Women of a Certain Stage

• From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why I Retrained to Become a Menopause Coach

  In this powerful episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin speaks with Julie about her journey from running a successful recruitment business for 13 years to retraining as a menopause coach. Julie shares the raw reality of perimenopause hitting at 49, the burnout that followed, and the moment everything changed when she finally started HRT at 51.With 23 years in recruitment—a fast-paced, service-driven industry requiring constant multitasking—Julie found herself losing the drive, confidence, and decision-making abilities that had defined her career. Her story illuminates how menopause can derail even the most capable professionals, and why supporting women through this transition isn't just compassionate—it's smart business.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] 23 years in recruitment: the fast-paced reality of running your own business[00:02:00] Age 49: when fatigue and hot sweats started impacting energy[00:03:00] The overnight crash: burnout, stress, and loss of confidence[00:04:00] Core skills of recruitment: multitasking, tenacity, and service excellence[00:06:00] AI's impact on recruitment and the value of human consultancy[00:08:00] Why Women of a Certain Stage: authenticity, credibility, and community[00:09:00] "Why should I choose you?" The answer that sealed the decision[00:11:00] Meeting up at Pauselive: the power of cohort connections[00:12:00] Expert speakers that stood out: coaching vs mentoring, diversity, and sexuality[00:14:00] The transformation opportunity: reimagining life at menopause[00:15:00] Running menopause support groups at local leisure centers[00:16:00] Jane's story: from antidepressants to HRT advocacy[00:17:00] Bringing a BMS GP specialist to the community[00:19:00] Passion for supporting female entrepreneurs and business leaders[00:20:00] The real cost of replacement: 18-20% minimum of salary[00:22:00] Women leaving STEM: the knowledge drain we can't afford[00:23:00] Game-changing modules: hydration, nutrition, and asking for help[00:24:00] The hunger scale revelation and always being prepared[00:25:00] "I thought I was good at asking for help—but I'm actually not"Key TakeawaysPerimenopause can hit overnight, stripping away drive, confidence, and decision-making abilityHRT isn't a silver bullet—lifestyle changes like hydration create foundational wellbeingThe sandwich generation struggles: managing elderly parents, children, and career simultaneouslyAI in recruitment threatens human consultancy but can't replace relationship-buildingRecruitment costs: minimum 18-20% of salary, but knowledge loss is incalculableWomen leaving the workforce during menopause represents massive financial and talent drainCommunity support groups empower women to advocate with their GPsThe receiving help module: most impactful for high-achieving women who "do it all"Tracking hydration transforms energy, concentration, weight management, and sleepUnderstanding hunger/fullness scales prevents blood sugar crashes and poor food choicesBusiness owners need menopause awareness: retention is cheaper than replacementThe coaching model vs mentoring: listening more, telling lessJulie's Powerful Insights"I thought I was really good at asking for help and receiving help. But I'm actually not.""HRT is great. It's not a silver bullet, it's just one small thing. The...

  --------  

  26:40

  --------

  26:40
• Why I Walked Away from Corporate Life to Become a Menopause Coach

  In this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin speaks with Liz Lay about her journey from over three decades in payroll management to becoming a menopause coach. Liz shares her experience of managing payroll for 47,000 employees while navigating undiagnosed perimenopause, the imposter syndrome that crept in, and the pivotal moment she decided to take a sabbatical that changed everything.From discovering the Menopause Coach Diploma during her time off to setting up a community menopause café in her village, Liz's story demonstrates how personal experience combined with professional expertise can create meaningful change—both for yourself and your community.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Three decades in payroll: education, team management, and organizational development[00:02:00] Early menopause signs and the hysterectomy conversation[00:03:00] "Powering through" during COVID—and the crash that followed[00:04:00] Imposter syndrome, memory issues, and requesting flexible working[00:05:00] The myriad of life changes: grief, new grandmotherhood, and burnout[00:06:00] Manager offers sabbatical instead of accepting resignation[00:07:00] Finding the Menopause Coach Diploma and the conversation that changed everything[00:08:00] Starting the program for personal learning, not career change[00:09:00] The 18-week journey: expert speakers, global cohort, and discovering perimenopause[00:10:00] Being both student and observer during coaching practice[00:11:00] Finding practice clients through friends of friends[00:12:00] The common thread: creating safe space to talk openly[00:13:00] Setting up a menopause café in the village[00:14:00] Five GP visits—and finally meeting the practice menopause specialist[00:15:00] The advanced nurse's encouragement: "Do it!"[00:16:00] Launching in November with library support and community engagement[00:17:00] Decision not to return from sabbatical[00:18:00] Plans for wellness retreats and yoga collaborations[00:20:00] The gift of reduced pressure while maintaining structure[00:22:00] A cohort of 36 from 14 countries—and the power of WhatsApp[00:23:00] Meeting face-to-face at Pauselive[00:25:00] Raising awareness: men need menopause education too[00:26:00] The man who didn't divorce—twice—because of menopause awareness[00:27:00] "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Key TakeawaysPerimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure rolesManagers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticalsSafe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listensStarting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping othersCommunity support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aidMenopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and supportGP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays offMen benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home lifeCareer transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful workRemoving pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeingLiz's Powerful Reminders"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Take...

  --------  

  28:26

  --------

  28:26
• 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:

  --------  

  59:01

  --------

  59:01
• 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

  --------  

  38:27

  --------

  38:27
• 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.

  --------  

  48:53

  --------

  48:53

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Women of a Certain Stage