In this episode of the emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by the indomitable Melissa Robertson, CEO, Director of Menopause Mandate and Director of the Women’s Sports Trust -for a refreshingly honest and empowering conversation about leadership, perimenopause, resilience and women’s health in the workplace.
Melissa speaks candidly about her own experience navigating debilitating perimenopause symptoms whilst working as CEO of Dark Horses, and reflects on the emotional, physical and professional challenges of managing menopause within the fast-paced advertising industry.
During her time as CEO of Dark Horses, Melissa wrote an open-source menopause policy designed to support women experiencing menopause at work, a policy later adapted by Menopause Mandate as part of their mission to improve awareness, education and workplace support around menopause and women’s health.
With warmth, humour and remarkable honesty, Melissa shares defining moments from her impressive career journey, alongside stories from her entrepreneurial childhood that offer a glimpse into the fearless, driven and determined woman she would become.
Together, Athene and Melissa discuss:
This is an insightful and important conversation about women’s health, leadership and the urgent need for more open, compassionate conversations around menopause at work and beyond.
The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨
Tracks:
The emPOWER Breakfast – Melissa Robertson Spotify Playlist
Melissa is a Director of Menopause Mandate, a movement founded by Mariella Frostrup to push for policy change for women in peri menopause and menopause in both workplaces and GP surgeries. Here is Melissa’s open source Menopause Policy, written while CEO at Dark Horses.
Did anyone mention Menopause: It's a Right Laugh!? A one off show with an all female line up of top comedy, introduced by MM chair Mariella Frostrup and compéred by the one and only Davina. Menopause Mandate are looking for a sponsor to cover artist costs so that we can get this CORKER on air. If that sponsor could be YOU then click here.
The emPOWER Breakfast created a giveaway PDF with tips, information and testimonials from members for Melissa’s talk which we wanted to share with you.
British Menopause Society: Guidance on symptom management and treatment options.
HRT options:
Progesterone – Tablets (can be used as pessaries if you react to progesterone)
Estrogen – Gel or patches
Testosterone – Access Androfemme via the Newson Clinic, or ask your GP for male testosterone in the UK.
Quick fact: During peak fertile years your ovaries make more testosterone than estrogen so don’t take no for an answer if you feel it could help
For some, HRT is life changing when physical and emotional symptoms impact mental health. Every woman should have the right to choose what works for her. Connecting with communities, therapists or menopause specialists can provide practical tips and emotional support.
Melissa Robertson, Menopause Mandate, Women’s Sports Trust, menopause in the workplace, perimenopause, women’s health, female leadership, advertising industry, menopause policy, workplace wellbeing, women in leadership, emotional wellbeing, leadership podcast, menopause awareness, creative industries, resilience, women in advertising, authentic leadership, burnout, empowerment podcast
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