The Knackered Women’s Club

This episode is a chapter of my latest book, The Midlife Trenches which offers a survival guide for knackered public sector midlife women. I'm just in the process of recording the audio book version so here is a free listen to one of the chapters. If you would like to buy the book in hard copy, you can find a link at www.sarahclein.co.uk.

From Social Worker to Storytelling Copywriter: Leesa Morris on Leaving the Public Sector Well After 17 years as a social worker in the public sector, Leesa Morris was burnt out and exhausted from trying to fit into an environment that wasn't made for her. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she shares how she transitioned to becoming a storytelling copywriter - work that allows her to b...

Navigating NHS Reorganisation and Workplace Challenges The ongoing upheaval at NHS England and its impact on staff uncertainty and job security How constant reorganisation creates hoarding behaviours and information silos across teams When Good Leaders Go Bad: Stress and Toxic Behaviours How existing poor leadership behaviours become magnified during times of organisational stress People no longer...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ruth Germaine, a former NHS professional who spent 39 years in healthcare before making the brave decision to leave and establish her own independent practice. Ruth shares her journey from feeling trapped in endless organisational restructures to finding freedom and purpose beyond the NHS. Key Themes: The Turning Point : Ruth recounts a pivotal moment in h...

In this conversation, Sarah shares her personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity as an autistic individual with ADHD. She reflects on the emotional complexities and realisations that have emerged since her diagnosis, including the importance of self-advocacy, understanding sensory overload, and the need for community support. Sarah emphasises the significance of self-acceptance a...

In this podcast, Sarah explores her journey of self-acceptance, reflecting on the labels of being 'lazy, messy, and weird' that have followed her throughout her life. She discusses the fear of being unnoticed, the struggle with consistency in her habits, and the subjective nature of being 'weird.' Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and finding joy in...

A brilliant discussion with Tass Smith from Warwick District Council about how she raised awareness within her organisation about menopause after struggling with her own. Tass talks about the impact of menopause at work and how she worked with HR other colleagues to support World Menopause Day, set up training, a support group and provide information via the organisations internal communication me...

A revisit of the year with the good, not so good and everything in between.

This episode focuses on saying no. Why to, how to, when to and what difference it can make.

Exploring the reasons why your face might not fit in an organisation any longer, how it feels and some things to think about.

Tracey Robinson worked in the NHS for 30 years, initially as an occupational therapist, before undertaking a series of roles, including at a national level for NHS England. After the birth of both of her children, Tracey went on to experience postpartum psychosis and went on to focus her work on improving perinatal mental health. Tracey talks about her journey to early retirement, navigating chall...

In amongst every way you are showing u for others, how are you showing up for and prioritising yourself ?

This episode focuses on all the times that you say yes, to someone or something and whether you consider the cost to you.

It’s easy to support others, but how often do you show yourself the same care, love and attention. This episode focuses on self compassion in midlife and will give you some top tips to try.

Another year in the life of a coaching business.

If you are in a toxic organisation and feeling a little stuck, then this one is for you.

This episode deals with how to recognise a toxic workplace and how to survive in one.

An episode which talks about some of the issues affecting midlife women in the public sector, what to do about it both individual and organisationally.

Michelle has 31 years of experience in adult nursing, 28 years specialising in Cardiology. She has been a befriender for 2 charities since 2008. She has been an Executive Governor and Secretary on the Merseyside Jewish Community Care board since 2018 and a Staff Governor and Wellbeing Champion at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital since 2022. Michelle began public speaking in 2019 about her ch...

An episode focusing on the importance of fun in midlife.

Hear Louise’s story about being bullied in the public sector and what she learnt about how to tackle this.

Planning for the school holidays ? This episode may help if you are aware that you are feeling negative or pressured about what to do.

An episode looking at midlife women, inner voices, networks and what and who you need to help you navigate this phase of life.

You might find post menopause that you need to develop different strategies for getting the job done and that’s ok !

5 top tips to help you sleep better in midlife so that you can lead better.