This week on Work It Like a Mum, I'm joined by the brilliant Anna Allerton—former sports journalist turned executive coach—who shares her deeply personal and professional journey through perimenopause and how it led to a powerful career pivot.

Anna now specialises in coaching professional women, particularly those navigating the challenges of menopause while juggling high-pressure careers. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the debilitating symptoms that cost her a 20-year broadcasting career—and how those challenges now fuel her mission to help others thrive.

We Talk About:

• Anna’s transition from Sky Sports journalist to executive coach
• The impact of perimenopause on mental health and career
• Why workplaces need to become more menopause-friendly
• Logging symptoms, self-advocacy & navigating GPs
• Practical resources and tools (like the Balance App)
• Why creating safe, trusted spaces for women is essential

Key Takeaways:

✅ You’re not “just tired”—menopause can be disruptive and isolating, but help is out there
✅ Logging symptoms and asking the right questions can change everything
✅ Coaching creates space to be heard, challenged, and supported
✅ Women's health deserves to be taken seriously—in and out of the workplace

Why You Should Listen:

If you're a woman experiencing hormonal shifts or a leader wanting to better support women in your organisation, this episode is a must-listen. Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, you can turn a personal struggle into a professional strength.

Show Links:

Connect with Anna here

Visit Anna’s Website here

Listen to Danielle Howell’s Episode on Harnessing your Hormonal Cycle To Transform Your Work and Life Here

Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here

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