Work Family Me - Conversations with Maude

Xoli Madlala is the founder of Redefining Menopause Africa, which seeks to amplify the African experience of menopause, the author of The Perimenopausal Globetrotter, a TEDx speaker and a policy advisor who is working on multiple levels from governance to grassroots to change the menopause narrative in South Africa. I'm so pleased to have her voice and experience in these conversations. Take a listen to this conversation (46 minutes) to learn more about:Premature menopause and how disorienting that can bePrivilege in access to nutrition, resources and healthcareCreating cultural change for the next generationAn invitation to consider how menopause was experienced (or not) in traditional culturesSymptoms and indicators that we don’t always identify as signs of perimenopauseBelow are some of the resources we discussed:Xoli’s Ted Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig0xdlesyvsFind out more about Redefining Menopause Africahttps://redefiningmenopauseafrica.com/about/Buy Xoli’s book - https://redefiningmenopauseafrica.com/product/the-perimenopausal-globetrotter/Black Girls Guide to Surviving Menopause https://blackgirlsguidetosurvivingmenopause.com/our-workSign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here. 

Gabriela Ramírez Rey is an Argentinian researcher and communications strategist based in Sweden and has explored perimenopause and menopause through the lens of digital communities, care, and resistance. With over 15 years of experience in journalism, digital strategy, and feminist advocacy across Latin America and Europe, Gabriela joined me in a recorded conversation where we talk about the  intersection of gender, technology, and health and spend some time unpacking…Medical blind spots and structural neglect of women's health issues How that neglect shows up both in our individual doctor's appointments and in bigger spaces when we think about technology, funding, resources and in our families and workplaces. Generational silenceMONEYTech and funding entrepreneurs who are looking at women's health in different waysWhat we can do to RESIST and create changeYou can find Gabriela’s thesis via her site here https://www.gabrielaramirezrey.com/ and below are some of the resources we discussed:​https://www.oneofthegirlshasmoneynow.com/https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-podcast/https://www.tamsenfadal.com/https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com/generation-m-womens-health-book. Sign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here. 

This is such a needed conversation in the stress management and the menopause education space. Heidi True and I discuss sexuality, bodies and intimacy in the menopausal transition and beyond - the challenges, the benefits, the practices. Heidi is a certified sex, love and relationship coach, yoga instructor and creative teacher with 20 years of embodiment experience. She holds certifications in both male and female sexuality, pelvic de-armouring and nervous system regulation and works with couples and individuals around their bodies, intimacy and sexuality in midlife and beyond. You can find out more about her here https://heiditrue.com/about/. Listen to our honest discussion to hear more about:Redefining sex and the pleasure imperativeSexy time as another “to-do” on the listWhat might happen as we stop "accommodating others”Vaginal health Being in aging bodies with love and appreciationRecognising midlife changes and transitions for menWhat we might want to think about in our 30s!These are often secret concerns (and sometimes don’t even make it out of our heads) and I am so pleased to be able to share this interview with you as a validation and source of support!P.S. Dr Lara Briden and Mama Gena (Regena Thomashauser) are the two authors that Heidi mentions. Sign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Kath Berry (BHSc, MSc, acupuncturist and female health specialist) and I (a women’s burnout prevention and leadership coach) discussed a range of topics around the transition to menopause from confidence to hot flushes and I am so grateful for her time, expertise and amazing metaphors. Kath has a BA in Traditional Chinese Medicine, 25 years of clinical experience, and is the co-author of “Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners”. She speaks on women’s health (find her TED talk here), is a happily divorced mother of two, an avid sea swimmer (find her retreat offers here) and an all around awesome human living in Ibiza. Listen now to hear more about…When the coping strategies don’t work any morePersonalised support plans and support team (and where Chinese medicine might fit in)Capacity and priorities The grandmother hypotheses, deflating surfboards, the impacts of COVID and whales (they all makes sense in the conversation I promise)A practice to help with dealing with phones all dayCancer and HRTIdentifying inspirations as we transition through menopause a.k.a the gate of lifeThe benefits of masturbation in menopauseSign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Midlife is often a time of re-evaluating our relationships and transitioning out of a marriage can be a big part of that. Sharri combines 30+ years of legal wisdom with strategy, nervous system regulation, mindset coaching, and subconscious trauma healing and energetics to guide women through relationship endings and divorce with calm. You can find out more about her here https://www.potomaccoaching.com/about/ and download her “Ultimate Guide To Avoiding the 6 Biggest Divorce Mistakes”  via this link  Ultimate Guide To Avoiding the 6 Biggest Divorce MistakesListen to hear:The two emotions that most often show up in decisions around leaving a relationship The role of safety in big decisions and an underestimated practice to calm yourselfFinances as a factor and costs both ways!A different perspective of “staying for the kids”Unhooking from patterns of behaviour and conflictStepping back from doing, doing, doing Sign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

