Really? I think you know what this is going to be about. Here I was, questioning my ability to lead. I had brain fog all the time, constant headaches, total lack of sleep, and I was irritable often. What was going on? My team was giving me feedback that I wasn’t my usual self. I knew it was the M Word – Menopause. Then, in a meeting with a well-known client of ours about a new leadership program, I casually said to him that menopause was more challenging than I thought it would be and that we need to be talking about it more today. He smiled and said I don’t think women should be in leadership roles during menopause. I was in shock! I was about to explode with anger.
He knew I was about to put him in his place and said, “I am joking!’. There was this weird silence, and then I counted back from five.
I didn’t find it funny. Not even for one bit.
We should be in leadership roles during menopause or at any stage. Hence, we are beyond committed to building a world with more women in leadership.
As I get older and much wiser, I love that I am in leadership as a woman and going through menopause! It has made me realise how truly amazing and courageous we are!
Guess what? Women experiencing menopause can EXCEL in leadership roles as effectively as at any other stage of life. Menopause is a natural biological process and doesn’t inherently affect a person’s ability to lead. Here are a few reasons why women in menopause can thrive in leadership roles:
- Experience and Expertise: Women in menopause often have years of experience and expertise in their field, which can make them highly qualified leaders. They’ve likely developed strong leadership skills and have valuable knowledge to contribute.
- Emotional Intelligence: Many women in menopause have developed high levels of emotional intelligence, which is a crucial trait for effective leadership. They may have learned to navigate complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics, making them adept at managing teams and resolving conflicts.
- Resilience: Menopause can come with its challenges, including physical symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. However, women who have successfully managed these challenges demonstrate resilience and determination, which are highly valued qualities in leadership roles.
- Perspective and Wisdom: Menopause can be a transformative experience that provides women with a new perspective on life and work. This perspective and the wisdom gained from years of experience can make them insightful and strategic leaders.
- Health and Wellness: Women prioritising their health and wellness during menopause can maintain high energy and vitality levels, enabling them to perform effectively in leadership roles. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management can improve overall well-being. I now focus on my health and well-being.
Ultimately, leadership is about skills, experience, and character rather than age or biological stage. Women in menopause have plenty to offer regarding leadership ability and can continue to make significant contributions in various professional settings.
Menopause and the Brain
Then I realised Menopause is a brain issue too…I have been reading The Menopause Brain by Lisa Moscani.
The connection between menopause and leadership involves various brain functions and psychological aspects. Here’s how:
- Cognitive Abilities: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect cognitive function. Some women may experience symptoms like memory lapses or difficulty concentrating. However, these changes are often temporary and can be managed through lifestyle adjustments and cognitive exercises. Influential leaders understand how to adapt to changes in cognitive function and may implement strategies to support their mental acuity.
- Emotional Regulation: Menopause can also impact emotional regulation, leading to mood swings or increased sensitivity to stress. Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions and those of others. Women experiencing menopause may develop greater emotional resilience and insight, which can enhance their leadership skills.
- Decision Making: Hormonal changes during menopause can influence decision-making processes. Some research suggests that fluctuations in estrogen levels may affect risk perception and preference for reward. Understanding how hormonal changes influence decision-making can help women in leadership roles make more informed choices and navigate complex challenges. Today, I am much more considerate in my decisions.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Menopause is a significant life transition that requires adaptability and resilience. Influential leaders possess these qualities as they navigate change, uncertainty, and adversity. Women who successfully navigate menopause demonstrate resilience and adaptability, which can translate into practical leadership skills.
- Self-awareness and Growth Mindset: Menopause often prompts reflection on identity, purpose, and values. Influential leaders continually strive for self-awareness and personal growth, recognising that leadership is an ongoing journey of learning and development. Women going through menopause may deepen their self-awareness and embrace a growth mindset, fostering their leadership capacity.
In summary, menopause and leadership intersect through cognitive, emotional, and psychological processes. Women experiencing menopause may harness these aspects to enhance their leadership skills, leveraging their resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to excel in leadership roles.
