Why I Walked Away from Corporate Life to Become a Menopause Coach

In this inspiring episode of Women of a Certain Stage, host Lauren speaks with Liz Lay about her journey from over three decades in payroll management to becoming a menopause coach. Liz shares her experience of managing payroll for 47,000 employees while navigating undiagnosed perimenopause, the imposter syndrome that crept in, and the pivotal moment she decided to take a sabbatical that changed everything.From discovering the Menopause Coach Diploma during her time off to setting up a community menopause café in her village, Liz's story demonstrates how personal experience combined with professional expertise can create meaningful change—both for yourself and your community.Key Timestamps[00:01:00] Three decades in payroll: education, team management, and organizational development[00:02:00] Early menopause signs and the hysterectomy conversation[00:03:00] "Powering through" during COVID—and the crash that followed[00:04:00] Imposter syndrome, memory issues, and requesting flexible working[00:05:00] The myriad of life changes: grief, new grandmotherhood, and burnout[00:06:00] Manager offers sabbatical instead of accepting resignation[00:07:00] Finding the Menopause Coach Diploma and the conversation that changed everything[00:08:00] Starting the program for personal learning, not career change[00:09:00] The 18-week journey: expert speakers, global cohort, and discovering perimenopause[00:10:00] Being both student and observer during coaching practice[00:11:00] Finding practice clients through friends of friends[00:12:00] The common thread: creating safe space to talk openly[00:13:00] Setting up a menopause café in the village[00:14:00] Five GP visits—and finally meeting the practice menopause specialist[00:15:00] The advanced nurse's encouragement: "Do it!"[00:16:00] Launching in November with library support and community engagement[00:17:00] Decision not to return from sabbatical[00:18:00] Plans for wellness retreats and yoga collaborations[00:20:00] The gift of reduced pressure while maintaining structure[00:22:00] A cohort of 36 from 14 countries—and the power of WhatsApp[00:23:00] Meeting face-to-face at Pauselive[00:25:00] Raising awareness: men need menopause education too[00:26:00] The man who didn't divorce—twice—because of menopause awareness[00:27:00] "Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Key TakeawaysPerimenopause symptoms often dismissed as stress, especially in high-pressure rolesManagers can make enormous difference by offering flexibility and sabbaticalsSafe spaces for conversation are invaluable—many lack someone who truly listensStarting menopause education "for yourself" often evolves into helping othersCommunity support through cohorts creates lasting connections and mutual aidMenopause cafés provide accessible, stigma-free environments for learning and supportGP practices need better menopause pathways—persistence pays offMen benefit enormously from menopause education for workplace and home lifeCareer transitions during menopause can lead to more aligned, purposeful workRemoving pressure while maintaining structure supports learning and wellbeingLiz's Powerful Reminders"Trust the process. You are where you're meant to be."Take Action!Connect with Liz Lay: Follow Liz's menopause coaching journey on LinkedIn Learn about her village menopause café initiativeMenopause Café Resources: Find or start a menopause café in your community Visit the Menopause Café Network for guidance and supportTransform your career in women's health:Visit https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/ to enroll in the CPD Certified Menopause Coach DiplomaBook workplace strategy workshops & keynote talks (including sessions specifically for men!)Download menopause toolkitsBuild your Menopause Champion networkSchedule your free strategy call at https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod