracking for perimenopause.

[00:17:45] Lipids and menopause relevance.

[00:20:18] HDL and LDL cholesterol explained.

[00:25:45] Vitamins and supplements for women.

[00:27:34] Vitamin deficiencies in midlife.

[00:31:24] Personal responsibility in health.

[00:34:21] Holistic approach to health.

[00:39:04] Insulin resistance in midlife.

[00:44:23] Healthspan vs. Lifespan.

[00:45:58] Social interaction and aging.

For expert Menopause Talks, Training and Qualifications checkout https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Contact Dr Uddin: https://libertyhealthclinics.com/

🎟️ Want to become a Certified Menopause Coach?

Visit womenofacertainstage.com or check out our next training dates here: Menopause Coach Diploma

💬 Loved this episode?

Leave a review and tag us @themenopausecoach on Instagram or LinkedIn to share your favourite takeaway.

CEO, Lauren Chiren sits down with Menopause Coach graduateTorild Boe Stokes for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and what it means to truly support people through menopause.

Torild shares her deeply personal and professional journey, from navigating early perimenopause during a challenging life transition, to launching her career as a menopause coach and entrepreneur.

We dive into the practical impact of the Menopause Coaching Diploma, the real transformation her clients experienced, and how she’s now bringing this movement to Norway with her own impact-led event.

What you’ll hear:

💡 Why Torild joined the diploma and how it gave her clarity and confidence

💡 The breakthrough moments with her practice clients that changed everything

💡 The challenges she faced building her business – and what she wishes she’d known earlier

💡 The future of menopause support in Norway and beyond

[00:02:57] Integrity and honesty in coaching.

[00:06:21] Hormonal impact on well-being.

[00:09:49] Building awareness for personal growth.

[00:14:12] Menopause support in companies.

[00:15:41] Just do it.

[00:20:03] Dream clients and their qualities.

[00:25:18] Women in the workplace.

[00:27:20] Menopause and divorce statistics.

Whether you're curious about the power of menopause coaching, looking to transform your career, or ready to make a meaningful difference in your community, this episode is packed with insights, truth, and inspiration.

Connect with Torild:

📲 Instagram: @torl.boe

Torild's Linkedn Torild Bo Stokes

🎟️ Want to become a Certified Menopause Coach?

Visit womenofacertainstage.com or check out our next training dates here: Menopause Coach Diploma

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Laura Dixon, clinical EFT practitioner, personal trainer, yoga instructor, and one of our expert guests inside the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma.

Laura shares how tapping EFT Emotional Freedom Technique) helps women in midlife reduce anxiety, manage stress, and feel more in control through the ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause.

What you’ll hear:

💡 What is EFT (tapping) and how it works

💡 The difference between general tapping and clinical EFT

💡 Why stress, overwhelm and anxiety often peak for women in midlife

💡 Why women need flexibility, not just intensity, in their training and self-care

💡 How small sessions of tapping (even 5 minutes!) can calm the nervous system

💡 The surprising connection between perfectionism and midlife burnout

💡 How to take the pressure off yourself, whether it’s fitness, business or menopause symptoms

[00:01:09] Emotional Freedom Technique explained.

[00:05:32] Hormonal fluctuations and stress.

[00:07:16] EFT tapping for stress relief.

[00:11:00] Tapping for stress relief.

[00:14:52] Tapping for stress relief.

[00:20:26] Tapping for stress relief.

[00:22:09] Feelings of inadequacy in women.

[00:25:39] Progress over perfection.

[00:28:43] Consistency in fitness routines.

[00:32:24] Gentle morning yoga classes.

We also did a live tapping session!

 Laura leads Lauren (and you!) through a simple tapping exercise for stress relief.

 👉 You can follow along and experience the shift for yourself.

Laura’s 3 movement tips for midlife women:

1️⃣ Strength training is key but doesn’t need to be long or intense

2️⃣ Start with 10 minutes - anything is better than nothing

3️⃣ Don’t forget mobility - stretch, move, and release tension daily

Laura’s favourite quote from the episode:

 "Ultimately, it’s about accepting ourselves right here, right now."

 Connect with Laura:

📲 Instagram: @dixonvitality

🌐 Online EFT & coaching sessions available worldwide

Laura's Linkedn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraadixon/

Feeling inspired?

Join our Menopause Coach Diploma to learn powerful tools like EFT and coaching to support others through midlife transitions.

👉 Find out more here https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause-coach-2024-ed/

I’m so delighted to introduce today’s guest, Jane Ayaduray; a global diversity & inclusion leader who never imagined she’d become a menopause coach.

 In this warm, honest chat, Jane walks us through the moment she first heard about menopause coaching and thought, “That’s not for me”only to discover a whole new calling.

 What you’ll hear

• Why Jane said “yes” to a programme she hadn’t planned for, and how a single question on inclusion sparked her curiosity.
• Life in motion: juggling jet lag, a house move and training, yet still turning up live every week.
• Practice clients unlocked: how a LinkedIn post and a village Facebook group brought twice the clients (and even a few surprises).
• Global insight: Jane’s take on menopause across New Zealand, Singapore, the UAE and beyond and what “community” looks like everywhere.
• Midlife reimagined: why menopause isn’t a downhill slide but the crest before an exhilarating downhill run.
• Next steps: group and one-to-one coaching, weaving menopause into career conversations, and building belonging in every workplace.
• Throughout our conversation, you’ll feel Jane’s passion for making a difference, her belief in holding space rather than having all the answers, and her excitement about the next 30 years of life beyond menopause. 

[00:01:06] Community support in menopause.

[00:03:33] Intersectionality in menopause coaching.

[00:09:52] Global career experiences.

[00:11:08] Community support during menopause.

[00:15:04] Shared experience of menopause.

[00:17:11] Menopause support in the workplace.

[00:21:40] Reassessing life during midlife.

[00:25:30] Menopause as a life transition.

[00:27:34] Inclusion and belonging in community.

[00:30:16] Making a difference in life.

[00:34:34] Menopause and career transitions.

[00:34:56] The power of storytelling.

Feeling inspired?

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine your expertise with menopause savvy, or simply want to understand your own journey more deeply, discover how the Become a Menopause Coach diploma can open doors you never knew existed.

For expert Menopause Talks, Training and Qualifications checkout  https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Ready to find out more?

Head to womenofacertainstage.com to learn more and join a truly supportive community.

💬 Loved this episode?

Leave a review and tag us @themenopausecoach on Instagram or LinkedIn to share your favourite takeaway.

In this week’s conversation, Lauren sits down with Emma to explore what it really means to train as a menopause coach and why it could be the most empowering step you ever take.

Emma opens up about her own menopause journey: from discovering Davina McCall’s book and realising how little she knew about her changing body, to feeling a fierce determination to learn and share the truth.

She explains why a live, two-hour session each week - rather than a self-paced course - was the game-changer for her: the accountability, the expert insights and the chance to practise real coaching with real people. 

At first, Emma worried she lacked the biological know-how, but as the weeks passed, she found her confidence grew.

Recruiting practice clients wasn’t just an exercise, it was proof that coaching works.

She witnessed women go from feeling lost in their bodies to feeling in control and hopeful about the future, and that “aha” feedback (one client called her listening skills “incredible”) was a proud moment.

Beyond the diploma itself, Emma highlights the treasure trove of research-backed resources and the year-long support that comes after certification, because menopause is a journey, not a one-off course.

She’s already launched “Embrace the Menopause I Am,” hosting local meet-ups that remind women they’re not alone, and is dreaming up ways to bring menopause savvy and supportive coaching into schools, workplaces and even YouTube.

By the end of their chat, Emma encourages anyone on the fence to take the leap: whether you’re seeking a career change or simply want to understand your own body better, the diploma offers community, clarity and confidence.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or under-informed, listen in—and imagine what you could achieve with the right training and a tribe behind you.

[00:01:05] Personal menopausal journey exploration.

[00:04:38] Community in learning programs.

[00:07:44] Fear of change in coaching.

[00:14:10] Incremental changes in coaching.

[00:17:11] Diverse cohort experiences.

[00:19:51] Supporting women through menopause.

[00:23:14] Self-care during menopause challenges.

[00:27:21] Menopause in education workforce.

For expert Menopause Talks, Training and Qualifications checkout  https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Ready to find out more?

Head to womenofacertainstage.com to explore the Become a Menopause Coach diploma, grab your free Menopause courses, and discover how we can support you to become truly menopause savvy

💬 Loved this episode?

Leave a review and tag us @themenopausecoach on Instagram or LinkedIn to share your favourite takeaway.

In this inspiring conversation, meet Kirsteen Campbell, endometriosis warrior, community builder and certified Menopause Coach, who has transformed her own decades-long health journey into a mission to uplift every woman in Scotland’s far north. Kirsteen shares:

A Lifespan of Endometriosis

Battling excruciating teen-year periods, multiple laparoscopies and a life-saving hysterectomy by 26.

Miraculous pregnancy stories, heart-breaking loss and a second surgical menopause.

How a lifelong fight with chronic pelvic pain led her to the brink—and back.

Building a Rural Women’s Health Hub

Launching four support groups (Endo, Menopause, Period Health, General Wellbeing) that now serve 1,000+ local women.

Campaigning for gynaecology services in Caithness, so patients don’t face 200-mile round trips.

Why small communities can spark big change when you harness lived experience.

Why Become a Menopause Coach with Women of a Certain Stage?

Discovering the Metamorphosis Culture Program mid-treatment,and feeling “amazed” by the personal transformations it unlocked.

Translating her own pain-to-purpose journey into powerful one-to-one and in-person retreats.

Coaching wins: clients sleeping better, moving more and recapturing hope.

Pain Relief and New Beginnings

How a six-weekly lidocaine infusion turned off 30-years of pelvic pain and reignited her zest for life.

Lessons on self-care: ditching diluted juice for water, rediscovering morning routines and gentle movement.

Planning a silver-anniversary trip, leading the Scottish women’s network at the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists—and finally feeling “pain-free for the first time since I was a teenager.”

[00:03:02] Community support for women's health.

[00:04:44] Diagnosis time for endometriosis.

[00:09:57] Endometriosis and pregnancy challenges.

[00:15:38] Women's health support groups.

[00:17:14] Women's health coaching journey.

[00:20:18] Community and mental health connection.

[00:24:09] Hope in endometriosis journey.

🔗 Links & Resources

Join Kirsteen’s North Highland Menopause Workshops → highlandwellbeinghub.org/events

Become a Women of a Certain Stage Certified Menopause Coach →

https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

Endometriosis Support & Info → endometriosis-uk.org

Ready to turn your health battles into community-building impact?

Tap into Kirsteen’s journey and learn how you, too, can coach, care and change the lives of women in your world—no matter how remote.

Book a call to explore more today: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

Today I’m joined by my awesome Certified Menopause Coach graduate - Sam Mancey, executive coach, former John Lewis leader - who shares how a back-of-house tech glitch, major spinal surgery and a corporate “divorce” all led her to a powerful new calling: supporting women (and the people around them) through midlife transition. In this warm, wide-ranging conversation we explore:

• Why “menopause coach,” when you’re already a coach? 

Sam explains what tipped her from leadership development into menopause support, and why adding this specialty makes you a better coach for every client. 

• Authenticity in the face of adversity

From taking calls in her hospital bed post-op to diving into the program alongside nurses, nutritionists and startup founders, Sam shows that real coaching is about “papering over no cracks.”

• Cultivating company-wide support

Learn how to weave one-to-one coaching into group rolls-outs that bring cross-departmental mentorship, raise awareness with male allies and spark organic peer networks.

• Beyond the GP script

• Why pointing every woman back to her doctor isn’t enough—and how to coach clients to navigate conflicting HRT guidelines, self-advocate with clinicians and build a holistic self-care toolkit.

• Turning personal setbacks into your biggest strengths

Hear Sam’s story of a constructive exit, broken promises and living through corporate change—and how she used every “messy” moment to fuel her next chapter.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach, an HR leader or someone just starting to feel the impact of perimenopause, Sam’s journey will inspire you to bring empathy, expertise and practical tools into every conversation.

[00:01:08] Coaching and menopause awareness.

[00:03:36] Coaching relationship effectiveness.

[00:09:06] Importance of community in learning.

[00:10:52] Menopause support in coaching.

[00:15:14] Group coaching for menopause support.

[00:18:26] Menopause support through mentorship.

[00:22:08] Men's role in menopause support.

[00:23:50] Menopause as a second adolescence.

[00:27:08] Self-Selection in Program Enrollment.

[00:31:13] Business evolution and opportunities.

[00:33:47] Menopause opportunities and coaching.

Resources & Next Steps

• 🎓 Learn more about our next Become a Menopause Coach Diploma cohort →

• https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

• 💬 Ready to transform midlife challenges into a springboard for growth - yours or your people’s?

• Let’s talk about how bespoke menopause coaching can unlock resilience, retention and real wellbeing in your world:

• https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

I’m so pleased to welcome nurse educator Professor Camille Cronin to the podcast today.

Camille has spent over 35 years in clinical practice, research and higher education, and now channels her passion into bespoke menopause coaching. In this candid conversation we explore:

Why a nurse of 35+ years chose menopause coaching.

Camille explains how her frontline work with women in health and social care and her decade of workforce research led her to seek an evidence-based, tailored coaching toolkit.

