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 heart

Key Takeaways

• 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

Shannan's Powerful Insights

"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."

Take Action!

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.