This is such a rich conversation about hormones, trauma, neurodivergence, burnout and menopause - all of which feel really relevant in our 40s and 50s! In this episode I speak with Paula Rastrick about:“Sensitive nervous systems” and her research into early life stress, adverse childhood experiences, ADHD, AuDHD and Highly Sensitive People and how that can emerge and impact perimenopausal hormonal changes. Seeing menopause as a continuation of hormonal experiences from womb to present momentStress “sensitivity”, hypervigilance and “symptom” variationCyles of anxiety and what often lies behind thatSocial connections (and challenges)Expanding and acknowledging contextI am so grateful for this conversation and so pleased for you to have it as a resource. Paula has a Post Grad Certificate in Psychological Trauma, works as an Integrated Trauma Therapist (EMDR, Applied Polyvagal, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and Coach and is the author of a book called “Sensitive Women - A trauma informed, neurodiverse approach to hormonal sensitivity”. You can download her free e-book here Hormonal Sensitivity E-BookSign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Clarissa has a doctorate in neuroscience, is an author on menopause (her book “Beyond Hormones” is available here), teaches mindfulness and qigong and frequently speaks at conferences, podcasts, and summits about women's health and well-being. Clarissa also holds certifications in nutrition, yoga nidra, acupressure and aromatherapy. Talk about a holistic approach! Find out more about her here https://clarissakristjansson.com/aboutClarissa and I cover the below (and so much more) in our conversation:The difference between brain and mindPro vs anti ageing in mindset and societyTwo things you might notice way before skipping periods and hot flushesThe quick fix trap Menopause as a moneymakerMarkers of long term healthWhere to start to find time to change (hint…scroll habits anyone :)). I think you’re going to get so much value from this one. Sign up here to get 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Natalie is a licensed acupuncturist, author, and holistic health educator with a background in biomedicine, 20 years of experience in the field of Chinese medicine and a particular interest in menopause, midlife, and healthy aging. She has edited and co-authored “Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners” a textbook designed to help practitioners of Chinese and East Asian medicine support their clients through menopause. Natalie offers holistic menopause and healthy ageing coaching with a yangsheng twist. More about her here https://hsnholistic.com/about. Also, as a listener you get 50% OFF her online course “Embracing Menopause”. Just hit the link and use the discount code EMBRACE50 EMBRACE MENOPAUSE course.Listen now to hear more about:Symptoms vs transitions2 reframes on teaThe thing to always look for in recommendationsGuidance around a traditional Chinese medical approach The benefits of acupuncture Reclaiming excitement!Download these 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Dr. Maria Luque is a renowned fitness expert, menopause coach, former health science professor, and proud Air Force veteran. With over two decades of experience, she is deeply committed to empowering menopausal women to become stronger, healthier, and embrace a life full of adventure. Holding an M.S. and Ph.D. in health sciences, as well as a range of certifications, including Certified Health Education Specialist, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and NASM Women's Fitness Specialist, she combines her expertise with a passion for transformation. Dr. Luque is the founder of Fitness in Menopause, a company dedicated to helping women navigate the challenges and rewards of midlife. Maria and I covered so much - we discuss all of the below and more!Body image, identity and mental health as spices in the menopause soupBelly fat and body compositionThe “fitness crisis” you might experienceONE thing you need to add to your training nowOvertraining and the practice of easeFasting and mixed messagesDo 10 squats as you listen to this one! Sign up for Maria’s newsletter here -: https://www.fitnessinmenopause.com/newsletterCheck out her website: www.fitnessinmenopause.com   www.drmarialuque.comDownload these 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Lastly - full details about working with me 1:1 are available here

