CLAIRE ATHERTON IS AN AWARD WINNING, PASSIONATE MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & INSPIRATIONAL STORYTELLER, SPECIALISING IN MENOPAUSE WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE.
Claire began her professional career working for the Swansea Building Society. A successful 37-year career followed with Nationwide Building Society where Claire was highly respected and recognised as an authentic, compassionate leader and for creating an inclusive workplace environment. Claire is a self-disciplined, motivated and driven individual who is conversant in the planning and delivery of large-scale events. An author of training plans & performance goals Claire is also experienced in facilitating development academies in both face to face and virtual environments. She has excellent organisation and time management skills, impressively balancing her work/life commitments.
Ten years ago, Claire embarked upon her own peri-menopausal journey and has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness around the importance of addressing ‘Menopause Wellbeing in the Workplace’. Claire has incredible empathy and knows first-hand life doesn’t go in straight lines! Combining her experience as a business leader and her own struggles with Perimenopause, Claire launched Atherton Consultancy to support employers create inclusive, value adding workplaces for their employees.
Claire's contribution to raising awareness of menopause in the workplace has led to her being a guest panellist at a Senedd Insight Conference, a keynote speaker at an inclusion and diversity event organised by Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens & Menopause Warrior Carolyn Harris MP, and a participant at a round table event chaired by Anneliese Dodd's Minister for Women and Equalities. The work driven by the 'Menopause Mandate' is also hugely important to Claire and she was a guest at the unveiling of the APPG Menopause Manifesto in Westminster in October 2023!
Claire aims to remove the stigma associated with ‘Menopause’ and help businesses boost productivity, reduce absenteeism & presenteeism, and retain talent, by delivering employee and leadership awareness sessions. Menopause remains a taboo subject in many workplaces, leaving those affected feeling alone, not knowing where to turn. Claire believes we can change this by creating supportive inclusive environments where employees feel valued and confident to ask for the help they need.
As a Mum to 3 daughters, Claire aspires to be their role model. They are the ‘why’ in her life. She encourages them to be independent women, free to make their own choices in life, showing empathy and consideration to others, whilst educating them too. Claire hopes that when they reach this stage in their lives they will be prepared and not afraid to talk openly about their own personal experience.
It’s not always easy to know where to start, but if you are committed to being a Menopause Friendly employer, and are seeking support for your leaders and employees, please reach out to Atherton Consultancy and Claire will help you create fairer more equitable workplaces for all!