Empowering Women at Work – The Menopause Conversation That’s Long Overdue with Kathryn Colas

In this episode of IT´S IN YOU Katharina Engelhardt sits down with Kathryn Colas, a leading advocate for menopause awareness in the workplace and founder of the Kathryn Colas Academy. Together, they discuss why menopause is a leadership issue, how it impacts career progression, and what organizations can do to support employees navigating this phase of life.Kathryn shares her personal journey through menopause, how it nearly ended her career, and how she turned that struggle into a mission to educate and empower both women and businesses. From breaking the stigma to implementing practical workplace policies, this conversation sheds light on a topic that’s long overdue in corporate discussions.💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Menopause isn’t just a women’s health issue—it’s a business and leadership priority. ✔️ The career impact of menopause is real: many women leave leadership roles due to lack of support. ✔️ Companies need clear policies, education, and open conversations to retain top female talent. ✔️ Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about listening, supporting, and advocating. ✔️ Menopause is a new beginning—not the end of a career, but an opportunity for reinvention.🔊 Sound Bites:  "Menopause is a leadership issue."  "It’s time to break the silence and start real conversations at work."  "Women in leadership shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their well-being."  "Every workplace must recognize menopause as a business priority."  "If we don’t talk about it, nothing will change."Structure00:00 Introduction to Menopause in the Workplace 05:02 The Importance of Menopause Awareness 10:07 Menopause as a Leadership Issue 15:11 Career Challenges During Menopause 19:56 Steps for Companies to Support Women 24:07 Conclusion and Future Directions 24:36 The Impact of Menopause on Workplace Productivity 27:52 Creating Awareness and Open Conversations 30:22 Exploring Treatment Options for Menopause 33:09 Leadership Insights and Career Development 36:25 Embracing Diversity in the Workplace 39:41 Passion and Purpose in Leadership 41:51 Starting Conversations About Menopause🔗 Resources Mentioned: 📖 Kathryn’s book: How to Survive Menopause Without Losing Your Mind 🏫 📩 If this episode resonates with you, share it on LinkedIn and tag us!Connect with Katharina on LinkedInVisit Katharina's WebsiteSubscribe to Katharinas newsletterIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to IT`S IN YOU! so you never miss an update. For more leadership and career inspiration, follow Katharina on LinkedIn and visit her website for additional resources. Don’t forget to share the podcast with the women in your life who are ready to step into their leadership roles with confidence.Contact: [email protected]