Lauren has been revolutionising the workplace by normalising conversations around menstruation to post-menopause and empowering individuals to thrive through this transformative phase. With her extensive background in psychology, sports therapy, nutrition, and a plethora of coaching certifications, Lauren is dedicated to educating large employers on how to support and retain top talent during these critical life stages.
I asked her some questions to learn a bit more about who she is and what her company is striving towards...
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?
My journey into the world of menopause advocacy began from a deeply personal place.
With a deep background in psychology, sports therapy, nutrition, and various coaching certifications, I found myself navigating through an unexpected premature menopause, mistaking it for early onset dementia in my early 40's.
I actually left work thinking I was no longer able to add any value.
All of this, combined with my senior leadership roles in service industries and as a senior executive in financial services, led me to found Women of a Certain Stage to stop others going through what I had.
In short, my mission is to educate and support individuals and organisations in understanding and managing enopause effectively.
How did the idea come to you for the company?
The idea was born out of my own struggle with menopause symptoms, the feelings of utter isolation and not knowing what was going on with me.
After realising the lack of awareness and support for menopause in the workplace, I was determined to ensure that no individual or employer would have to face this challenge uninformed or alone. This was sparked me to start learning about menopause, reading every book and piece of research I could lay my hands on and sparked the creation of Women of a Certain Stage.
How did you achieve awareness?
Raising awareness was a multifaceted effort involving speaking engagements, workshops, and leveraging my network within the corporate world. My role as an international speaker and emcee allowed me to share my insights and passion on a larger scale, further amplifying our message. The media has increasingly picked up the conversation and I have spoken out about the changes we need to see in many of our national and international publications.
How have you been able to gain funding and grow?
The growth of Women of a Certain Stage has been 100% organic, fuelled by the urgent need for our services in workplaces. The compelling value proposition to employers, highlighting the importance of supporting employees through menopause, has been crucial in gaining traction. Using the income from the corporate work we do enables us to deliver free training to upwards of 19k people each year too.
What are the key successes?
Our key successes include developing comprehensive training programs for corporate champions, Menopause Mentors and Menopause Coaches, contributing evidence to UK Select Committees including the government's menopause in the workplace inquiry, and creating a supportive community that empowers individuals to navigate menopause with confidence.
This year, I was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for my motivational speaking work on the topic and the British Standards Institute committee I sit on that developed the landmark Standard: Menstruation, Menstrual Health and Menopause won an award too.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the stigma and silence surrounding menopause.
We've tackled this by fostering open dialogues, sharing real-life stories, and providing evidence-based information to demystify menopause.
What are your plans now/for the future?
Looking ahead, it's my aim to expand our reach, offering more tailored, inclusive programs and resources to support individuals and organisations worldwide.
My goal is to create a global movement that recognises and supports menopause as a natural and empowering stage of life.
What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?
Embrace your unique experiences and use them as a catalyst for change. The challenges you've faced can become your greatest assets in creating a business that not only succeeds but also makes a meaningful impact.
Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?
1. Stay true to your mission and values.
2. Embrace learning and adaptability.
3. Build a supportive network.
4. Prioritise self-care and resilience.
5. Listen to the needs of your community and respond with empathy and innovation.
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?
1. Brené Brown, for her work on vulnerability and leadership.
2. Michelle Obama, for her grace and advocacy for women and girls.
3. Malala Yousafzai, for her courage and dedication to education.
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for her trailblazing legal career and advocacy for gender equality.
5. Oprah Winfrey, for her transformative impact on media and philanthropy.
What are your favourite inspirational/motivational quotes?
- "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." – Alan Watts
- "Talk to yourself like someone you love" Brene Brown
This was my first chat with Lauren and I know there is more to talk about because we ran out of time! I look forward to being back with more - perhaps a dive into her personal side... I'll keep you posted!
Yours,
Claire Safray
Freelance Journalist
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