Bridging research & lived experience

Hear how Camille wrestles with conflicting HRT guidelines, tracks reliable sources like the British Menopause Society and IMS, and helps women take ownership of their own care.

Mental health at midlife

We reflect on what happens when perimenopausal women first enter mental-health services, why single-symptom approaches fail, and how a holistic assessment could save lives.

Breaking down workplace barriers

With 70–85 % of NHS staff female and many in their 40s–50s, Camille shares why online modules alone won’t cut it—and how managers can embed real-time support into shift-based work.

Lifespan health strategy

From heavy periods to hot flushes and brain fog, discover how a unified women’s-health hub might finally replace today’s siloed clinics and why apprenticeships are a game-changer for career-changers in midlife.

Whether you’re a nurse, a line manager, a health coach or simply keen to understand your own journey better, Camille’s insights will inspire you to make menopause support real in your workplace, your community and your own life.

[00:02:51] Midlife career changes and menopause.

[00:05:30] Fear of seeking help at work.

[00:10:02] Tailored coaching for menopause support.

[00:12:41] Evidence-based menopause resources.

[00:19:10] Individual journeys of menopause management.

[00:21:17] Women's voices in menopause research.

[00:25:16] Mental health and menopause experience.

[00:31:04] Menopause coaching importance.

[00:34:12] Women's health and career changes.

[00:37:59] Menopause coaching benefits.

Resources & next steps

Learn about the Become a Menopause Coach diploma → https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

Free guide: “Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources” → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources

Join our fall cohort for hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As and peer support

Ready to support women at work and yourself through midlife health?

Book a free discovery call today and find out how tailored menopause coaching can transform your organisation and your life: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmsh

I’m delighted to welcome my dear friend and business mentor, Chris Williams, back to the mic today.

Chris is the driving force behind Soulful Abundance and one of our diploma’s most resonant experts on relationship-first marketing. In this warm, candid chat, she shares how she pivoted from health and wellness to seven-figure business coaching and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

What you’ll hear:

From massage room to mastermind: how Chris went from bodywork and yoga backgrounds into coaching others on building purpose-led business

The benches, the porch and the mansion: Chris’s powerful metaphor for attract, nurture & invite and why ads alone will never replace real human connection.

Golden hour daily & quarterly retreats: the non-negotiable rhythms that keep Chris energised, creative and ahead of burnout.

Selling high-ticket vs low-ticket: why your first $4k sale is easier than a $47 offer, and what to focus on instead.

Avoiding the fractional trap: true stories of expensive hires gone wrong and what to do when you really don’t want to manage people.

Abundance redefined: why impact + financial freedom is Chris’s true measure of success, and how that overflow fuels everything she gives back.

Throughout, Chris reminds us that building your business is not transactional; it’s deeply relational. If you’re tired of one-hour sales calls and “bright-shiny” tactics, lean into this conversation and discover a more soulful way to grow.

[00:01:10] Building a business is nonlinear.

[00:05:38] Importance of relationships in business.

[00:09:10] Business coaching evolution.

[00:10:19] Outdated coaching methods discussed.

[00:15:34] Ads don't fix broken sales.

[00:17:09] Attraction, nurturing, and sales.

[00:20:18] Attraction vs. Transactional Relationships.

[00:25:34] Empowered choice in conversations.

[00:28:14] Non-negotiables for personal growth.

[00:30:11] Non-negotiables in business planning.

[00:34:38] Obstacles to six-figure income.

[00:38:27] Purpose and meaning in business.

[00:40:15] Definition of abundance.

Feeling inspired?

If you’re ready to step into a business model that feels both heart-led and high-impact, check out Chris’s Soulful Abundance System (links below) and explore the Become a Menopause Coach diploma at womenofacertainstage.com. Let’s build something meaningful, together.

Connect with Chris

Instagram · @iamchriswilliams

Website ·  shineabundancenow.com

Connect with me...

Instagram · @themenopausecoach

Diploma info · https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach

Subscribe & share

If you loved this chat, please leave a review, tag us on social and let us know which “bench” you’re sitting on right now in your business journey.

In this episode, I chat with Sian Carter, HR Director for a multi-academy trust in the West Midlands and a certified menopause coach, about the very real ways she’s woven menopause support into school life.

 Sian’s own early-onset menopause journey sparked her passion: she knew firsthand how crippling brain fog, night sweats and heavy bleeding could be when you’re standing in front of a classroom full of students.

We talk through:

• The power of top-down buy-in: How her CEO and COO model open conversations, encouraging staff at every level to speak up without fear.
• Small changes, big impact: Why installing discreet fans, ensuring ready access to toilets, or strategically pairing staff for backup can transform someone’s day.
• Beyond teaching staff: Why every adult working in a school - administrators, support teams, site staff - deserves practical guidance, compassionate line-management training, and a clear menu of “reasonable adjustments.”
• Building champions: How Sian is training volunteer “Menopause Ambassadors” in each school so that no one faces this alone.
• This is more than just policy or PowerPoints.
• It’s about human connection.

[00:02:34] Menopause in the workplace.

[00:04:07] Menopause challenges for teachers.

[00:08:20] Normalizing menopause conversations at work.

[00:11:02] Workload challenges in teaching.

[00:15:28] Menopause support conversations.

[00:18:14] Transformational coaching experiences.

[00:20:10] Enhancing listening skills.

[00:25:10] Importance of menopause awareness.

[00:29:13] Menopause awareness in younger women.

[00:30:23] Menopause opportunities and inspiration.

If you lead or work in education (or any people-centered field), you’ll come away inspired to create that same safe, savvy support for the women and everyone around you.

 Press play, and let’s reimagine our workplaces as places of genuine understanding, one conversation at a time.

 Head over to womenofacertainstage.com for more information on becoming a menopause savvy & supportive organisation.

 Book a call to connect and explore opportunities here: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this episode of the Women of a Certain Stage Podcast, host Lauren Chiren welcomes Amanda Carlile, formerly a senior leader in Australia’s women’s empowerment sector and now a certified menopause coach, who’s blending menopause training and one-to-one coaching to transform workplaces and individual lives.

After her own perimenopause challenges nearly derailed her worklife, Amanda came home to the UK, completed the Women of a Certain Stage and CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma, and launched a thriving practice in southwest London.

Amanda shares how she first sparked menopause conversations in her corporate life and now delivers bespoke workplace coaching programs and women’s wellness retreats.

Amanda’s journey offers practical insights and actionable steps.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Menopause Talks Early: Normalise perimenopause conversations and educate young teams so everyone understands the transition.
2. Leverage Coaching Frameworks: Use the Women of a Certain Stage structured “Menopause Plan” coaching model to guide clients through hydration, movement, mindset, and self-care, yielding measurable breakthroughs.
3. Blend Group & One-to-One Support: Combine intimate one-to-one coaching for deep work with scalable group programs, Amanda’s 8-week cohort model is a prime example.
4. Expand With Toolkits & Retreats: Reinforce learning with downloadable menopause toolkits, interactive cooking-for-wellness workshops, and immersive retreats that marry nutrition, movement, and community.

[00:00:58] Menopause coaching journey.

[00:04:30] Menopause coaching for women.

[00:08:41] Support network of menopause coaches.

[00:10:45] Menopause and community roles.

[00:16:35] Importance of hydration in wellness.

[00:19:23] Menopause retreats and cooking.

[00:21:20] Menopause coaching and events.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

 Empower your career and your organisation with Women of a Certain Stage:

 Become a Certified Menopause Coach with our Accredited Diploma https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

 Book Menopause Talks & Workplace Strategy Workshops

 Download turnkey Menopause Toolkits & Resources

 Launch your own Menopause Champion Network

 Book a free 1:1 strategy call 👉 https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

 Visit www.womenofacertainstage.com today and start delivering life-changing menopause support!

In this episode of the Women of a Certain Stage Podcast, host Lauren Chiren sits down with Alison Allen, founder of Sparks HR Consultancy and a Women of a Certain Stage and CPD certified menopause coach, to explore how organisations can embed effective menopause training, menopause talks, and workplace strategy. 

Drawing on 25 years in HR and L&D, Alison shares how a 2003 TV segment first ignited her passion for supporting menopausal women on the job, and how during the pandemic she championed policy, support groups, and menopause toolkits in her corporate role.

Since launching her own practice in 2023 and completing the Women of a Certain Stage Certified Menopause Coach Diploma, Alison now blends one-to-one and group menopause coaching with bespoke workplace strategy workshops.

Discover how she’s setting up corporate menopause champion networks, coaching leaders through the “Menopause Plan” framework, and gearing up to launch menopause wellness days, journals, and even her own podcast.

Key Takeaways

• Embed Menopause Talks & Training into HR Strategy

Design “safe space” sessions for leaders and colleagues—cover symptoms, reasonable adjustments, and inclusive policy updates.

• Leverage Coaching Frameworks

Use a structured coaching model (like the Menopause Plan) to turn awareness into action, empower clients with self-coaching tools, and track outcomes.

• Set Up Support Groups & Champions

Launch on-site or virtual menopause champion networks; train local advocates to keep conversations alive and drive cultural change.

• Blend One-to-One & Group Coaching

Offer bespoke individual coaching for deep dives, and cost-effective group coaching for peer support and shared accountability.

• Continual Learning & Resource Library

Keep your menopause toolkits and training materials up-to-date with the latest research, expert interviews, and downloadable guides.

[00:01:39] Supporting menopausal women in workplaces.

[00:06:04] Menopause coaching training journey.

[00:09:05] Enhanced knowledge in coaching.

[00:14:57] Menopause and coaching effectiveness.

[00:18:16] Menopause support in business.

[00:19:36] Menopause support in workplaces.

[00:23:44] Menopause coach program benefits.

[00:29:15] Future of menopause support.

[00:30:27] Building a personal menopause plan.

Ready to Take Action?

Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ today to: 

Enrol in our Accredited Menopause Coach Diploma certification 

Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote menopause talks 

Download turnkey menopause toolkits & resource bundles

Build your own Menopause Champion network

Book a free strategy call with our expert team 👉 https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

Empower your organisation and start delivering life-changing menopause support now!

I’m Lauren Chiren, CEO of Women of a Certain Stage and your guide to mastering menopause. Today I’m thrilled to welcome sleep scientist Dr Katharina “Kat” Koltermann to unpack why so many of us struggle to rest during perimenopause and beyond.

As a GP and certified menopause strategist, I know that disrupted sleep worsens hot flushes, mood swings and metabolic changes.

Kat shares evidence-based insights on how ageing eyes and reduced daytime blue light weaken your circadian rhythm, why melatonin is a timing signal—not a sedative—and which lifestyle “time-cues” reset your body clock.

You’ll discover why the pressure to “must sleep” backfires and how morning light exposure, strategic movement, balanced meals and clearer home-life communication restore your rest. Join us for practical tips to reclaim deep, restorative sleep at every stage of menopause.

Core Takeaways

• Prioritise morning light to strengthen your circadian rhythm as lenses age and blue light perception drops.
• Melatonin signals help time sleep but aren’t a cure—get medically-graded doses and respect natural darkness.
• Drop the “must sleep” mindset: replace pressure with curiosity, self-compassion and flexible rituals.
• Design daytime cues—exercise timing, mealtimes, social connection—to support effortless night-time rest.
• Align home schedules through open communication so everyone’s sleep needs—from teens to partners—are honoured.

[00:02:13] Sleep and aging challenges.

[00:05:02] Sleep needs and individual rhythms.

[00:08:48] Importance of sleep for interaction.

[00:11:34] Exercise and sleep quality.

[00:19:09] Control during menopause changes.

[00:20:03] Thoughts and emotions at night.

[00:25:00] Teenagers and sleep patterns.

[00:27:35] Impact of sleep on performance.

[00:32:30] Sleep duration and individual needs.

[00:37:21] Don't worry about sleep.

[00:38:15] Letting go of control.

Connect with me and checkout menopause talks, training and toolkits https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Contact Dr Kat https://drkatsleep.com/meet-dr-kat/

When seasoned bodyworker and educator Julia Oyeleye realized her lifelong clients were struggling through menopause with nowhere to turn, she knew her next chapter had to bridge that gap.

In this episode, I chat with Julia as she shares how an unexpected career pivot, from executive PA to massage therapist, then teacher, author and reflexologist, led her to discover the one missing piece in her toolkit: a deep, science-backed understanding of perimenopause and beyond.

Julia takes us behind the scenes of her own menopause experience, explaining how rewriting reproductive system materials for her teaching role highlighted a startling blind spot in conventional health education: menopause ends the cycle, but where’s the support afterward? 

She walks us through the “aha” moment that steered her to Women of a Certain Stage’s Diploma in Menopause Coaching, and why the blend of expert-led lessons, weekly practice coaching calls and peer breakout sessions feels like uncovering a new family of fellow changemakers. 

You’ll hear how Julia’s uniquely blended background - anatomy, aromatherapy, sports injury rehab, reflexology and adult-education pedagogy - makes her ideally suited to help others reclaim their balance.

She reveals the gentle lifestyle shifts and empathetic listening skills that empower women to rebuild energy, improve sleep, and regain confidence, and why she’s now determined to bring these breakthroughs back to her beloved education sector. 

