Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Carey Peters—actor-turned-entrepreneur, co-founder of Health Coach Institute (HCI), and the coach who taught her how to coach. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation that veers beautifully off-script, touching on everything from voice training and stage presence to psychic downloads, the brutal realities of scaling to eight figures, and why menopause might be the greatest gift of midlife.Carey brings over 20 years of business-building wisdom, having co-founded Holistic MBA and HCI, which graduated over 40,000 coaches and achieved one of the biggest exits in EdTech history before she stepped away in 2025. Now working privately with founders in the $1-5 million revenue range, Carey shares what she wishes she'd known before building her empire, why most coach training schools are failing their students, and how one to three strategic adjustments can completely transform a business.This conversation is part masterclass in business strategy, part spiritual journey, and entirely Carey—bold, honest, hilarious, and deeply human. If you've ever wondered whether you should scale or stay small, whether that seven-figure dream is worth the 80-hour weeks, or how to coach with your whole heart while maintaining boundaries, this episode is for you.Key Points Covered:• Voice as a Tool: Carey discusses the importance of vocal training for speakers and coaches, drawing from her theater conservatory background. She emphasizes that voice, like clothing and physical embodiment, is an emotional communication tool that requires technique to appear natural.• Unconscious Competence vs. Conscious Teaching: Carey reveals she's terrible at teaching stage presence because she has "unconscious competence"—she knows how to do it naturally but can't break it down. However, she's an excellent business teacher because she had to learn it step-by-step without natural skill.• Psychic Coaching & Soul Connections: Before client sessions, Carey receives "full downloads" of what's happening—sometimes relatives come through to chat. She's unsure what's actually happening ("Am I the avatar of a 12-year-old girl in the year 2312?") but trusts what she hears and follows it.• The Terror Barrier: New coaches hit what Carey calls "the terror barrier"—full-on terror when entering sessions. The scripts in her programs weren't meant to be permanent crutches but "training wheels" to ferry coaches through that initial fear until they gain 1% more confidence.• The Massive Gap in Coach Training Schools: The biggest players in coach training (especially private equity-owned ones) fail catastrophically at one thing: sharing student success stories. With 40,000 graduates between Holistic MBA and HCI, there should be 20,000 stories showcasing return on investment—but PE-backed schools don't understand information marketing.• Students Are the Stars, Not the Founders: When PE investors pushed to make HCI an "institution" rather than "the Carey and Stacy show," they missed that the answer was making students the stars. The #1 objection to enrolling is "Will I make my money back?"—and only student stories prove that convincingly.• The Woman Problem in Coaching: 95%+ of coach training students are women, yet most major schools have no female faces representing the brand. Women need to see other women who've done it, who understand the unique layer of self-doubt, need for permission, and patriarchal limitations wired into female nervous systems.• It's Only Been 50 Years: In 1974—when Carey was born—women in the US were finally allowed to get their own credit cards without a man. That's only 50 years ago. Women are still emerging from under "the crust of patriarchy" and need female role models who understand that...

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...

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,...

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: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 dropsAsthma: 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 oestrogenOpera 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 rangeWarm-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...

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...

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.Key TakeawaysThe 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...

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.Key Timestamps[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...

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.Key Timestamps[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...

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.Key Timestamps[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...

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.Key Timestamps [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 heartKey TakeawaysCommunity is irreplaceable: Online connection can't replace the power of in-person hugs and shared storiesTimeline from certification to summit: 3 months from graduation to organizing a 75+ person community eventThe three-time rule: When something comes up three times, act on itAccountability matters: Self-paced programs lack the structure high achievers needHRT isn't magic alone: May 2024 HRT start combined with lifestyle changes created transformationPerimenopause mimics everything: COVID stress, depression, burnout—symptoms hide in plain sightDoctors don't always listen: Prescribed Prozac when she asked about menopauseExecutive functioning disappears: High-level decision-making becomes impossibleCamera-off meetings: Hot flashes force professional compromisesStrength training changes everything: Critical for marathon training in midlifeCorporate skills translate: Customer success, empathy, team building become coaching superpowersDecluttering gives back control: One of the most powerful exercises in the menopause plan1% changes compound: Small consistent shifts create massive transformationNature is non-negotiable: Daily time outdoors maintains mental healthPartnership opportunities emerge:...

