Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode, I sit down with Kirstie Walker Poole for an empowering and deeply moving conversation about navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis, handling identity shifts in midlife, and learning to advocate for yourself in healthcare and the workplace. Together, we discuss the nuances of hormone therapy, early menopause, and why midlife can be a powerful opportunity for personal transformation.
We dive into Kirstie’s personal and professional journey—from her background in corporate operations and change management to her breast cancer diagnosis at age 37, which triggered an sudden menopausal transition due to hormone-blocking treatment (Tamoxifen). We explore the hidden physical and emotional impacts of cancer treatment, the loneliness of facing early menopause ahead of your peer group, and the critical importance of informed consent and self-advocacy when navigating medical choices.
Importantly, we address the unique challenges of experiencing menopause in corporate environments and why policy alone is not enough to support women in leadership. Kirstie shares how her journey led her to become a transformational menopause and cancer coach, helping women navigate midlife transitions, rediscover their identity, and find joy in the everyday.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
00:37 Kirstie’s Journey: Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Early Menopause
01:34 The Menopause Transition & Identity Shifts in Midlife
03:35 Midlife as an Opportunity for Reflection & Reinvention
05:04 Cancer Treatment, Tamoxifen, and Hormone-Blocking Side Effects
06:29 The Isolation of Early Menopause & Lack of Evidence-Based Resources
08:15 From Corporate Operations to Transformational Coaching
10:52 How Kirstie Supports Clients: 1-to-1, Group Coaching, & Community
12:22 Finding Joy, Solitude, and Balance Post-Diagnosis
14:33 The Impact of the Women of a Certain Stage Coaching Diploma
16:12 The Gap in Medical Training & the Role of Menopause Coaches
17:26 Self-Advocacy & Making the Decision to Stop Tamoxifen
21:00 What to Expect When Working with Kirstie
22:57 Menopause in the Workplace: Beyond Policies & Action Plans
25:07 Retaining Midlife Female Talent & Closing Thoughts
Connect with Kirstie Walker Poole:
Location: Chesham, Buckinghamshire (In-person & Online support)

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 Emma Stronell for an inspiring and deeply candid conversation on how personal style, color, and wardrobe confidence can help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Together, we explore how sudden health shifts—such as medical menopause and severe endometriosis—can impact self-esteem, and how clothing can be used as a powerful tool to regain control and identity.

We dive into Emma’s professional journey, from her early passion for design and two-decade career in high-end retail management to facing severe health struggles that altered her life path. Emma shares her personal experience going through medical menopause and seven laparoscopies, the workplace stigma she hid for years, and how training as a menopause coach empowered her to rebuild her confidence. We discuss practical ways to dress for changing bodies, the role of color and fabrics during hot flushes, and how small style shifts can transform how women feel inside and out.

00:00 Episode Introduction
00:37 Early Career in Fashion Retail
03:42 Store Management & Visual Styling
05:27 Endometriosis & Medical Menopause
07:31 Workplace Stigma & Erosion of Confidence
09:16 Career Burnout & Health Challenges
11:34 Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
12:41 Transition to Menopause & Style Coaching
16:34 "Small Hinges Swing Big Doors"
18:10 Personal Styling & Color Analysis
21:43 Underwear, Foundations & Shapewear
23:59 Managing Symptoms with Fabrics & Layering
25:12 Surgical Menopause & Peer Support
28:30 Connecting with Emma Stronell

Connect with Emma Stronell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforward_edit

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 Vicki Jakes for an insightful conversation about digital marketing, social media, and how they intersect with building a business in the health and wellness space. Together, we break down Vicki's transition from corporate marketing to running her own business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of prioritizing sales and visibility.

We dive into Vicki’s professional journey—from working on London-based magazines and big corporate websites to becoming a social media consultant and ad specialist. We explore the balance between organic content and paid advertising, the necessity of appearing on camera to build trust, and the specific challenges of marketing in the menopause space in 2026, where platforms often deprioritize women's health content. Importantly, we discuss practical tips for new business owners to get their name out there and the value of testing different "hooks" and niches on social media.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
01:32 Vicki’s Journey: From Publishing and Corporate Websites to Social Media Consultant
03:54 The Challenges of Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship
08:07 Fusing Healthcare with Marketing and Understanding Client Needs
13:58 Top Tips for New Business Owners: Prioritizing Sales and Marketing
17:58 Introducing the "Ad Room" and Entry-Level Marketing Strategies
19:51 Organic Content vs. Paid Ads: Finding Your Niche and Hooks
24:06 The Importance of Being on Camera to Showcase Expertise
27:26 Navigating Social Media Censorship in Women's Health and Menopause
30:26 Using Instagram "Trial Reels" for Practice and Testing
31:57 The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Run Healthcare Ads
34:02 Closing Thoughts: Have Fun with Marketing
Connect with Vicki Jakes:
LinkedIn: Search for Vicki Jakes
Instagram: Search for Vicki Jakes (Vicki with an I)
Membership: The Ad Room

