Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode, I sit down with Claire Addiscott for an inspiring conversation about her transition from a stay-at-home mum to an independent menopause coach and workplace trainer. Together, we discuss how major life events, such as divorce and menopause, can serve as powerful catalysts for rethinking our paths, stepping off the daily treadmill, and finding new purpose.

We dive into Claire’s personal and professional journey—from making the bold decision to shut down her previous business to going all-in on supporting women and educating men in the menopause space. We explore the realities of building an entrepreneurial vision, why she is focusing her social media energy on LinkedIn, and the importance of honing in on core products rather than diverting focus.

Importantly, we address the critical need for menopause support in smaller businesses, where the loss of key talent has a profound operational impact. Claire shares the vision for her upcoming signature product, the Menopause Mayhem Membership, launching in January with an alcohol-free challenge, and we reflect on the immense value of community, collaboration, and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Career Catalyst
03:27 Finding Drive
06:24 LinkedIn Strategy
09:21 Menopause Mayhem
13:16 Workplace Awareness
15:00 Choosing the Program
17:15 Power of Community
23:18 Collaboration
27:31 Small Business Impact
31:20 Lauren’s Turning Point
33:09 Entrepreneurial Self-Care
35:25 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Claire Addiscott
Website: themenopausedawn.com

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 Andrea Dorwart Crane, a certified nurse midwife and menopause coach, for an insightful conversation about perimenopause, burnout, and the importance of listening to our bodies. We discuss how even trained healthcare professionals can miss the early signs of perimenopause, often mislabeling them as stress or burnout due to demanding careers and family life.

We dive into Andrea’s personal and professional journey—from her deep roots in women's health and reproductive care to her realization at age 38 that her severe symptoms were actually perimenopause. We explore her transition from clinical midwifery to coaching, highlighting the synergy between the two, and why creating "white space" and practicing self-compassion are vital for midlife women. Andrea also shares her inspiring experience training with Women of a Certain Stage and her upcoming collaborative workshops focusing on Ayurveda, internal family systems, and strength training.

00:00 Introduction & Ignoring Body Signals
03:24 Discovering the "Highly Social Introvert" During COVID
05:35 Heart-Based Meditation and Redirecting Focus
07:26 Andrea’s Background: From Sociology to Nurse Midwifery
10:37 The Philosophy of Medical Care and Patient Agency
13:41 Hitting the Wall: Misdiagnosing Perimenopause as Burnout at 38
18:25 Finding "Women of a Certain Stage" and Exploring Coaching
24:11 The Power of Community Learning and Building a Business
34:22 Upcoming Midlife Workshops: Ayurveda, Therapy, and Strength Training

Connect with Andrea Dorwart Crane:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-dorwart-crane-cnm-b8b44639/

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 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