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.

[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"

• Perimenopause can hit overnight, stripping away drive, confidence, and decision-making ability
• HRT isn't a silver bullet—lifestyle changes like hydration create foundational wellbeing
• The sandwich generation struggles: managing elderly parents, children, and career simultaneously
• AI in recruitment threatens human consultancy but can't replace relationship-building
• Recruitment costs: minimum 18-20% of salary, but knowledge loss is incalculable
• Women leaving the workforce during menopause represents massive financial and talent drain
• Community support groups empower women to advocate with their GPs
• The receiving help module: most impactful for high-achieving women who "do it all"
• Tracking hydration transforms energy, concentration, weight management, and sleep
• Understanding hunger/fullness scales prevents blood sugar crashes and poor food choices
• Business owners need menopause awareness: retention is cheaper than replacement
• The coaching model vs mentoring: listening more, telling less

"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...