FSB Scotland Member Spotlight

FSB Scotland: Member Spotlight

FSB Scotland

fsb.org.uk/membership/support-near-you/Scotland

TurningStruggles intoSupport : TheMissionBehind Menopause Joy

From bestselling author to advocate, Maria Anderson, of Maria Anderson Coaching Ltd, is on a mission to transform how women experience menopause. Through her Menopause Joy method and community programmes, she’s helping women across Scotland gain clarity, confidence, and control turning a once-isolating journey into one of empowerment and connection.

1. How and why did you start in business?

After the success of my book, Tales of a Midwife, I was unable to take the platform it offered due to menopause. I lost my confidence, my identity, and felt alone suffering with menopause symptoms.

If this was how I felt as a health professional – that I couldn't join the dots to recognise I was in menopause – then how must other women feel?

I promised that once I figured out a solution, I would share it far and wide so that other women didn't have to suffer with their menopause symptoms like I did.

Photo Credit: Vicki Head

2. How did you get to where you are today?

It took me 8 years to figure out a solution for women to understand their hormones and start controlling them. In that time, I developed the “Menopause Joy” method. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) approached me to run a pilot programme called “Menopause GoalsCelebrating the Second Half”. It truly transformed lives, giving women clarity of their hormones and increasing their confidence to approach local healthcare providers. Since that pilot, I’ve ran sessions for over 15 football clubs and communities, including Aberdeen and Ross County, with plans for programmes in Elgin and Inverness Caley Thistle. The positive impact for women continues to be recorded. I’ve recently been supporting the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) to implement menopause workplace support. I’ve spoken at Mental Health Conferences and support Mental Health Groups in our local communities.

3. Who helped you?

In business, the Federation of Small Businesses and Highland Business Women have been very supportive. The continued support of the Scottish Football Association and local football clubs is also very important to me. When it comes to mental health, I’m Scottish Chair of a supportive organisation called G100, the aim of which is to reduce women's inequality and improve their long-term health.

4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever had?

In this digital age, it can be easy to get caught up with the shiny objects to be done in business. However, the most important thing is to just be you and let your passion shine through. This is what people connect with. It takes a village. I couldn’t do this work on my own and I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received over the years.

5. What is your biggest mistake?

Thinking that running a successful business happens overnight. I’ve learned that it takes time to nurture and grow a business that has a meaningful impact on people's lives. I’ve stopped thinking that shiny objects are better!

6. What is your greatest achievement?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t embrace “Tales of a Midwife” becoming a Sunday Times bestseller because I was struggling with menopause. However, my work was recognised at the Mental Health Awards in Edinburgh this year.

Overall, my greatest achievement is having my teenage daughters embrace their hormones with understanding and an ability to ask open questions without fear or judgement. Also, seeing women I work with take control of their hormones and have the confidence to transform their own lives, moving from a place of suffering to joy.

7. How are you managing the rising cost of doing business?

Taking advice from trusted organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, to help manage costs, identify where I can save, and understand which aspects of my business I need to invest in.

8. What do you still hope to achieve?

I hope to influence younger women to understand their hormones and remove the fear from the 3 main life stages of puberty, childbirth and menopause.

9. How could the Government or Council support your ambitions?

Encourage workplaces and organisations to have a working menopause policy and training sessions that measure impact on sickness rates, attrition, recruitment and engagement of staff. Include this work as a good practice model to help women during menopause and signpost to additional support.

Tell Your Story or Share Your News

If you’re an FSB Member with a story to tell and would like to be involved in our FSB Scotland: Member Spotlight, please get in touch with the team at scotland.policy@fsb.org.uk

FSB Scotland Member Spotlight