From Cancer to Confidence: How Tara Ferguson is Reshaping Workplace Wellbeing with Lived Experience and Leadership
In this profound episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin 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:
From Pain to Purpose: Valeria Sardenberg on Menopause, Healing, and Reclaiming Womanhood
In this deeply moving episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin 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
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Climbing Kilimanjaro, Leaving Corporate & Finding Confidence: Susie Beaumont on Midlife Transitions and Menopause Coaching
In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin 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.
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From The Military To Menopause Coach: Beth Fotheringham On Reclaiming Power, Purpose and Performance After 50
In this episode, host Lauren Turin 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.
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From Corporate Leader to Menopause Coach: How Jo Reclaimed Her Identity & Purpose
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.
Changing the menopause narrative with Women of a Certain Stage - the global authority in menopause advocacy, workplace, education, and empowerment.
Hosted by Lauren Chiren, internationally multi award winning menopause expert, speaker. This podcast is dedicated to shattering outdated narratives, amplifying real voices, and driving meaningful change in how menopause is understood and supported, at work and beyond.
We believe that by normalising the conversation and equipping individuals, businesses, and policymakers with the right knowledge and tools, we can transform the menopause experience into one of empowerment, strength, and success.
🌍 Join the Movement
Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, leading a business, or advocating for change, this podcast is your go-to resource for breaking the silence, shifting perspectives, and creating a future where menopause is met with understanding - not stigma.
Together, we are redefining menopause, one conversation at a time.
🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change.
Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/
Connect with Lauren:
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