Menopause's Hidden Gift for Women Leaders

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-22

### The Unexpected Leadership Shift New research reveals something fascinating about menopause and women in leadership. The symptoms can leave them feeling completely drained, yet something surprising happens along the way. Many women develop a deeper sense of empathy toward their employees. It's a strange mix of exhaustion and emotional insight. And it's worth paying attention to. ### What the Research Actually Found The study looked at women leaders navigating menopause while running teams and making big decisions. The findings weren't just about hot flashes or brain fog. They uncovered an emotional complexity that most workplaces completely ignore. Here's the core finding: - Menopause symptoms deplete energy, focus, and patience - Leaders often grieve the version of themselves they used to be - That nostalgia creates a bridge to understanding struggling employees - Empathy increases even as personal resources shrink One participant put it simply: "I used to push through everything. Now I notice when my team is struggling because I'm struggling too." > "The very thing that drains you can also make you more human as a leader." That's not a weakness. That's a shift in how leadership gets done. ### Why This Matters for Startups European startups are obsessed with hustle culture. Founders wear exhaustion like a badge. But this research suggests something different. Leaders who acknowledge their own limitations often build more resilient teams. Think about it. When you're running a startup, you need people who understand struggle. You need leaders who can sit with discomfort without panicking. Menopause, oddly enough, might be training women for exactly that kind of leadership. ### The Empathy Advantage Empathy isn't soft. It's strategic. Teams with empathetic leaders report: - Higher trust and loyalty - Better communication during crises - Lower turnover during stressful periods - More honest feedback loops Women going through menopause often develop these skills not despite their symptoms, but because of them. They know what it feels like to not be at 100%. That knowledge changes how they see everyone else. ### What Workplaces Should Do Most companies ignore menopause entirely. No policies. No conversations. No support. That's a mistake. Simple changes make a difference: - Flexible hours during difficult weeks - Open dialogue about health transitions - Leadership training that values emotional intelligence - Recognition that depletion doesn't mean incompetence These aren't perks. They're smart business. ### The Bottom Line Menopause doesn't make women leaders weaker. It might make them more real. The exhaustion is genuine. The empathy is too. And in a startup world full of burnout, that combination could be exactly what we need. So if you're a leader going through this, don't hide it. Your struggle might be your superpower.