Women of a Certain Stage

Lauren Chiren

Changing the menopause narrative with Women of a Certain Stage - the global authority in menopause advocacy, workplace, education, and empowerment. Hosted by Lauren Chiren, internationally multi award winning menopause expert, speaker. This podcast is dedicated to shattering outdated narratives, amplifying real voices, and driving meaningful change in how menopause is understood and supported, at work and beyond. We believe that by normalising the conversation and equipping individuals, businesses, and policymakers with the right knowledge and tools, we can transform the menopause experience into one of empowerment, strength, and success. 🌍 Join the Movement Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, leading a business, or advocating for change, this podcast is your go-to resource for breaking the silence, shifting perspectives, and creating a future where menopause is met with understanding - not stigma. Together, we are redefining menopause, one conversation at a time. 🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change. Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ Connect with Lauren: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

  1. 1d ago

    Why Asian Women Are Suffering Through Menopause in Silence

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Viola, a Singapore-based menopause coach and IT sales professional, for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about what menopause looks like in Asia — and why so many women there are suffering in silence. Together, they explore how cultural attitudes, diet, lifestyle, and limited access to menopause-specific healthcare are shaping the experience of women going through perimenopause and menopause in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Viola shares her personal journey — from discovering perimenopause through her research into anti-inflammatory nutrition, to completing the Menopause Coach Diploma and now supporting women in her community through education, coaching, and workplace advocacy. We dive into the fascinating differences in symptom profiles between Asian and Western women, the role of a high-carb diet in menopause experiences, and why joint pain — not hot flashes — tends to top the list for women in Singapore. We also explore the healthcare landscape in Singapore, from the role of GPs and specialists to the Women's Hospital Wellness Centre, and why MHT remains largely out of reach for many women without specialist referral. Viola also opens up about the generational silence around menopause, the dual pressures of work and family life, and why she believes it takes courage and wisdom to age well. And she shares some brilliant advice for men — both partners and line managers — on how they can show up and truly support the women in their lives. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Viola's journey into menopause awareness and coaching 02:13 How perimenopause sparked a passion for nutrition and lifestyle 03:25 Working in IT sales and connecting with HR professionals 04:28 Bringing menopause into the workplace — and the men who dial out 05:13 Menopause symptoms in Singapore vs. the West — joint pain, sleep, and anxiety 06:39 Diet differences — high-carb Asian diets and the impact on menopause 08:07 How Viola is using her Menopause Coach Diploma in practice 09:00 Offering 15-minute clarity calls and pro bono coaching 10:11 Collaborating with nutritionists and doctors for International Women's Day talks 12:20 Healthcare in Singapore — GPs, specialists, and the Women's Wellness Centre 13:39 Standard health checks, DEXA scans, and the cholesterol conversation 15:52 MHT in Singapore — how it's accessed and viewed 16:31 Testosterone — available for men only (for now) 17:08 Key takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma 18:24 Average age of menopause in Singapore — and the juggle of work, family, and symptoms 19:01 Viola's dream for menopause advocacy in her own workplace 20:09 What men need to know about menopause — and Viola's husband's response 22:19 Advice for male line managers and the case for flexible work arrangements 23:53 Comparing lifestyles across generations — Viola's mum cycling 80km a day 25:12 Genital urinary symptoms and the silence of older generations 26:12 Viola's big dream — and why she coaches pro bono for now 27:38 Closing wisdom: it takes courage and wisdom to age well Connect with Viola: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-yau-v0500y/ (Please update with Viola's actual social media links) 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

  2. Aug 11

    Menopause for Men: What to Do When Your Partner Changes (Brain Fog, Rage, Sex, Sleep)

    In this episode, I sit down with Sam Anderson for an honest, warm, and often laugh-out-loud conversation about what it's really like to support a partner through perimenopause — from the male perspective. Sam, a lecturer, menopause champion, and author of The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots, shares how his partner's experience with brain fog sent him on a journey of training, learning, and ultimately writing one of the first books on perimenopause written by a man, for men. Together, we unpack why communication is the single most powerful tool a man can have, why so many men make it about themselves when it really isn't, and how showing up without trying to fix everything can completely transform a relationship during this stage of life. We explore the dynamics of male menopause support groups, where intimacy and sex dominate the conversation, and why the men who communicate openly with their partners fare so much better than those who don't. We also talk about the importance of early education, the growing menopause market, and the very real problem of misinformation — from Instagram influencers to menopause-branded chocolate bars. And yes — there's a blooper moment tucked in there too, because even the most important conversations come with a little real life thrown in. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:16 Sam's Personal Journey into Perimenopause Awareness 02:22 Becoming One of Scotland's First Male Menopause Champions 06:59 Writing The A to Z Guide for Us Idiots 09:01 Self-Publishing and Finding the Right Title 12:03 Sex, Intimacy, and Staying Close When Everything Feels Different 13:50 Support: Showing Up Without Acting Like a Hero 17:38 Inside Male Menopause Support Groups 20:13 Communication as the Key to Getting Through It Together 25:15 Hormonal Decline in Men — and Why Nobody Wants to Talk About It 27:17 What Should Have Been Taught Earlier — Education and Awareness 29:49 Menopause in the Classroom and the Workplace 31:22 The Menopause Market, Misinformation, and Menowashing 36:13 The 10 Do's and Don'ts Every Partner Needs to Read 41:19 Sam's Next Projects — Including a Children's Book Series 45:08 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Sam's Book Connect with Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-anderson-822480a9/ 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

  3. Aug 4

    Why High-Achieving Women Are Secretly Struggling Right Now

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Jayne, an executive business partner and newly qualified Menopause Coach, for an honest and uplifting conversation about navigating menopause in the workplace — and why the best chapter of your life might still be ahead of you. Jayne shares her deeply personal story of being plunged into surgical menopause just weeks after her 40th birthday, and the years of confusion, isolation, and inadequate medical support that followed. Together, Lauren and Jayne unpack why so many high-achieving women are silently struggling — and what it really takes to feel confident, capable, and supported at this stage of life. They explore the critical importance of workplace awareness, why line managers don't need to be menopause experts (just good listeners), and how coaching can bridge the gap that the medical system so often leaves wide open. Jayne also shares how becoming a Menopause Coach has transformed not just her clients' lives, but her own — and why she's on a mission to support the men around menopausal women too. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Weather, Mood & Menopause 03:29 Movement, Confidence & Safety 06:43 Becoming a Menopause Coach 07:05 Jayne's Surgical Menopause Journey 09:11 Navigating the NHS & Finding Support 10:18 The Impact of Brain Fog & Memory Loss 11:41 Misinformation in Online Communities 13:00 Women's Health: A History of Being Dismissed 14:17 The Importance of GP Relationships 15:59 Group vs One-to-One Coaching 16:13 Jayne's Practice Clients & Transformations 20:22 Why Women of a Certain Stage? 23:28 Juggling a Corporate Career & Menopause Coaching 24:29 Opening Up Menopause Conversations at Work 25:34 Coaching, ADHD & the Workplace 26:10 Menopause Is Not a Women's Problem 29:09 Supporting Male Colleagues & Partners 32:49 What Makes a Good Menopause Ally 36:17 Balance, Movement & a New Exercise to Try 37:46 Nutrition, Hydration & Ageing Strong 41:28 Combining Nutrition Training with Coaching 44:53 Menopause Is Not the End — It's Your Next Chapter Connect with Jayne: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-hill-6565871/ 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

  4. Jul 28

    Brain Fog, Anxiety, & Sleepless Nights in Menopause

    In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie, a former primary school teacher turned menopause coach, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about living with undiagnosed endometriosis, navigating hormone imbalance for decades, and finally finding relief — and purpose — on the other side. Stephanie shares her journey from being put on the pill at 14 for "bad periods," to receiving her endometriosis diagnosis at 40, to discovering that HRT was the first time in her life her hormones had ever truly been balanced. Together, we explore how years of dismissal by medical professionals shaped her drive to educate and empower other women — and why she chose to train as a menopause coach. We discuss the overlap between endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms, the power of cycle tracking, and why women so often need permission to put themselves first. Stephanie also shines a light on the very real challenges faced by teachers navigating menopause in the classroom — and what workplaces, including schools, must do better. 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Stephanie's Journey into Menopause Coaching 02:29 Living with Undiagnosed Endometriosis 04:32 Years of Dismissal by Medical Professionals 06:10 Finally Getting a Diagnosis at 40 08:05 Why Menopause Coaching — Making the Leap 09:00 Finding Relief Through HRT 11:18 What is Endometriosis? A Clear Explanation 12:27 The Role of Oestrogen and Progesterone 13:15 Identifying Symptoms Without a Period 16:30 Researching the Market — What Support Exists? 17:45 What Women Really Want from a Coach 18:02 Giving Women Permission to Put Themselves First 20:26 Discovering Women of a Certain Stage 21:37 The Training Experience and Cohort Community 23:41 Cycle Tracking as a Game-Changer 24:34 Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma 26:03 Ongoing Support After Qualifying 26:57 Five-Year Vision: Coaching, Community & a Café 28:43 Working with Schools and Educational Settings 31:19 The Reality of Teaching Through Menopause 34:40 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-page-64366223a/ 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

