What if the way we design work could directly improve mental health, confidence, and long-term career wellbeing - especially for women navigating midlife transitions?

In this episode of Sage Women, Michelle Hasani, Rebecca Hannan and Mel share a bold, evidence-based conversation shaped by their collaboration, Work by Design. Together, they explore how cognitive and relational shifts in midlife -including those brought on by menopause - intersect with neuroscience, work culture, and gendered systems.

We dive into why job design isn't just about productivity — it's a health intervention and equity strategy. Through real-world stories and stats, we unpack how autonomy, allyship and psychological safety can transform workplaces.

You’ll hear about practical strategies like job crafting, co-created wellbeing plans, and how relational intelligence can build stronger, more inclusive teams. This episode is rich with insights for leaders, people practitioners, and anyone ready to reimagine how we show up, support each other, and succeed at work - by design.

On this episode, Melanie sits down with Kylie Ingram, CEO of Wizer Business, to explore Wizer Snaps, a smart communication tool that helps users tailor their messages based on decision profiles. They discuss how women often use the tool to prepare for meetings and craft messages with care, while men are increasingly using it for sales and business development. The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication, especially for women in midlife who may face ADHD and communication anxiety. Kylie shares three practical steps to improve communication: understand the recipient's decision profile, lead with what they want to hear first, and be bold about your goals rather than chasing harmony. They also explore how the tool reframes difficult conversations around decision-making frameworks rather than emotional responses. The episode addresses the way women's communication is judged differently, and the double bind of being too soft or too tough - emphasising how Wizer offers a smart, supportive way to plan and shape conversations for better leadership and collaboration.

WizerBusiness: Learn more here

YouTube Link: The Science of Yes - 7 Decision Profiles that Lift Donor Response

Paper: Fear of Backlash Moderates Female Senior Executives' Communion (but Not Agency) as Compared to Female Lecturers

Quantum Impact Group article: Embracing Your Power: A Guide for Women in Leadership

Midlife is a crossroads where caring for others can come at our own expense. This reflective episode dives into the burnout that can follow and challenges the old labels of selfish and selfless. Is there a healthier middle ground? Join us as we explore what women really need - to find a new language and to start considering the concepts of the middle ground - self-care, self-love, and self-compassion. If you’re ready to reframe care as a sustainable act of kindness toward yourself, this is the podcast for you.

How likely are you to put others first? Take the Four Tendencies Quiz, which I use with many of my clients: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/

Listen to the previous episode on this topic by Melanie White: https://melaniejwhite.com/episode-71-selfish-vs-selfless/

Melanie and Pharmacist Therese Loo explore personalised health care for women in midlife. In this episode, they discuss how DNA testing and blood panels combined with science-based health coaching can deliver individualized strategies that fit each person’s unique biology and life circumstances. They examine how genetic predispositions interact with lifestyle factors to influence health outcomes, emphasizing that genetics offer insights but environmental and dietary changes can profoundly impact longevity and well-being. The conversation highlights how we are all unique, it's time to move past the one-size-fits-most approach, and to take a holistic and personalised approach to help each woman optimise health during menopausal transitions. By addressing inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and other midlife challenges through personalised nutrition and targeted support services, we can turn information into insights and practical, everyday health decisions.

Connect with Therese:

Learn more about DNA testing: pharmacistedit.com/dnatesting 


Listen to my podcast on DNA testing: pharmacistedit.com/tldna 


Subscribe for new articles and wellness updates: pharmacistedit.com/subscribe

And to every listener - if you’re curious about whether DNA analysis could be your missing piece, I offer a free 30-minute Health Chat to explore if this approach fits your goals. It’s simply a conversation to clarify, not commit. https://pharmacistedit.com/work-with-me

Melanie and Michelle explore how where you live shapes your fitness journey. In this episode, they discuss access to exercise in remote areas, with Michelle sharing her firsthand experiences teaching fitness in rural Victoria and highlighting the prominent role of community sports in these regions. They discuss the unique challenges women in rural areas face when returning to physical activity after leaving team sports - balancing family duties and limited access to resources. The conversation wraps with practical strategies to boost physical activity in remote areas, emphasising community support, creative and accessible workout ideas, and the exciting potential of connecting distant towns through shared fitness activities. Whether you’re in a rural town or just curious about rural health, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration.

