Barrhead Travel’s sales and marketing director interviewed a leading menopause specialist during an event for Internova Travel Group employees.
Nicki Tempest-Mitchell spoke to Dr Naomi Potter at a Women of Internova session attended by 250 staff members on Wednesday, May 17, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Dr Potter, the founder of Menopause Care, talked about the impact of the menopause, misconceptions and advice.
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Tempest-Mitchell said: “Given that over half of our global population is going to experience the menopause, and an even higher proportion in the travel industry, it is important to move the topic to the top of our agendas to inform and empower colleagues.”
Internova Travel Group – the parent of brands including Barrhead Travel – hosts a Women of Internova session every month for all staff.
Tempest-Mitchell said she invited Dr Potter to speak at the most recent event after following her on Instagram.
The Barrhead Travel director said: “The conversations surrounding menopause have been largely non-existent until recently – particularly in the workplace. It is fantastic to see the stigma now gradually being removed.”
She added: “Responsible businesses know that education and open discussion surrounding health and wellness is non-negotiable when it comes to employee wellbeing. We cannot have productive businesses if we are tiptoeing around topics that have significant impacts on the lives of our people.
“Whether you personally experience menopause or not, it is a key part of life and understanding the symptoms, impact and how to manage it means we can be better equipped to experience it or support a colleague going through it.”
Dr Potter is a British Menopause Society-accredited specialist who has nearly two decades of experience as an NHS doctor with a background in general practice and women’s health.
Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world, representing more than 100,000 travel advisors in more than 80 countries.
Photo: Dr Naomi Potter