Kate is an ICF accredited Holistic Life Coach, Certified Menopause Doula and yoga teacher, a She Recovers Coach and an Addictive Behaviours Specialist coach and mentor, the author of two books and the founder of Love Sober and Love Sober Podcast.  She has supported women in their midlife from all over the world to  get off the hormonal rollercoaster and build happy, confident alcohol free-lives. ​You can find out more about her here. Kate BailyThis is a HOT topic and a conversation I am so grateful for. SO many nuggets of goodness here around mindset, context, behaviour and tools! Listen now to hear:How “gray area” drinking may not be serving you right nowSome links between feminism, parenting and the wine times narrativeThe “perfect storm” our livers and lives are handlingShifts in social identity and communityThe power and practice of holding our boundaries for ourselvesSome practical ideas to create change Download these 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? You can see full details here

Ags is a qualified Nutritional Therapist with an MSc in Personalised Nutrition and an ICF-accredited coach who specialises in supporting women in perimenopause with a blend of nutrition and integrative health and behavioural change to tackle the unique challenges of this stage. More about Ags here https://agsgalland.com/ and you can sign up to get her protein and fibre rich breakfast recipes here. 7 Quick Breakfast Recipes for Energy and No ExcusesIn this conversation Ags: blows my mind with a fact about metabolism that changes everythingConfirms that our 90s diet rules are not serving us!Talks us through protein, fibre, ultra-processed foods, supplements, wine and more!Helps us simplify our platesDownload these 4 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersPerimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome” -  4 questions to unpack self-doubt along with some info around hormonal changes and ideas for support. Menopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? You can see full details here

Something that is often underplayed in menopause is the identity shift that can accompany us. The loss of a way we used to think or be able to cope with things. The worries about whether we can still add value. In our 40s we are often navigating bigger careers and businesses and responsibilities than ever before. Changes in how we feel, in our energy levels, in how we can remember things can deeply impact our confidence and clarity and feeling of self. In this solo episode I:Unpack self doubt or “imposter syndrome”Give you 4 questions to ask EVERY time you feel like a fraudLook at how what might be happening hormonally can lay over thisShare some examples from my own coaching practice and leadership groupsI’ve made a resource to remind you of the 4 questions to unpack your self-doubt and show the phases of hormonal change, some indicators, ideas for support. Get it here:  Perimenopause and “Imposter Syndrome”Download these 3 additional resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersMenopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? Enrollment for my next female leadership programme EXPAND is OPEN - you can see full details here

Kellie is a somatic coach, facilitator and guide - a certified Developmental Coach and VITA™ Integrated Sexuality, Love and Relationship Coach. She holds post-graduate qualifications in Complex Change and Adult Development, has been an Executive Coach for 15 years and is also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner as well as a mother and a cancer survivor.. Kellie works at the intersection of adult development, systems thinking, integrated sexuality, embodiment work, somatic experiencing, leadership and business to support people through big changes in their lives during parenthood, midlife and menopause, and elderhood rites of passage; and other life transitions like grief, divorce and big career changes.  You can access her free ebook here Magical Midlife and Menopause and see more about her here In this conversation we explore:some of the meh and restlessness that often shows up in midlifemenopause getting “the blame” for midlife ego and meaning, emotions and societal conditioning, truththe menopause “muse” and shapeshiftinghow we could create change on a micro level and where to startthe radical act of listening to ourselves some reframes around supporting our health And so much more!Here are some of Kellie’s favourite resources:Should we all be on HRT - Prof. Susan Davis and Simon HIll on the The Proof podcastDemystifying HRT - Kellie Stirling and Dr Fatima Khan, Talkin about Midlife podcast- Hormone Repair Manual - Lara Briden- Menopause Brain - Dr Lisa Mosconi- Menopause the wise woman way - Susan Weed - The Wisdom of Menopause - Christiane Northrup Download these 3 resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersMenopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? Enrollment for my next female leadership programme EXPAND opens shortly - you can see full details here