  5. Jul 21

    Rage, Migraines, Hair Loss... Then This Happened

    In this episode, I sit down with Claire Stewart of Better Beyond — a graduate of the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma — for an honest, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring conversation about what happens when a woman finally stops accepting that feeling broken is just "part of life." Claire shares her personal perimenopause journey — the migraines, the exhaustion, the overwhelm — and how it led her to completely pivot her career, leave a job she loved, and build a business dedicated to supporting women through one of the most misunderstood transitions of their lives. We talk about the power of community, the courage it takes to show up every day as a new business owner, and why finding your niche matters more than chasing a crowded market. Claire also opens up about the unexpected gift of the coaching program — not just professional training, but a profound personal transformation that gave her her life back. And if you're sitting on the fence about whether menopause coaching could be for you — Claire has something important to say to you directly. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 How Claire and Lauren Connected 02:01 Who Is Claire Stewart and What Is Better Beyond? 02:24 Supporting a Client Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis 03:25 The Value of Live Training and Community 04:15 Claire's Career Before Menopause Coaching 05:33 The Moment Everything Changed 06:12 Making the Leap: Going All In on Menopause 06:43 Building a Business From Scratch — The Reality 07:04 Getting Visible: Social Media, Networking, and Showing Up 09:16 Reaching Out to Macmillan Cancer Centre 10:30 Collaborating With Wellness Centres 11:22 Structuring Your Week as a New Business Owner 13:12 Setting Boundaries — With Yourself 14:14 Upcoming Events and Exciting Collaborations 15:26 Working With Companies to Support Their Staff 17:19 Why Smaller Organisations Are Leading the Way 18:26 Why Claire Chose the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma 20:27 Key Takeaways From the Programme 22:09 How Life Has Changed Since Graduating 25:14 Being a Coachee vs. Being a Student 26:58 Adapting the Menopause Plan for Clients 27:26 The Power of Coaching — Putting Control Back in the Client's Hands 29:26 What Makes the Difference Between Success and Stalling 30:45 Claire's Advice: Keep Showing Up 33:03 What Would You Say to Someone Sitting on the Fence? Connect with Claire: Website |https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestewart5uk/ 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

  6. Jul 14

    Can Crystals and Reiki Actually Help With Menopause?

    In this episode, I sit down with Karen Tucker — author, menopause coach, keto enthusiast, jewellery maker, knitter, photographer, and proud self-described multipotentialite — for a wonderfully wide-ranging conversation that proves menopause support can come from the most unexpected places. We explore Karen's fascinating journey from holistic wellness student to newly qualified menopause coach, and how she has woven her love of mindset work, nutrition, and alternative therapies into a coaching programme that is entirely, authentically her own. Karen shares how a ketogenic lifestyle transformed her energy, focus, and creativity — and why she now champions it as part of her approach to midlife health. We talk about the power of community, the importance of niching, and why even an astrologer who initially dismissed menopause completely ended up pivoting her entire business after working with Karen. We also discuss the very real challenges women face in workplaces that are yet to take menopause seriously — and what's coming down the line legislatively that will change that. And if you've ever wondered whether crystals, chakras, or tarot cards have any place in a menopause coaching conversation… Karen makes a pretty compelling case. 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Karen's background as a writer — and childhood dreams that have quietly come true 01:50 Crystal Companions: the book that teaches you how to use crystals, not just collect them 06:12 What it means to be a multipotentialite — and why Karen wears it proudly 09:13 The day job: eight years in hospital social care, and an early retirement on the horizon 10:15 The road into menopause coaching — and how Lauren's story played a part 13:03 What it means when your mum's entire description of her menopause is "terrible" 15:20 Karen's experience on the Menopause Coach Diploma 17:11 Key takeaways from the programme — and the joy of mutual coaching sessions 18:06 How Karen adapted the Menopause Plan to make it her own 19:17 Going keto in 2021: losing a stone and a half, running uphill voluntarily, and getting herself back 21:00 The next learning adventures (chakra and tarot coaching, anyone?) 22:42 Fast-forward to June 2027: what an ideal retirement day looks like 23:55 Practice clients — including the astrologer who completely changed her business 26:14 What the ILM Level 5 coaching qualification taught Karen about herself (and her family) 29:30 What Karen loved most about the diploma experience 31:50 The big dream: a country house, eco-homes, a farmstead, and a charitable foundation 35:23 Closing thoughts and where to find Karen Connect with Karen: Website | www.embrace-coaching.org BOOK: Crystal Companions by Karen Tucker Available on Amazon 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