Tune in for a warm, illuminating conversation that proves real transformation happens when expertise meets curiosity and when a community of committed women joins you on the journey.

[00:01:14] Bodywork and natural health therapies.

[00:05:58] Career transition to therapy.

[00:10:16] Educational journey fit.

[00:12:12] Communication in teaching and assessment.

[00:17:34] Menopause education and awareness.

[00:22:05] Coaching in menopause education.

[00:24:14] Experiential learning in coaching.

[00:29:20] Aromatherapy for Mental Wellbeing.

[00:33:08] Education and menopause support.

[00:36:39] Community in menopause coaching.

Ready to take control of your menopause journey? whether you’re looking for one-on-one coaching, in-workshop training, or support for your whole team—let’s chat. 

Whether you’re ready to become a certified Menopause Coach or Champion, eager to deepen your own journey with our signature 1:1 or group programs, or a corporate leader looking to ignite true culture change with tailored training and keynote talks - let’s make it happen. 

Head over to womenofacertainstage.com to: 

Train with me: Explore our Menopause Coach Diploma, Champion workshop. corporate “Menopause in the Workplace” strategy, workshops, and toolkits.

Book a Discovery Call: Chat through your goals and discover the perfect package, whether it’s one-on-one coaching, a bespoke team retreat, or an inspiring all-staff keynote: 

https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod 

I can’t wait to partner with you to create healthier, happier workplaces and empowered, unstoppable coaches.

In today’s episode, Lauren Chiren sits down with Delilah, a Dutch-born Yoga Therapist who reinvented her career after a dismissive doctor’s appointment sparked a decade-long self-study into perimenopause symptoms.

 Fueled by her own journey, from “mistreated” patient to intuitive menopause guide, Delilah discovered the need for a structured, heart-led approach to supporting women through hormonal transitions.

 After piloting her own stress-reduction courses, she joined the Women of a Certain Stage Certified Menopause Coach Diploma to gain the coaching tools and business know-how needed to serve women in the workplace and beyond.

 Delilah shares how she weaves together menopause coaching, mind-body techniques and lifestyle interventions into every one-on-one consultation and workshop.

 She reveals her top strategies for launching yourself as a menopause coach, from crafting irresistible outreach emails to leveraging a small-group pilot to build credibility.

 If you’re ready to turn your passion for menopause support into a thriving practice, while staying true to your own authentic style, this episode is packed with insights to get you started.

Key Takeaways

1. From Personal Pain to Professional Purpose: Use your own menopause story to fuel credibility and empathy in your coaching practice.
2. Blend Intuition & Structure: Anchor your heart-led coaching in a proven framework (the 7-week “Menopause Plan”) while adapting it with your unique expertise.
3. Master Your Outreach Machine: Commit to a weekly cadence of tailored emails, opening with a low-commitment resource (PDF or mini-guide) to spark conversations.
4. Build Supportive Networks: Leverage an international cohort, alumni WhatsApp groups and 12-month post-diploma coaching calls to stay accountable and inspired.
5. Position Your Niche: Highlight your special blend - yoga therapy, hormone wisdom and certified coaching - to stand out in an evolving menopause training market.

[00:01:16] Misguided menopause treatment experiences.

[00:07:43] Menopause coaching as a niche.

[00:10:11] International connections in coaching.

[00:14:35] Coaching and listening skills.

[00:19:31] Menopause coaching in corporate settings.

[00:23:26] Menopause awareness in the workplace.

[00:25:20] Menopause coaching in organizations.

[00:30:51] Cold emailing strategies for coaches.

[00:33:49] Building relationships for business success.

[00:36:15] Authenticity in personal journeys.

[00:40:38] Authenticity in coaching.

Ready to Launch Your Menopause Coaching Practice?

Visit www.womenofacertainstage.com to learn how our CPD certified Menopause Coach Diploma can equip you to deliver transformative menopause talks, training, toolkits and champion networks - plus book your free strategy call 👉 https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this episode, Lauren Chiren chats with Sarah Burchall, a 30-year veteran in pharmaceutical quality assurance who’s leveraging her upcoming redundancy package to become a Certified Menopause Coach.

|

Sponsored by her employer’s retraining program, Sarah dove into the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma to gain the menopause training, coaching frameworks and business toolkit she needs to run menopause talks and workplace awareness sessions for both men and women.

Sarah shares her journey from fascinated learner, tracking hydration, sleep hygiene and diet tweaks, to confident coach delivering real-world pilot sessions and practice client engagements.

She reveals how she balanced a full-time QA role with coursework, practice clients and live cohort calls, and why joining an international community of fellow menopause champions gave her the accountability and ideas to turn passion into practice.

Key Takeaways

1. Leverage Corporate Retraining: Use employer-sponsored learning budgets or redundancy grants to gain an accredited menopause coach certification.
2. Blend Science & Coaching: Anchor your menopause training in evidence-based research (hydration, sleep hygiene, nutrition) while mastering active listening and non-judgmental coaching skills.
3. Pilot Workplace Talks: Start small, run free or low-cost menopause awareness sessions in your current organization to build credibility and refine your menopause toolkit.
4. Tap Peer Wisdom: Join a live cohort and ongoing alumni community for accountability, fresh ideas and shared resources on everything from digital marketing to session design.
5. Plan for Part-Time Pivot: Balance your existing role with client work, then gradually transition to a mix of corporate workshops and private menopause coaching.

[00:02:18] Passion for menopause coaching.

[00:05:42] Interest in menopause science.

[00:10:28] Workplace awareness sessions on menopause.

[00:12:43] Coaching program feedback and insights.

[00:15:13] Community and diverse personalities.

[00:22:11] Sleep hygiene and diet improvements.

[00:23:40] Benefits of the decluttering program.

Ready to Become a Menopause Ally?

Visit www.womenofacertainstage.com to explore our CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma, workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks, downloadable menopause toolkits & resources, and how to build your own Menopause Champion network.

👉 Book your free strategy call with our expert team:

https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

On this episode, Lauren Chiren welcomes Niamh D’Arcy - menstrual equity advocate, researcher and UK lead for Pads on a Roll - to discuss how menstrual education and product access shape our health journey from first bleed through perimenopause.

Niamh shares her path from master’s dissertation on global menstrual education gaps to pioneering a simple innovation: individually-wrapped pads on a roll, just like toilet tissue, in every bathroom stall.

Discover why reframing menstrual care as a facilities issue (not just a “women’s issue”) can eliminate period stigma, boost dignity and ensure everyone who menstruates has what they need, wherever they are.

Whether you’re looking for menstrual education, period product accessibility, or a fresh perspective on normalizing menstruation in schools, workplaces and public spaces, this conversation delivers practical insights - and a bold vision - for the future of menstrual equity.

Key Takeaways

1. Language & Empowerment: Why using precise terms like “dysmenorrhea” (painful periods) and understanding estrogen vs. progesterone can transform our ability to advocate for proper care.
2. Global Education Gaps: Findings from Niamh’s master’s research - across 12 countries - revealed universal lack of menstrual education, fueling shame, misinformation and missed support.
3. Facility-Level Solutions: How installing Pads on a Roll in every bathroom - alongside toilet tissue - shifts period products from “hidden” to essential public fixtures.
4. Designing for Access: The importance of neutral branding, inclusive of all who menstruate, and accessible dispenser height so that pads are reachable to everyone, whether in schools, restaurants or offices.
5. Collaboration & Advocacy: The power of women supporting women (and allies) from school mandates to workplace volunteer days, to build lasting, budget-protected infrastructure for free period products.

[00:02:35] Menstrual health education movement.

[00:05:32] Understanding polycystic ovarian syndrome.

[00:08:40] Menstrual education and empowerment.

[00:12:21] Understanding menstrual cycles in education.

[00:14:48] Empathy in menstrual education.

[00:17:13] Period products accessibility innovation.

[00:22:08] Gender-neutral period product accessibility.

[00:24:37] Changing toilet infrastructure for periods.

[00:27:53] Facilities issue, not women's issue.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Niamh on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/niamhdarcy

Request Pads on a Roll: Email niamh@padsonaroll.com to bring dispensers to your facility - school, workplace or public venue

Educate & Normalise: Share this episode and these ideas with your HR, facilities or health-education teams.

Transform your career in women’s health:

Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certiifed Menopause Coach Diploma, book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks, download menopause toolkits, build your Menopause Champion network.

Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod.

Together, let’s normalise menstrual and menopausal care - making access to period products and expert support as routine and stigma-free as toilet paper, because it’s fundamental workplace care for half the population.

Join Lauren Chiren on this inspiring episode as she speaks with Caroline Milne, a 20-year veteran nurse turned certified Menopause Coach [with Women of a Certain Stage] about her journey from district nursing and sexual health into specialised menopause support.

 Discover how Caroline collaborated with Rethink Mental Illness to publish a pioneering Menopause & Mental Health pamphlet, and learn about her free community meetups “Menopause Chat Group” and “Menopause Mingle” designed to empower peri- and post-menopausal women through peer support, coaching, and actionable wellness strategies.

 Whether you’re looking for menopause talks, menopause training, or a path to become a certified menopause coach, this episode delivers powerful insights into combining clinical expertise with one-to-one coaching frameworks.

 Find out how Caroline’s “UnMenopause” approach is transforming local communities, and why building your menopause champions network can be the game-changer for both individuals and workplaces.

Key Takeaways

1. Integrating Clinical & Coaching Expertise: How Caroline used her nursing background + hands-on menopause coach training with the Women of a Cetain Stage coaching framwork “The Menopause Plan” and community pamphlets for mental health charities. 
2. Bridging Menopause & Mental Health: The importance of training frontline mental-health staff to recognize menopausal symptoms and provide proper referrals, culminating in a jointly authored Rethink Mental Illness pamphlet.
3. Leveraging Small Group Coaching: Why starting with intimate groups (4–8 people) on focused topics - like emotional decluttering - can drive rapid “aha” moments and sustainable habit change.
4. Making Menopause Coaching Your Next Step: How to decide if formal coaching skills and an evidence-based framework are the missing piece for nurses, teachers, HR pros, or anyone passionate about helping women navigate menopause.

 [00:01:34] Menopause and mental health booklet.

[00:06:03] Menopause care challenges in healthcare.

[00:09:25] Coaching skills in menopause support.

[00:12:47] Coaching and personal development.

[00:14:08] Mentorship through scripted guidance.

[00:18:27] Finding clients as a coach.

[00:21:13] Menopause support meetups.

[00:24:36] Small group coaching success.

[00:27:09] Menopause coaching and business basics.

[00:30:50] Social media engagement strategies.

[00:36:26] Passion for singing and support.

[00:38:15] Embracing joy in menopause.

Ready to Make an Impact?

 Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to unlock:

Accredited Menopause Coach Diploma - learn the “The Menopause Plan” coaching framework

 Workplace Strategy Workshops & Keynotes - build a menopause-savvy culture

 Downloadable Toolkits & Resources - from hormone basics to mental-health integration

 Menopause Champion Network - connect with global experts & peers

 Free Strategy Call—book your 1:1 session with our team:

https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

 Empower yourself and your community, with the knowledge and confidence to transform your menopause journey into a powerful chapter of growth.

In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Susie about her incredible experience climbing Kilimanjaro with her 16-year-old daughter. Susie shares her motivations for taking on the challenge at 54, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental strength during such an endeavor. She reflects on how the climb was not only a test of her physical limits but also a significant mental challenge that reshaped her understanding of resilience. The conversation highlights the value of pushing oneself beyond perceived boundaries and the enriching experiences that come from such adventures. Tune in for insights on personal challenges, the journey of self-discovery, and the empowering nature of embracing new experiences in midlife.

[00:01:14] Mental challenges of physical goals.

[00:06:13] Transitioning to entrepreneurial world.

[00:09:04] Identity shift from lawyer to coach.

[00:12:30] Support and loneliness in business.

[00:16:30] Confidence in coaching practice.

[00:17:24] Understanding privilege and inclusion.

[00:20:51] Mental health during menopause.

[00:27:03] Gender-neutral language concerns.

[00:28:58] Inclusive language in the workplace.

[00:31:35] Gender roles in professional settings.

[00:36:37] Menopause education and awareness.

[00:39:09] Balancing coaching and legal work.

[00:44:07] Career nirvana in coaching.

[00:45:35] Business development in coaching.

[00:48:14] Menopause opportunities.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Susie Beaumont on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiebeaumont/

Transform your career in women’s health:

Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certiifed Menopause Coach Diploma, book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks, download menopause toolkits, build your Menopause Champion network.

Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod.

In this episode, host Lauren welcomes Beth Fotheringham, an inspiring graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach program who brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse life experiences.

Beth shares her remarkable journey from childhood dreams of acting inspired by the Bionic Woman, through nearly 15 years of Canadian military service, to university studies in social anthropology including field research in Madagascar, and finally to pursuing her acting career at age 50+ while becoming a certified menopause coach.

The conversation explores how the entertainment industry's treatment of aging women mirrors broader societal attitudes toward menopause, and how Beth discovered her calling to help women refuse to accept that suffering through menopause is "just the way it is." She emphasizes the power of questioning why we accept limitations and the importance of embracing this life stage as a time of freedom and wisdom rather than invisibility.

Beth discusses her business "A Menopause PATH" (Power, Action, Truth, Health) and her mission to help women reclaim their power and recognize their continued value beyond their reproductive years.

