First tell us a little bit about you - and how your ‘yeses’ got you to where you are today.
My yeses when I was younger took me on a straight path to burnout.
Working in big jobs for big money without alignment to my core values of well-being and integrity, led me to chronic stress, social anxiety, autoimmune and digestive disorders.
I was forced to practice sound functional nutrition, and to start saying no to people, things, and work that were out of alignment with my core values.
My current day yeses have helped me accept my menopausal transition, and have prepared me and made me passionate about helping other women do the same.
Then, tell us a little bit about your work as a professional. What is it? Who is it ‘for’? And how did you come to be doing what you do today?
As an Organizational Psychologist, a workplace keynote speaker and strategist, I help organizations and individuals thrive together. A lot of my work focuses on bridging gaps in workplace well-being, culture, leadership, and women’s health.
All those early in life, seemingly misguided yeses, led me to this glorious path and I couldn’t be happier to be doing this work in the world.
How has the work you do impact women navigating midlife?
When I first started The Fuchsia Tent it was all about community, patient education and empowerment for women in the menopausal transition. That business vertical was how I came to know and love MPOWDER, and it is why we share these incredible supplements on our site today.
Now a lot of my work takes place in the midlife community at large. I have transitioned mainly to public speaking about appropriate menopause support at work, advocating for the right benefits, culture change, leadership approach, and policy creation.
How has your own midlife impacted the way you live and work today?
I can’t crank 24/7 like I used to. Going from wine to coffee isn’t going to work, or in my case vodka sodas to energy drinks (my poor liver).
Now, I rest when my body calls for it. I eat nourishing foods, drink tons of water, and tea, take my MPOWDER, MHT, Lexapro, and a GLP-1, and I feel unbelievable. I don’t apologize for taking medications and rest when I need them. I treat my body like the Maserati she is, and not like the Honda Accord I wanted her to be in my youth.
How do you define success in what you do but also in your personal life?
Success=living in alignment with my core values. Well-being and integrity factor into every decision I make. If something robs me of my peace it’s too expensive.
My ability to stick to my core values and to recognize the beauty of life when I can remember to stop and see it are how I determine success. A new TEDx talk, SXSW panel spot, and a book deal wouldn’t hurt either. 😂
And what have you learned about your body and mind’s needs during this phase of life?
As I said before, I realized I am a Maserati, and I require lots of TLC. My mind was the very first thing to react to changing hormone fluctuations during perimenopause, and it was terrifying, because I thought I was broken.
When I became suicidal and chronically anhedonic, I started taking Lexapro and refuse to stop. AND, I have since added daily MOOD-FOOD, journaling, abundance meditations, and frequent walks to the mental health pile. I also see a life coach and have for years. I take the GLP-1 and GUT-INSTINCT to help with my microbiome and metabolic syndrome and HRT+meno-boost to control perimenopausal symptoms.
What do you wish your younger self had known about?
Life Worrying doesn’t change the outcome. It robs you of joy in the moment.
Love Is a VERB. Loving anyone (friend or romantic partner) takes work.
Health Is EVERYTHING and has less to do with your jeans size than how you feel.
Work Should be purposeful and enjoyable. You will spend the majority of your life working to earn money. That is a long time to be miserable.
If you could leave our community with one thought or insight about their bodies, their hormones, their health….what would it be?
YOU DO YOU. Everyone’s menopause is unique. Your care should fit your unique needs. AND trust your gut. If a practitioner gaslights you, get a second, third, or 12 opinion.
Finally, where can people go to find out more about your work and get involved with your community?
WEBSITES: KF Consulting & The Fuchsia Tent
SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn; Instagram @thefuchsiatent @kca_fleming
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