205. Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause and Menopause: How Great Organizations Empower Female Leaders

Female leaders spend decades navigating physiological changes that influence energy levels, concentration, sleep, emotional regulation, physical comfort and overall wellbeing. Nevertheless, many organizations continue designing workplaces as though every employee experiences identical biological realities. This gap between scientific knowledge and organizational practice represents a significant opportunity for leaders, human resources professionals and executives to build healthier, more inclusive and higher-performing workplaces.In this podcast episode, we're exploring how the menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause influence many women's professional lives, why these life stages deserve greater attention within leadership discussions, and how organizations benefit from acknowledging these realities with empathy, evidence and strategic thinking. Rather than viewing women's health as a limitation, we're discovering how understanding biological diversity strengthens organizational culture, employee wellbeing, talent retention and long-term business performance.Furthermore, we're discussing five practical action items that organizations can implement to create environments where female leaders feel supported throughout every stage of adult life. Whether you are a leader yourself, a people manager, a founder, an HR professional or someone who simply wants to contribute to a more inclusive workplace, this episode provides practical insights that you can begin applying immediately.I would genuinely love hearing your opinion and, if applicable, your personal experience with today's topic. Feel welcome to send me an e-mail at coucou.goddess@gmail.com. Your perspective may inspire a future podcast episode and contribute to our growing Goddess of Technology community.REFERENCESAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2023) Menopause. Washington, DC: ACOG.Cleveland Clinic (2024) Menstrual Cycle. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycleHealth Australia (2024) Understanding Perimenopause. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/perimenopause/understanding/perimenopauseMayo Clinic (2024a) Menopause - Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397Mayo Clinic (2024b) Perimenopause - Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666National Health Service (2023a) Fertility in the Menstrual Cycle. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/National Health Service (2023b) Menopause and Perimenopause. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/National Health Service (2023c) Starting Periods. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/World Health Organization (2022) Women and Health. Geneva: World Health Organization.