• Career Transition at 50+: How Beth courageously pursued acting in film and television after military service, proving it's never too late to follow your dreams and challenge ageist assumptions about women's capabilities and visibility.
• The Power of Questioning "Why": Drawing from social anthropology research (including the famous monkey experiment), Beth emphasizes the importance of challenging accepted norms rather than blindly following traditions—especially regarding how women are expected to suffer silently through menopause.
• Industry Ageism and Societal Parallels: Exploring how the entertainment industry's treatment of women over 35 reflects broader societal attitudes, where women are expected to "disappear" until they re-emerge as grandmothers, and why we must reject this narrative.
• Menopause as Empowerment: Reframing menopause from something to fear into an opportunity for freedom, wisdom, and embracing elder status. Beth advocates for women to stop "tying the babushka around our heads and disappearing into a corner."
• The Importance of Community Learning: Why Beth chose a live, interactive coaching program over self-study courses, emphasizing the value of peer support, expert interaction, and the ability to ask "why" in real-time learning environments.
• Building Authentic Professional Identity: How to show up authentically in business while maintaining professionalism, and why being genuine attracts the right clients rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Beth Fotheringham on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-fotheringham-85547b4a/

Transform your career in women’s health:

Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certiifed Menopause Coach Diploma, book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks, download menopause toolkits, build your Menopause Champion network.

Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod.

In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin sits down with Jo Moran, a seasoned professional with a remarkable 39-year career in financial services. Jo reflects on her journey, sharing insights from her early beginnings in the 80s to her current role, emphasizing the importance of people-first leadership. With a passion for empowering individuals, Jo discusses her experiences of working with diverse teams, traveling, and the transformative power of prioritizing people in business. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the intersection of professional growth and personal empowerment, especially during the significant life stage of menopause.

[00:02:10] Interest in menopause space.

[00:04:51] Menopause coaching journey.

[00:10:26] Coaching through menopause challenges.

[00:14:07] Education about menstrual cycle stages.

[00:20:02] Menopause coaching and leadership.

[00:20:24] Imposter syndrome during menopause.

[00:24:42] Balancing work and family life.

[00:29:52] Setting boundaries for clients.

[00:32:01] Self-care for coaches.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Jo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomoran/

Transform your career in women’s health:

Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certiifed Menopause Coach Diploma, book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks, download menopause toolkits, build your Menopause Champion network.

Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod.

In this deeply moving episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Valeria Sardenberg, a Brazilian psychologist and supervisor now living in Greece. Valeria shares her powerful journey from a difficult childhood through devastating loss to finding purpose in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.

After losing her first son to cancer and navigating her own divorce during perimenopause, Valeria discovered that many of her physical symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue—were being misdiagnosed as dementia or work-related stress. Her story illuminates the critical gap in medical knowledge around menopause and the transformative power of proper education and support.

[00:02:00] Valeria's journey from Brazil to Greece through modeling and immigration

[00:04:00] Turning personal tragedy into healing work as a psychologist

[00:05:00] Experiencing perimenopause symptoms and medical misdiagnosis

[00:07:00] The deficit in menopause awareness and education

[00:09:00] Finding the Women of a Certain Stage training program

[00:12:00] Discovering coaching versus traditional therapy approaches

[00:15:00] Making lifestyle changes: hydration, nutrition, and movement

[00:18:00] The power of decluttering during life transitions

[00:20:00] Integrating menopause support into therapeutic practice

[00:23:00] Women losing connection and the burden of multitasking

[00:26:00] Embracing womanhood and educating men about menopause

[00:29:00] Setting boundaries and learning to say no

[00:32:00] Pioneering menopause work in Greece

[00:36:00] Creating community and authentic connection

• Medical professionals often misdiagnose perimenopause symptoms, highlighting the urgent need for better education
• Menopause can serve as a wake-up call to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries
• Over a billion women globally experience menopause, yet many feel isolated and alone
• Small lifestyle changes in hydration, nutrition, and movement can significantly impact wellbeing
• Creating community and sharing knowledge helps normalize the menopause experience
• Menopause represents an evolutionary advantage, freeing women to share wisdom and support their communities

Connect with Valeria Sardenberg: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-sardenberg-mafra-19b3a221/

Transform your career in women's health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks
• Download menopause toolkits
• Build your Menopause Champion network
• Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Sally, a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program who spent decades in executive search, specializing in C-Suite placements and working with some of the most senior women in corporate leadership.

Sally's story is one of intentional transformation—leaving behind a high-powered career not because she had to, but because she wanted to explore what came next. Despite sailing through menopause relatively symptom-free herself, Sally was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner who recognized the profound connection between women's midlife transitions and the executive exits she witnessed throughout her career.

This conversation explores the "mahogany veneer" of wisdom Sally accumulated through thousands of executive interviews, the patterns she observed in senior women's confidence (or lack thereof), the guilt that high-achieving women carry across all aspects of life, and why she believes at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause—even though it's rarely discussed.

Sally shares her insights on what it takes to help senior executives break free from their "chrysalis," the power of truth-telling wrapped in compassion, and why she's committed to using her accumulated wisdom to support women through their next chapter.

Key Points Covered:

• The Mahogany Veneer of Wisdom: After decades in executive search conducting thousands of interviews across multiple cultures, industries, and geographies, Sally describes herself as having accumulated a "mahogany veneer"—not mica, but genuine depth—touching on so many aspects of leadership and humanity that it creates profound wisdom.

• The Hidden Menopause-Executive Exit Connection: Sally estimates that at least 50% of women leaving C-Suite roles are doing so because of menopause, yet this connection is rarely (if ever) discussed in conjunction with executive transitions. She's exploring research from CIPD, ACAS, Bank of America, and other financial institutions to investigate this further.

• Why She Trained Despite Not Suffering: Sally was fortunate to sail through menopause with minimal symptoms, but was drawn to the program as a lifelong learner (having completed a master's degree in her 40s and Montessori teacher training in her 30s) who wanted to keep developing skills and expanding knowledge—even if she wasn't initially sure how she'd use it professionally.

• Scratching the Surface of C-Suite Women: Despite impressive accomplishments and senior positions, Sally consistently found that C-Suite women have remarkably little confidence when you scratch the surface. She wonders how much of this is influenced by perimenopause and menopause symptoms that go unrecognized or unaddressed.

• The Transition Crisis: Senior executives—both men and women—struggle profoundly when moving from executive to non-executive careers. Women in particular often feel lost, despite decades of achievement, when making this transition.

• The Sacrifice Required for C-Suite Success: Women who reach C-Suite positions often sacrifice family life, social connections, spiritual development, health, and other life domains in pursuit of excellence. The constant guilt of "never doing anything as well as you should be" at work, with family, or with friends becomes an exhausting burden.

• Double Standards in Leadership: Behaviors that are acceptable and even celebrated in men are deemed "unacceptable" or "aggressive" in women. Sally describes being called an "agitator" or "up for yourself" simply for having opinions and speaking out against unfairness—behaviors that would be called "leadership" in male colleagues.

• Higher Standards for Women: Women are measured differently and held to higher standards, particularly women of color who face even greater barriers. Women have to try harder to achieve things and prove themselves more than their male counterparts.

• The Practice Client Revelations: Sally discovered that beneath the presenting issue of menopause, her coaching clients all shared fundamental life issues—partner challenges, control issues, not sitting down for meals together, rushing through everything, and particularly struggles with decluttering and asking for help.

• Partners as Obstacles: A common pattern emerged where partners (male, female, or otherwise) were often significant obstacles to women's wellbeing, but this only surfaced around weeks 3-4 of the coaching relationship. Sally learned to sense this bubbling beneath the surface and gently create space for clients to talk about it without feeling they were "betraying" anyone.

• The Decluttering Week Breakthrough: Of all the menopause plan modules, decluttering and asking for help created the most transformation. Sally was shocked to discover that even her successful, accomplished clients weren't sitting at tables for meals, were rushing through everything, and lacked basic healthy habits around water intake and self-care.

• The Nutrition Week Challenge: Sally admitted she struggled most with the nutrition week, finding parts of it "very American" and "unrealistic" for her time-strapped clients with multiple children. This became a teaching moment about recognizing her own judgments and learning to plant seeds rather than prescribe solutions.

• The 1% Improvement Philosophy: Rather than expecting clients to go from 2/10 to 10/10, Sally celebrates helping them reach 5-6/10 in just seven hours of coaching—recognizing that wherever someone is in life, there's always a next level and always another step to take.

• The Chrysalis Metaphor: Sally describes her coaching approach as helping people realize they've built a chrysalis around themselves—they have beautiful wings but are trapped. Her role is helping them break out of that chrysalis and realize they can fly.

• Kick and a Cuddle Coaching Style: Sally believes "the truth is a gift" but must be appropriately wrapped. Too many people avoid telling the truth to spare feelings, but real help comes from honest feedback—whether about body language, voice, presence, or imposter syndrome—delivered with compassion.

• Loneliness at the Top: Senior positions are profoundly lonely. Sally shares a story of leaving a note under a new CEO's hotel room door during his "three-month wobble" with affirmations, which he kept in his office—highlighting the desperate need for trusted support at senior levels.

• The Safe Space of Coaching: The menopause plan gives women permission to talk about things they haven't even allowed themselves to think about. As layers get unpicked, clients experience "aha moments" where their jigsaw puzzle starts coming together—not completed by the end, but with a clear picture emerging.

• NDAs and Settlement Agreements: While Sally hasn't had direct visibility into how many women are exited via non-disclosure agreements potentially linked to menopause, she suspects it's significant. NDAs are often used when someone is in a moment of weakness or vulnerability, lacking the mental fortitude or finances to fight properly.

• The Gift of Time: After leaving executive search, Sally appreciates having the luxury of time to let her thoughts naturally evolve, reflect on her journey, and decide how to share her next chapter without arbitrary deadlines or pressure.

• What Lights Her Up: Sally loves giggling with like-minded people, fighting unfairness, being a listening friend who gives people "airspace to talk," and engaging with fascinating people—even (especially) the difficult ones that everyone else avoids.

Timestamps:

[00:02:00] Saying thank you: Reframing the LinkedIn farewell

[00:04:00] The C-Suite exodus and menopause connection

[00:06:00] Struggling with the nutrition week

[00:08:00] What really comes out in coaching sessions

[00:11:00] Why Sally trained without having symptoms

[00:13:00] Working predominantly with C-Suite women

[00:14:00] The confidence deficit at the top

[00:16:00] Sacrifices and double standards

[00:19:00] The VA revelation: Cards and guilt

[00:21:00] NDAs and settlement agreements

[00:23:00] The chrysalis and beautiful wings

[00:25:00] Creating safe spaces for conversation

[00:27:00] What makes Sally smile

[00:30:00] The wisdom worth translating

[00:31:00] Why trust the process works

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-a-f-springbett-she-her-b8b3224/

• Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

• Research on menopause and workplace exits:

• CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
• Bank of America studies
• Women in Banking and Finance research
• Portal library section: Work and Menopause resources

• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources

Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...

Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...

Meet your Host:

Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program.

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Dr. Peter Greenhouse, a pioneering sexual health physician and menopause specialist who brings decades of clinical experience, a background in comedy, and an unflinching approach to the conversations no one else is having about perimenopause.

Dr. Greenhouse's unique journey, from performing comedy at Cambridge with future greats like Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, to revolutionizing integrated sexual health services, to becoming a sought-after menopause lecturer, gives him a perspective unlike any other doctor.

Previously married to a world expert in menopause and having spent years listening to women's stories, he's learned that the most important symptoms of perimenopause are often the most overlooked.

This conversation challenges conventional thinking about when perimenopause starts, what the first symptoms really are, and why cognitive decline - not hot flushes - is often the earliest and most career-damaging sign. Dr. Greenhouse also tackles the uncomfortable truths about midlife divorce rates, sexual health in older adults, the devastating impact of misdiagnosis, and why estrogen affects literally every system in your body, from your vocal cords to your ACL rupture risk.

With humor, humanity, and hard science, this episode will change how you think about the menopausal transition.

Key Points Covered:

• Cognition Comes First: The first symptom of perimenopause isn't hot flushes, it's cognitive decline. Brain fog, forgetfulness, and reduced mental sharpness often appear years before temperature regulation issues, directly impacting work performance and leading many women to believe they're "just depressed."

• Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than You Think: While textbooks say perimenopause begins 5 years before menopause (mid-40s), Dr. Greenhouse regularly sees women in their late 30s with clear perimenopausal symptoms, especially if their mothers had early menopause. Some women experience a 15-year menopausal transition.

• The Misdiagnosis Cascade: Women go to their GP with joint pain, get MRIs showing nothing wrong. Then palpitations lead to ECGs. Then migraines lead to scans. Years pass with multiple specialists investigating separate symptoms while no one connects the dots to perimenopause - causing reactive depression from feeling like everything is falling apart.

