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.

[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."

• Perimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure roles
• Managers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticals
• Safe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listens
• Starting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping others
• Community support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aid
• Menopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and support
• GP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays off
• Men benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home life
• Career transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful work
• Removing pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeing

"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."