What if the way we design work could directly improve mental health, confidence, and long-term career wellbeing - especially for women navigating midlife transitions?

In this episode of Sage Women, Michelle Hasani, Rebecca Hannan and Mel share a bold, evidence-based conversation shaped by their collaboration, Work by Design. Together, they explore how cognitive and relational shifts in midlife -including those brought on by menopause - intersect with neuroscience, work culture, and gendered systems.

We dive into why job design isn't just about productivity — it's a health intervention and equity strategy. Through real-world stories and stats, we unpack how autonomy, allyship and psychological safety can transform workplaces.

You’ll hear about practical strategies like job crafting, co-created wellbeing plans, and how relational intelligence can build stronger, more inclusive teams. This episode is rich with insights for leaders, people practitioners, and anyone ready to reimagine how we show up, support each other, and succeed at work - by design.

On this episode, Melanie sits down with Kylie Ingram, CEO of Wizer Business, to explore Wizer Snaps, a smart communication tool that helps users tailor their messages based on decision profiles. They discuss how women often use the tool to prepare for meetings and craft messages with care, while men are increasingly using it for sales and business development. The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication, especially for women in midlife who may face ADHD and communication anxiety. Kylie shares three practical steps to improve communication: understand the recipient's decision profile, lead with what they want to hear first, and be bold about your goals rather than chasing harmony. They also explore how the tool reframes difficult conversations around decision-making frameworks rather than emotional responses. The episode addresses the way women's communication is judged differently, and the double bind of being too soft or too tough - emphasising how Wizer offers a smart, supportive way to plan and shape conversations for better leadership and collaboration.

WizerBusiness: Learn more here

YouTube Link: The Science of Yes - 7 Decision Profiles that Lift Donor Response

Paper: Fear of Backlash Moderates Female Senior Executives' Communion (but Not Agency) as Compared to Female Lecturers

Quantum Impact Group article: Embracing Your Power: A Guide for Women in Leadership

Midlife is a crossroads where caring for others can come at our own expense. This reflective episode dives into the burnout that can follow and challenges the old labels of selfish and selfless. Is there a healthier middle ground? Join us as we explore what women really need - to find a new language and to start considering the concepts of the middle ground - self-care, self-love, and self-compassion. If you’re ready to reframe care as a sustainable act of kindness toward yourself, this is the podcast for you.

How likely are you to put others first? Take the Four Tendencies Quiz, which I use with many of my clients: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/

Listen to the previous episode on this topic by Melanie White: https://melaniejwhite.com/episode-71-selfish-vs-selfless/