The whispers about hormones, perimenopause, and menopause have remained frustratingly quiet for too long. Dr. Kristen Markell, a double-board certified OBGYN and certified menopause practitioner, breaks the silence with game-changing clarity in this essential conversation moderated by VEST Member Alison Anthony.

For decades, women experiencing brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and mood changes during perimenopause have been dismissed or told to "just deal with it." Dr. Markell reveals the biological truth: these symptoms aren't character flaws but natural responses to dramatic hormonal fluctuations that can begin up to a decade before menopause. She expertly explains how progesterone typically declines first, while estrogen levels become erratic with extreme highs and lows—a process many healthcare providers themselves don't fully understand.

The consequences of this knowledge gap are serious. Women's highest risk of suicide attempts occurs between ages 45-49, coinciding precisely with perimenopause. Beyond mental health, these hormonal changes affect bone density, heart health, and cognitive function. Yet many women suffer silently, especially in professional settings where they fear being perceived as weak or incompetent if they acknowledge their symptoms.

Dr. Markell guides listeners through the confusing landscape of treatment options—from hormone replacement therapy and bioidenticals to supplements and lifestyle modifications. She emphasizes that finding the right provider is crucial, suggesting resources like the North American Menopause Society to locate certified practitioners. Most importantly, she frames perimenopause not as a decline but as "a portal into the second half of life"—an opportunity to refocus energy on what truly matters.

Whether you're in your 20s planning for future hormonal health, navigating perimenopause now, or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides the knowledge, validation, and practical guidance to transform how we approach this universal yet uniquely personal journey. Your hormones aren't just about symptoms—they're foundational to how you show up in every area of your life.

For our guest full bio and show notes click here.

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Women have long navigated workspaces that weren't built with us in mind, fueling an inner voice of self-doubt that can hold us back. Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton, author of "The Lotus Within" and Colonel in the US Army with decades of service, shares strategies for quieting that inner critic while building sustainable confidence as a leader.

• Dr. Duran Stanton explains her book "The Lotus Within" focuses on strategic planning, time management, and prioritization
• True confidence comes from showing up prepared, networking effectively, and knowing who to ask for help
• Building confidence is about training like you fight—preparing thoroughly for high-stakes situations
• Silencing your inner critic requires trusting your training and refocusing on the mission when self-doubt arises
• Women of color should see their identities as differentiators rather than trying to assimilate
• Humility and confidence aren't opposites but complementary forces—"like yin and yang"
• When transitioning careers, focus on outcomes achieved rather than titles held
• Recognize toxic environments using the "boiling frog syndrome" metaphor—periodically assess if you're in a harmful situation
• Daily habits like morning journaling, intentional planning, and celebrating wins help build confidence as a muscle
• Handle setbacks by allowing yourself to feel the emotion, then asking what you learned and what you'd do differently

For our guest full bio and show notes click here

If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode, we sit down with Niren Chaudhary, former Chairman and CEO of Panera Bread, and VEST Member Beverly Carmichael, a seasoned corporate board director for several iconic brands. Together, we explore the rising demand for empathetic leadership in today’s volatile and unpredictable world.

For our guests full bio and show notes click here.

Drawing on the moving story of his late daughter Aisha—who accomplished extraordinary things in her 18 years despite a terminal illness—Chaudhary shares how profound personal loss reshaped his perspective on life, leadership, and legacy.

From this experience emerged a leadership philosophy anchored in three core values:

• Courage: Focus on what you can control.
• Gratitude: Celebrate life’s gifts, even in hardship.
• Generosity: Lead by serving others.

He introduces a four-step framework for processing loss and leading with resilience:

1. Acceptance
2. Self-forgiveness
3. Self-love
4. Renewed hope through purpose

These principles are not only healing—they’re actionable strategies for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.

Chaudhary also reflects on the challenges of leading multigenerational teams, and building cultures that thrive, by providing:

• Clarity of mission
• Opportunities for personal mastery
• Shared purpose as a multiplier for good

and challenges the false divide between purpose and profit. He shares how leaders can foster a virtuous cycle where values-driven decisions enhance both customer and employee experiences—not through isolated acts of charity, but through integrated, sustainable impact.

Tune in to discover how courage, gratitude, and generosity can transform your leadership—and your organization. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and don’t forget to leave us a review.

If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co