Menopause is often misunderstood as an ending—a loss of vitality, youth, and identity. In this transformative talk, we’ll reframe menopause as a profound opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Together, we’ll explore how menopause impacts every dimension of a woman’s life—physical, psychological, and social.

Through shared stories, research, and a biopsychosocial lens, we’ll uncover the challenges women face during this transition, from navigating disruptive symptoms to reevaluating relationships and purpose. We’ll also illuminate how menopause can become a launchpad for embracing authenticity, setting boundaries, and reclaiming identity.

This talk is a call for all of us to approach menopause with curiosity, compassion, and courage. It’s an invitation to shed outdated expectations and societal stigmas and to celebrate the emergence of who we’re becoming.

Takeaways:
1. Discover how menopause challenges and reshapes identity across body, mind, and relationships.
2. Learn to reframe menopause as a catalyst for personal growth and reinvention.
3. Gain tools to navigate this transition with authenticity, purpose, and empowerment.

Did you know that women over 50 represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce? Yet, as they approach the average age of menopause—51—this critical life stage remains largely invisible in most workplaces.

Menopause is not just a personal experience—it’s a workplace issue. Common symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances are linked to adverse work outcomes, including reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and challenges in retention and engagement. These effects impact teams, organizational performance, and even workplace culture, making menopause a topic that businesses can no longer afford to overlook.

Despite the growing visibility of menopause in social media, mainstream media, and literature, it remains absent from wellness programs, benefits packages, and inclusion initiatives in over 90% of U.S. companies. This silence perpetuates stigma, leaving employees, managers, and HR teams unprepared to navigate menopause’s impact—on individuals and organizations alike.

Based on her personal experience and evidence-based insights, Susan will illuminate how workplaces can create environments that support employees through menopause. By understanding menopause, debunking common myths, and exploring why it remains a taboo topic at work, we will begin normalizing the conversation and fostering a culture of understanding and empowerment.

This engaging and interactive session will equip participants with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change—from recognizing menopause as a workplace issue to implementing actionable solutions. Attendees will be inspired to champion these critical conversations, ensuring menopause becomes a cornerstone of workplace wellness, health care equity, and a truly inclusive organizational culture.

Takeaways:

1. Menopause is a Workplace Issue, Not an Individual Issue: Attendees will recognize how menopause-related symptoms affect productivity, absenteeism, retention, and workplace culture. They’ll understand why addressing menopause is essential for fostering a more supportive and equitable work environment.
2. Normalize Conversations: Foster a culture where discussing menopause is as natural as addressing any other health topic. Participants will learn how normalizing these conversations—from casual interactions to boardroom discussions—helps reduce stigma and encourages openness, trust, and understanding.
3. Create Supportive Environments: Provide actionable strategies for companies to build inclusive workplaces that value and support employees at every stage of their careers. Attendees will gain tools to integrate menopause into wellness programs, benefits packages, and DEI initiatives.