The #1 Reason People Feel Alone During Menopause (And How To Fix It)

In this episode, Lauren Chiren sits down with Sharon Watson for an high-energy and heart-centered conversation about finding one’s calling during the menopause transition. Together, they explore the profound impact of community and why shared experiences are the antidote to the isolation many women feel when "falling apart" during perimenopause. We delve into Sharon’s personal journey—from navigating "Menopause Mandy" alter egos to transforming her frustration with lackluster training into a mission for genuine advocacy. We discuss how lifestyle resets, structured coaching, and finding the right mentors can turn a small spark of passion into a "burning phoenix" of purpose. Importantly, we highlight Sharon’s incredible community fundraising efforts for Alzheimer's, illustrating the power of connection and the ripple effect of taking action. We also look ahead to the launch of Sharon’s new movement, MenoM8s, which aims to provide the education and support network that millions of women are currently lacking. Timestamped Breakdown00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:03 Celebrating a Phenomenal Fundraising Achievement 02:29 Personal Connections: Alzheimer’s and Menopause 04:40 Sharon’s Journey into the Menopause Space 05:07 Navigating "Menopause Mandy" and Alter Egos 05:34 The Frustrations of Poor Professional Training 07:38 Discovering a Different Approach to Coaching 09:11 Life-Changing Realizations within the Cohort 11:06 Implementing Personal Lifestyle Resets 12:34 Turning a Spark into a Burning Phoenix 13:44 Authenticity in a Saturated Market 15:33 Highlights of the Menopause Coach Diploma 18:55 Launching MenoM8s: A Supportive Community 19:21 A Partner’s Perspective: The Guy’s Guide 20:20 From Entertainer to Speaker: Future Ambitions 21:19 Advice for Aspiring Menopause Coaches 22:45 Geography and Accessibility 24:01 Navigating Social Media: From Facebook to TikTok 25:00 Introverts vs. Extroverts in Business 26:07 Closing Thoughts and Future Check-ins Connect with Sharon Watson:Facebook | [Search MenoM8s] Instagram | [Search MenoM8s] TikTok | [Search MenoM8s] Website | www.menom8s.com Email | [email protected] 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/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/