• Estrogen's Jaw-Dropping Effects Throughout the Body:

1. Athletes: Women are 8x more likely to rupture their ACL than men, with most ruptures occurring on the day of menstruation or during mid-cycle estrogen drops
2. Asthma: 25% of all hospital admissions for near-fatal and fatal asthma occur on the day of menstruation due to reduced flexibility of rib and brinchial cartilage caused by a drop in oestrogen
3. Opera singers: Have it written into contracts that they don't need to perform the week before their period because they can lose up to half an octave off the top of their range
4. Warm-up time: Female athletes need to warm up 3x longer before exercise when menstruating due to reduced joint flexibility

• The Mid-40s Perfect Storm: Age 44 marks the peak age for divorce, highest rates of certain STIs in women, and highest female suicide rates—all correlating with the cognitive dip of early perimenopause when women are most likely to be misdiagnosed and given antidepressants instead of HRT.

• Blood Tests Are Useless for Perimenopause: Unlike premature menopause (which shows up in blood work), perimenopause blood tests are completely normal. The only blood test needed is thyroid function, as hypothyroidism can mimic perimenopause symptoms.

• Antidepressants Are the Wrong Answer: When women present with cognitive decline and resulting reactive depression, antidepressants flatten mood, joy, and creativity without addressing any of the underlying hormonal issues. They might marginally help with premenstrual suicidal ideation but won't fix cognition, joints, energy, or any other perimenopausal symptoms.

• The Dating App Effect on Sexual Health: Uber-like convenience in dating apps (geolocating potential partners, removing initial embarrassment through text) has led to faster partner change and rising STI rates, particularly in the 40s-50s age group coinciding with higher divorce rates during perimenopause.

• HRT Dosage Myths Debunked: The post-2002 "lowest dose for shortest time, stop at 60" advice is completely wrong. Dr. Greenhouse's mantra: "As much as you need for as long as you live." Even minuscule doses (14mcg patches) used in American studies significantly improved bone density, even without needing progesterone ptoitection.

• The 10-Year Difference: At age 70, you can immediately spot the women who've been on HRT, they look 60, walk taller, think faster, live more independently, and have rock-solid bones.

• The Food Supplement Industry Trap: Most nutritional supplements are scientifically unproven money-wasters. For the average person with a normal Western diet, only one supplement is needed: Vitamin D. Unless you're a strict vegan, everything else is unnecessary.

• Not Everyone Needs HRT: 10-15% of women sail through perimenopause with minimal symptoms. Some women thrive without HRT through nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications. The key is finding what works for your individual body and symptoms.

• The GP Is Your Best Asset (If trained): A properly menopause-trained GP who can spend adequate time is ideal for managing perimenopause; but most GPs haven't received this training. Dr. Greenhouse notes he's seeing fewer private patients recently, suggesting more GPs are getting proper training (the first good news in a long time).

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Peter Brueghel, cod pieces, and ADHD hyperfocus

[00:03:00] The YouTube lectures no one else is making

[00:06:00] When blood tests miss perimenopause

[00:08:00] Cognition decline: The first and most damaging symptom

[00:12:00] If you're in your 40s and feel "off," think perimenopause first

[00:13:00] Perimenopause can start at 35

[00:14:00] The physiotherapist who changed everything: Women athletes and ACL ruptures

[00:16:00] Asthma, opera singers, and the estrogen effect

[00:18:00] Why female athletes need different training protocols

[00:20:00] Learning from women's stories, not textbooks

[00:22:00] From sexual health pioneer to menopause specialist

[00:24:00] The Uber effect: Dating apps and rising STI rates

[00:26:00] The mid-40s cognitive dip: Divorce, STIs, and suicide

[00:30:00] Why properly trained GPs are the gold standard

[00:32:00] The 70-year-old test: Spotting HRT users at reunions

[00:34:00] Making sense of conflicting information

[00:36:00] Different women, different needs

[00:40:00] Comedy training meets medical consultations

[00:43:00] What's next: More conferences, more art galleries

Resources:

Dr Peter Greenhouse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergreenhouse/

Dr. Greenhouse's Best Insights:

• "If any woman in her 40s starts to feel a bit off in any sort of way, the first thing you need to think about is perimenopause." • "It is normal to be depressed when faced with the early signs of perimenopause, particularly if nobody's diagnosed it. It's not psychiatric depression—it's reactive depression." • "The GP says 'well, you're not having night sweats, so it's not perimenopause.' That's completely wrong because temperature control is just about the last thing to kick in." • "If you think about it, to get depressed when you don't have a reason for it is quite normal—so the GP says 'maybe you're depressed and need antidepressants.' Which is the worst possible thing that could happen." • "Any amount of estrogen you can take, even the tiniest amount, would be enough over several years to prevent osteoporosis." • "As much as you need for as long as you live." • "At 70, you can always tell who's on HRT because she looks 60."

Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...

Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...

Meet your Host:

Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. With a focus on evidence-based education and lived experience, Lauren supports women through the menopausal transition while training coaches worldwide to do the same through live, interactive learning with expert faculty.

Lauren also works with female athletes (rugby, football, cricket players) using diagnostic tools like body temperature tracking and heart rate variability to map menstrual cycles and optimize training protocols.

Ready to become a menopause coach or deepen your understanding?

Learn about the Become a Menopause Coach diploma → https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources

Book a free discovery call:...

In this profound episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Tara Ferguson about her journey from a breast cancer diagnosis at 41 to founding her own consultancy focused on supporting businesses managing cancer in the workplace. Tara shares the raw reality of her diagnosis, treatment, and the medical menopause that followed, while highlighting the critical gaps in workplace support and the intersection between cancer treatment and menopause.

With 20 years of HR and employee wellbeing experience, Tara brings a unique perspective—combining corporate strategic expertise with deeply personal lived experience to help organizations better support employees impacted by cancer, whether as patients or carers.

[00:01:00] Meeting Lauren at a conference and the impact of menopause awareness

[00:02:00] Breast cancer diagnosis at 41 despite clear mammogram

[00:03:00] Recognizing unusual symptoms: pain and texture changes

[00:05:00] The one-stop breast clinic experience and three-hour diagnostic process

[00:08:00] Trusting your body and gut instinct during uncertainty

[00:11:00] Understanding hormone receptor positive breast cancer

[00:14:00] Telling her 12-year-old daughter about the diagnosis

[00:16:00] "Cadmin"—cancer admin and seeking counseling support

[00:17:00] Exceptional line management: halving workload overnight

[00:20:00] When menopause wasn't mentioned during cancer treatment planning

[00:23:00] Oncotype scores and determining chemotherapy treatment plans

[00:26:00] The impact on partners, carers, and children

[00:28:00] The power of being open about diagnosis and feeling loved

[00:31:00] Working during chemo: letting employees lead the way

[00:33:00] Transitioning from corporate role to founding Onward With You

[00:38:00] The business case: cancer impacts more people than maternity leave

[00:42:00] Thinking of cancer as chronic illness, not acute event

[00:45:00] First steps: ask questions before deciding what to do

[00:49:00] Medical menopause: ovarian suppression and estrogen elimination

[00:51:00] The reality over a year beyond active treatment

[00:53:00] Gaps in specialized care for cancer-induced menopause

[00:57:00] "Make the most of it"—finding joy and appreciation

• Pain is not always a typical sign of breast cancer—trust your body and seek second opinions
• Cancer diagnosis makes you disabled under UK Equality Act for life, requiring reasonable adjustments
• Medical menopause from cancer treatment is often overlooked in treatment planning
• The population affected by cancer (patients + carers) is larger than new parents in most organizations
• Best practice line management: let the employee lead, offer options, focus on flexibility
• Cancer should be viewed as a chronic illness with ongoing impact, not just an acute event
• Being open about diagnosis can create unexpected support and community
• Employees undergoing treatment can still add value through "important but not urgent" work
• Specialized menopause care for cancer patients requires bridging oncology and menopause expertise
• Small acts of recognition for carers and children make enormous difference

Connect with Tara Ferguson: Learn more about supporting cancer in the workplace at Onward With You LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-ferguson-onward/

Website: http://onwardwithyou.com/

Explore the Working with Cancer Pledge for your organization

Resources mentioned:

• Maggie's Cancer Care Centers
• The Osborne Trust (supporting children of parents with cancer)
• Menopause and Cancer charity (Danny Bennington)

Transform your career in women's health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks
• Download menopause toolkits
• Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Tracey Robertson, a menopause coach and corporate legal PA who transformed her darkest moments into a mission to support other women through perimenopause and menopause.

Tracey shares her raw and powerful story of hitting rock bottom at age 45—leaving a successful corporate career in London, experiencing crippling anxiety and depression, and sitting in a park in the rain because she couldn't bear to go home. Despite having access to private healthcare at Harley Street, blood tests, and multiple doctors, no one identified that she was in perimenopause. It wasn't until her personal trainer suggested HRT that Tracey's life began to change—feeling better within 15 hours of her first patch.

This conversation explores Tracey's journey from that breaking point to becoming a certified menopause coach through Women of a Certain Stage, building workplace support programs, and helping other women avoid the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of lived experience, and the importance of creating communities where women can be heard and supported.

Key Points Covered:

• The Breaking Point: How perimenopause manifested as severe anxiety, depression, inability to perform basic work tasks, and suicidal thoughts—all while doctors missed the diagnosis despite regular blood tests and private healthcare access.

• HRT as a Lifeline: Tracey's experience of feeling improvement within 15 hours of starting HRT, emphasizing how life-changing appropriate treatment can be when hormonal imbalance is the root cause—not just anxiety or mental health issues.

• Misdiagnosis & Inappropriate Treatment: Being prescribed anti-anxiety medications that made symptoms worse, undergoing CBT, and the dangers of treating perimenopause symptoms as purely psychological without addressing hormonal changes.

• Finding Purpose Through Pain: How watching Davina McCall's menopause documentary and recognizing herself in other women's stories inspired Tracey to become a coach—determined that no one else should go through this alone and searching for support groups that didn't exist in London.

• The Power of Listening: Learning through menopause coaching training that simply being heard and having space to process emotions can be transformative—practice clients experienced significant changes just from having someone listen without judgment, including a 36-year-old client who felt angry and let down by her body.

• Building Workplace Support: Creating menopause support groups in her law firm, bringing in medical experts like doctors from Menopause Care (Dr. Andrews) and nutritionists, organizing coffee mornings and Q&A sessions, and working to establish group coaching programs in corporate environments.

• From Quiet Introvert to Confident Coach: Tracey's journey from being too anxious to speak in large groups to now delivering presentations and running support sessions—proving that you don't need to be loud or extroverted to be an effective coach. Starting with breakout room confidence and building to full presentations.

• The ADHD Connection: Exploring the intersection between ADHD, perimenopause, and how hormonal changes can unmask or exacerbate neurodivergent traits—a growing area of interest for future support work, particularly relevant as both her sons are being assessed for ADHD.

• Practical Menopause Plan Tools: Implementing simple but effective strategies from coaching training like drinking more water, using sensory anchoring (lavender rollers for stress management), decluttering for mental clarity, and creating personalized menopause plans that address individual needs.

• Live Learning Matters: Why Tracey chose Women of a Certain Stage for its live, interactive format with expert speakers rather than pre-recorded AI-generated programs—valuing the human connection, diverse expertise (breast cancer nurses, prolapse specialists, business mentors, confidence coaches), and ongoing 12-month support.

• Community Connection: The power of meeting fellow graduates in person at events like The Pause gathering, building lasting relationships with women from different cohorts, and creating a global network of support.

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Corporate breakdown and missing the diagnosis

[00:03:00] The personal trainer who changed everything

[00:06:00] Dark days: anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and finding hope

[00:08:00] Discovering menopause through social media and podcasts

[00:10:00] Returning to work with new purpose

[00:13:00] Finding Women of a Certain Stage through AI search

[00:15:00] The transformation of practice clients

[00:17:00] Building confidence as an introvert coach

[00:19:00] Workplace menopause initiatives and events

[00:22:00] Meeting fellow graduates in real life

[00:25:00] Future plans: ADHD and menopause specialization

[00:28:00] Key takeaways from the Menopause Plan

[00:31:00] Message to quiet women: you can do this too

Resources:

• Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coaching Diploma: https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause_coach/

• Free guide: "Top 5 evidence-based menopause resources" → womenofacertainstage.com/menopause-resources

• Davina McCall's menopause documentary (mentioned as a catalyst for awareness)

• Dr. Louise Newson and Menopause Care resources

• Dr. Naomi Potter's Menopause Care practice

• Experts mentioned: Avril Bloom, Dr. Shahzadi Harper (Dr. Moco)

Let us know if you're liking the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/tex...

Support the show https://www.buzzsprout.com/2261882/su...

Meet your Lauren:

Lauren is the founder of Women of a Certain Stage and creator of the Become a Menopause Coach diploma program. With multiple coaching qualifications and a passion for supporting women through midlife transition, Lauren has created a live, interactive coaching program that combines expert knowledge with practical coaching skills and ongoing community support.

Lauren's program is recognized internationally, with graduates supporting women in over 50 countries. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based menopause education, hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As, and 12 months of peer support to empower coaches worldwide.

Meet Tracey Robertson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-robertson-142209/

Ready to transform your menopause journey or support others through theirs?

Book a free discovery call today and find out how tailored menopause coaching can transform your organization and your life: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/lite/tmsh

Join the next cohort for hands-on coaching practice, live expert Q&As and peer support.

Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and doesn't replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

In this dynamic conversation, host Lauren is joined by Carey Peters, who shares her incredible 20-year entrepreneurial journey from being a professional actress to co-founding a multi-million dollar coaching business.

Carey opens up about her initial, unsteady start as a coach, realizing her first training didn't teach her how to coach effectively. She discusses the turning point where she committed to learning both coaching and online marketing (including direct response copywriting), which led to her first six-figure year. She details the explosive growth of Holistic MBA (HMBA), which she co-founded with Stacy, with the mission of providing business training for people who don't naturally identify as business-minded.

The episode provides a rare look at the operational challenges of scaling a business past the $3 million mark. Carey emphasizes the vital need for a defined business operating system for founders who are talented marketers but lack operational expertise. Finally, she shares candid details about preparing a personal-brand business for sale and the importance of a strategic buyer in an eventual exit.

Key Timestamps

[00:04:00] Carey's 20-year entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a voice asking, "Are you ready for a ride?".

[00:05:00] Her background as a working actor for 15 years and never having seen herself as a business person.

[00:07:00] Starting coaching as a "side gig" and the realization that her initial training was great for personal growth but not for coaching skills.

[00:10:00] The shock of hitting her first six-figure year as an entrepreneur, breaking her perception of what she was capable of.

[00:11:00] The pivot: learning direct response copywriting and online marketing to build her coaching business.

[00:13:00] How a "failed" money program launch led her to business partner Stacy and the idea for Holistic MBA (HMBA).

[00:15:00] The foundational concept of HMBA: business training for people who don't particularly like or identify with business.

[00:16:00] HMBA's rapid growth: hitting $500,000 in the first year (2010), then scaling to over $3 million before hitting a plateau.

[00:18:00] The necessity of a business operating system (and the reference to the book Traction) to scale past the founder's capacity.

[00:19:00] The "crossroads" for charismatic founders between $1 million and $5 million: becoming an operator or stagnating.

[00:24:00] The process of selling HMBA to a strategic buyer and the surprising fact that their near-$10 million business was built almost entirely through organic marketing.

[00:46:00] Final words of encouragement: you can build a business without a traditional background; it just takes tenacity, resilience, and heart.

• The crucial difference between personal growth-focused coaching training and the market-ready skills needed for a sustainable business.
• 
  
• Why learning direct response copywriting was the single biggest skill that launched her to a six-figure income.
• 
  
• The $1 Million to $5 Million crossroads: why founders must transition from being just a marketer to becoming an operator to scale.
• 
  
• The essential need for a Business Operating System to manage complexity and grow past the "founder's capacity."
• 
  
• Key insights on building a business for a strategic exit, including the unexpected role organic marketing played in their multi-million valuation.

Connect with Carey Peters:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careypeters/

In this game-changing episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren sits down with Laura Mzhickteno, a copywriting expert with a decade of experience helping coaches, authors, and speakers translate their expertise into clear, compelling messages. If you've ever stared at a blank Instagram post wondering "how do I say this?" or felt paralyzed by your own messaging, this conversation is your permission slip to start imperfectly.

Laura shares her journey from attending random webinars on fish-catching (seriously) to building a thriving copywriting business. She reveals why messaging clarity comes from working with clients—not from hiding in your hole trying to make it perfect first. With refreshing honesty about her own six-figure student loan debt and the ROI crisis in traditional education, Laura explains why coaching certifications are becoming the new degree alternative.

This conversation tackles the fear of "being too salesy," the chicken-and-egg of getting client feedback to create messaging, and why marketing at its best is simply spreading important messages to people who need them most. Lauren and Laura explore how coaching expands our vision from "just making it through the workday" to building second acts that matter.

Plus: Laura shares the three things you must communicate clearly, why your Instagram bio matters more than you think, and the perfect gift-under-the-tree analogy that will change how you think about sharing your work with the world.

[00:01:00] Meeting years ago: learning storytelling secrets as a "fledgling menopause trainer"

[00:02:00] The unglamorous answer: a decade of training, practice, research, certifications

[00:03:00] Common hurdle: everyone knows what to say but not how to say it

[00:04:00] Three things to communicate: problem, result, different approach

[00:05:00] Message refinement happens with clients, not in isolation

[00:06:00] Patterns in client feedback reveal your real messaging

[00:07:00] Why avatars with names/ages miss the point—it's about attributes

[00:08:00] Laura's decade in coaching/author/speaker marketing

[00:09:00] When Laura's parents were shocked: "You could get a car for that!"

[00:10:00] Coaching becoming mainstream: "Yeah, my team needs coaching"

[00:11:00] UK university fees vs. US six-figure student loan debt reality

[00:12:00] Six years of time + six figures of debt = terrible ROI

[00:13:00] Degrees don't make you workplace ready—just entry level

[00:14:00] Certification programs: fraction of cost, ready to do meaningful work

[00:15:00] Retraining as personal trainer: made same money as corporate career

[00:16:00] Four grads gathered in Boston to support each other's event

[00:17:00] Don't wait for perfect—feedback loop only happens by doing

[00:18:00] But also: don't try to tackle too much too fast

[00:19:00] The chicken-and-egg: getting feedback to create messaging

[00:20:00] Start with the platform you're most comfortable with

[00:21:00] Practice clients inform what to say on social media

[00:22:00] Monthly scheduling stress lifted: planning 3-6 months ahead

[00:23:00] Getting in early: 10-15 minutes can propel business forward

[00:24:00] Coming into Menopause Coach Diploma to help each person individually

[00:25:00] Not everyone wants to be a six or seven-figure coach

[00:26:00] Understand how things work before you outsource them

[00:27:00] Attending webinars on fish-catching (no interest in fish!)

[00:28:00] "I want to do what you're doing"—finding first mentor

[00:29:00] From "$4,000/month would be amazing" to so much more

[00:30:00] Coaching makes you dream again—acknowledged but not enough

[00:31:00] Doing work for previous self who wanted fractionally better life

[00:32:00] Age 38: "I'm miserable but too far down this road to start over"

[00:33:00] Taking decades of experience and adding menopause coaching on top

[00:34:00] Workshop coming: structured approach, no overwhelm

[00:35:00] Fear of being "too salesy" or promoting to friends/family

[00:36:00] YouTube coach hunt: actively searching, can't find right person

[00:37:00] "Help me get your help"—to the right person, you can't be too salesy

[00:38:00] Gift under Christmas tree with no name tag analogy

[00:39:00] Marketing at its best: spreading important messages to those who need them

• Decade of unsexy work creates "magical" messaging ability: training, practice, research, certifications
• Three core message elements: problem you solve, result you create, how you do it differently
• If you need a full paragraph to explain, keep editing
• Message refinement requires working with clients—can't happen in isolation
• It's about attributes, not demographics: personality and life experience over age/location
• Coaching demand growing: from "what even is that?" to C-suite executives requesting it
• Student loan crisis: six years + six figures = terrible ROI, not workplace ready
• Certification alternative: fraction of cost, meaningful work, marketable skills in one year
• Don't wait for perfect to start sharing your message publicly
• But also don't try to tackle all platforms at once
• Practice clients through diploma provide initial feedback loop
• Start with platform you're most comfortable with (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, video, text)
• Comfortable with writing? Text posts. Rather say it? Video.
• 10-15 minutes of messaging clarity can propel business forward
• Not everyone wants six/seven-figure business—evolution over business plan
• Understand how things work before outsourcing them
• Coaching expands vision: from "make it through workday" to dreaming again
• We don't just solve problems—we give bigger visions for lives
• Many people at 38+ miserable in careers, feel too far in to start over
• Menopause coaching = adding to existing skillset, not starting over
• Fear of being "too salesy" stops people from sharing their work
• To the right person, you literally can't be too salesy—they're hunting you down
• Marketing at its best = spreading important messages to those who need them most

Connect with Laura Mzhickteno:

• Work with Laura for messaging clarity and copywriting support
• Join upcoming workshop in Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma
• Get 10-15 minutes of messaging clarity to propel your business forward

Three Core Messages to Nail Down:

1. What problem do you solve?
2. What result do you create?
3. How do you do it differently?

Can you say each in one short, simple, clear sentence without elaborating? If not, more editing needed.

Getting Started with Social Media:

• Don't wait for perfect—start sharing imperfectly now
• Pick ONE platform you're most comfortable with (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Pick ONE format you prefer: text posts or video
• Comfortable writing? Start with text. Rather say it? Make videos.
• Don't try all platforms at once—you can always add more later

The Feedback Loop Formula:

1. Work with practice clients (get this in Menopause Coach Diploma)
2. Notice patterns in how they talk about their problems
3. Hear what questions they ask, what they're curious about
4. Use this to inform what you post on social media
5. Refine messaging based on ongoing client conversations

Before You Outsource: Understand how things work in your business first. Get the basics down, get consistent, then bring in support for what's not your wheelhouse.

Reframe "Being Too Salesy":

• To the right person, your marketing doesn't feel like marketing
• They're actively searching for your solution
• They want to know what you offer—help them find it
• The gift under the tree needs a name tag
• If you don't tell people you have this gift, they'll never unwrap it

If You're Stuck: Remember Laura attended webinars on fish-catching (zero interest in fish) just to understand the pattern of how people make money helping others. Sometimes the path to clarity is wonky. Start imperfectly. Refine as you go.

ROI Reality Check: Traditional degree: 4-6 years + six figures debt = entry...

In this crucial episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Fiona Clark, Australian journalist, medical publisher, and founder of the Menopause Research & Education Fund (MREF). Fiona pulls back the curtain on the menopause landscape, revealing why doctors are openly arguing on social media, how a £15 trillion market is driving commercialization, and why the UK's National Institute for Health Research has allocated just 0.3% of funding to menopause—despite it affecting 100% of women.

With a degree in anatomy and physiology and 20 years in medical publishing, Fiona experienced firsthand how fragmented and under-researched women's health truly is. After spending COVID evenings interviewing menopause experts and repeatedly hearing "the studies haven't been done," she founded MREF with Dr Vikram Talaulikar and Diane Danzebrink to fund the research that no one else will.

This conversation tackles uncomfortable truths: discrimination in emergency rooms, the 2,004 women who must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia, why toothpaste doesn't belong in the "menopause aisle," and how peak brain function occurs at 55-60—precisely when we're losing women from the workforce.

[00:01:00] Fiona's background: anatomy, physiology, mainstream publishing, then medical journalism

[00:02:00] COVID interviews with experts: "The studies haven't been done"

[00:02:30] Founding MREF with Vikram and Diane 18 months ago

[00:03:00] Meno Wars: Why doctors are arguing publicly on social media

[00:04:00] Women live 25% longer in chronic illness than men

[00:05:00] Misinformation, disinformation, and conflicting "truths" from medical professionals

[00:06:00] Everyone has an opinion about women's bodies—from birth to death

[00:07:00] Two polarized views: "snowflake" vs "you'll be demented in a wheelchair"

[00:08:00] Going to the GP prepared: symptom trackers and knowing your options

[00:09:00] When your GP says "I don't believe in HRT"

[00:10:00] Fiona's A&E experience: 185/120 blood pressure dismissed as alcoholism

[00:11:00] Rosacea mistaken for drinking—prescribed thiamine, no BP advice

[00:12:00] Two years arguing with GP to increase blood pressure medication

[00:13:00] Medication reviews: contradictions from the same prescribing doctor

[00:14:00] Two women in their 80s/90s: one on HRT, one not—both living well

[00:15:00] Pauline Mackey on dementia: realistically, HRT is neutral

[00:15:30] 100% go through menopause, 20% get dementia (19% of men too)

[00:16:00] What makes that 20% vulnerable: vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, BP, cholesterol

[00:16:30] 2,004 women must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia

[00:17:00] Mike McClung on osteoporosis: identifying women at risk pre-menopause

[00:18:00] Lauren's background: psychology, personal training, sports therapy, nutrition

[00:19:00] The intersectionality between lifestyle and genetics/DNA

[00:20:00] International Menopause Society 2025 theme: lifestyle

[00:21:00] Bone mineral density peaks in late teens/early twenties

[00:22:00] The commercialization of menopause: only just beginning

[00:23:00] US 50+ market: $15 trillion; menopause market: $600 billion

[00:24:00] Menopause toothpaste: no different from the one next to it

[00:25:00] America as research powerhouse—and current threats to funding

[00:25:30] Women barely make up 40% of research cohorts—even in conditions we suffer more

[00:26:00] NIHR funding scandal: 8,000+ studies since 1993, only 33 mention menopause

[00:27:00] Six-figure sums for initial research projects—just to get ideas scoped

[00:28:00] MREF's peer review system (once funding allows)

[00:29:00] The governance and paperwork required for charity status

[00:30:00] Economic argument: menopause costs businesses in presenteeism and retention

[00:31:00] Peak brain function at 55-60: emotional intelligence and moral reasoning

[00:32:00] Organizations doing culture change work see women asking for help earlier

[00:33:00] The "will you reach your KPIs?" conversation that makes women quit

[00:34:00] What line managers should say instead: specific support options

[00:35:00] Employers shooting themselves in the foot without proper support

• MREF founded after repeated "studies haven't been done" conversations during COVID
• UK funding crisis: 0.3% of NIHR funding to menopause from 8,000+ studies since 1993
• Only 33 studies even mention the word "menopause" in NIHR research
• Meno Wars reflects broader women's health fragmentation and distrust
• Women live 25% longer in chronic illness than men later in life
• 100% of women go through menopause; 20% develop dementia (similar to men's 19%)
• 2,004 women must take HRT to prevent one case of dementia
• Vulnerable 20%: untreated vasomotor symptoms, poor sleep, high BP, cholesterol, sleep apnea
• Perimenopause bone loss: up to 20% in just 2-3 years around menopause
• US market: 50+ age group worth $15 trillion; menopause alone $600 billion
• Commercialization just beginning—menopause toothpaste is here
• Intimate products with ingredients you wouldn't use on your face
• Peak brain function occurs at 55-60: emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning
• Discrimination in healthcare affects everyone: 185/120 BP dismissed as alcoholism due to rosacea
• Research costs millions and takes 3-10 years minimum
• Women barely make 40% of research cohorts even in conditions affecting us more
• 2025 Menopause Action Plans voluntary, mandatory by 2027
• Lifestyle theme for 2025 International Menopause Society
• Bone density peaks in late teens/early 20s—next generation at serious risk
• Good research requires ring-fenced funding and long-term commitment

"Every night I'd be interviewing menopause experts and we'd get to a point where I'd say, 'What do we know about the evidence for this?' And they'd say, 'Well, we don't really, because the studies haven't been done.'"

