Speaker: Liz Lay
What made you choose this menopause coaching diploma instead of other options?
Liz Lay: I was struggling at work with menopause, brain fog, anxiety, hot flashes, aching joints, just some of the symptoms, and decided to see what I could find on the internet. Looking at the time, I don't recall finding any information that stood out to me other than a link to Laurenturin's posts where what I read resonated with me. The emails were frequent and always resonated, some more so than others, and they also talked about being a menopause champion, a menopause coach, or attending free menopause training sessions. Before I signed up to the training sessions, I kept being drawn to the menopause coaching programme. And so I scheduled a call with Lauren. We spoke on the phone. There was no sales pitch. It was a genuine conversation. The next cohort for the menopause coaching session was in March, which fit in well with the sabbatical that I was due to take. When my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I'd found and completed a short course to give me a better understanding of the condition, and this seemed the best way to go to for menopause. I did some quick research and looking at the other courses, they didn't seem to compare to me. I spoke to my husband about my thoughts and felt that the training content and the price was good value,
What specific challenge or uncertainty did you have before enrolling, and how has the training resolved that?
Liz Lay: I wasn't sure the coaching element of the course was relevant for me, as I would be going back to work where coaching on menopause would be outside of my role. As the coaching section began and Lauren coached us through the menopause plan, it became clear that every company would benefit from menopause coaching being available in the workplace. Just because a company has a menopause policy, it doesn't give life to it for managers and leaders to know the impact of how to identify and support women in menopause in the workplace. It still isn't openly talked about in a lot of companies.
How has this diploma changed your confidence, career, or business results so far?
Liz Lay: The diploma has hugely increased my confidence. I know so much more about the journey through menopause, those it impacts, the various ages, stages, and cultural differences. I've gained new coaching skills which I've put into practise with my practise clients. We only needed two, but I actually took 4 ladies through the programme and could have increased that number very easily. I'm now also on HRT, having heard about the benefits from experts who talk to us on the programme and then making notes of my symptoms and knowing the questions to ask when I went to see my GP.
What surprised you most about the experience?
Liz Lay: What surprised me most is that the programme covers all learning styles, discussions. Handouts, presentations, recordings, breakout sessions and practical application. There was no mandatory homework either, but plenty to do if you felt inspired to do extra, which I did. It removed any pressure that normally comes with training, and it made it fun learning and at times it was also emotional too.
Who would you recommend this diploma to, and why?
Liz Lay: I'd recommend this diploma to anybody in the menopause space or interested in menopause. In my cohort, as an example, we covered at least 12 different countries coaches, pharmacists, HR leaders, financial services were all in the cohort, and there have been nurses on previous cohorts too. Every business needs a menopause champion and an action plan, and every business and every community would benefit from a menopause cafe, with every woman benefiting from access to a menopause coach. With menopause being such an evolving subject, watch this space.
