Sandra Boyd sits down with Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley, clinical psychologist and researcher, and Patricia Polischuk, executive coach and HR leader, to unpack a topic that affects over a billion women worldwide yet remains largely invisible in workplaces: menopause. Together, they break the silence on symptoms, stigma, and the intersection of health, leadership, and psychological safety
We talk about:
- The surprising range of menopause symptoms—and why most go unrecognized
- How stigma and bias in medicine and workplaces leave women unsupported
- The psychological toll of perimenopause: anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional shifts
- Practical strategies to manage brain fog, sleep issues, and emotional regulation
- How leaders and workplaces can create menopause-inclusive environments
- The power of psychological safety and open conversations in retaining top female talent
- Why normalizing menopause benefits everyone—not just women
Whether you’re navigating menopause yourself, leading others through it, or simply ready to understand it better, this episode blends science, real stories, and workplace wisdom to help us create a more supportive and inclusive future—one conversation at a time.
Our guest this week:
Patricia Polischuk is the Co-Founder and COO of TalentWise Collective, a boutique firm that curates leadership development, coaching, and HR advisory solutions through a trusted network of experts. She leads the firm’s strategy, operations, and community of coaches, shaping high-impact programs for clients across sectors. Recognized for her leadership and community contributions, Patricia has received a Distinguished Governor’s Award from Wilfrid Laurier University and multiple nominations for community leadership and internal recognition awards. She is a trusted advisor and connector, known for her human-centred approach and commitment to helping people and organizations thrive.
Patricia's LinkedIn can be found here.
Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is a Registered Psychologist with two decades of professional experience in clinical psychology, health psychology, and organizational psychology. She has extensive applied experience and research knowledge on burnout, psychological safety in the workplace, behaviour and organizational change, and wellness leadership. She is an internationally recognized expert in human behavior. She conducts innovative research at Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s University, with a distinguished track record of 60 peer-reviewed publications and over 155 scholarly presentations. She is the author of "Healthy Habits Suck: How to Get Off the Couch and Live a Healthy Life. . . Even If You Don't Want To".
Dayna’s LinkedIn can be found here.