I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Helen Marshall on the Diary of a CLO podcast to discuss a topic that is still too often overlooked in the workplace: how women can harness the power of their hormonal cycle to enhance their professional lives. As a Leadership Consultant and Coach, my mission is to empower women by helping them understand their bodies better and use that knowledge to succeed in their careers.

In our conversation, we explored the revolutionary idea of aligning work duties with the different phases of the menstrual cycle—a concept that has the potential to transform how women approach their careers.

The Hormonal Cycle: A Framework for Personal and Professional Success

One of the key points I shared with Helen is the importance of understanding the four phases of the menstrual cycle: Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulation, and Luteal. Each phase has distinct effects on a woman’s brain and body, influencing everything from energy levels to communication skills.

Here’s a brief overview of how these phases can be leveraged:

1. Menstruation: This is the introspective phase, perfect for reflection and planning. It’s a time when energy is typically lower, making it ideal for tasks that require deep thought but not necessarily high interaction or output.
2. Follicular Phase: Following menstruation, energy levels begin to rise. This is the phase where creativity flourishes, making it the best time for brainstorming, starting new projects, and engaging in activities that require innovative thinking.
3. Ovulation: At this point in the cycle, energy levels peak. Women are generally more communicative and confident, making it an optimal time for important meetings, presentations, and high-stakes negotiations.
4. Luteal Phase: As the body prepares for menstruation again, focus turns inward. This phase is great for detail-oriented work, completing tasks, and organising. It’s also a good time to troubleshoot and work through complex problems.

Why This Conversation Matters

One of the most compelling parts of our discussion was addressing why this conversation is still so novel in today’s workplace. Despite the clear science behind hormonal fluctuations and their impact on women’s productivity and well-being, the idea of structuring work around these cycles is not yet mainstream. Helen and I talked about how this needs to change, and how more women are beginning to advocate for work environments that acknowledge and respect their natural rhythms.

We discussed the practicalities of this approach, from planning your most challenging work around your peak energy phases to taking a step back during lower energy phases. By aligning your work with your cycle, you can not only sustain your energy but also enhance your overall productivity and job satisfaction.

The Power of Communication

Another important theme we touched on was the power of communication. For many women, talking about their menstrual cycle in a professional setting can feel taboo. But, as I emphasised during the podcast, being open about your needs and preferences can lead to a more supportive work environment. Whether it’s discussing flexible working hours or adjusting your workload during certain phases of your cycle, clear communication is key to making this approach work.

Helen and I also talked about the importance of educating both women and men in the workplace about the impact of the menstrual cycle. When everyone understands these dynamics, it can lead to a more empathetic and productive work culture.

Changing the Workplace Narrative

My goal, as I shared with Helen, is to change the workplace narrative around women’s hormonal cycles. This isn’t about creating special treatment but about recognising the unique strengths that women bring to the table at different times in their cycle. By embracing this approach, workplaces can become more inclusive and supportive, allowing women to thrive without having to constantly push against their natural rhythms.

Our conversation on Diary of a CLO was not just about highlighting the challenges women face but also about celebrating the incredible power and potential that comes from understanding and embracing our hormonal cycles. As more women start to adopt this approach, I’m confident we’ll see a shift towards workplaces that are not only more productive but also more humane.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to my full conversation with Helen Marshall on the Diary of a CLO podcast. We dive deep into these topics and discuss practical strategies for women to take control of their careers by understanding their bodies better. It’s a conversation that I believe is long overdue, and one that I’m excited to see gaining more traction.

You can listen to the full episode here.

Let’s continue to embrace our feminine power and create work environments where all women can succeed.