Lauren is an entrepreneur and expert in menopause transition. She provides evidence to the UK Parliament, sits on the BSI committee that created the landmark Standard on Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause, is a regularcommentator in the media and is an award winning global motivational speaker, trainer & coach on executive women's wellbeing. As a trusted expert, Lauren has helped thousands of executives, celebrities and athletes globally. She is qualified in psychology, mental health, nutrition, coaching, personal training and many more human performance specialities!!In this conversation we discuss the challenges women face in the workplace during this stage of life. Lauren’s personal experience of leaving her job due to menopause symptoms the need for education and support and importance of creating menopause-savvy workplaces for individuals and businessespractical changes and solutions workplaces can introducethe importance of informed decision-making - Dr Vikram Talaulikar is a Dr that Lauren recommends following Connect with Lauren and follow her here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageDownload these 3 resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersMenopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? Enrollment for my next female leadership programme EXPAND opens shortly - you can see full details here

Why am I talking about perimenopause in the next season of conversations? Because if we are in female bodies our hormones will change in our 40s. Fact.  And hormones inform a lot of our biology and psychology (for all humans). So finding out more about what, when and how will help us in all aspects. Listen to this 25 minute introduction of season 2 of work family me to hear more about body awareness, timing, mindset, culture, lifestyle, inspiration (or dread) and the thing we need to STOP postponing for later. ALL the things. Download these 3 resources to support you:Perimenopause phases and timing - check where you are right nowIndicators of hormonal changes - use this as a tracker and support in conversations with your medical practitionersMenopause Experts - this is a list of the guests that spoke to me for this season. They are all awesome and might be helpful for you to connect with. Want to work with me? Enrollment for my next female leadership programme EXPAND opens shortly - you can see full details here

And just like that...it is the closing episode of the first season of Work Family Me - a series of conversations with me, Maude. In this series of conversations I interviewed intelligent hard hard-working women from India to Sweden to Brazil who have both money-earning jobs out in the world and children at home. We chatted about managing work hours, family finances, domestic chores, childcare, planning, and health in a socio-economic structure that places enormous expectations on mothers. Listen to this 25 min closing and summary to hear:- the two whys behind these interviews- the BTS around who said no to these conversations- the 6 themes that emerged as common in contexts where women felt resilient and able- some questions to reflect on in your life I've loved having and sharing the conversations with you. Thank you for speaking to me, thank you for listening. If you have got value from the podcast please review it wherever you listen. I'll be interviewing subject matter experts around aspects of (peri)menopause in the next season (launches in March). It's going to be amazing!Connect with me on LinkedInJoin the next leadership group for women - more info here

In this conversation of Work Family Me I chat to Lisa, a Scottish former BBC television director who moved to SA to study a Masters in Marine science with the hope of making David Attenborough documentaries but instead became an accidental entrepreneur and founder of Lilah's Kitchen, a plant-based manufacturing company in a country dominated by meat eaters! And a mother at almost 45. We talk about so much in this open and honest conversation when things feel like chaos in a relationship and parenting partnership. Listen to hear more about:- parenting and business growth with a partner with ADHD- mentors, role models, generational imprints and friends- anchors in the chaos- the unspoken in a society and relationship"No one is going to take your work seriously until you do"Connect with Lisa and order some delicious vegan products here https://lilahs.kitchen/?srsltid=AfmBOoresEDUtCWUKu3clJ05ItvPlR_7xXXKCsVE7gs239UpOUxvhKb2Thank you so much for tuning in to the Work Family Me podcast. Please 1) share it with a friend who might benefit and 2) give it a five-star review so that more humans can find it!Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

