#15: Aligning Work with Biology: Maggie McDaris on Cycle-Syncing for Optimal Productivity

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Harnessing the Power of Cycle-Syncing for Female Productivity with Maggie McDaris

In this episode of Biohacking Eve, Judith speaks with Maggie McDaris, founder of Phase, about the untapped potential of aligning work with female biology. Contrary to popular belief, every phase of the menstrual cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—comes with its own surprising cognitive superpowers. We explore how understanding and leveraging these shifts can help women optimise focus, creativity, communication, and decision-making at work, while reducing burnout. Maggie shares insights from neuroscience and endocrinology on why the traditional 9–5 model often clashes with women’s natural rhythms, and how cycle-synching can transform workplace productivity. This conversation is a practical roadmap for women—and the organisations that support them—to harness biology as a strategic advantage.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
00:59 The problem with traditional work schedules
02:21 Maggie’s personal burnout story
03:59 Introduction to cycle-synching
05:00 How Phase works
07:27 The four cycle phases and their superpowers
12:38 Phase integration in the workplace
22:19 User feedback and future plans
33:50 Embracing strengths during the luteal phase
35:03 Challenges in building Phase
35:56 Integration and user experience
39:08 Addressing irregular cycles and contraception
41:04 Future of hormone tracking and integration
48:10 Cycle-based vertical opportunities
01:02:33 Cultural and organisational challenges
01:12:30 Medium-budget wellness solutions
01:13:29 High-budget organisational wellness
01:15:59 Cultural shifts for wellness
01:18:24 Phase app: current features and plans
01:20:00 Personal insights and feedback mechanisms
01:23:15 Engaging with Phase: user participation
01:25:41 Lightning round: myths, metrics, and personal hacks
01:37:21 Investments in personal well-being
01:40:56 Future breakthroughs and sentimental reflections

Social Media Links

LinkedIn (Maggie McDaris): Maggie McDaris

Instagram: @maggiemcdaris

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Phase.io – Cycle-Aware Productivity App
   
   
   
   • A neuroscience- and endocrinology-informed app that helps women align work and wellbeing with their hormonal cycles.
     
     
     
   • Features: personalized daily insights, “cognitive radar,” workplace integrations (Google Workspace, Office 365), and mobile app.
     
     
     
   • 🌐 Website: Phase.io – Meet the team and learn more about the mission
     
     
     
2. Related Research & Concepts
   
   
   
   • Cycle Syncing – Adapting lifestyle, work, and wellbeing to the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
     
     
     
   • Feasibility Study (University of Greenwich) – Early research validating demand for cycle-aware productivity tools.
     
     
     
   • Cognitive Radar – Mapping six key strengths: energy, focus, motivation, creativity, communication, reflection.
     
     
     
   • Future Integrations – Google Calendar, Office 365, Slack, Asana, Todoist, Reclaim.ai.
     
     
     
3. Referenced Tools & Comparisons
   
   
   
   • Oura Ring – For sleep, stress, HRV, and cycle insights.
     
     
     
   • Headspace & Calm – Examples of integrated wellness resources.
     
     
     
   • Peloton & Zoey – Models for

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Website: www.BiohackingEve.com