Leisa Heff

Do you slip out the door when you have to take your child to sports training?

When start late as you went to school assembly as you are a proud parent watching your child receive an award, but you don't share where you have been with your colleagues?

Now is the time to PARENT OUT LOUD!

Be proud of being a parent, share with others in your workplace because you have to duck away or start late.

Sometimes it is easier said than down, especially in the winter months when your little ones are constantly sick from day care. The sideways looks from colleagues who perceive you're not getting your work completed, yet they don't know you are looking after your beloved family whilst staying up to the small hours so you can achieve your outcomes. Or are there any looks at all? OR is it just your perception as you feel the guilt of leaving to look after your sick child.

To be able to parent out loud, first you have to feel safe to be out loud. How do we make it easier to PARENT OUT LOUD?

The first step is to start talking our lives, be proud, and this goes for those that don't have children.

How does your organisation support working parents?

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Sorry team take a wide berth today .............. not even the HRT is helping haha jokes, but not joking .........

I still get a couple of down days each month, as my body phantom cycles. These are nothing like what I used to feel when I was in my down days with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Before I started chemical menopause I had menstruation challenges in the form of PMDD. This effected every area of my life...... mainly my mental health....... as I wouldn't let anyone else see how it was effecting me.

As the awareness of PMDD increased I started to feel more seen and understood what was happening to me and I wasn't silently going crazy.

Since going into chemical menopause (3rd time lucky) I have experienced so many emotions - the main one I'll touch on today is 'GUILT'.

Guilt of all the experiences I had missed out on in the last 10 years. I cried. I mourned all the opportunities I had missed - I was there - however I was numb and didn't feel the experiences.

Now, I relish the experience of feeling life. No more hiding.

Again, this is why I take the opportunity to talk about the 3 BIG M's - MENSTRUATION, MATRESCENCE and MENOPAUSE. In the hope it helps others in their journey 🥰.

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A day that must be celebrated!!!!!
- World Chocolate Day 🍫

Fun Facts from Dr Google:

Eating dark chocolate will satisfy sweet cravings and combat depression and other mood changes during menopause. That's because dark chocolate contains magnesium. The mineral helps raise serotonin levels. Serotonin is responsible for stabilising mood.

Chocolate has many benefits but it can contribute to hormonal balance via its potent magnesium and iron, and ability to lower cortisol and boost mood-impacting hormones, serotonin and dopamine.

Not only does dark chocolate satisfy your sweet tooth during your period, but it's high in potassium which helps your muscles to function, ideal for when those cramps come!

Studies have shown that eating certain types of dark chocolates may help increase milk production due to their rich antioxidant content, which helps stimulate prolactin production (the hormone responsible for lactation).

Ok, so Dr Google is shying more towards dark chocolate. For me I am more of a Belgian chocolate fan. I found the best 'storing' location is in the garage storage between the left over school stationary and the next seasons hats.

What is your Favourite Chocolate and where do you store (aka hide it) from your kids?

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Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed women retired an average 7.4 years earlier than men and based on the average income for women aged 45-54. This equated to a loss of salary and super of more than $577,512.

Wow!!!! 😱

Further, according to a new Mayo Clinic study, menopause costs American women an estimated $1.8 billion in lost working time per year.

This is CRAZY!!! 🤯

MNSBC article - 'How ignoring menopause in the workplace widens the equity gap', highlights the economic loss due to menopause gets even worse ........ The North American Menopause Society estimates that 1.1 billion women will have experienced menopause by 2025.

A 2019 study in the U.K. found that almost 900,000 women left their jobs because of menopausal symptoms. And a 2020 study with over 3,000 women reported that even women who reported just one disruptive menopausal symptom were 43 percent more likely to have left their jobs by the age of 55!!!!!

AHHHHH - This leads to Women in their 40s and 50s+ when they are some of the most experienced managers, exiting the workforce - THIS IS KNOWLEDGE WALKING OUT THE DOOR!!! 🚪🏃‍♀️

Overlooking women needs may come at a significant cost – TO EVERYONE! 🎊

Not only is the cost to replace these skilled employees is high 🤑 — ranging from 50 percent to double the individual employee’s salary. It is the ‘culture’, you are showing up and coming employees, on how they will be treated as they progress through their careers; not to mention, the critical mentorship opportunities that are missed.

This is only related to menopause, and there have been so many other women who have already exited the workforce prior to this stage in their life, from MENSTRUATION and MATRESCENCE challenges and lack of workplace support.

We need to create change!!! Creating workplace environments that support lifelong needs of all WOMEN, helps us all.

If you are an Employer who want to de-stigmatize MENOPAUSE, MENSTRUATION, and MATRESCENCE in the workplace, let’s work together to create an environment where everyone thrives.

Let this be your COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE in such a tight labour market.

Let's make your organisation, an EMPLOYER OF CHOICE 💥.

Let's chat - email Leisa Heff now👇,

[email protected]

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Does Your Workplace support the WELLBEING OF WOMEN?

If so, do the FEMALE EMPLOYEES know you do this?

Do your wider employee group, especially leadership roles understand MENSTRUATION, MATRESCENCE or MENOPAUSE and how they can impact your working population?

What does a committed and supportive workplace look like.....

- your organisation is a supportive and understanding place for employees going through the any MENSTRUATION, MATRESCENCE or MENOPAUSE (the 3 Big M's) related challenges.

It is more than a policy......... it is a lived cultural shift, achieved through an EDUCATION APPROACH.

MENSTRUATION, MATRESCENCE and MENOPAUSE challenges is far reaching and impacts more than those who are directly moving through their journey.

It could be a partner going through the stresses of one of the 3 Big M's at home, or an employee in the office.

Need some assistance to become an EMPLOYER Of CHOICE,

Lets chat - contact Leisa Heff at

[email protected]

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So, what are the benefits of having WORKING MOTHERS in the business?

In an article from Michael Page they outlined, by bringing more working mums into the workplace, organisations encourage workplace diversity and gender equality, which in turn leads to more productive and innovative businesses with better performance.

How WORKING MOTHERS do it?

• They help provide more gender parity in the workforce

• They can offer a different point of view from their parenting experience

• They can represent and support other working mothers or working parents
..which directly adds value to a company by....

• Improving market value: 10 per cent increase in gender diversity = 7 per cent increase on market value

• Boosting revenue growth: 15 per cent growth rate YoY for female-led companies, versus 5 per cent for male-led

• Encouraging more diversity: 61 per cent of women look at gender diversity when deciding their next career move

How many working Mothers do you have in your workforce?

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What is your organisations road map look like for Female employees?

Supportive, Inclusive, Equality .......

At Living Unapologetically we use an Educational approach to balance (1) support for women who have multiple, shifting needs over the trajectories of their lives; and (2) mitigate the risk of adopting approaches that unintentionally stigmatise and detrimentally impact the career progressions and well-being of women.

At a time when women may feel particularly vulnerable, we argue that workplaces can positively frame the 3 M's (menstruation, matrescence, menopause), to allow women to exert their power and to offer the means to help women thrive.

Want to learn more, contact Leisa Heff to discuss how you can make your organisation an EMPLOYER OF CHOICE 💥.

It happens ...........

The 3 big M's - Menstruation. Matrescence. Menopause.

Why is discussing any of these still such a taboo topic in the workplace? 🤔 Many women shy away from speaking up, for fear that it might hinder their career advancement. But why should something so natural be shrouded in secrecy?

It's no secret that women face unique challenges in the workplace, and any of the Big M's are certainly no exception. Unfortunately, many women refrain from discussing menstruation, matrescence or menopause in the workplace, fearing that these conversations are detrimental to career advancement. But the truth is, the more we talk about them, the more we can break down barriers and support one another.

Let's start the conversation and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women everywhere.

Here at Living Unapologetically we guide companies on how to use open communication to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

By sharing our experiences, we can help educate our colleagues and create more understanding around the 3 Big M's - Menstruation. Matrescence. Menopause - and their effects on our health, work, and personal lives.

That's why we're starting the conversation and creating a safe space for our female employees to talk about how Menstruation, Matrescence. and Menopause impact on their lives.

How is your workplace breaking down these barriers and supporting female employees in all aspects of their lives, both in and out of the workplace?

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Don't feel 'good enough' to do your job any more?🥺

Feeling like you're not good enough to do your job can be tough, but you're not alone. As WORKING MOTHERS, we often face this challenge due to the added pressures and responsibilities of balancing work and family.

It's called IMPOSTER SYNDROME and it affects many of us. But remember, you are where you are for a reason and YOU DESERVE to be there!

It's important to recognise your accomplishments 🤩 and strengths 💪 and not let negative self-talk bring you down. Take the time to remind yourself of all that you have achieved 🥳🫵 and how capable you truly are 🥰.

And if you need support, don't hesitate to reach out to your network or a mentor for guidance and encouragement.

Let's break the stigma around imposter syndrome and support each other as working mothers 🔥✨.

What is your organisation doing to ATTRACT and RETAIN Women in the WORKFORCE?

A large number of qualified WOMEN are economically INACTIVE due to caring responsibilities and/or one of the M's (menstruation, maternity or menopause) .

These women have a high level of skills, education, and experience, and have gained new skills while on a CAREER BREAK.

Here at Living Unapologetically we assist Businesses to develop programs, policies and practices to ATTRACT and RETAIN WOMEN.

Are you ready to take advantage of a wealth of talent often overlooked by standard recruitment methods, AND also save money and time on employee development?

Of course your business is. Contact Leisa Heffernan to discuss creating an environment as an EMPLOYER OF CHOICE 💥