In this conversation of Work Family Me I chat to Erika - an ocean lover, marine ecologist and cartographer, committed wife, optimist, and fun-loving mother of two adventurous boys (as well as several beloved pets). Also my sweet friend! Erika is happiest in a fluid environment and talks us through some of the shifts, changes, and behind-the-scenes of her life in that. Erika approaches life with a deep appreciation for growth, laughter, and wonder which flows out of her in this conversation and everywhere she goes. Take a listen to the conversation where we talk through the below and so much more:- intentionally choosing where to put our time and focus- context switching and adaptability - household nitty gritty and support- a frame you can use at home and in teams around work ownership and allocation- resting and supporting our bodies and energy in the middle of busy/busy/busyIf you want to connect with Erika you can find her here: @erikabythesea http://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-brown-oceansea123Thank you so much for tuning in to the Work Family Me podcast. Please 1) share it with a friend who might benefit and 2) give it a five-star review so that more humans can find it!Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

In this conversation of work family me I chat to Kelly Geoghegan, a Maternity Nurse, EMT & Registered Paediatric Sleep Consultant about work and sleep. Two very important aspects of our day to day that are often hugely impacted when we become parents. As a burnout prevention coach I often come back to baseline physical health over and over again - are we sleeping, are we moving, are we nourishing ourselves - and the connection between that and our mental and emotional states. A number of my clients negotiating careers, confidence, boundaries, promotion, money and visibility are also living broken nights, guilt, resentment and exhaustion. Take a listen to our conversation to hear:- common challenges working parents face- what might help to play the long game- an alternative focus to "crying it out"- workplace changes around support for employees- what Kelly turns to in keeping herself healthy and well - 3 tips for keeping calm in Christmas chaos (equally applicable to babies and adults :))Thank you so much for tuning in to the Work Family Me podcast. Please 1) share it with a friend who might benefit and 2) give it a five-star review so that more humans can find it!Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

In this episode of Work Family Me, I speak with Anita Nesbit - a connector and content strategist, living and working in Cape Town with her husband and two children. She works to create impactful content that drives brand engagement and growth, liaises with clients and teams, does the school drop and finds moments to walk on the beach and breathe. How does she balance it all? Listen to hear us discuss:- what helps in a house with 2 entrepreneurs and 2 children in different stages- the part of boundaries around things that are good for us that often trips us up- the medicine for overwhelm and busy brainsWe hope that this honest conversation about what has worked and what has not will help you think about how you can bring more health and intention into your life. Thank you so much for tuning in to the Work Family Me podcast. Please 1) share it with a friend who might benefit and 2) give it a five-star review so that more humans can find it!Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

We often read snappy articles that instruct us to "manage our stress". Hmm, that can be irritating to read as a highly educated smart adult human who needs to earn money and care for small humans (or big ones). What does it actually mean? How do we do that in a busy life? As a burnout prevention and leadership coach I spend a lot of time working with people around managing their stress and I wanted to share the 3-point framework that I work in to support you to deconstruct your stress and think about tangible ways of creating change. Take a listen to this 30-minute episode and download the PDF resource to keep and use for yourself in the future. I hope it serves you well!In this episode, I cover:- separating stress management into 3 different sections so you can identify ways to actually create change (that in itself can be hugely calming)- ideas and tools for each different area- the key to supporting yourself in periods of "higher" stressManaging stress and preventing burnout is my jam. We spend a month on unpacking this in a workplace context in my leadership programme EXPAND. You can get on the waitlist for that here.  Connect with me on LinkedInWant to work with me? Here are two ways you can do that.  Stress Management Table - resource Here is a 12 min guided audio for stress digestion and a moment of calm

In this episode of Work Family Me, I speak with a former colleague who has moved across and lived in many countries with her husband, children and dog and works long days as a regional manager for a busy team. In this conversation she shares some of her experience around balancing work and life and health.  We talk about prioritising. delegating, (over)working, saying no and so much more. Listen to hear…A tool for prioritisation when your brain is swirlingWhat led Csilla to shift patterns of overworkA breakdown of boundary setting and an exercise Csilla used to practice saying noThe part of “stress management” we often forgetLinks: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work, Family, Me, I sat down with Allison Wimalasuriya from Australia. Allison Wimalasuriya is an Australian woman in her thirties who works in the corporate world as a manager of employees, deadlines, and clients, studies pilates, parents an active toddler, exercises every day and is in an intercultural marriage. Hmm. How do these things fit into a life? Let's ask her. Join us as we discuss:a wildly helpful way to approach who does what in our day-to-day livesthe common theme of support amongst working mothers and how to integrate it into your lifethe real-life career and financial impact of maternity leave the results of overworking and explodingpractical and useful tips for managing a household in partnershipTune in now! Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

