October is Menopause Awareness Month, a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on an important topic that touches millions of lives, yet is still too often misunderstood, overlooked or treated as just a “tick box” exercise in organisations.
We spoke with Kirsty Wadsley, an executive and personal coach, consultant and valued C4C Associate who specialises in menopause support. Kirsty brings together her leadership skills, coaching experience and her own journey with perimenopause to help women, leaders and organisations to understand more and find effective solutions.
More than a policy
While organisations are creating menopause-friendly policies and offering healthcare support, a great start and move forwards, these steps alone are often not enough. Kirsty highlights that making space for personal conversations and individually tailored actions, is what truly makes a difference, and this is where coaching can help.
“Having somebody who truly listens can be transformative,” she says. “Unlike time-restricted GP appointments, coaching offers time to explore symptoms and their effect on career, confidence, and daily work life.”
The coaching difference
Kirsty’s work focuses on three pillars: health, self and career. She brings these together to help clients gain clarity, explore their options and create practical plans. This approach empowers them to manage menopause with confidence at work and in other areas of life.
* Reflect honestly on what’s happening.
* Build awareness of options and support available.
* Create practical action plans that feel achievable.
* Develop confidence in having workplace conversations.
* Reframe menopause as not an ending, but a transition that can open new possibilities.
Breaking workplace barriers
Stigma, lack of awareness and ineffective solutions are still common barriers. Even when support is available, people rarely feel totally comfortable sharing what they really need. Coaching provides a personalised, human approach that goes beyond what policies can offer.
In the current economic climate, no one can afford to lose talented staff. With the upcoming employment rights bill due to make menopause a mandatory part of equality action plans for organisations with 250+ staff, now is the time for personalised support. Kirsty urges leaders to act on the simplest, most impactful step first: to truly listen. Directly ask employees about their needs, assess the effectiveness of current approaches, normalise open discussions about menopause and implement personalised support options.
Looking ahead
For Menopause Awareness Month, Kirsty is hosting online and in-person events, sharing helpful resources and offering coaching packages for those seeking dedicated support. She is also highlighting this year’s World Menopause Day theme, Lifestyle Medicine, and notes that while lifestyle changes can help, they are not always easy to make without support and guidance.
C4C values Kirsty’s expertise because it shows that listening and coaching, not just policies, help people feel heard, supported and empowered throughout menopause.
Get in touch to find out more about our coaching services.