102. Menopause in the Workplace: Why Women Are Leaving Careers and What Needs to Change with Karissa Pfeffer

What if the reason so many high-performing women are burning out, stepping back, or leaving their careers has nothing to do with ambition and everything to do with hormones?In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Victoria Byrd sits down with menopause-in-the-workplace advocate Karissa Pfeffer to unpack the real impact of perimenopause and menopause on women’s careers, leadership, and well-being.Together, they explore the invisible challenges women face in corporate environments, why menopause is still overlooked in workplace policy, and how education, not overhaul, is the first step toward meaningful change.This episode goes far beyond hot flashes. It dives into brain fog, burnout, anxiety, performance issues, and the systemic gaps that are quietly costing companies talent, money, and leadership.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why 1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to menopause symptomsThe connection between perimenopause, burnout, and misdiagnosisHow hormonal changes impact focus, leadership, and productivityWhy menopause is not a “wellness perk” but a critical HR and retention issueThe financial cost to companies when experienced women leaveWhy women hesitate to speak up about symptoms at workThe difference between perimenopause vs. menopause awarenessHow workplace culture can either support or silence midlife womenSimple, low-cost ways companies can start supporting women nowThe role of education in reducing healthcare costs and improving retentionWhy This Conversation Matters:We are the first generation openly talking about perimenopause while still actively building careers, raising families, and leading organizations.And as Victoria shares, this is about more than us, it is about changing the experience for the next generation of women.Connect with Karissa Pfeffer:Learn more about workplace menopause education and how to bring this conversation into your organization:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteLet’s Keep the Conversation Going: If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let’s grow stronger together.Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd Let’s rewrite the narrative together!  Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com Book a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses Disclaimer  This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.  Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.