Telling women and menstruators to be self-aware without acknowledging the impact of their menstrual cycle is like handing them a map without showing them where they are.

Self-awareness is foundational to effective leadership, personal growth, and high performance. In my own leadership journey — from running early-career programmes to managing a £1.5 million sales team — self-awareness was never optional. It wasn’t about being the most experienced or the most confident; it was about being willing to understand yourself, adapt, and grow. That’s what makes a high performer, and it’s what creates resilient, emotionally intelligent teams.

And yet, many leadership programmes fail to include one of the most profound influences on self-awareness for women and people who menstruate: the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle affects energy, emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and self-perception — all of which feed directly into how someone leads, relates to others, and shows up at work.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness and Workplace Menstrual Health Coaching helps menstruators identify the natural inner patterns that shape their strengths and challenges across the month. When leaders understand these patterns, they’re better equipped to manage their energy, make strategic decisions, and bring more self-compassion and clarity to their work.

Cycle awareness doesn’t just help individuals thrive — it strengthens teams, supports psychological safety, and contributes to truly inclusive leadership.

If we want women’s leadership to flourish, we have to create workplaces where their full selves — including their bodies— are welcome.