Every so often, life has a knack for throwing in a plot twist, a curveball that catches you off guard. For some, it might be a serendipitous business venture, for others a spate of unpredictable market trends. But for us, the distinguished ladies marching headlong into our golden era, it’s a little thing called menopause. An age-old narrative, yet every woman's tale of this transition is remarkably unique.
Menopause is more than just the physical changes you're going through. It's not merely those unexpected hot flushes during pivotal moments or mood swings that can overshadow the most unpredictable market trends. It’s about stepping into a fresh phase, adjusting to a new pace of life, and, quite possibly, stumbling upon hidden strengths. It's like finding a surprise nook in a home you thought you knew inside out.
So, here we stand: a coterie of dynamic women entrepreneurs, standing at the crossroads of menopausal mayhem and business brilliance. A bit of an odd pairing, wouldn’t you say? Like adding jalapeños to your morning tea or playing jazz tunes during a heavy metal concert. But as most game-changing ideas often seem odd at first glance, this juxtaposition is a potent blend waiting to be brewed.
But how do we find our way through this uncharted territory? How do we harness the energy from these intense hormonal changes and channel them into business victories? Books, my friend, have always been that reassuring presence when things get murky. They offer comfort, insights, and often become the quiet mentors we lean on. In the world of menopause and entrepreneurship, the insights from these pages can be a game-changer.
Now, while your bookshelf might be sagging with business manuals, self-help tomes, and maybe the odd guilty pleasure romance novel (no judgment here!), it might be lacking in reads that address this unique confluence of business and menopause. If you've been hunting for literature that speaks to this niche, you're in for a treat.
The literary realm is vast, but I've trawled its depths to cherry-pick some gems for you. These aren't just books; they're compasses for every businesswoman in the throes of menopause. They touch upon the nitty-gritty, share tales of triumph, offer practical strategies, and above all, remind us that this phase is not an impediment but a goldmine of opportunities.
So, grab your reading glasses, snuggle into your favourite reading nook, and let’s dive into the world of words that promise to shed light on this magnificent meld of menopause and entrepreneurship. As we delve this list, remember: every chapter you turn, every insight you gain, is a step closer to harnessing your menopausal magic in the entrepreneurial world.
1. The Change Before The Change by Laura E. Corio
You know, there’s something about a title that instantly makes you nod. Yep, that’s it. That’s what I’m feeling. Laura E. Corio, with her brilliant narrative, seems to be whispering in our ears, “Hey, I’ve got you. Let’s walk this journey together.”
But here's the thing – Laura isn't just penning down a medical manual, she's spilling the beans on how these changes impact the modern businesswoman, aka you and me. This isn't about looking at menopause as some "dreaded phase" but understanding it, so you remain in control – in life and in those board meetings.
Right off the bat, Corio dives into the early signs, the ones we often brush off, blaming a stressful week, a packed schedule, or that dodgy sushi we had for lunch. And as you turn the pages, you realise that these signs, these symptoms, they don't have to dictate our lives, let alone our businesses.
What I love about this book? It’s practical. It’s not a dense, academic slog, but it feels more like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend who just happens to have a medical degree. The kind you’d have over a strong coffee or a cheeky glass of wine. It's a guide, a friend, and sometimes, a little nudge saying, "It's alright; you've got the reins!"
2. Own it: The Power of Women at Work by Sallie Krawcheck
Alright, so here’s a book that screams power from the title itself. Now, before you jump the gun, no, it isn’t strictly about menopause. But darn, it’s an anthem for every woman in the business world, and it fits seamlessly into the narrative of embracing every part of womanhood – yes, even the menopausal bit.
Sallie isn't about sugar-coating. She's seen the corporate world, been at the top, and faced every challenge head-on. And what she offers in "Own it" is a treasure trove of insights, experiences, and downright brilliant advice on how women can, well, own it.
You'll find yourself chuckling, raising an eyebrow, and having several 'aha!' moments as you traverse through its pages. Sallie has this knack for turning what society perceives as our 'weaknesses' into undeniable strengths. Vulnerabilities? Nah, they're superpowers in disguise.
One aspect that resonates particularly well is the emphasis on values – in business and life. It's not just about climbing the ladder but about how you climb it, especially when you're navigating the unpredictability that menopause throws into the mix. There’s wisdom, wit, and a splash of sass – it's like Sallie is right there, giving you a pep talk.
Every chapter feels like an affirmation. A reminder that, as businesswomen, we're not just part of the game; we're changing it. And menopause? Well, it's just another chapter in our epic story.
3. Menopause Confidential: A Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Thriving Through Midlife by Dr. Tara Allmen
This one, ladies and gents, is like opening a Pandora's box of secrets, but the good kind. You know, like finding that lost necklace or that sneaky tenner in your winter jacket. Dr. Tara Allmen, in a dazzling display of wit and wisdom, brings to light the nitty-gritty of menopause, ensuring you're neither caught off-guard nor gasping for air amidst the hustle of entrepreneurship.