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 organizations 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 Helen Bligh for an eye-opening and deeply insightful conversation about GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro), weight loss, and how they intersect with menopause. Together, we break down the science, dissect the stigma, and unpack why sustainable health goes so much deeper than simply "calories in, calories out" or relying on willpower alone.
We dive into Helen’s personal and professional journey—from working as a dietician in the NHS and training healthcare professionals in life sciences to her own lived experiences with perimenopause and weight management. We explore how GLP-1s actually work in the body, why they have surged in popularity, and the hidden risks of buying these medications through unverified online providers or gray markets.
Importantly, we address the critical missing link in weight management: behavior change, psychological awareness, and holistic health. Helen shares why GLP-1s should be viewed as a tool for broader health and anti-inflammatory benefits—not just a quick fix—and introduces her book, It Was Never About Willpower. We also touch on shifting trends like microdosing, off-label usage, and what the future of weight management holds for women entering midlife and beyond.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
01:03 Helen’s Journey: From NHS Dietician to Life Sciences & Coaching
02:12 Early History and Science of GLP-1 Medications
03:50 The Myth of Willpower and the Stigma Around Weight Loss
04:53 Perimenopause, Mirena Coil, and Misdiagnosed Symptoms
06:59 What Exactly is a GLP-1? How Gut Signaling Hormones Work
08:10 Why GLP-1s Are Surging in Popularity Among Midlife Women
10:00 Food Beliefs, Social Media Myths, and the Joy of Mindful Eating
12:32 The Internalized Stigma and Secrecy Surrounding Weight Loss Drugs
13:40 Online Pharmacies, Unethical Prescribing, and the "Gray Market"
18:06 Beyond Weight Loss: Blood Pressure, Inflammation, and Health Markers
19:57 The Danger of Rapid Weight Loss & Metabolic Slowdown
21:28 Understanding Visceral Fat, Body Composition, and Muscle Retention
24:40 The Future of Weight Management and Women’s Health Research
27:32 Helen’s Mission: Her Book, Group Coaching, and Health Literacy
30:20 "Microdosing" GLP-1s, Fitness Influencers, and Safety Concerns
33:21 Where to Connect with Helen Bligh and Closing Thoughts
Connect with Helen Bligh:
Book: It Was Never About Willpower
LinkedIn: Helen Bligh on LinkedIn
Instagram: Helen Bligh on Instagram
Facebook: Helen Bligh on Facebook

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 Rebecca Cooper—the very first dual certified menopause coach and menopause trainer with Women of a Certain Stage. Together, we discuss her personal journey navigating early menopause and hysterectomy in her late 30s, as well as how her 20 years of HR experience inspired her to advocate for better support in the workplace.
We explore the urgent need to retain female talent, particularly within STEM and male-dominated industries, where women often leave around age 44. Rebecca breaks down why addressing menopause support isn't just about compliance or policy—it's a critical commercial differentiator that impacts culture, talent retention, and the bottom line.
We dive deep into the UK government's upcoming requirement for Menopause Action Plans for larger employers, shifting the conversation from simple tick-box exercises like handing out desk fans to implementing meaningful internal infrastructure, line management training, and continuous measurement.
And… for a fun peek behind the curtain, you’ll hear about Rebecca's "many paws" at home, how shifting her daily working schedule restored her energy, and why saying "yes" to a spontaneous 10-minute talk sparked a brand-new path in community workshops.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the First Dual Certified Coach and Trainer
01:22 Rebecca’s Personal Journey: Early Menopause & Workplace Challenges
03:45 Supporting Women in STEM and Male-Dominated Industries
05:23 Engaging Employers and Focusing on Female Retention
08:30 The Average Age Women Leave Engineering Roles
09:44 Why Formal Qualifications & Credibility Matter
11:08 What UK Employers Need to Know About Menopause Action Plans 2027
14:13 The Importance of Employee Surveys and Open Conversations
15:15 Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Community Talks & Local Workshops
18:33 Building Confidence, Energy, and Community Connection
20:38 Small Lifestyle Wins: Hydration and Restructuring the Work Day
22:09 Preview of the Upcoming Authority Maker Programme
22:53 Life Outside Work: Dogs, Books, and Managing Energy
25:18 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

Connect with Rebecca:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccacooperhr/

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