The Balance Collective – an evening of networking, advice and experience shared
Taylor Walton Solicitors recently hosted “Women in Business: The Balance Collective” at Sopwell House, St Albans, which brought together an inspiring and knowledgeable panel of experts and an audience from the local area.
The panel led a vibrant and engaging discussion and took questions from the audience, and afterwards there was an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in a warm, supportive environment.
The event was held in October to coincide with World Menopause Month, and it focused on practical strategies for achieving balance in midlife; physically, emotionally, and professionally.
The evening also raised funds for two charities, with all ticket sales supporting Refuge (for women escaping domestic violence) and local charity Youth Talk (counselling for young people), underlining Taylor Walton’s commitment to community wellbeing.
The expert panel leading the discussion was:
- Dr Fionnuala Barton – Menopause Specialist, who explored balance and wellbeing.
- Suzy Reading – Wellbeing & Stress Management Specialist, who focused on confidence and optimism.
- Margarita Salomo – Personal Stylist, who championed confidence.
- Edwina Jenner –Personal Trainer for midlife women , who explored optimism and balance.
- Tamara Glanvill – Family Law Partner at Taylor Walton, who brought professional insight and experience across all themes and led the Q&A session.
A summary of the evening is summarised below and if you would like to get in touch with Tamara Glanvill or any of the panel, please contact us.
Navigating Menopause and Midlife Change
A recurring topic of the evening was the profound impact of menopause on women’s physical and emotional wellbeing, an issue that is often misunderstood or under-discussed both in business and in the home. Dr. Fionnuala Barton, menopause specialist, emphasised that menopause is a unique journey for every woman, affecting not just energy and mood but also relationships, confidence, and long-term health. She encouraged women to be proactive in tracking symptoms, seeking tailored advice, and prioritising their own health, especially in a culture in which women often place their needs last.
Practical advice from the panel included:
– Tracking symptoms to identify patterns and triggers.
– Prioritising quality sleep, nutrition (including adequate protein and fibre), and exercise.
– Embracing movement and resistance training not just for physical health, but as a means of empowerment and independence.
– Communicating with partners, family, friends and colleagues
Dr. Barton also highlighted the importance of seeking evidence-based medical guidance, including on hormone therapy and supplements, while being mindful of misinformation and marketing noise.
Confidence, Self-Talk, and Emotional Resilience
Chartered psychologist Suzy Reading addressed the common crisis of confidence many women experience during midlife, often fuelled by hormonal changes, increased life pressures, and self-doubt. She reframed confidence as a function of energy and self-care, rather than an innate trait, and offered practical, research-backed techniques for boosting self-esteem which included:
– Practising kinder, more nurturing self-talk (for example, addressing oneself with terms of endearment to interrupt harsh self-criticism).
– Using posture and somatic practices (like sitting tall or placing a hand on the heart) to signal safety and strength to the nervous system.
– Connecting with personal values and purpose as sources of intrinsic confidence.
Suzy normalised feelings of anxiety and overwhelm but provided practical strategies to calm the nervous system and bring perspective, such as mindful movement and breathwork.
Style, Self-Expression, and Body Image
Personal stylist Margarita Salomo advocated for body positivity and dressing with intention as powerful tools for self-confidence, especially during phases of physical change. Her message: embrace the body you have now, rather than mourning the one you had 20 years ago. Dressing in a way that feels authentic and uplifting can transform not just how you see yourself but how you approach your day and your goals.
Tips included:
– Learning what shapes, colours, and fabrics flatter your current body.
– Creating “go-to” outfits that reliably boost mood and confidence on difficult days.
– Redefining power dressing as starting with self-acceptance – what you say to yourself in the mirror matters more than what you wear on the outside.
Margarita’s approach resonated with attendees who shared experiences of using clothing as a means to feel “more important and impactful” even when working from home.
The Power of Strength Training and Movement
Edwina Jenner, an online personal trainer specialising in women’s fitness, demystified strength training for midlife women. She explained that muscle loss accelerates from the mid-30s, making resistance training crucial for maintaining metabolism, bone density, and independence as women age. Edwina encouraged starting with manageable weights and simple routines, focusing on consistency rather than intensity.
Key points:
– Muscle is a “metabolic currency” and more muscle means more efficient energy use and better weight management.
– Strength training twice a week (even at home with light weights) is sufficient to see significant benefits.
– Movement should be enjoyable; finding joy in exercise increases sustainability.
Edwina’s personal story of discovering weight training during a period of personal upheaval illustrated how physical strength can support emotional resilience.
Relationships, Communication, and Legal Insights
Tamara Glanvill brought a legal and relational lens to the discussion, drawing on her experience and her work supporting couples through separation and divorce. Tamara identified that there is a significant increase in separations at this time of life which are typically associated in the profession with ‘empty nest’ – but that is only one of the issues affecting couples at this time. She highlighted the startling statistic that 73% of women surveyed cited menopause as a factor in their divorce, yet 86% never discussed it with their solicitor, and 97% were never asked about it by their solicitor.
Tamara chaired the discussion and questions from the audience covered a range of health and lifestyle areas including:
Navigating Menopause and its effects on relationships
How might menopause affect our closest relationships, and how can we mitigate any negative impacts?
Tamara Glanvill highlighted that menopause can significantly impact relationships due to changes in mood and energy. She advised open communication with partners and children about menopause to foster understanding. Prioritising time with partners and considering therapy were suggested as ways to maintain strong relationships.
Addressing anxiety and self-doubt:
How can we address self-doubt and anxious thoughts during midlife?
Suzy Reading emphasised the importance of validating one’s feelings and using body-focused strategies to calm the nervous system. Techniques like adjusting posture, engaging in mindful movement, and using breathwork to soothe anxiety were suggested to help manage stress and restore perspective.
Career evolution and resilience
What is the one piece of information or resource you wish you had early in your career journey?
The panellists’ collectively highlighted the importance of self-awareness and seeking tailored advice for one’s unique career path. Understanding that each woman’s journey is different, accessing mentorship, and focusing on personal strengths were emphasised as crucial for career resilience and growth.
Emily Waddell Head of Marketing and Business Development at Taylor Walton said: “What an informative, reassuring, friendly and funny evening and thanks go to our panel of experts who kept the discussion real and answered the dozens of questions. We are also grateful to our audience for their generous support for our two amazing charities – Youth Talk and Refuge. We hope to be hosting other events in the future as this raised a number of important themes which women need to be aware of, want to talk about and share knowledge of the practical things they can do and places they can turn to if they need professional advice.”