44: Lou Johnson: Sparking conversations to normalise being human in the workplace

"Break the stigma, take a stand - join the movement to normalise being human in the workforce!"
"Share from the scar, not from the wound" - Lou Johnson (not the original source)
Lou Johnson is an almost 55-year-old publishing professional with over 30 years of experience. She is a feminist and advocates for normalising conversations around menopause, menstruation, motherhood and more in the workplace.
Lou wrote an article about menopause, menstruation, life, and work to process her own feelings and to share her lived experiences. The article was published by Women's Agenda and sparked many conversations about the topics, prompting women to reflect on the shame they have experienced and how they could normalise the conversations for others. Through the article, Lou wants to give permission for women to be human both in the workplace and in life and to challenge the traditional gender norms.
In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. What is the power of normalising conversations around menopause and menstruation?
2. How can we create permission to be human in the workplace?
3. What are the ways that gender norms can be challenged and changed?
Resources:
Lou's article: If we don't talk about menstruation, motherhood, mental health, menopause (and the messy in-between of life and work) nothing will ever change.
The Incorrigible Optimists Club - book
Lyndi Cohen Instagram
Your Weight Is Not The Problem - book by Lyndi Cohen

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Shelly Horton

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