"What started as a very collegiate group has really fractured... What does this menopause landscape say about women's health in general?"

"Everyone has an opinion about what we should do with our bodies from the moment we are born to the moment we die."

"There are 1,000,001 ways to go through menopause. So there are 1,000,001 ways that you can choose for yourself."

"Your health and your decisions are yours and yours alone. It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks. This is between you and your doctor and your individual health risk."

"100% of us go through menopause, 20% or so will end up with dementia. The question is: what makes that 20% vulnerable?"

"If you want to prevent one case of dementia, you have to treat 2,004 women."

"There's no amount of HRT that's gonna make up for a bad lifestyle."

"When a toothpaste appears in the menopause aisle, there's absolutely no difference between that Colgate and the Oral-B next door."

"We are lucky if we make up 40% of a cohort in research studies—in conditions that we are more likely to suffer from. And if you're Black or Asian, you don't even really get a look in."

"Since 1993 to January this year, the NIHR has done over 8,000 studies. Just 33 mention the word menopause. The funding is 0.3%."

"I hate that we have to phrase everything in economic cost all the time, but it costs the economy an awful lot to have us in ill health."

"The 55 to 60 year olds—their brain is at its peak for emotional intelligence, for moral and ethical reasoning. You don't want to get rid of them just because they're having difficulty remembering where they put their glasses."

Support Menopause Research:

• Website: MREF.uk
• Email: hello@MREF.uk
• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook @MREFuk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-clark-8826929/

Corporate Organizations: Consider MREF for your annual charity contributions:

• Investing in menopause research reduces presenteeism costs
• Improves attraction and retention of experienced talent
• Demonstrates genuine menopause support beyond tick-box exercises
• 2025 Menopause Action Plans are voluntary but mandatory by 2027
• Peak brain function occurs at 55-60—retain this invaluable...

In this insightful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Chiren reconnects with Dr Kelly Dixon, Associate Professor in Global Health and Wellbeing at UCL and integrative psychotherapist in private practice. Kelly shares her personal journey of discovering the profound impact of cycle awareness—beginning with a pivotal moment at age 24 when a friend noticed her monthly pattern of overwhelm.

With 20 years at UCL conducting systematic reviews and teaching intersectionality, Kelly brings both academic rigor and lived experience to understanding how menstrual cycles shape our emotional landscapes. She reveals how tracking her cycle transformed her understanding of herself, her work as a therapist, and her approach to perimenopause—where many symptoms mirror an extended luteal phase.

This conversation offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective on working with your body rather than against it, from the monthly cycles of reproductive years through the transition to menopause.

[00:01:00] Recording the UCL Disrupted Voices podcast on menopause

[00:02:00] Grand challenges at UCL: seed funding for menopause research

[00:03:00] Bio-psychosocial approach: three essential strands of menopause care

[00:04:00] The power of storytelling and lived experiences in research

[00:05:00] Balancing university work and private practice: the weekly split

[00:06:00] 20 years at UCL: from education to reproductive health research

[00:07:00] The moment cycle awareness clicked into focus

[00:08:00] Age 24: "I felt really small and the world was really big"

[00:09:00] The friend who noticed: "Is your period due soon?"

[00:10:00] Discovering it's not just the week before—it's the whole month

[00:11:00] Building compassion-focused responses to cycle changes

[00:12:00] From paper diaries to iPeriod: 23-33 day cycle variation

[00:13:00] Why she switched apps after US abortion law changes

[00:14:00] B vitamins, alcohol, and managing PMS symptoms

[00:15:00] The pattern: going full blast, then hitting the crash

[00:16:00] How cycle awareness changed her work as a therapist

[00:17:00] Recognizing when both therapist and client are in luteal phase

[00:18:00] Person-centered approach: only working with client cycles when they bring it in

[00:19:00] "It's not just PMS—maybe you're feeling it more"

[00:20:00] The clarity and boundary-setting that comes with luteal energy

[00:21:00] Perimenopause as an extended luteal phase

[00:22:00] Brain fog, irritation, and existential questions in perimenopause

[00:23:00] Why alcohol becomes less our friend during menopause

[00:24:00] What lights Kelly up: Betsy and Winnie the Cockapoos

[00:25:00] Borrow My Doggy: "doggy Tinder"

[00:26:00] Future research: PMDD and premenstrual syndrome systematic reviews

[00:27:00] Contraception decision-making research: currently under wraps

[00:28:00] Taking a life course approach to hormonal decisions

[00:29:00] Three top tips for GP appointments

[00:30:00] Having someone to talk to before and after appointments

[00:31:00] Being open to other possibilities: thyroid, vitamin D

[00:32:00] Using NICE guidelines language with your doctor

[00:33:00] AI for summarizing medical guidelines

[00:34:00] Ethical uses of AI in menopause care

[00:35:00] How to connect with Kelly's work

• The friend who noticed first: Pattern recognition often comes from others observing us monthly
• Cycle tracking evolution: From paper diaries in 2001 to privacy-conscious apps post-2022
• Highly variable cycles are normal: 23-33 day variation requires body-based tracking, not just numbers
• Luteal phase mirror: Perimenopause symptoms overlap significantly with PMS experiences
• "I felt really small": How PMS manifests as overwhelm and decision fatigue
• The whole month matters: Energy shifts throughout all phases, not just premenstrually
• Therapist awareness: Recognizing your own cycle helps maintain grounding with clients
• It's not "just" hormones: Feelings are real even when heightened by cycle phase
• Luteal clarity: Irritation and "I've had enough" energy reveals important boundaries
• Compassion over hacking: Building self-compassion rather than optimizing productivity
• B6, B12, and alcohol: Nutritional support becomes more important during luteal phase
• Grounding is essential: High energy phases need intentional grounding practices
• Data privacy matters: Consider which apps sell your cycle data
• Self-care lessons transfer: What works for PMS often helps in perimenopause
• NICE guidelines language: Speaking the doctor's language improves appointments
• AI can summarize guidelines: Use it to make medical documents more accessible
• Have your person: Don't go to appointments without someone to debrief with afterward

"I felt like a really small person and the world was really big and I couldn't go."

"It was really from having difficult PMS that I used to work with my cycle... to build a bit more compassion."

"I started to realize—this is the whole month. It's not just that week."

"Maybe you're feeling it more, it's coming more to the surface now. But it's not saying that those feelings don't exist. Maybe they're more heightened."

"That swear word energy—it's like often the boundary comes in that irritation."

"If you look at the psychological side of perimenopause, there's a lot of crossover with that luteal phase, with that PMS phase."

"I need to ground myself more when that energy's higher."

"Know your body and what you are communicating and stick to that. I know myself, I know my body, I know what's happening."

"You're gonna have to have confidence and know your body... don't go in thinking you're gonna have to have a battle."

"Be open to the possibility that there's something else—maybe my thyroid is an issue or maybe my vitamin D is low."

Connect with Dr Kelly Dixon:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kelly-dickson-135a316/
• Private practice: https://www.kellydickson.net/
• Simply Google: Dr Kelly Dixon

Start Cycle Tracking:

• Choose a privacy-conscious app (Kelly uses Stardust)
• Track body-based signals, not just numbers
• Notice patterns in energy, mood, hunger, and decision-making
• Build compassion-focused responses to your cycle

Preparing for GP Appointments:

1. Write down your key points - symptoms, questions, concerns
2. Review NICE guidelines (or your country's menopause society guidelines)
3. Use medical language - speak the way doctors are trained to think
4. Have your person - someone to talk to before and after
5. Be open - consider thyroid, vitamin D, other possibilities
6. Stay confident - know your body and communicate clearly

Use AI Wisely:

• Ask AI to summarize NICE guidelines in plain language
• Use it for specific questions about medical documents
• Always double-check outputs (AI can hallucinate)
• Consider ethical implications of health data

For Those in Perimenopause:

• Recognize the luteal phase overlap in symptoms
• Apply PMS self-care strategies more broadly
• Notice the clarity and boundaries that emerge in irritation
• Remember: feelings are real even when hormonally heightened

Transform Your Career in Women's Health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Learn to work with cycles, not against them
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks
• Download menopause toolkits
• Build your Menopause Champion network
• Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

Research to Watch: Kelly's upcoming work on women's experiences with contraception decision-making and systematic reviews on PMDD—watch this space!

n this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren connects with Shannan Hanson, who transformed her 25-year corporate career in customer success into a thriving menopause coaching practice. Just months after completing her certification, Shannan organized a groundbreaking community summit that brought together 75+ women, 15 exhibitors, and 7 speakers—proving that passion, determination, and community can create powerful change.

Shannan shares her deeply personal story of navigating perimenopause while climbing the corporate ladder, the moment she realized her symptoms weren't COVID or stress, and how HRT combined with lifestyle changes became truly transformative. Her journey from corporate executive to menopause coach, mountain biker, and marathon runner demonstrates that midlife isn't about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy toward what matters most.

[00:03:00] The moment of doubt: "Are you sure you want to do this?"

[00:06:00] From monthly meetups to annual events: building sustainable community

[00:07:00] Sharing personal stories unlocks connection for others

[00:10:00] The 2020 turning point: discovering "Hit Play Not Pause" podcast

[00:11:00] "I'm never working for a man again" and choosing passion over paychecks

[00:14:00] Small 1% changes create massive transformation over time

[00:15:00] Translating customer success skills into client-first coaching

[00:18:00] How ideas evolve through the coaching program

[00:19:00] Education builds the confidence that perimenopause stole

[00:20:00] When you can't drive on the motorway: confidence lost in unexpected ways

[00:23:00] The doctor who prescribed Prozac instead of listening about menopause

[00:23:30] May 2024: Starting HRT after a marathon and everything changes

[00:25:30] The power of decluttering: "The Stress of the Mess"

[00:29:00] A quarter mile from the woods: nature as sanctuary and sanity

[00:30:00] Advice for aspiring menopause coaches: follow your heart

• Community is irreplaceable: Online connection can't replace the power of in-person hugs and shared stories
• Timeline from certification to summit: 3 months from graduation to organizing a 75+ person community event
• The three-time rule: When something comes up three times, act on it
• Accountability matters: Self-paced programs lack the structure high achievers need
• HRT isn't magic alone: May 2024 HRT start combined with lifestyle changes created transformation
• Perimenopause mimics everything: COVID stress, depression, burnout—symptoms hide in plain sight
• Doctors don't always listen: Prescribed Prozac when she asked about menopause
• Executive functioning disappears: High-level decision-making becomes impossible
• Camera-off meetings: Hot flashes force professional compromises
• Strength training changes everything: Critical for marathon training in midlife
• Corporate skills translate: Customer success, empathy, team building become coaching superpowers
• Decluttering gives back control: One of the most powerful exercises in the menopause plan
• 1% changes compound: Small consistent shifts create massive transformation
• Nature is non-negotiable: Daily time outdoors maintains mental health
• Partnership opportunities emerge: Local healthcare providers, fem-tech startups, corporate consulting

"Community. Honestly, having all of these women in one place to share their stories, to not feel alone and to just be a part of something."

"You don't have to do these huge sweeping things, just minor changes continued over time make a huge difference."

"I'm an executive and I feel like I have zero executive functioning left."

"I went to my doctor and put in the subject menopause... She said 'so you're depressed and here's some Prozac.' I went, absolutely not."

"When something comes up three different times in my world, I act on it."

"I need community. I need to be held accountable."

"Nature for me is my sanctuary and that's my sanity."

Connect with Shannan:

• LinkedIn: Shannan Hanson
• IG Account:  Itsnotyouitsmenopause
• Facebook: ItsnotYOUitsMEnopause 
• Website: Cairostrategies.com

For Aspiring Menopause Coaches:

• Follow your heart and go for it
• The knowledge builds confidence perimenopause stole
• Community connections are invaluable
• You never know who you'll meet along the way

Transform Your Career in Women's Health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Join a structured program with accountability and community
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks
• Download menopause toolkits
• Build your Menopause Champion network
• Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

Local Leaders: Start monthly meetup groups, bring in experts, build toward annual community events—this is how movements begin.

In this powerful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Julie about her journey from running a successful recruitment business for 13 years to retraining as a menopause coach. Julie shares the raw reality of perimenopause hitting at 49, the burnout that followed, and the moment everything changed when she finally started HRT at 51.