When we are in the day to day it feels hard to raise our heads and look at the big picture. We're IN the school drop offs, the rushing to get on a call, the pressure of the project. One of the things that I found so valuable about this conversation with Fiona Moguenot is her perspective of looking back on working and parenting from the vantage point of adult children and grandchildren.Fiona is a UK national who has lived and worked in France for decades. She has raised four children, built businesses and expertise in marketing, tax, and international HR, spoken on industry panels and mucked out stables. I am so grateful to her for sharing her behind the scenes. Listen to our conversation about work and parenting to hear us discuss: two anchors that make this amount of work possible different strategies for carving out quality time with childrenblended families and managing money a regret and reminder about what NOT to drop in a busy lifehow work can be the thing we use to avoid other stuff!Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details 

We talk A LOT about work life balance at the moment and one key of this is being intentional about separating out work time vs not work time. SO many of my 1:1 clients have very blurry lines - or no lines at all - around what work is and with hybrid flexible working, constant e-mails, multiple time zones and pressures that is no surprise. Not having mental, emotional or physical separation from work often means constant exhaustion and feelings of anxiety and/or pressure. That does not make for a productive time at work or a very nice time away from it. In this short (20 min-ish) solo episode I share with you some of the strategies and tools that I use with my clients. Take a listen to hear:- the 6 steps I recommend if you're looking to increase your focus at work and peace and enjoyment when not working- the permission you need to create a balance that works FOR YOU- some tips and tricks around end-of-day rituals and phonesMay these be useful to you and your feeling of life!Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details Work with me - Leadership Programme

In this episode of Work Family Me, I speak with Shiivani Aggarwal from Delhi, India. She is the CEO of Formula Group, a woman in her 40s, and a mother of a 4-year-old boy. Despite her long days in the office, she manages to spend time with friends and family and eat healthy food! Tune in to learn how she does it. Listen to hear…What balance means in her calendar (and what she prioritizes in advance to create quality time)The behind-the-scenes support structure that enables her roleLeadership and connection in changing times The different seasons of parenting and how it can impact your time, focus, and energyLinks: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I chat with Marie O’Neill - the Irish co-owner and Managing Director of EER, one of the Middle East’s leading relocation, immigration, and corporate services companies. Marie is also a mother to two girls (one a very newborn baby), a wife, a conference attendee and speaker, a board member in Industry Organisations and even gets to the gym. Wait, what? How…Listen to hear perspectives on…building a big career and having children later in lifestrategies for presence when time is limitedperfectionism vs delegation and sustainability as a leaderthe structure and support that allows Marie to manage her energy and time permission to effing LOVE workLinks: Here is a link to an episode all about guilt with some more support for youhttps://www.coachingwithmaude.com/podcast/a-conversation-about-guiltGuided audio practice for slowing down in a busy life - Guided Audio_Moments of softness_12 minConnect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details - the correct link is https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/exhale-1-on-1-coachingFor full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

