The middle of life can feel messy. Work, health, and life collide. What if this stage wasn’t seen as a decline, but a career inflection point?

In this empowering Career Club conversation, leadership coach and former HR executive Melissa MacGowan shares why midlife women are not just still in the game but more valuable than ever.

Drawing on lived experience, workforce strategy, and insights from leadership programs with midlife women in operational businesses, Melissa reframes menopause and midlife as a leadership and retention opportunity.

Expect real talk, practical strategies, and tips for you and your workplace to help you stay, lead, and thrive in your next career chapter.

About Melissa MacGowan

Melissa MacGowan is a leadership coach, former senior HR executive and workplace educator with over 20 years of experience leading transformation across complex industries. She helps organisations retain and empower midlife women by reimagining menopause as a critical workplace and leadership issue, not just a personal health concern.

Grounded in lived experience, Melissa left her executive role due to menopause-related burnout—not from lack of capability, but from lack of support. Today, she helps businesses close that gap through workplace awareness initiatives, manager education and targeted programs for professional midlife women, like her signature group coaching experience The Upside.

Melissa has partnered with organisations such as MYOB, Origin, Maddocks, Leidos, Intellihub, Very Special Kids and more, as well as advocacy leaders like Circle In, NAWO and AHRI. She is known for creating psychologically safe, practical spaces that reduce stigma, build capability and keep experienced talent thriving.

About Career Club

Introducing Career Club – an monthly online session designed specifically for women seeking to advance in their operational careers. Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership skills, master networking, or navigate workplace challenges, our peer-led sessions provide the insights and strategies you need to thrive. Join us and connect with a community of ambitious, like-minded women all dedicated to achieving their career goals. Your journey to professional success starts here with Career Club!

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