About this episode

This episode discusses the hidden impact of perimenopause on women's careers, featuring insights from Dr. Manna Semby.

In this eye-opening and essential episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Manna Semby—former Goldman Sachs VP turned naturopathic physician, TEDx speaker, and author of The Perimenopause Broken Rung (launching 15th June). Together, they unpack a critical but often overlooked issue: why so many high-achieving women step back or leave their careers at their peak—and how perimenopause may be the hidden factor behind it. Dr. Manna shares her powerful personal journey from Wall Street to medicine, revealing how her own experience of burnout, brain fog, and hormonal changes led her to uncover what she calls the “Perimenopause Broken Rung”—a biological challenge that is quietly impacting women’s confidence, cognition, and career progression. In this episode, you’ll hear about: - Why burnout isn’t always what it seems—and what might really be going on - The early (and often missed) signs of perimenopause, especially brain-related symptoms - How hormonal changes impact memory, focus, sleep, and decision-making - Why so many women blame themselves instead of understanding the biology - The link between women leaving leadership roles and midlife health changes…

People in this episode

Host: Carol Stewart

Guest: Dr. Manna Semby

Topics covered

• perimenopause
• women's careers
• burnout
• hormonal changes
• leadership
• midlife health

Keywords

• perimenopause
• women's health
• career progression
• burnout
• hormonal changes
• leadership roles
• brain fog

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Goldman Sachs

Books & works: The Perimenopause Broken Rung

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