Michelle sits down with executive coach Jo Ibbott to peel back the layers of the menopause experience that often remain hidden behind closed office doors. For many women, the physical symptoms are only half the battle; the true challenge lies in the quiet erosion of confidence and the sudden, disorienting shift in professional identity. 

Jo shares her personal “aha” moment and explains how the “brain fog” of menopause is more than just forgetfulness, it is a psychological hurdle that can lead even the most successful leaders to question their worth. By moving away from a culture of silent apologies and “masking” symptoms, women can reclaim their power through community and informed advocacy. Michelle and Jo share practical advice for workplace communication and the reminder that prioritising your own “oxygen mask” isn’t just an act of self-care, it’s a vital strategy for thriving in your next chapter.

Jo Reveals

• How even highly successful women often fail to connect their workplace struggles to menopause, leading to unnecessary self-doubt and the urge to resign.
• How menopause affects approximately 300 systems in the body, meaning psychological symptoms like anxiety and loss of focus are as medically valid as hot flashes.
• Why creating “safe spaces” at work like simple posters or open dialogues, can stop women from feeling like they need to apologise for their biology.
• Why taking time to pause and invest in your own health is a survival strategy that allows you to continue caring for others and performing at your peak.

BEST MOMENTS

“It’s not you, it’s perimenopause… You’re not getting less capable; it’s just that our energy levels can dip by around 30 percent.”

“I thought I had onset dementia… I’d burst out crying for stupid reasons. We don’t think about things like that being linked to our hormones.”

“Putting the oxygen mask on yourself first… it’s not selfish to do that; it’s actually survival.”

“I want women to stop apologising for what they’re going through. This is real, it’s medical, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

GUEST LINKS

Website: https://courage-coaching.co.uk/ 

Facebook group: What the Fog?  https://www.facebook.com/groups/740710540001100/ 

Email: [email protected]

HOST BIO

Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. 

A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, “Menopause – The Real Deal,” she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson

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Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal

My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag

Website www.panaceapause.co.uk