Trailblazing Change & Menopause

A Conversation with Jill Angelo on The Courage Effect

I’m thrilled to be bringing a new season of The Courage Effect podcast this week, kicking it off with a conversation that’s been sitting with me long after the microphones were turned off. I had the privilege of speaking with Jill Angelo, founder of Gennev, a pioneer in reshaping how we talk about menopause, women’s health, and ultimately change.

Jill’s story is one of courage in action – the consistent kind that builds resilience, opens new doors, and creates space for others to thrive.

Stepping into Uncharted Territory

Jill’s path wasn’t linear. After 15 successful years at Microsoft (and a solid run in tech) she chose to pause, reflect, and say yes to a new venture in a space that she didn’t expect, and where few were willing to go: menopause.

What started as an e-commerce platform evolved into a national, evidence-based Telehealth clinic for women in menopause, all fueled by community voices clamoring for better care, understanding, and options. Jill’s courage was embodied in her willingness to listen deeply, trust her gut (even when it felt naive), and keep stepping forward despite fear, self-doubt, or feeling like the “lone wolf” in the room.

Lessons for Leading Through Change

Here are a few reflections from our conversation that resonated deeply:

👉 Listen first. The most powerful insights come from those you aim to serve. Jill credits the Gennev community as the driving force behind the company’s evolution—a reminder that leadership begins with listening.

👉 Courage + Naive Optimism = Progress. Sometimes courage looks like simply refusing to give up. Jill describes this as “naive optimism” — that stubborn belief that things can and should get better. When doubt creeped in, her commitment to the women she served kept her going.

👉 Know when to lean back. One of my favorite takeaways: If you’re forcing something and it’s not flowing, maybe it’s not meant to happen just yet — or not at all. The wisdom of allowing, not just pushing, is a powerful part of growth.

👉 Release when it’s time. Jill’s reflections on knowing when to step aside and let others rise really hit home. Sometimes the bravest act is to evolve your role, trust in others, and move into what’s next.

Menopause’s Larger Wake

The menopause journey is complex – it manifests differently for women, and it can be challenging to diagnose (and experience!) symptoms that are varied, evolving, and surface a good amount of suffering. Jill and I discuss this, and the larger reality that this isn’t just a women’s story. She sums it up so perfectly:

“Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, often says ‘I always say to other clinicians, when you've seen one woman in menopause, you've seen one woman in menopause.’ She said every patient's going to be different. And she has seen thousands. Thousands and thousands. So it’s unique to us.” (timestamp: 00:36:03.590)

Menopause’s reach further extends to the partners, families, and communities of those experiencing it – both personally and in the professional sphere. You’ve likely seen your partner/friend/colleague experience the symptoms directly (whether or not you know the source is ultimately menopause . . .), and taking a minute to consider larger professional impact is eye-opening:

→ Job loss and turnover: 1 in 5 people have quit or considered leaving a job because of their menopause symptoms.

→ Lost work time: Menopause symptoms cause an estimated $1.8 billion in productivity every year in the U.S.

→ Personal expenses: Healthcare costs are 47% higher for people in menopause.

Yikes! The research and numbers reveal it’s critical for us to move beyond the stigma, better educate ourselves, and address the needs of women experiencing menopause at home and in the workplace.

The Courage to Keep Changing

Whether you’re currently experiencing one of the menopausal phases, are contemplating a bold next step in your life or career, or facing a transition you didn’t choose, Jill’s story offers a powerful reminder: Courage isn’t a one-time act — it’s built moment by moment, choice by choice.

If you need a nudge today—let this be it.

🎧 Listen to our full conversation here.

Stay courageous,

P.S. If this conversation sparked something for you, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share The Courage Effect with someone who could use a little extra courage right now. Together, we’re building a movement — one voice at a time.

Curious to learn more?
🌱 If you or someone you love is navigating menopause, check out Gennev for both trusted resources and community — not loud, not celebrity-driven, but evidence-based, compassionate care when you need it most.

🌱 Read more about Jill on Linkedin.

🌱 For more about me and Weller Collaboration, check out what my clients say on our website.

What thoughts are bubbling up for you? Share in comments below.👇

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