Menopause and Burnout at Work - With Lynn Blades

In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Blades, an executive leadership coach and former CNN journalist, to talk about menopause, burnout, and the corporate world’s lack of support for midlife women.

Lynn spent decades coaching top leaders in global businesses, but when menopause hit, even she wasn’t fully prepared. The brain fog, the mood swings, the relentless hot flashes—she had to navigate it all while maintaining her high-powered career. And she’s not alone.

We discuss why 47% of women in senior leadership roles feel unsupported during menopause, why so many talented women leave the workforce at the peak of their careers, and what businesses must do to change the game. Lynn also shares her personal experience of burnout, the dangers of ignoring the warning signs, and the wake-up call that changed everything.

This conversation is bold, honest, and deeply necessary. If you've ever felt like you're just pushing through, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, burnout and menopause are connected—and it's time we start talking about it.

✨ Lynn’s new book, The Quiet Burn, is out May 13th! We talk about why she wrote it, and how it's a must-read for ambitious women navigating stress, success, and self-care.

Grab your headphones, a cup of tea (or a fan, if the hot flashes are kicking in), and let’s dive in. 

Lisa x

 

About Lynn Blades

Lynn Blades is an executive coach, leadership expert, and former award-winning journalist with a passion for empowering women in business. As the founder of Legacy Leadership, she helps leaders—from C-suite execs to rising stars—navigate their careers with confidence and clarity. With clients spanning industries like finance, media, and tech (think Nike, BBC, and Warner Bros.), Lynn knows what it takes to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Before coaching, she worked as a journalist with networks like CNN, BBC, and Showtime, sharpening her skills in communication and storytelling. Now, she channels that expertise into helping leaders find their voice, avoid burnout, and step into their power. She also chairs the board of New Curators and mentors young professionals through Creative Access.

Her upcoming book, The Quiet Burn, is a call to action for ambitious women to embrace their power, take off their invisible Superwoman cape (that often feels like a noose) and prioritise themselves. Underscoring that self-care is essential for personal and professional success.

 

Follow Lynn Blades

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnblades/ 

Website:  https://lynnblades.com/

Preorder Lynn’s NEW Book “The Quiet Burn” (out 15th May!): https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-quiet-burn/lynn-blades//9781639081301 

 

Follow Am I Crazy? Or… 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amicrazyorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amicrazyorpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmICrazyOr/videos 

Website: https://www.amicrazyor.com/

 

Podcast Host & Producer: Lisa Paasche

Podcast Editor & Producer: Luke Naylor-Perrot

 

Links:

 

Fawcett Society: Landmark Study Menopausal Women let Down by Employers and Healthcare Providers

https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/news/landmark-study-menopausal-women-let-down-by-employers-and-healthcare-providers

Shattering the Silence about Menopause

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shattering-the-silence-about-menopause-12-month-progress-report/shattering-the-silence-about-menopause-12-month-progress-report