With 23 years in recruitment—a fast-paced, service-driven industry requiring constant multitasking—Julie found herself losing the drive, confidence, and decision-making abilities that had defined her career. Her story illuminates how menopause can derail even the most capable professionals, and why supporting women through this transition isn't just compassionate—it's smart business.

[00:01:00] 23 years in recruitment: the fast-paced reality of running your own business

[00:02:00] Age 49: when fatigue and hot sweats started impacting energy

[00:03:00] The overnight crash: burnout, stress, and loss of confidence

[00:04:00] Core skills of recruitment: multitasking, tenacity, and service excellence

[00:06:00] AI's impact on recruitment and the value of human consultancy

[00:08:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage: authenticity, credibility, and community

[00:09:00] "Why should I choose you?" The answer that sealed the decision

[00:11:00] Meeting up at Pauselive: the power of cohort connections

[00:12:00] Expert speakers that stood out: coaching vs mentoring, diversity, and sexuality

[00:14:00] The transformation opportunity: reimagining life at menopause

[00:15:00] Running menopause support groups at local leisure centers

[00:16:00] Jane's story: from antidepressants to HRT advocacy

[00:17:00] Bringing a BMS GP specialist to the community

[00:19:00] Passion for supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders

[00:20:00] The real cost of replacement: 18-20% minimum of salary

[00:22:00] Women leaving STEM: the knowledge drain we can't afford

[00:23:00] Game-changing modules: hydration, nutrition, and asking for help

[00:24:00] The hunger scale revelation and always being prepared

[00:25:00] "I thought I was good at asking for help—but I'm actually not"

• Perimenopause can hit overnight, stripping away drive, confidence, and decision-making ability
• HRT isn't a silver bullet—lifestyle changes like hydration create foundational wellbeing
• The sandwich generation struggles: managing elderly parents, children, and career simultaneously
• AI in recruitment threatens human consultancy but can't replace relationship-building
• Recruitment costs: minimum 18-20% of salary, but knowledge loss is incalculable
• Women leaving the workforce during menopause represents massive financial and talent drain
• Community support groups empower women to advocate with their GPs
• The receiving help module: most impactful for high-achieving women who "do it all"
• Tracking hydration transforms energy, concentration, weight management, and sleep
• Understanding hunger/fullness scales prevents blood sugar crashes and poor food choices
• Business owners need menopause awareness: retention is cheaper than replacement
• The coaching model vs mentoring: listening more, telling less

"I thought I was really good at asking for help and receiving help. But I'm actually not."

"HRT is great. It's not a silver bullet, it's just one small thing. The lifestyle changes—that's what's really important."

"People are scared to talk to the GP, so just being able to guide them... those things are so rewarding."

Connect with Julie: Follow Julie's menopause coaching journey on LinkedIn Learn about menopause support groups in your area

For Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs: Consider the true cost of losing experienced women:

• Recruitment fees: 18-20%+ of salary
• Knowledge and skills walking out the door
• Time to hire and onboard replacements
• Impact on team morale and productivity

Invest in menopause awareness and support instead.

Transform your career in women's health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks
• Download menopause toolkits
• Build your Menopause Champion network

Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Liz Lay about her journey from over three decades in payroll management to becoming a menopause coach. Liz shares her experience of managing payroll for 47,000 employees while navigating undiagnosed perimenopause, the imposter syndrome that crept in, and the pivotal moment she decided to take a sabbatical that changed everything.

From discovering the Menopause Coach Diploma during her time off to setting up a community menopause café in her village, Liz's story demonstrates how personal experience combined with professional expertise can create meaningful change—both for yourself and your community.

[00:01:00] Three decades in payroll: education, team management, and organizational development

[00:02:00] Early menopause signs and the hysterectomy conversation

[00:03:00] "Powering through" during COVID—and the crash that followed

[00:04:00] Imposter syndrome, memory issues, and requesting flexible working

[00:05:00] The myriad of life changes: grief, new grandmotherhood, and burnout

[00:06:00] Manager offers sabbatical instead of accepting resignation

[00:07:00] Finding the Menopause Coach Diploma and the conversation that changed everything

[00:08:00] Starting the program for personal learning, not career change

[00:09:00] The 18-week journey: expert speakers, global cohort, and discovering perimenopause

[00:10:00] Being both student and observer during coaching practice

[00:11:00] Finding practice clients through friends of friends

[00:12:00] The common thread: creating safe space to talk openly

[00:13:00] Setting up a menopause café in the village

[00:14:00] Five GP visits—and finally meeting the practice menopause specialist

[00:15:00] The advanced nurse's encouragement: "Do it!"

[00:16:00] Launching in November with library support and community engagement

[00:17:00] Decision not to return from sabbatical

[00:18:00] Plans for wellness retreats and yoga collaborations

[00:20:00] The gift of reduced pressure while maintaining structure

[00:22:00] A cohort of 36 from 14 countries—and the power of WhatsApp

[00:23:00] Meeting face-to-face at Pauselive

[00:25:00] Raising awareness: men need menopause education too

[00:26:00] The man who didn't divorce—twice—because of menopause awareness

[00:27:00] "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."

• Perimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure roles
• Managers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticals
• Safe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listens
• Starting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping others
• Community support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aid
• Menopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and support
• GP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays off
• Men benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home life
• Career transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful work
• Removing pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeing

"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."

Connect with Liz Lay: Follow Liz's menopause coaching journey on LinkedIn Learn about her village menopause café initiative

Menopause Café Resources: Find or start a menopause café in your community Visit the Menopause Café Network for guidance and support

Transform your career in women's health:

• Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach Diploma
• Book workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks (including sessions specifically for men!)
• Download menopause toolkits
• Build your Menopause Champion network
• Schedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

In this episode, Lauren Chiren welcomes Kate Atha, a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach diploma program who brings a deeply personal and profoundly important perspective to the conversation about surgical menopause, fertility loss, and finding your identity in midlife.

Kate's journey is one that too many women experience in silence—years of battling stage 4 endometriosis, multiple surgeries, a difficult IVF journey, and then waking up from what she hoped would be a partial hysterectomy to discover it was total, effectively ending her fertility dreams in an instant. With minimal psychological preparation, no grief support, and just a prescription for HRT handed to her before discharge, Kate was left to navigate surgical menopause, identity crisis, and profound loss largely on her own.

This conversation explores the devastating gap in support for women who enter menopause through medical intervention, the quiet grief of childlessness that society often dismisses with unhelpful "advice" about adoption, the triggering nature of celebrations like Mother's Day, and how Kate has transformed her pain into purpose by becoming a menopause coach and advocate—both within her corporate HR role and beyond.

Kate also opens up about the changing relationship with alcohol in menopause, the "sober curious" movement, and why she believes menopause is far from a "saturated market"—there's still so much work to do.

Key Points Covered:

• The Endometriosis Journey: Kate suffered with stage 4 endometriosis for years before diagnosis—stuck bowel, removed fallopian tubes, recurring cysts the size of grapefruits. Unlike many endo sufferers with debilitating daily pain, Kate's pain was primarily during menstruation, which delayed proper diagnosis for approximately 8 years (the current average).

• The Doctor's Dismissive Response: When Kate first went to her GP with stomach pain, she was met with "Have you been Googling? You're obviously thinking the worst"—a dismissive response that's all too common for women with endometriosis and other reproductive health conditions.

• The Hysterectomy Shock: Kate consented to various surgical options including total hysterectomy, but conversations with her consultant had been hopeful it wouldn't be that severe. Waking up in recovery still groggy and sick to learn it was indeed a total hysterectomy—with no working ovaries—was devastating.

• Zero Psychological Preparation: The consultant returned hours later to say "You're entering menopause, you'll need HRT" and simply left the room. No grief counseling, no psychological support, no explanation of what surgical menopause would mean—just a prescription to be filled within two weeks.

• The Double Loss: While being told about menopause, Kate's brain wasn't even there yet—she was grieving the end of her fertility journey. Years of IVF (which was "not a really good experience"), countless surgeries, and the dream of biological motherhood had just ended without warning in a recovery room.

• The Fertility Dreams We're Conditioned To Have: Kate speaks honestly about being conditioned that "this is what we do—we're females, we produce babies, we get married, we have kids, we're homemakers"—and the profound grief of that life path being suddenly, permanently closed.

• Time as the Only Healer: Kate describes how "just gradually, bit by bit, it didn't hurt as much"—the rawness of "you are not going to be a biological mum" faded over time. But there are still triggers, particularly around Mother's Day, even though she has a wonderful relationship with her own mother.

• The Unhelpful "Adoption" Suggestions: Well-meaning people asking "Haven't you looked into adoption?" don't understand that for many women, the desire is specifically to have a baby that "comes from me and is part of me and my husband." Kate and her husband did explore adoption but decided it wasn't for them—a deeply personal choice that deserves respect.

• The Bond Over Shared Pain: Kate found solace in a best friend who also went through unsuccessful IVF, creating a shared understanding of the pain of "not getting to be the mums we wanted to be." Having friends at different stages—some with children, some without—meant she had support depending on what she needed.

• The Bitter-Sweet Joy for Others: The complex emotions of being genuinely happy for friends who fall pregnant easily while simultaneously feeling internal pain—"Oh, why wasn't that me?"—is a reality many women with fertility struggles know intimately.

• The Support Gap for Surgical Menopause: Lauren highlights that Kate's situation—being thrown into menopause at the peak of trying to start a family—happens "sadly too regularly" with insufficient support. Women in surgical menopause need specialized care that acknowledges both the hormonal transition AND the grief, trauma, and identity crisis.

• Why Kate Trained as a Menopause Coach: Despite knowing very little about menopause after her hysterectomy, Kate saw the coaching program on LinkedIn and thought "that sounds like a piece of me." She wanted to educate herself while potentially adding another skill to her corporate HR toolkit—and learned massively about her own menopause journey in the process.

• The Work-Life Balance Struggle: Kate admits to constantly having to check herself on work-life boundaries—checking Teams on her phone after logging off, quickly replying to "just one more email." It's an ongoing challenge requiring daily awareness.

• Exercise as Escape and Empowerment: Kate loves the gym, sport, squash with her husband, learning golf, and used to play cricket until a back injury. She particularly enjoys sports that "historically women weren't meant to do"—if someone says she can't play it, she'll have a go.

• The Corporate Alcohol Culture: Kate describes how alcohol is "heavily interwoven with corporate life"—client meetings, socializing, celebrating success, breakfast meetings followed by evening drinks, work away days centered around alcohol. It's so normalized that opting out still carries stigma.

• The Menopausal Alcohol Intolerance: Since entering menopause, Kate has become "a complete lightweight" who feels "horrendous even if I've just sniffed a glass of wine." She's reached the point of questioning "Why am I doing this to myself? I'm ruining a whole weekend and not even enjoying it."

• Sober Curious Defined: For Kate, being "sober curious" means "I am interested in a potentially life without alcohol" and exploring "what's my relationship with alcohol?" She acknowledges her past relationship with it wasn't healthy—too much reliance on binge drinking and consuming all weekly units in one evening—but emphasizes "each to their own" without judgment.

• Leading Menopause Work in Corporate: In her HR role at a large global insurance company heading up an employee forum, Kate already ran a monthly menopause support group before training as a coach—working with senior stakeholders and executives on awareness initiatives.

• The "I Thought I Knew" Revelation: Despite running workplace menopause groups and rating herself "7 out of 10" on menopause knowledge, Kate was shocked by how much she didn't know when she started the diploma. "There is still so much that I completely don't know."

• Menopause Is NOT a Saturated Market: Kate pushes back against claims that "menopause is everywhere, it's a trillion-dollar industry, it's saturated"—emphasizing "No, it is really not. There's still so much to do." The narrative that menopause awareness has "gone too far" is false when women still wake up from surgery with zero support.

• Future Plans: Kate wants to work with private clients one-to-one (she currently does group work), explore local community-based groups, potentially run retreats, and continue her corporate awareness work. As she says: "Watch this space."

• Life Skills Beyond Menopause: The menopause plan teaches fundamental life skills—decluttering, boundary setting, self-care—that help everyone "whether you are going through menopause and having all of that fun, or not."

• The Age Stigma: Kate realized she wasn't wanting to talk about being menopausal because "I felt that people would think that meant I was old, I was a certain age." She questioned this embarrassment—why the discomfort with being associated with a particular age? It's societal pressure: "You're this age, you do this, you look like this."

• Identity Crisis in Menopause: The question "Who am I now?" becomes profound—comparing yourself to your 20s and 30s, noticing wrinkles, grieving past abilities. But as Lauren frames it in the coaching scripts: it's an opportunity to explore, stop, think, reset, and decide "What do I want my future to look like?"

• Transforming Pain Into Purpose: Kate has taken her lived experience of surgical menopause, fertility loss, and navigating corporate life through hormonal chaos and turned it into a mission to support others—particularly those who've experienced similar trauma and loss that society often minimizes or ignores.

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Why train as a menopause coach?

[00:02:00] The endometriosis journey and misdiagnosis

[00:05:00] Waking up to unexpected total hysterectomy

[00:06:00] The double grief: Fertility and menopause news

[00:08:00] Coming to terms with childlessness

...