In this episode, Lauren is joined by Christelle, a French-born, Switzerland-based graduate of the Menopause Coach Diploma, whose perimenopause journey sparked a passion for educating women around her. Christelle shares how she pieced together her own experience in hindsight, what drew her to menopause coaching, and the niche she's carving out — including working with couples navigating perimenopause together.Christelle grew up in France and has spent over 20 years living abroad — in Germany, the United States (Colorado), and now Switzerland, where she's been based for a decade. With a background in marketing and experience in the medical industry, she's now training as a menopause coach, planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, and bringing a unique focus on couples and communication to her work.What We DiscussChristelle's international background Christelle has lived in France, Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland — speaking French, German, and English fluently. She moved to Switzerland in 2015 to give her children the opportunity to grow up bilingual in French and English, and has been there ever since.How she found the Menopause Coach Diploma After attending a menopause webinar in the Zurich area, Christelle noticed a presenter who described herself as a certified menopause coach. She tracked down the contact via LinkedIn and eventually discovered Lauren's work — attending all eight of Lauren's webinars before deciding to join the diploma programme.Her own perimenopause experience Christelle's perimenopause experience was something she only fully understood in hindsight. She'd been reading widely, listening to podcasts, following US-based doctors advocating for women, and became passionate about making sure the women around her knew they weren't going crazy — that there's a clear explanation for what they're experiencing.What stood out about the programme Christelle had experienced plenty of pre-recorded, self-paced learning in her career and found it ineffective. What attracted her to the diploma was its practical, live structure — particularly being taken through the Menopause Plan as a coachee as well as learning to coach. She found the experience of being coached through the programme herself gave her a deeper understanding of what she'd be offering her own clients.Changes she made through the Menopause Plan Being coached through the plan prompted real, practical changes: more awareness around hydration, reducing coffee intake (with the help of a mushroom-based adaptogen drink she discovered), and actively cultivating a more positive mindset. Lauren's opening question — "What's going well for you since we last met?" — stuck with her and shifted her default lens.Finding practice clients Christelle's first practice client came organically — a friend who said "you've helped me so much, I want to do this for you." Others took more time, as people were interested but hesitant when coaching was mentioned directly. By the time of recording, she had three practice clients and was in conversations with a potential fourth.Her niche: working with couples One of the most distinctive aspects of Christelle's vision is her focus on couples. Having noticed the impact of perimenopause on communication within relationships — and the fact that the 45–60 age bracket has the highest divorce rates, most often initiated by women — she wants to create a space for couples to open up dialogue about what's happening. Not couples therapy, but an opening of communication around a normal phase of life.Her plans going forward Christelle is planning a soft launch of her coaching business in May, after completing a social media training course in April. She's building a bank of content ideas, posting gradually on Instagram and LinkedIn, and hopes to grow through word of mouth from her practice clients. Longer term, she's interested in expanding into couples workshops.Key TakeawaysPerimenopause often only makes sense in hindsight — many women piece it together after the factPractical, live learning is far more effective than watching pre-recorded videos aloneBeing coached through the programme yourself is one of the most powerful parts of the diploma — it builds genuine empathy for future clientsTelling people what you're doing is essential — clients won't come if they don't know you existThe 45–60 age bracket has the highest divorce rates, and menopause may be an under-recognised factor — creating a real need for couples-focused coachingStarting small, with practice clients, is a natural and effective way to build confidence as a new coachTimestamps[00:00] Introduction — Lauren welcomes Christelle [00:01] Christelle's background: growing up in France, living in Germany, Colorado, and Switzerland [00:02] Meeting her husband, starting a family, and building a career in Colorado[00:03] Moving to Switzerland in 2015 — raising bilingual children and feeling at home [00:04] Skiing in...
Show more
Show less
1 hr and 2 mins