Empowering Women at Work – The Menopause Conversation That’s Long Overdue with Kathryn Colas

In this episode of IT´S IN YOU Katharina Engelhardt sits down with Kathryn Colas, a leading advocate for menopause awareness in the workplace and founder of the Kathryn Colas Academy. Together, they discuss why menopause is a leadership issue, how it impacts career progression, and what organizations can do to support employees navigating this phase of life.

Kathryn shares her personal journey through menopause, how it nearly ended her career, and how she turned that struggle into a mission to educate and empower both women and businesses. From breaking the stigma to implementing practical workplace policies, this conversation sheds light on a topic that’s long overdue in corporate discussions.

💡 Key Takeaways: 

✔️ Menopause isn’t just a women’s health issue—it’s a business and leadership priority.
✔️ The career impact of menopause is real: many women leave leadership roles due to lack of support.
✔️ Companies need clear policies, education, and open conversations to retain top female talent.
✔️ Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about listening, supporting, and advocating.
✔️ Menopause is a new beginning—not the end of a career, but an opportunity for reinvention.

🔊 Sound Bites:
  "Menopause is a leadership issue."
  "It’s time to break the silence and start real conversations at work."
  "Women in leadership shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their well-being."
  "Every workplace must recognize menopause as a business priority."
  "If we don’t talk about it, nothing will change."

Structure

00:00 Introduction to Menopause in the Workplace
 05:02 The Importance of Menopause Awareness
 10:07 Menopause as a Leadership Issue
 15:11 Career Challenges During Menopause
 19:56 Steps for Companies to Support Women
 24:07 Conclusion and Future Directions
 24:36 The Impact of Menopause on Workplace Productivity
 27:52 Creating Awareness and Open Conversations
 30:22 Exploring Treatment Options for Menopause
 33:09 Leadership Insights and Career Development
 36:25 Embracing Diversity in the Workplace
 39:41 Passion and Purpose in Leadership
 41:51 Starting Conversations About Menopause

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📖 Kathryn’s book: How to Survive Menopause Without Losing Your Mind
🏫

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