n this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin connects with Shannan Hanson, who transformed her 25-year corporate career in customer success into a thriving menopause coaching practice. Just months after completing her certification, Shannan organized a groundbreaking community summit that brought together 75+ women, 15 exhibitors, and 7 speakers—proving that passion, determination, and community can create powerful change.

Shannan shares her deeply personal story of navigating perimenopause while climbing the corporate ladder, the moment she realized her symptoms weren't COVID or stress, and how HRT combined with lifestyle changes became truly transformative. Her journey from corporate executive to menopause coach, mountain biker, and marathon runner demonstrates that midlife isn't about slowing down—it's about redirecting your energy toward what matters most.

[00:03:00] The moment of doubt: "Are you sure you want to do this?"

[00:06:00] From monthly meetups to annual events: building sustainable community

[00:07:00] Sharing personal stories unlocks connection for others

[00:10:00] The 2020 turning point: discovering "Hit Play Not Pause" podcast

[00:11:00] "I'm never working for a man again" and choosing passion over paychecks

[00:14:00] Small 1% changes create massive transformation over time

[00:15:00] Translating customer success skills into client-first coaching

[00:18:00] How ideas evolve through the coaching program

[00:19:00] Education builds the confidence that perimenopause stole

[00:20:00] When you can't drive on the motorway: confidence lost in unexpected ways

[00:23:00] The doctor who prescribed Prozac instead of listening about menopause

[00:23:30] May 2024: Starting HRT after a marathon and everything changes

[00:25:30] The power of decluttering: "The Stress of the Mess"

[00:29:00] A quarter mile from the woods: nature as sanctuary and sanity

[00:30:00] Advice for aspiring menopause coaches: follow your heart

• Community is irreplaceable: Online connection can't replace the power of in-person hugs and shared stories
• Timeline from certification to summit: 3 months from graduation to organizing a 75+ person community event
• The three-time rule: When something comes up three times, act on it
• Accountability matters: Self-paced programs lack the structure high achievers need
• HRT isn't magic alone: May 2024 HRT start combined with lifestyle changes created transformation
• Perimenopause mimics everything: COVID stress, depression, burnout—symptoms hide in plain sight
• Doctors don't always listen: Prescribed Prozac when she asked about menopause
• Executive functioning disappears: High-level decision-making becomes impossible
• Camera-off meetings: Hot flashes force professional compromises
• Strength training changes everything: Critical for marathon training in midlife
• Corporate skills translate: Customer success, empathy, team building become coaching superpowers
• Decluttering gives back control: One of the most powerful exercises in the menopause plan
• 1% changes compound: Small consistent shifts create massive transformation
• Nature is non-negotiable: Daily time outdoors maintains mental health
• Partnership opportunities...

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...

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."

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.

[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 appreciation

• Pain is not always a typical sign of breast cancer—trust your body and seek second opinions
• Cancer diagnosis makes you disabled under UK Equality Act for life, requiring reasonable adjustments
• Medical menopause from cancer treatment is often overlooked in treatment planning
• The population affected by cancer (patients + carers) is larger than new parents in most organizations
• Best practice line management: let the employee lead, offer options, focus on flexibility
• Cancer should be viewed as a chronic illness with ongoing impact, not just an acute event
• Being open about diagnosis can create unexpected support and community
• Employees undergoing treatment can still add value through "important but not urgent" work
• Specialized menopause care for cancer patients requires bridging oncology and menopause expertise
• Small acts of recognition for carers and children make enormous difference

Connect with Tara Ferguson: Learn more about supporting cancer in the workplace at Onward With You LinkedIn:

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.

[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 connection

• Medical professionals often misdiagnose perimenopause symptoms, highlighting the urgent need for better education
• Menopause can serve as a wake-up call to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries
• Over a billion women globally experience menopause, yet many feel isolated and alone
• Small lifestyle changes in hydration, nutrition, and movement can significantly impact wellbeing
• Creating community and sharing knowledge helps normalize the menopause experience
• Menopause represents an evolutionary advantage, freeing women to share wisdom and support their communities

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 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

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.

In this episode, host Lauren Turin welcomes Beth Fotheringham, an inspiring graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach program who brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse life experiences.

Beth shares her remarkable journey from childhood dreams of acting inspired by the Bionic Woman, through nearly 15 years of Canadian military service, to university studies in social anthropology including field research in Madagascar, and finally to pursuing her acting career at age 50+ while becoming a certified menopause coach.

The conversation explores how the entertainment industry's treatment of aging women mirrors broader societal attitudes toward menopause, and how Beth discovered her calling to help women refuse to accept that suffering through menopause is "just the way it is." She emphasizes the power of questioning why we accept limitations and the importance of embracing this life stage as a time of freedom and wisdom rather than invisibility.

Beth discusses her business "A Menopause PATH" (Power, Action, Truth, Health) and her mission to help women reclaim their power and recognize their continued value beyond their reproductive years.

• Career Transition at 50+: How Beth courageously pursued acting in film and television after military service, proving it's never too late to follow your dreams and challenge ageist assumptions about women's capabilities and visibility.
• The Power of Questioning "Why": Drawing from social anthropology research (including the famous monkey experiment), Beth emphasizes the importance of challenging accepted norms rather than blindly following traditions—especially regarding how women are expected to suffer silently through menopause.
• Industry Ageism and Societal Parallels: Exploring how the entertainment industry's treatment of women over 35 reflects broader societal attitudes, where women are expected to "disappear" until they re-emerge as grandmothers, and why we must reject this narrative.
• Menopause as Empowerment: Reframing menopause from something to fear into an opportunity for freedom, wisdom, and embracing elder status. Beth advocates for women to stop "tying the babushka around our heads and disappearing into a corner."
• The Importance of Community Learning: Why Beth chose a live, interactive coaching program over self-study courses, emphasizing the value of peer support, expert interaction, and the ability to ask "why" in real-time learning environments.
• Building Authentic Professional Identity: How to show up authentically in business while maintaining professionalism, and why being genuine attracts the right clients rather than trying to appeal to everyone.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Beth Fotheringham on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-fotheringham-85547b4a/

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.

In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren Turin sits down with Jo Moran, a seasoned professional with a remarkable 39-year career in financial services. Jo reflects on her journey, sharing insights from her early beginnings in the 80s to her current role, emphasizing the importance of people-first leadership. With a passion for empowering individuals, Jo discusses her experiences of working with diverse teams, traveling, and the transformative power of prioritizing people in business. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the intersection of professional growth and personal empowerment, especially during the significant life stage of menopause.

[00:02:10] Interest in menopause space.

[00:04:51] Menopause coaching journey.

[00:10:26] Coaching through menopause challenges.

[00:14:07] Education about menstrual cycle stages.

[00:20:02] Menopause coaching and leadership.

[00:20:24] Imposter syndrome during menopause.

[00:24:42] Balancing work and family life.

[00:29:52] Setting boundaries for clients.

[00:32:01] Self-care for coaches.

Take Action!

Help rewrite period policy and infrastructure in your community:

Join the conversation: Follow Jo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jomoran/

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.