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 Introduction01:19 How Claire and Lauren Connected02:01 Who Is Claire Stewart and What Is Better Beyond?02:24 Supporting a Client Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis03:25 The Value of Live Training and Community04:15 Claire's Career Before Menopause Coaching05:33 The Moment Everything Changed06:12 Making the Leap: Going All In on Menopause06:43 Building a Business From Scratch — The Reality07:04 Getting Visible: Social Media, Networking, and Showing Up09:16 Reaching Out to Macmillan Cancer Centre10:30 Collaborating With Wellness Centres11:22 Structuring Your Week as a New Business Owner13:12 Setting Boundaries — With Yourself14:14 Upcoming Events and Exciting Collaborations15:26 Working With Companies to Support Their Staff17:19 Why Smaller Organisations Are Leading the Way18:26 Why Claire Chose the Women of a Certain Stage Diploma20:27 Key Takeaways From the Programme22:09 How Life Has Changed Since Graduating25:14 Being a Coachee vs. Being a Student26:58 Adapting the Menopause Plan for Clients27:26 The Power of Coaching — Putting Control Back in the Client's Hands29:26 What Makes the Difference Between Success and Stalling30:45 Claire's Advice: Keep Showing Up33:03 What Would You Say to Someone Sitting on the Fence?Connect with Claire:Website |https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairestewart5uk/ Meet your host Lauren ChirenLauren 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 StageWe 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 LaurenLinkedIn: 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