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.Key Timestamps[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"Key TakeawaysPerimenopause can hit overnight, stripping away drive, confidence, and decision-making abilityHRT isn't a silver bullet—lifestyle changes like hydration create foundational wellbeingThe sandwich generation struggles: managing elderly parents, children, and career simultaneouslyAI in recruitment threatens human consultancy but can't replace relationship-buildingRecruitment costs: minimum 18-20% of salary, but knowledge loss is incalculableWomen leaving the workforce during menopause represents massive financial and talent drainCommunity support groups empower women to advocate with their GPsThe receiving help module: most impactful for high-achieving women who "do it all"Tracking hydration transforms energy, concentration, weight management, and sleepUnderstanding hunger/fullness scales prevents blood sugar crashes and poor food choicesBusiness owners need menopause awareness: retention is cheaper than replacementThe coaching model vs mentoring: listening more, telling lessJulie's Powerful Insights"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...

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.Key Timestamps[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."Key TakeawaysPerimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure rolesManagers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticalsSafe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listensStarting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping othersCommunity support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aidMenopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and supportGP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays offMen benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home lifeCareer transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful workRemoving pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeingLiz's Powerful Reminders"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Take Action!Connect...

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.Key Timestamps[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 appreciationKey TakeawaysPain is not always a typical sign of breast cancer—trust your body and seek second opinionsCancer diagnosis makes you disabled under UK Equality Act for life, requiring reasonable adjustmentsMedical menopause from cancer treatment is often overlooked in treatment planningThe population affected by cancer (patients + carers) is larger than new parents in most organizationsBest practice line management: let the employee lead, offer options, focus on flexibilityCancer should be viewed as a chronic illness with ongoing impact, not just an acute eventBeing open about diagnosis can create unexpected support and communityEmployees undergoing treatment can still add value through "important but not urgent" workSpecialized menopause care for cancer patients requires bridging oncology and menopause expertiseSmall acts of recognition for carers and children make enormous differenceTake Action!Connect with Tara Ferguson: Learn more about supporting cancer in the workplace at Onward With You LinkedIn:

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.Key Timestamps[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 connectionKey TakeawaysMedical professionals often misdiagnose perimenopause symptoms, highlighting the urgent need for better educationMenopause can serve as a wake-up call to prioritize self-care and establish boundariesOver a billion women globally experience menopause, yet many feel isolated and aloneSmall lifestyle changes in hydration, nutrition, and movement can significantly impact wellbeingCreating community and sharing knowledge helps normalize the menopause experienceMenopause represents an evolutionary advantage, freeing women to share wisdom and support their communitiesTake Action!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 DiplomaBook workplace strategy workshops & keynote talksDownload menopause toolkitsBuild your Menopause Champion networkSchedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod

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.Key Points Covered: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.

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 TakeawaysLanguage & Empowerment: Why using precise terms like “dysmenorrhea” (painful periods) and understanding estrogen vs. progesterone can transform our ability to advocate for proper care.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.Facility-Level Solutions: How installing Pads on a Roll in every bathroom - alongside toilet tissue - shifts period products from “hidden” to essential public fixtures.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.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/niamhdarcyRequest 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...

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 TakeawaysIntegrating 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. 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.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.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, 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 TakeawaysLeverage Corporate Retraining: Use employer-sponsored learning budgets or redundancy grants to gain an accredited menopause coach certification.Blend Science & Coaching: Anchor your menopause training in evidence-based research (hydration, sleep hygiene, nutrition) while mastering active listening and non-judgmental coaching skills.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.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.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