How Personal Style Helps Women Thrive Through Menopause’s Challenges with Emma Stronell

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Stronell for an inspiring and deeply candid conversation on how personal style, color, and wardrobe confidence can help women navigate the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Together, we explore how sudden health shifts—such as medical menopause and severe endometriosis—can impact self-esteem, and how clothing can be used as a powerful tool to regain control and identity.We dive into Emma’s professional journey, from her early passion for design and two-decade career in high-end retail management to facing severe health struggles that altered her life path. Emma shares her personal experience going through medical menopause and seven laparoscopies, the workplace stigma she hid for years, and how training as a menopause coach empowered her to rebuild her confidence. We discuss practical ways to dress for changing bodies, the role of color and fabrics during hot flushes, and how small style shifts can transform how women feel inside and out.00:00 Episode Introduction00:37 Early Career in Fashion Retail03:42 Store Management & Visual Styling05:27 Endometriosis & Medical Menopause07:31 Workplace Stigma & Erosion of Confidence09:16 Career Burnout & Health Challenges11:34 Self-Advocacy in Healthcare12:41 Transition to Menopause & Style Coaching16:34 "Small Hinges Swing Big Doors"18:10 Personal Styling & Color Analysis21:43 Underwear, Foundations & Shapewear23:59 Managing Symptoms with Fabrics & Layering25:12 Surgical Menopause & Peer Support28:30 Connecting with Emma StronellConnect with Emma Stronell:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforward_editMeet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstageTwitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren