On this week’s Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we’re joined by Emma Thomas, an executive coach, consultant, and podcast host who helps people unlock their potential and navigate big life transitions. After 30 years in academic publishing, Emma was made redundant in 2022. Instead of returning to corporate life, she reinvented herself. Now she coaches clients, runs her own podcast, and leads Managing the Menopause, helping employers create menopause-supportive workplaces.
We discuss the messy middle of midlife – when work, parenting, ageing parents, and health collide. Emma shares her redundancy story, why she turned to podcasting during the pandemic, and how menopause can be a catalyst for growth rather than decline.
💡 What We Cover
- How redundancy sparked reinvention.
- Why podcasting is easier than you think.
- The juggle of work, kids, and ageing parents.
- Menopause vs. “everything else” stress — and how to tell the difference.
- Stopping people-pleasing and embracing boundaries.
- Why letting go of perfection matters.
✨ Key Takeaways
Midlife is a turning point – overwhelming, but also a chance to reset.
Redundancy can be the start of something better.
You don’t need perfect plans to begin -progress beats perfection.
Boundaries create space for what matters most.
Let go of impossible standards – you’ll gain energy and freedom.
🎧 Why Listen
If you’ve ever felt like life is “lifing” too hard, or wondered whether it’s too late to pivot, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to start again. Emma’s story is proof that reinvention is possible, podcasting is accessible, and midlife can be a time of joy, boundaries, and brave new beginnings.
Show Links:
Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here
Connect With Emma on LinkedIn Here
Visit Emma’s Website, The Triple Shift Here