A Harsh Reality About Women in the Workforce with Dr. Jennifer Todd

In this episode, Mary is joined by Dr. Jennifer Todd, a public health physician specializing in women’s and children’s health, researcher on ageism in the workplace, and leadership coach. Dr. Todd shares her journey from studying women’s health and hormone replacement therapy to discovering just how deeply politics and systemic inequality can shape women’s healthcare and professional lives. Her experiences in public health, federal government, and academia give her a powerful perspective on the challenges women face as they move through midlife and menopause. Dr. Todd explores the intersection of menopause, ageism, sexism, workplace discrimination, psychological safety, and economic inequality, explaining why a woman’s experiences in the workplace can be dramatically different from a man’s. Dr. Todd shares practical strategies for navigating toxic or psychologically unsafe workplaces and why being intentional about who you trust at work and listening to your gut are powerful tools. This conversation is a reminder that menopause is a normal process, women deserve to care for themselves without shame or unnecessary justification, and creating healthier workplaces requires more than asking women to simply become more resilient. Key Points Covered: • Ageism in the Workplace: Women can face significant disadvantages as they move through midlife, including discrimination in hiring, advancement, and compensation. • The Gender Wage Gap: Dr. Todd discusses research showing that women’s earning potential can decline significantly with age while men’s earning potential generally continues to rise. • Psychological Safety: A healthy workplace requires more than physical safety. Psychological safety, respect, and the ability to work without fear of humiliation or retaliation are equally important. • Menopause & Workplace Accommodations: Menopause symptoms and requests for flexibility can be misunderstood or even used against women when organizations lack awareness and supportive policies. • Recognizing Workplace Red Flags: If an employer treats you disrespectfully during an interview, Dr. Todd warns that those behaviors are likely to continue once you are hired. • Trust Your Gut: Intuition and physical self-awareness can provide important signals when a workplace, interaction, or opportunity doesn't feel safe or right Connect: • Email: [email protected] • Instagram: @jtoddwellness Resources: Menopause At Work Workshop  Let us know if you're liking the show! Hen's Den Yoga A serene and cozy home studio nestled in the Comox Valley offering a variety of wellness classes. Support the show Meet the host, Mary, a certified Menopause Doula and Women’s Coaching Specialist. Mary is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees.  Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.  Connect:  Instagram @menopausedisruptorpodcast LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/maryhelenlee/ Subscribe on Substack @emmeellecoaching Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.