In honour of #WorldMenopauseDay we had to talk to our lovely client and menopause coach, Susan Lacey.
Hi, Susan. Thanks so much for talking to us. Do you want to tell us a little about yourself and your journey up to launching your business and becoming a menopause coach?
Of course! I am 55 years old. I was a primary school teacher for 30 years but found I was struggling with my menopause symptoms at work. I started to do my own research into menopause which led to me completing a menopause awareness course and gaining a diploma in Menopause Awareness. My symptoms were made worse by my working environment so I took the decision to leave teaching and set up my own business as a menopause coach.
That’s such a big step and shows how much of an impact menopause can have too, doesn’t it? It’s incredible what you have done and how you are helping more people now after what you went through.
Thank you. Yes, launching my own business and becoming a menopause coach at the start of 2024 was a big step and it has been a sharp learning curve for me taking me totally out of my comfort zone.
It must have been touch and go, especially going through menopause yourself?
Becoming a menopause coach did feel big but I have found a real passion for helping women thrive during menopause. Whether that is through coffee evenings for a chat or going into businesses to advice on how to support those going through menopause.
That’s amazing Susan. What would you say you learnt most about running your own business and being a menopause coach?
There is such a high demand for information about menopause I thought getting bookings would be relatively easy. However, it has taken a lot of hard selling to get noticed.
The selling is hard, isn’t it? Me and Warwick both find the ‘sales’ part hard even though you know you need to do it! It does take time to get business in full swing so definitely don’t feel disheartened. Has anything surprised you since starting your business?
I was not surprised at how keen women were to discuss menopause and ask for advice. I was however surprised at the number of men who wanted to ask questions and learn more so that they could better understand what their partners were going through.
That’s so good to hear. It’s so important men educate themselves too. What has worked well for you getting your business up and running?
One thing that has worked well has been directly contacting businesses via email to share the help I can offer. It has also been useful to hold ‘coffee and chat’ sessions where women can share their experiences of menopause and the help that has been given to them.
Those sessions sound so helpful and like a lovely safe space. It is about getting yourself out there, isn’t it? And you are giving so much back too. What do you find has been most difficult in this process?
I have found it really difficult getting used to using social media. This was something I had not done much of before.
Many of our clients find social media difficult too – you’re not alone. It also takes up so much time. Being a new business, what was important to you when you were developing your new brand and website?
When developing my brand and website it was important to choose ‘calm’ colours as I am supporting women’s wellness. Adventure Graphics (you guys) understood what I needed and did a great job designing my logo and website.
Aww, thank you Susan. Why did you decide to use a professional design and website company to start with?
I chose a professional design and website company, because I had no experience in this area and needed the expertise and guidance that I got from yourself and Warwick. You both talked me through the process in language that I understood and were very patient with my many questions!
We have loved working with you and really love your brand and website too and it is a service we feel so passionate about too. What would you say is one surprising fact about menopause that most people probably don’t know?
One of the most surprising facts about menopause is the mental anxieties it can induce. Many of the physical symptoms are well known, such as hot flushes, but symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness and anxiety can be debilitating.
That’s so true and it’s the symptoms I have rather than the physical ones really, and I did think I was going crazy for a while until I realised what was happening. What would you say are the most common difficulties you find for women going through the menopause in the workplace?
After speaking to many women, the common difficulties faced in the workplace are: brain fog, memory loss, fatigue and anxiety. This was certainly true for me.
I agree. My organisations skills and problem solving abilities just seem redundant a lot of the time! As a menopause coach, what do you think organisations are doing well when it comes to menopause and what do you think they are struggling with?
Most organisations that I have spoken to have been aware of menopause but haven’t realised the amount of symptoms and the impact they can have on someone at work. Simple changes could make work life much easier for these women.
Do you think the mental health symptoms are recognised as much in the workplace, as maybe the physical symptoms?
Mental health problems are definitely not recognised in the workplace as much as physical symptoms. Often women are too frightened to speak of these issues for fear of reprisals at work such as being overlooked for promotion. While hot flushes can be an awful experience brain fog and anxiety can have an even greater effect on a woman’s work.
What do your workshops cover and how do they help businesses and their approach to menopause?
My workshops help business leaders understand the difficulties faced by women at work who are going through the menopause. I show them how small changes can improve this. I also run workshops to train ‘menopause champions’ in the workplace. These are individuals who are trained to listen, in confidence, to issues that women have and then to relay those issues to management. I also run ‘lunch and chat’ sessions. These are popular as they can be run during a lunch hour. Employees can listen to advice and share their concerns and experiences.I
I loved the idea of Menopause Champions when I was working on your website. It is such a great way to make it a real consideration at work. If you could give just 3 menopause in the workplace tips for organisations, what would they be?
Talk to employees and listen to their concerns then try to find a solution together. Women want to keep working and its finding ways to make it work.
Have a designated person that women can speak to in confidence
Keep up to date with legal requirements – Labour have pledged to introduce legislation on menopause
And what would be their first step to contacting you if they would like to arrange menopause workshops or book you as a menopause coach in their organisation?
To arrange a workshop or just for a chat about menopause email me at: info@susanlaceymenopausecoach.co.uk
Or visit my website: www.susanlaceymenopausecoach.co.uk.
Thank you so much Susan, that it is all so helpful. I hope lots of businesses get in touch with you.
And lastly, before you go, it’s just our quickfire questions, here we go:
- Chocolate or Crisps?– Chocolate
- Wine or Beer?– Wine
- Walking or cycling?– Walking
- Dogs or Cats?– Dogs
- Tea or Coffee? – Tea
- Summer or Winter?– Summer
- Red sauce or Brown?– Red
- Emailer or brochure?– Emailer
- Driving holidays or flying?– Flying
- Active holidays or beach holidays?– Mix of both
- Cosy nights in or wild nights out?– Wild nights out
- City or Countryside?– Countryside
- Passenger or Driver?– Passenger
- Soaps or Box sets?– Boxsets
- Star Wars or Star Trek? – Neither
Oh, Warwick would want to talk to you about the last one, although he would probably say that’s better than choosing Star Trek!!
Thanks so much for your time Susan, we really appreciate it and we know so many, men and women, will benefit from what you have shared.
