Breaking the Silence: Leading with Menopause – A Conversation with Shirley Gray | #14
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Why inclusive leadership must include menopause awareness – and what leaders can do about it.
In this powerful Voices of Leadership episode of Unleash Your Impact, Unlock Others, Dave talks with Shirley Gray, Founder of Gray Matter Learning and long-time Zentano associate, about one of the most overlooked topics in leadership: menopause.
Shirley shares her deeply personal story and explains why menopause remains a taboo subject in many workplaces despite the fact that it affects a significant proportion of the workforce. From anxiety and brain fog to declining confidence and emotional overload, the symptoms are real – and the consequences of ignoring them are even more so.
But this episode isn’t just about awareness – it’s about action. Shirley outlines how leaders can create psychologically safe workplaces, implement menopause-friendly policies, and retain valuable talent by embracing inclusive leadership at every level.
She also introduces the upcoming workshop she’ll be delivering in partnership with Zentano in June:
➡️ Removing the Glass Ceiling: Leading with Menopause
📍 Stanbrook Abbey, 11 June 2025
Key Talking Points:
- Shirley’s personal journey into leadership and menopause advocacy
- The surprising range of menopause symptoms that affect performance
- Why menopause is still a career-limiting issue for many
- How leaders (especially male allies) can create inclusive, supportive environments
- A sneak peek at Shirley’s workshop content and practical takeaways
Listen now – and share it with someone who needs to hear this.
16 episodes