Surviving Menopause in the Workplace: What Every Woman Should Know
Manage episode 476164546 series 3402064
This week on Work It Like a Mum, I'm joined by the brilliant Anna Allerton—former sports journalist turned executive coach—who shares her deeply personal and professional journey through perimenopause and how it led to a powerful career pivot.
Anna now specialises in coaching professional women, particularly those navigating the challenges of menopause while juggling high-pressure careers. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the debilitating symptoms that cost her a 20-year broadcasting career—and how those challenges now fuel her mission to help others thrive.
We Talk About:
- Anna’s transition from Sky Sports journalist to executive coach
- The impact of perimenopause on mental health and career
- Why workplaces need to become more menopause-friendly
- Logging symptoms, self-advocacy & navigating GPs
- Practical resources and tools (like the Balance App)
- Why creating safe, trusted spaces for women is essential
Key Takeaways:
✅ You’re not “just tired”—menopause can be disruptive and isolating, but help is out there
✅ Logging symptoms and asking the right questions can change everything
✅ Coaching creates space to be heard, challenged, and supported
✅ Women's health deserves to be taken seriously—in and out of the workplace
Why You Should Listen:
If you're a woman experiencing hormonal shifts or a leader wanting to better support women in your organisation, this episode is a must-listen. Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, you can turn a personal struggle into a professional strength.
Show Links:
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.
And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
Chapters
1. Introducing Anna Allerton's Coaching Journey (00:00:00)
2. Debilitating Perimenopause Symptoms at 38 (00:03:29)
3. Advocating for Medical Treatment (00:10:41)
4. Self-Compassion and Managing Symptoms (00:19:13)
5. Creating Menopause-Friendly Workplaces (00:25:28)
6. Working Smarter in Menopause (00:34:12)
7. Executive Coaching Approach for Menopausal Women (00:43:56)
140 episodes