Menopause at Work: One Woman’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call and the Path to Menopause Coaching

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Catherine — communications professional, newly accredited Menopause Coach, and passionate advocate — for an honest and inspiring conversation about what happens when perimenopause hits fast, hard, and without warning. Catherine shares how a deeply personal health crisis became the catalyst for a powerful new direction, and how she's already making waves in her workplace and beyond — before she's even officially launched her coaching business.Together, Lauren and Catherine explore the importance of proper training and certification in an unregulated industry, the courage it takes to share your story publicly, and how one intranet article led to BBC Radio, national press, and a 400-person webinar. They also dig into the real value of community learning, the power of visibility, and why workplaces have a critical role to play in supporting women through menopause.Whether you're considering menopause coaching as a career, navigating perimenopause yourself, or looking to create a more menopause-aware workplace, this conversation is packed with practical insights, warmth, and a few laughs along the way.In This Episode We Cover:00:00 Introduction01:19 How Catherine discovered perimenopause — and why it changed everything03:07 Why lived experience alone isn't enough: the case for proper training04:27 The appointment that sparked a career pivot05:01 Choosing the right menopause coaching certification06:10 The power of cohort learning and global community08:01 Bringing menopause awareness into a 4,000-person organisation09:47 Writing your story publicly — and the ripple effects that follow12:16 BBC Radio, Metro Online, and a 400-person webinar: visibility in action13:19 How to build your presence before you're ready to launch16:41 Menopause Action Plans, workplace legislation, and what's coming next17:57 Visioning the future: what does success look like in 18 months?23:33 The unexpected richness of a career in menopause coaching27:12 Making the coaching scripts your own28:28 Why coaching practice matters — even when it's hardConnect with Lauren ChirenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstageTwitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChirenAbout Women of a Certain StageWomen of a Certain Stage is committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Their 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/Interested in becoming a Menopause Coach?Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions. If this episode has sparked something in you, find out more about the Menopause Coach Diploma at https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/