How Can You Be Your Best Self?
Navigating menopause while striving to be your best self involves caring for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I am being SUPER kind and compassionate to myself, and my new mantra is that Wisdom is Power.
What about you?
Here are some strategies to help you thrive during this life transition:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Please…Prioritise self-care by focusing on activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. This may include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, practising relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, and ensuring you get enough sleep each night.
- Manage Symptoms: Take proactive steps to manage menopausal symptoms that may impact your daily life. This could involve discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider, exploring natural remedies like herbal supplements or acupuncture, and making lifestyle adjustments to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep disturbances.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or support groups who can offer empathy, understanding, and practical advice. Connecting with others going through similar experiences can provide a sense of validation and camaraderie. I also saw my doctor, and I am currently being treated.
- Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded and present amidst the changes and challenges of menopause. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or body scans can help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, allowing you to respond to them with compassion and equanimity.
- Embrace Positive Lifestyle Habits: Adopt positive lifestyle habits that support your overall well-being, such as engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy, maintaining social connections with loved ones, setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, and cultivating a sense of purpose or meaning in your life.
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about menopause and its potential effects on your body and mind. Understanding the physiological changes occurring during menopause can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and seek appropriate support when needed.
- Focus on Personal Growth: View menopause as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace this transition as a natural part of the aging process and approach it with curiosity and openness. Reflect on your values, goals, and priorities, and consider how you can align your actions with your authentic self during this phase of life.
By prioritising self-care, seeking support, practising mindfulness, embracing positive lifestyle habits, educating yourself, and focusing on personal growth, you can navigate menopause with resilience, grace, and a commitment to being your best self.
I implore you to embrace and love yourself and care for women at work and in the community during this incredible stage of their lives.
We need courage and community.
How We Can Help at LeadershipHQ
Today’s organisations need leaders who can communicate a clear vision, set and execute strategy, and drive change through uncertainty. Our Executive and Senior Leadership development programs increase self-awareness, accountability, and performance while supercharging leader confidence and focus. They are designed for senior and executive leaders responsible for business direction, culture, and performance.
Transitioning from team member to team leader is exciting and daunting. Our programs give executives, future, first–time, and frontline leaders the knowledge, skills, and practical tools they need to thrive. The focus is on personal growth, communicating with impact, and motivating people to achieve.
The world needs more great female leaders. Designed to accelerate and elevate women’s development, our Women in Leadership programs are delivered over 6-12 months and address the unique challenges women face in their leadership journey. Through these programs, women develop the confidence, mindset and practical skills to lean into leadership.
The Outstanding Women Leaders program is a personal and professional high-impact development journey developed by Sonia McDonald, who has more than 25 years of experience in Leadership and Human Resources. The Virtual Program offers you the flexibility you need to grow and develop as a leader at a pace that fits with your life’s demands.
We combine expert online coaching and networking with a community of like-minded women to support your journey. The program includes ten modules with a comprehensive toolkit, video presentations, masterclasses and visual play sheets for each chapter.
We coach individuals, leadership teams and groups, either to support self-development, as part of our leadership programs or when a workplace conflict is unresolved.
Discover what drives and motivates you and leverage your strengths to improve personal and team performance and impact.
No matter where you are on your leadership journey, it’s never too early (or too late) to get a coach.
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We work with you to build or transform your current culture into one that is courageous, engaging and productive.
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The program can be completed independently or in conjunction with our facilitated programs and coaching. Work through the program at your own pace, in your own place.
Transitioning from team member to team leader is exciting and daunting. Our programs give executives, future, first time and frontline leaders the knowledge, skills and practical tools they need to thrive. The focus is on personal growth, communicating with impact and motivating people to achieve.
By Sonia McDonald – CEO of LeadershipHQ and Outstanding Leadership Awards, Leadership Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, CEO, Mum And Award Winning Author.