So why is this one a goldmine for the business-savvy woman? Well, because it's not just about understanding the science – it's about embracing the change without letting it run (or ruin) your show. Dr. Tara strips down the medical jargon, laying it out in a language that's as easy to grasp as your morning cuppa.
There's a theme running throughout: proactive adaptation. Don't just wait for the waves to hit; understand them, ride them, and steer your ship (and by ship, I mean that booming business of yours) to safer shores. It's candid, it's reassuring, and more importantly, it feels like someone’s got your back.
4. Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person by Barrie Jaeger
So at first glance, you might be thinking, "What’s the menopause connection here?" Stick with me. Barrie Jaeger touches on a topic that feels so intertwined with the menopausal journey – heightened sensitivity. When hormones are having a bit of a rave inside, our reactions, emotions, and sensitivities are also on the guest list.
Jaeger, with such precision, lays out strategies for the highly sensitive individual to not just survive but thrive in the workplace. And while the book isn't tailored explicitly to menopause, the parallels are hard to miss. With fluctuating hormones, many women report amplified emotions and sensitivities. And for an entrepreneur, understanding this shift and harnessing it can be game-changing.
There’s a beauty in this book, a narrative that says, “Hey, it’s okay to feel more, to sense more.” Instead of battling these amplified emotions, especially during menopause, Jaeger nudges you to channel them. Use them as a guide in decision-making, in understanding clients, and in moulding your business persona. It's an ode to embracing every facet of oneself, menopause and all.
5. The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change by Dr. Christiane Northrup
If menopause had a spirit guide, it would probably be Dr. Northrup. In this masterclass of a book, she weaves in the medical, the mystical, and the downright practical, offering a holistic view of menopause like no other.
For any entrepreneur, clarity is paramount, especially when hormonal tempests are afoot. Northrup ensures that you're not navigating this stage based on myths or hearsay but with grounded knowledge. The spotlight isn't merely on hot flashes and night sweats; it's about the broader transformation. There’s a reason it's called the ‘change’, after all.
What’s magnetic about this read is its undercurrent of empowerment. It’s not about battling menopause; it’s about harnessing its energy, wisdom, and dare I say, superpowers. As an entrepreneur, this perspective is invaluable. It allows one to not just adapt but evolve, ensuring menopause becomes an ally in the business journey, rather than an adversary.
6. The Menopause Book by Pat Wingert and Barbara Kantrowitz
This one's like the swiss army knife of menopause. Wingert and Kantrowitz have compiled a tome that’s as expansive as it is detailed. Think of it as a menopausal encyclopedia, only with less yawns and more eureka moments.
Diving deep into the symptoms, the science, and the strategies, "The Menopause Book" leaves no stone unturned. For a businesswoman, understanding the landscape is crucial. This book offers a roadmap, highlighting potential roadblocks, scenic routes, and everything in between.
But here's the cherry on top: its down-to-earth approach. There’s no tiptoeing or sugar-coating. It’s direct, just the way a businesswoman likes it. If menopause is a journey, this book is your GPS, ensuring you not only reach your destination but also enjoy the ride.
7. Menopause: The One-Stop Guide by Kathy Abernethy
Abernethy drops the mic when it comes to de-mystifying the enigma wrapped in a riddle that is menopause. In the bustling world of startups and boardroom showdowns, sometimes you need that no-nonsense buddy who spills the tea, no holds barred. That's exactly what this book does.
Beyond just the physiology of the 'change', Abernethy gets down to the nitty-gritty. Mood swings, memory lapses, the odd hot flash in the middle of a pitch – it's all unpacked with the clarity of a master storyteller. And as every entrepreneur knows, understanding is half the battle.
8. Confessions of a Menopausal Woman: Everything you want to know but are too afraid to ask... by Andrea McLean
If menopause was a stand-up gig, McLean would be its headlining act. She presents a candid, hilarious, and, at times, poignant account of her tryst with menopause. It's raw, real, and oh-so-relatable.
The beauty of this book? It feels like a chat with a close friend. You know, that friend who’s experienced it all and isn’t afraid to share the good, the bad, and the sweaty. For entrepreneurs, this is a breath of fresh air. In between the rollercoaster of running a business, sometimes you need a laugh, a nod of understanding, and a shot of inspiration. McLean serves all three, with a side of wicked humour.
9. New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed
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Weed's exploration of menopause is as poetic as it is pragmatic. Painting a picture where menopause isn’t the end but a transformative beginning, Susun immerses you in age-old wisdom, harmonized perfectly with modern insights.
Now, for the entrepreneurial spirit, this book is akin to a secret manual. It’s about transitioning, adapting, and flourishing, much like navigating the unpredictable waters of business. Susun approaches menopause as more than just a physical change; it's a spiritual and emotional metamorphosis. So, if you've ever wished for a guide to walk you through this stage with grace, strategy, and a touch of magic, this might just be your jam.
10. The Complete Book of Menopause: Every Woman's Guide to Good Health by C. Landau
Landau's masterpiece is like that efficient business partner who knows a little bit about everything. Comprehensive and clear, this guide delves deep into every facet of menopause, making it a worthy addition to any businesswoman’s bookshelf.
