Paul Starbuck is Managing Director and Executive Coach at Starbuck & Associates. His business offers a range of coaching and development programmes, including some tailored for women in leadership and those navigating perimenopause and menopause.
“My awareness of the challenges women face during menopause began at home when my wife started experiencing menopause. We were both taken by surprise, completely blindsided by the intensity of her symptoms.
“Like many families, we felt lost, and her experience at work only made things worse. The lack of understanding from her manager and colleagues left her feeling unsupported and by the time she sought help from her GP, the damage was done. Her confidence had taken a significant hit, she had lost the spark that once defined her and, ultimately, she left her job.
“It took time, but she eventually rebuilt her confidence and today her journey serves as an important case study in the work we do at Starbuck & Associates. Her story is a reminder of how crucial it is to support women through this stage of life, especially in the workplace.
Taking proactive approach to menopause support
“My turning point came when I attended a menopause awareness session. Seeing the widespread lack of understanding around menopause and how women were suffering in silence pushed me to get involved.
“I’m now proud to serve as an Independent Panel member, working to bring greater awareness and support to organisations.
“I’ve always believed in action over words. That’s why Menopause Friendly’s mission aligns so closely with my own values. The Independent Panel’s focus on encouraging organisations to go beyond ticking boxes and to think creatively about the support they provide strikes a deep chord with me.
Moving towards meaningful change
“Often, the impact of menopause on senior leaders is underestimated, but it’s essential for organisations to offer robust support at this level.
“It’s not just about having policies in place, it’s about creating a culture where individuals feel empowered and supported through what can be a challenging time.
“We’re seeing a shift where workplaces are not just adopting menopause policies but integrating meaningful support into their daily practices.
Harnessing the power of one
“One thing I’ve noticed in my work on the Independent Panel is how often change starts with just one person. Whether it’s a passionate leader, a dedicated HR professional, or an employee determined to make a difference, it’s usually that one voice which sparks a conversation and leads to change across the entire organisation.
“When menopause support becomes embedded in workplace culture, it benefits everyone – not just women going through it.
“I’m excited to be part of the work Menopause Friendly is doing because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate real, lasting change in workplaces. Across the UK, we’re seeing more organisations embrace best practices, and it’s inspiring to see this momentum building. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re making progress, and that’s something to be proud of.
Support through menopause… and beyond
“For me, this mission is personal. I don’t want anyone to struggle the way my wife did. I’m committed to helping workplaces change for the better, so that leaders and employees can feel supported through menopause.
“Together, we can create environments where people don’t just survive menopause but thrive through it.”