  7. Jul 7

    Her Doctor Shrugged and Left the Room

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Cherie, a biologist-turned-culvert inspector-turned-menopause coach, for a candid and deeply inspiring conversation about what happens when the medical system fails you — and what you do next. Cherie spent six years visiting specialist after specialist, only to be dismissed because her tests came back normal. She knew something was wrong, but no one could name it. That experience of being unheard, undiagnosed, and left to figure it out alone became the fuel for a complete career pivot — and a mission to make sure other women never feel that way. We explore how Cherie went from inspecting bridges under New York State's roads to building a business dedicated to menopause education and coaching. We talk about the gap between having personal knowledge and having the professional tools to truly help others, why certification matters in a space flooded with misinformation, and how the right coaching program can create life changes you never thought possible — including giving up the coffee and wine that bookended her days. We also dig into why cultural change around menopause can't happen by only talking to women who are experiencing it. Families, partners, and employers all have a role to play — and Cherie is already planning how to reach them. And if you've ever wondered what "whine nights" have to do with menopause coaching… listen in. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Cherie's Unusual Career: Culverts, Biology & Life on the Road 04:11 Six Years, Six Specialists & Being Dismissed by the Medical System 05:23 Finding the Right Coaching Certification — and Why Others Fell Short 06:47 What Drew Cherie to Women of a Certain Stage 08:10 Reflecting on the Diploma: Key Takeaways 09:17 The Power of Community and Classmate Camaraderie 10:19 Trusting the Coaching Process 11:12 Life Changes She Never Expected — Coffee, Wine & Baby Steps 13:12 Expert Access and the Value of Asking Deeper Questions 14:25 What's Next: Website, YMCA Talks & Whine Nights 17:34 Who Cherie Wants to Help Most 18:54 Group Coaching, One-on-One & Working with Corporations and Families 19:39 Why Menopause Is Everyone's Business — Partners, Families & Employers 20:33 Closing Reflections & Words of Gratitude Connect with Cherie https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-fetterman-86514541/ 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. Find out more: 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

  8. Jun 30

    She Left 18 Years in Luxury Business to Become a Menopause Coach.

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Letizia, a multilingual sales and marketing executive who spent 18 years at the top of the luxury goods industry — before menopause, burnout, and a moment of radical honesty changed everything. Letizia shares her deeply personal journey from a high-pressure corporate career to becoming a certified Menopause Coach, unpacking how years of unrecognised perimenopause symptoms — from brain fog and sleep disruption to anxiety she never even identified as anxiety — quietly eroded her performance, her confidence, and ultimately her career. Together, Lauren and Letizia explore the dangerous silence that surrounds menopause in the workplace, even in large, progressive multinationals with strong wellbeing and diversity policies. They discuss why Southern Europe is lagging behind in the menopause conversation, how women can be empowered to advocate for themselves with their doctors, and why the beauty and cosmetics industry represents a massive untapped opportunity for menopause awareness. Letizia also reflects candidly on her experience going through the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma — what surprised her, what transformed her, and why she'd do it all again. And in a moment of real-life resilience, she shares how she's been recovering from a broken ankle and kneecap — and still showing up. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction00:37 Meet Letizia — Languages, Background & Career02:38 What Brought Her to Coaching03:48 The Peak of Her Career — and Her Menopause Symptoms06:45 Burnout, Brain Fog & Mistaking Menopause for ADHD07:59 The Decision to Leave Her Job08:43 The Sabbatical That Changed Everything10:13 Going Down the Rabbit Hole — Discovering Menopause Education11:28 Finding Women of a Certain Stage13:20 The Discovery Call That Wasn't a Sales Call16:17 Inside the Menopause Coach Diploma — The Cohort Experience19:42 What Made the Programme Stand Out23:35 Advocacy in the Workplace — The Missing Conversation25:18 The Menopause Gap in Italy and Southern Europe34:22 What Menopause Coaches Can and Can't Do — and Why It Matters35:05 Empowering Women to Talk to Their Doctors36:29 A Hospital Stay with No One Asking About Menopause41:19 Where Letizia Is Headed Next Connect with Letizia https://www.linkedin.com/in/letiziamontani/ 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: 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

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Changing the menopause narrative with Women of a Certain Stage - the global authority in menopause advocacy, workplace, education, and empowerment. Hosted by Lauren Chiren, internationally multi award winning menopause expert, speaker. This podcast is dedicated to shattering outdated narratives, amplifying real voices, and driving meaningful change in how menopause is understood and supported, at work and beyond. We believe that by normalising the conversation and equipping individuals, businesses, and policymakers with the right knowledge and tools, we can transform the menopause experience into one of empowerment, strength, and success. 🌍 Join the Movement Whether you’re experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, leading a business, or advocating for change, this podcast is your go-to resource for breaking the silence, shifting perspectives, and creating a future where menopause is met with understanding - not stigma. Together, we are redefining menopause, one conversation at a time. 🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the change. Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ Connect with Lauren: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren

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