She lived a life of shame and blame so is now passionate about pioneering new ways of thinking to ensure we live without guilt and regrets. As CEO of MayDey Ltd, Carolyn is a regular speaker and media commentator on issues of toxic relationships, self-esteem, women’s health (including the menopause), selfishness, narcissism and many other imperative, topical women’s issues.
With over 20 years spent as an award-winning Human Resources professional in some of the world’s largest employers, Carolyn earned a seat at the boardroom table leading internationally recognisable brands. En route, she gained a Masters in Lean Operations at Cardiff University where she was the first HR specialist to undertake the course and became the winner of the inaugural Sir Julian Hodge Prize for Logistics, Operations & Manufacturing.
Carolyn lives in Harrogate and enjoys boxing, dancing and socialising with friends.
Having spent nearly 25 years as a Human Resources professional and being a board director at some of the world’s largest employers, I needed a break from trying to persuade grown ups how to behave properly!
In March 2020 I took time out from the corporate world to reassess what I wanted. Since then I have had 2 book published and am writing my third. I am now a Life Transformationalist with my own company and also COO of a careers concierge business.
Not really. I always believed that if my view was too fixed then my mind would be closed to opportunities – what I focused on was my development and job satisfaction.
Who hasn’t?! Yes, lots of them – some about the work that needed to be done, but more often in relation to the people. It’s the biggest challenge in businesses, especially the quality of leadership.
Standing up for what was right. I’ve always been prepared to be the grit in the oyster, even if that hasn’t made me popular! People spend a big chunk of their life at work, we need to ensure that it’s time well spent.
When I reflected back recently through some of my writing, I realised I think it actually started when I was 19. Menopause education to start in schools – when talks take place about the start of the menstrual cycle then it should also be explained that it will also reverse later in life and to understand the signs to look out for. Also, GP education needs to be drastically improved so that they can spot and support when it happens to their patients. It is woefully inadequate currently despite the fact that 100% of women will go through it.
We need to have programme for employers too – and bring men with us on that journey – because so many talented, experienced women end up leaving their jobs because of the impacts of menopause symptoms and not being supported in the workplace.
Knowledge is key – it will help you feel more in control of something that is outside of your control. So research and read. There are resources online and groups that you can join on social media so that you don’t feel quite as alone. Also, don’t get fobbed off by your GP/Health professionals – switch doctors if need be. Find someone who will listen to you.
Be unafraid to have the dialogue – actually say the word out loud! Training line managers in signs and symptoms and how to speak to their people who are going through it. Don’t leave it to the ‘women in HR’… You have to – like with any medical condition – be able to listen, ask questions and adapt in ways that work for the individual. It’s basically good leadership!
Don’t dim your light for anyone.
Get my message out about the need to out the ‘men’ back into the menopause – and in women’s issues in general – so that we take them with us and don’t alienate them by ‘shouting’ them down on social media, etc. No argument was ever won by shouting and we’ll only change the world for women if we cooperate and communicate with men. Make them allies not enemies.