We often talk about the later stages of burnout, the results, the exhaustion, the depression, the physical collapse. We don't talk so much about the thinking patterns, behavioural changes and phases prior to that. In this short (20 min-ish) solo episode I share with you the 12 stages of burnout as coined by Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North in the early 90s and some practical real life behaviour or thinking you may notice for yourself or those you love. Take a listen to hear:- what sets us up for burnout. When we understand the root causes we can go there to make changes vs cycle through the phases to burnout, take a month off to recover and then do it all again- the phase most of my 1:1 clients stay in because they can't "afford" to collapse - they are often the caretakers and breadwinners and foundations for people who depend on them- a little known diagnosis and term that may support you to get medical help and benefits (high functioning depression is not recognised as a clinical diagnosis)It sucks to feel anxious, overwhelmed and exhausted - know that you are not alone. If you recognise yourself and want to work with me you can have a look at options to do so below. This is a theme I work with both in 1:1 coaching and in my group programme EXPAND. Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - options Phases of Burnout Table RESOURCEClick here to get to my website where you can read more about me and sign up for some burnout prevention resources: https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/aboutmaudeFor full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I chat with Sybille. She works as an immigration manager for a successful tech company and balances her job with parenting, a partner who works shifts, a consistent yoga practice, and a passion for music. Listen to hear perspectives on…impacts of affordable childcare (and the lack thereof) on choices limited social permission and flexibility for men to be present parentsthe truth about the time it takes to be a parent and run a householdprotecting health and body and interests in the midst of endless to do listsLinks: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I speak with Tanja McCandie. She is a Canadian national living, working, and parenting in Japan. She works as an associate professor, advocates for gender and teacher development, and handles homework, laundry, and baseball games while her husband works abroad. Listen to hear two “difficult women” discuss: Feminism, equality, parenting in an outdated system and framework A behind the scenes of cultures meeting within a marriage and parentingThe permission from self and culture at large that women often don’t get when returning to work after maternity leave Invisible challenges in the way of visibility, promotions and networkingThe shifts that are happening as more women have access to choices and financial wellbeingBeing lonely vs alone as a wife and a parentLinks: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details Here is a link to Tanja’s dissertation on gender inequity in Japanese higher education https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/oip/317/For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I talk about a very common emotion that crops up in these conversations with working women and with my hard-working 1:1 clients in general...GUILT. Listen to hear…What the point of guilt is!An important differentiation to make for yourself.How to use guilt productively Some examples and challenges A 4-step process you can use the next time you feel guilty.Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I chat with Johanna Lennartson. Johanna is a Swedish woman in her early 40s who lives in Stockholm with her partner and two daughters and works full-time as an MD. Listen to hear…Some strategies for saying yes to your children (even when the to do list feels endless)A very unusual mindset around doing dishes (and one that has a lot of power)Community and supportPermission (or not) for being messy humansDelegation and sustainability vs perfection and control (whew this is a biggie, right?)Links: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

In this episode of Work Family Me, I chat with Sara Vartore, an American business owner, entrepreneur, peak performance coach, mother of two, homeschooler, and just general all-around awesome woman.Listen to hear…The behind the scenes of growing a businessSome tips for handling the discomfort of handing over responsibilitiesA different way of doing a weekWhat might help soften and shift self-criticism around time aloneThe nitty-gritty of chores and getting sh*t done with 2 working humansSome conversation around what it means to “provide”Links: Visit Sarah’s websiteConnect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

Welcome to this episode of the Work Family Me podcast where I chat with Daniela Lima, a Brazilian woman in her 40s with a leadership role in a large multinational company, two children at home, a partner, friends, and a passion for champagne. Listen to hear...an exercise mindset gem2 non-negotiables that help Dani manage a LOT of things a reframe on parenting guiltshared finance experiences Dani’s secret ingredientLinks: Connect with me on LinkedInWork with me - 1:1 coaching details For full show notes, visit https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/

Welcome to a series of conversations with working women from a variety of cultures and industries hosted by Maude Burger-Smith, an experienced women’s burnout and leadership coach, a certified sex, love, and relationship coach and curious feminist. Maude works with women around preventing burnout and healing high functioning depression and in this introductory episode she introduces the "work life me" series of conversations. Over the next few months you will hear interviews with deeply caring, money earning, co-parenting women about how they handle dishes, guilt, finances, childcare, planning and health in the REAL WORLD. These behind the scenes conversations are shared to help working mothers generate ideas and solutions to cope in these socio-cultural paradigms with countless pressures and expectations on women and real life demands on time, energy and finances. It’s so effing hard out there. How are others doing it? And still smiling in their IG pictures??The show offers global perspectives on dealing with modern-day pressures and is always based on practical strategies and an expansive, non-judgmental approach. Episodes are released bi-weekly and last for approximately 45 minutes.More information about working with Maude is available here: https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/work-with-me