Episode 039: Women in Work: Empowering Female Leaders Beyond Reproduction

04/25/25 • 30 min

Melissa Ashley, founder of Women in Work US and the Menopause Mandate, joins us for a compelling conversation about workplace support through every stage of women's lives, especially menopause.
She shares her journey of recognizing that while companies focus on reproductive health, they often neglect supporting women through menopause, despite this demographic making up approximately 20% of the US workforce. "There's not a lot that's really targeted to C-suite executives in the HR and benefits area that talks about the how," Melissa explains, highlighting the gap her organization fills through impactful events and resources.
We explore the fascinating reality that women in midlife are typically at the peak of their careers—more confident, experienced, and free from many earlier life constraints. As Melissa puts it, "We're less constrained, we're more comfortable with ourselves, we've really come into our own and can be much stronger contributors as well as consumers." This perspective reframes the conversation from viewing menopause as a liability to recognizing it as a period of tremendous potential.
The conversation takes a turn when Melissa reveals her groundbreaking initiative: the first national free Menopause Mandate advice line. This resource connects women with qualified menopause guides for 15-minute consultations, addressing the critical gap in healthcare support. With roughly 56,000 OBGYNs nationwide and approximately 70-80% lacking menopause education, countless women find themselves dismissed by medical professionals during this critical life transition.
Whether you're an HR professional seeking actionable strategies to support your workforce, a woman navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this episode delivers invaluable insights. Join us to discover how supporting women through all life stages creates stronger organizations and more fulfilling careers.
Ready to make a difference in your organization? Connect with Melissa through LinkedIn or visit menopausemandate.org to learn about access to the free advice line.

For WiW Events, visit www.wiwsummitus.com.

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MiDOViA is dedicated to changing the narrative about menopause by educating, raising awareness & supporting women in this stage of life, both at home and in the workplace. Visit midovia.com to learn more.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images & other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

For WiW Events, visit www.wiwsummitus.com.

Previous Episode

Episode 038: GLP-1s: Myths, Truths, and Menopause

Weight gain during menopause frustrates countless women—but what if there was a science-backed solution that addressed the underlying hormonal shifts? Michelle Cardel, Chief Nutrition Officer at Weight Watchers, takes us on an eye-opening journey through the world of GLP-1 medications, debunking myths and revealing surprising truths along the way.
Originally developed for diabetes management, these medications have revolutionized weight management by targeting the biological drivers of hunger. "They mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, reduces appetite, and slows gastric emptying," explains Cardel. The result? A remarkable reduction in what researchers call "food noise"—that persistent, all-consuming focus on eating that many women experience during menopause.
Perhaps most surprising is the medication's impact beyond the scale. Weight Watchers research shows an astonishing 50% improvement in overall quality of life for GLP-1 users, affecting everything from self-esteem to sexual function. "Women report feeling more in control around food, with less urgency to snack or overeat," notes Cardell, making these medications particularly valuable during hormonal transitions.
Contrary to circulating fears, Cardel addresses bone health concerns head-on: "Research has shown GLP-1 medications might actually be beneficial for bone formation." However, she emphasizes the importance of resistance training, adequate protein, and a comprehensive approach. Her simple-to-remember 30-30-30 rule provides practical guidance: aim for 30 grams of protein per meal, 30 grams of fiber daily, and 30 minutes of physical activity.
The conversation shifts from viewing GLP-1s as a "shortcut" to recognizing them as legitimate treatment for a chronic condition. As Cardel powerfully states, "Just as we support treatment for other conditions like asthma or hypertension, using GLP-1s to support weight and metabolic health is a science-backed choice." For women navigating menopause, this perspective offers not just hope but permission to prioritize their health without shame or stigma.
Ready to transform your understanding of weight management during menopause? Listen now and discover if GLP-1 medications might be part of your midlife wellness journey.

Website: https://www.weightwatchers.com

@dr.michellecardel

Dr. Cardel is a nutrition scientist, registered dietitian, and Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers. She also serves as a faculty member at the University of Florida, where she co-directs the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. At WeightWatchers, Dr. Cardel leads clinical trials, the program innovation team, and nutrition and food database. Her team shapes the organization’s nutrition strategy using the latest science, develops evidence-based programs, and the most cutting-edge science is integrated into member programs and content.

A Fellow of The Obesity Society, Dr. Cardel has authored over 125 publications in high-impact journals like JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, AJCN, and Obesity. Her numerous accolades include the University of Alabama (UAB) Outstanding Woman Award, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Excellence in Emerging Outcomes Research Award, UAB’s Young Alumni Rising Star Award, and The Obesity Society’s Practitioner of the Year Award for Excellence in Clinical Care and Management of Obesity.

Next Episode

Episode 040: You Are Already Good: Reframing Body Image in Menopause

What if the journey through menopause offered not just physical challenges, but a profound opportunity to heal your relationship with your body? In this illuminating conversation with Trisha Wilkerson, certified health and nutrition coach and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, we explore how midlife becomes a crucial crossroads in women's relationships with themselves.
Trisha shares her personal evolution from disordered eating to becoming a compassionate guide for women struggling with food and body image. She reveals the patterns she's observed in women's relationships with their bodies - particularly the strong inner critic that judges, compares, and denies pleasure. This critical voice, she explains, often stems from childhood messages about not being enough, creating a lifelong pattern of seeking external approval.
The menopause transition brings these issues to the forefront as our bodies change in ways we can't control. As Trisha beautifully articulates, we face a choice: continue struggling against reality or begin the courageous work of acceptance. Her most powerful insight? "If we could see ourselves and our bodies as already good and then nurture what is already good... that postural change would be life changing."
Through practices like "compassionate curiosity" and her "notice, name, nurture" approach, Tricia offers practical ways to interrupt automatic negative thought patterns about our bodies. She challenges the idea that we need to force positivity, suggesting instead that neutrality - simply observing "there's my body" without judgment - might be a more authentic first step toward healing.
Discover how trauma-sensitive yoga can help reconnect with your body, why community is vital during menopause despite the fear of connection, and why, as Trisha reminds us, "Your most important relationship is the one with yourself." This episode offers not just insights, but a pathway toward making peace with your changing body during menopause and beyond.

Aftermath Agency: https://www.theaftermathagency.com/

Trisha Wilkerson is a certified Health and Nutrition Coach and published author. Trisha is dedicated to assisting individuals in improving their connections with food, their bodies, and themselves. By fostering compassionate curiosity and advocating an anti-diet philosophy, she creates a safe environment and relationship for clients to shift their anxieties concerning food, fitness, and other healthy practices towards inner peace--believing we can cultivate deeper health, at any size.
Trisha is currently working on her second book titled "Already Good: How Extreme Religion and Diet Culture Exploit Our Human Quest for Meaning and Belonging."
Trisha is co-founder of The Aftermath Agency-- a collaborative private practice centering wholistic health in Edmonds, WA. There, she also teaches Trauma Sensitive Yoga, as a modality to assist embodied agency in healing from various traumas.

The MiDOViA Menopause Podcast - Episode 039: Women in Work: Empowering Female Leaders Beyond Reproduction

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.160

Welcome to the Medovia Menopause Podcast Business Edition , your trusted source for insights on menopause and midlife in the workplace . Each episode features meaningful conversations with inspiring guests . Tune in and enjoy the show .

Speaker 100:00:17.001

Hi everyone . Today we have a special guest who we've been working alongside for several years now . Melissa