One of the standout features? Its integrative approach. From nutrition to exercise, hormone therapy to mindfulness, it’s all covered. The complexities of menopause, when juxtaposed with the challenges of entrepreneurship, can be overwhelming. Landau’s guide, with its balance of scientific expertise and relatable anecdotes, ensures you're equipped to tackle both with finesse.
11. Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris (2018)
This one is about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the research behind it. If you're weighing up whether HRT could be right for you, use a book like this to come to your appointment with better questions, and make the decision with your own doctor.
12. Flash Count Diary: Menopause and the Vindication of Natural Life by Darcey Steinke
This isn't just another book on menopause – it's an exploration, a testament, a celebration. Steinke paints a picture where biology meets philosophy, where the personal mingles with the universal. We're led through a journey where menopause isn't the end but a sort of rebirth. An awakening.
Now, for the business-minded individual, this is not merely a handbook on navigating physical changes. Oh no. It's a guide to reclaiming power, to understand that as things change – be it our bodies, market trends, or business landscapes – we are equipped to handle, adapt, and thrive. Steinke masterfully showcases that in the flux of life, menopause can be a phase of introspection and rediscovery.
Imagine taking a sabbatical to realign your business strategies. This book offers that, but for your life, your essence. By the end of it, you'll not only understand menopause better but also the strength that lies within transitions and transformations.
13. The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter
Hold onto your business hats, folks – this one's a game-changer. Dr. Gunter, known for her no-nonsense approach in the medical world, delivers a powerful punch with this book. It's factual, fierce, and absolutely feminist. Think of it as the textbook you wish you had, minus the boredom.
For the entrepreneur, this is gold. Why? Because knowledge is power. By understanding menopause at its core – the science, the myths, the societal perceptions – you're equipping yourself with a sort of superpower. It's the same principle as understanding your business metrics or market trends.
Gunter pulls no punches. She delves deep into the hormone therapy debates, societal stigmas, and even the history of how menopause has been perceived (spoiler: it's infuriating). By the end of it, you won't just be well-informed, you'll be raring to advocate, to discuss, and to own this phase of life with pride and gusto.
I've kept the notes on the last seven shorter. They're published books on menopause, so treat each as a pointer and read a sample before you buy.
14. The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause by Louise Newson (2023 edition)
A broad guide to the perimenopause and menopause. It's a sensible starting point if you want one general reference rather than a niche read.
15. Hot Flushes, Cold Science by Louise Foxcroft (2009)
A book about menopause first published in 2009. An older title like this is useful next to newer ones, because it shows how the conversation has changed.
16. Menopause Bootcamp by Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz (2022)
A 2022 book on menopause. The title suggests a practical approach, so look at the contents page to see whether it matches what you need.
17. The Menopause Maze by Megan Arroll (2016)
A 2016 book that aims to help readers find their way through menopause. Check the contents page to see how it's organised.
18. Unlock Your Menopause Type by Heather Hirsch and Stacey Colino (2023)
A 2023 book on menopause. The title suggests it helps readers work out what kind of experience they're having, so sample a chapter first.
19. The Menopause Makeover by Staness Jonekos (2009)
A 2009 book on menopause. Read the description and a sample page to decide whether its approach suits you.
20. Menopause Matters by Julia Schlam Edelman (2009)
A 2009 book on menopause. As with the others in this group, sample it before you commit.
Writers who cover this topic can browse women's blogs open to guest posts before pitching.
Conclusion
We've been on a bookish binge, leafing through the highs and lows of menopause while never forgetting our entrepreneurial zest. Think of menopause as that unexpected afternoon lull. But hey, with these game-changing reads by your side, you're not just getting through it; you're absolutely owning it.
Each page you turn, each story you resonate with, and each lesson you absorb is another ace up your sleeve. The beauty of these books is not just in the words they contain, but in the empowerment they offer. By embracing the changes, understanding the shifts, and applying the knowledge, you’re paving a path for countless others in the business world to walk on. You're creating a legacy - not just as an entrepreneur, but as a trailblazer, showing that menopause is not a setback, but a set-up for new achievements and insights.
Now, as entrepreneurs, we're naturally curious creatures. We’re always looking for the next strategy, the next tool, or the next big idea to elevate our business. And when life throws a curveball like menopause our way, it's these very books that arm us with the insights to catch it and throw it back with finesse. So, whether you're riding the menopausal rollercoaster or just want to arm yourself with knowledge for the journey ahead, these books are your trusty sidekicks.
Grab a cuppa, find a cozy corner, and let these authors guide you through the intricacies of menopause in the business world. Lean into the journey, embrace the changes, and remember that every challenge is simply a new chapter in your entrepreneurial story. Keep thriving, keep learning, and most importantly, keep being your fabulous self.
Related: Helene Hadsell's business lessons
Related reading: Balancing Hot Flashes and High Stakes: A Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Navigating Menopause and 6 Business Books to Inspire and Motivate You.
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