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