About Jaclyn Russell
Jaclyn is the founder of Menopause Leadership, a strategic advisory helping organisations protect leadership capability and retain high-value talent during perimenopause and menopause.
She works at the intersection of leadership performance, organisational change and midlife transition support; focusing on measurable organisational impact, not wellbeing programming.
"Jaclyn's tailored approach and strong relationship-building skills had an immediate impact on my development."
Saverio Scaramuzzo - Research Director, Kantar
Professional background
Jaclyn brings 24+ years of experience across leadership, performance and organisational change in complex environments including government, universities, not-for-profits and corporate sectors.
She has:
- Coached senior leaders and high-performance teams
- Led organisational change in multi-stakeholder contexts
- Managed large teams in demanding, high-responsibility roles
- Guided leaders through career inflection points
Her experience equips her to speak confidently about leadership influence, retention risk and capability protection.
Ready to explore what this could mean for you?
Book a callLived insight that informed this work
By the age of 42, Jaclyn had reached menopause - around a decade earlier than average. When symptoms began in her late 30s, she experienced firsthand how under-recognised and unsupported this stage can be, even for capable, informed professionals.
Despite her experience and performance history, the transition felt confusing and isolating. She observed similar patterns among other high-performing women; shifts in confidence, unexpected exits, and organisational misinterpretation of performance changes.
This was not a personal setback. It was a pattern with real leadership and retention implications.
"Jaclyn's tailored approach and strong relationship-building skills had an immediate impact on my development."
Saverio Scaramuzzo - Research Director, Kantar
Why Menopause Leadership exists
That combination of lived experience and professional insight led Jaclyn to found Menopause Leadership.
Her work reframes menopause not as a wellbeing topic, but as a leadership and organisational priority. She helps organisations reduce preventable retention loss while equipping leaders and senior women to maintain influence, clarity and performance through transition.
Coaching and advisory approach
Jaclyn's approach integrates:
- Deep organisational insight
- Leadership performance frameworks
- Practical, evidence-informed guidance
- Clear, actionable strategy
Her work is grounded in one principle:
Clarity enables confident action, and action strengthens capability.
Credentials at a glance
Diploma from the Australian Institute of Professional Coaches (accredited by the International Coaching Federation, ICF)
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification
- Bachelor of Business degree (Human Resources Management)
- Certified leadership coach with extensive experience coaching senior leaders
- 24+ years in leadership, coaching and organisational change (UK & Australia)
- Over 1,200 hours coaching senior leaders
- Former leader in high-pressure, complex organisational environments
- Broad sector experience across government, education, not-for-profit and corporate
"She combines warmth with absolute credibility. You feel heard, and you know you're in safe hands."
Al McCartney - Head of Communications, Imperial College London
How to begin
Many individuals and organisations begin with a focused scoping conversation to clarify priorities and determine the most appropriate engagement path. If you're interested, you can book a call to explore what support might be right for you.