Connect with Michelle:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577855840309

This episode dives into identity changes and the unique challenges women face in midlife as physical and hormonal shifts reshape how they see themselves and their roles in society. Melanie shares candid insights on menopause and declining estrogen that can temporarily affect confidence and sense of capacity, while reframing this period as a chance for personal reinvention and fresh self-definition. Listeners will come away with practical strategies for navigating midlife transitions—balancing logical thinking with emotional awareness, rediscovering passions, and building supportive networks while adapting health and wellness routines to thrive. Key topics: - Understanding identity shifts in midlife - The impact of menopause and hormonal changes - Reframing midlife as a path to reinvention - Practical strategies: balancing logic with emotional awareness - Rediscovering passions and interests - Building and leaning on supportive networks - Designing sustainable health and wellness habits.

Read Our Blog: Navigating the Midlife Crisis

For information on Sage's Identity Project - Helping Midlife Women Rediscover their Authentic Selves, contact us using the General Enquiries button on our Contact Page https://www.sagewomenshealth.com/contact

Melanie White chats with Amanda Kube, a former educator turned wellness coach, about the unique mental health challenges women face in regional and rural areas. This episode dives into midlife anxiety, the impact of isolation, limited access to support services, and the social pressures that can compound stress in rural and remote communities. They explore the power of self-compassion and strategies to break generational patterns of concealing health issues. Practical solutions take the spotlight, including how telehealth, professional coaching, and supportive GP care can make a difference. The conversation also highlights the need for better education and awareness around menopause and midlife transitions. A thoughtful, down-to-earth discussion for women navigating health and wellbeing in regional Australia.

Connect with Amanda: https://www.wellnesswithamanda.au

Women in rural Australia face significant barriers to accessing specialist healthcare. Today, nurse and health coach Celeste Cleary from Flourishing Wellness outlines the key challenges in depth, from the scarcity of medical services to social and cultural barriers that disproportionately affect women, and the critical need for patient empowerment. We'll unpack how technology, particularly telehealth, is playing a vital role in bridging the gap, and share some resources to help women in regional Queensland - including how Celeste's workshop on Tough Conversations can help people find their voice.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/celestecleary

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CelesteCleary/

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

Celeste's "Tough Conversations Workshop" outline

Interview for Capricornia Chamber of Commerce (5 min YouTube)

True Relationships & Reproductive Health Outreach

Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network

In this episode, we’re joined by Shannan White (AEP, AES, ESSAM), an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist based in Broulee, NSW. Shannan brings a wealth of experience in managing injuries and chronic conditions, and is on a mission to transform women’s health care through evidence-based, holistic approaches.

We discuss the unique health challenges faced by women in regional areas, Shannan’s passion for improving care experiences in both allied health and sport, and her innovative, tailored bone health program she delivers to help women build strength and resilience. This is a powerful conversation about bridging the gap in rural health, rethinking how we support women across the lifespan, and creating meaningful change at the community level.

Contact Shannan: https://balancehf.com.au

Follow Shannan @drift.exercisephysiology

Find an Exercise Professional Near You - https://www.essa.org.au

Post-natal depression and then early menopause threw nutritionist and health coach Lauren for a loop, but it also sparked a journey of self-discovery. Join us as she shares her powerful story, revealing how she embraced a holistic approach to tame her symptoms and reclaim her well-being.

We'll dive into the surprising impact of stress and nutrition on reproductive health, and Lauren will arm you with practical strategies, from breathwork to lifestyle tweaks, to navigate perimenopause and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking self-awareness, education, and open communication to thrive during menopause and beyond!

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.zagami/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-conneely-a841027/

Download Lauren's 8 Simple Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipes: https://mailchi.mp/healthwithlauren/simple-protein-packed-breakfasts

Bookings: https://calendly.com/lauren-healthwithlauren