In/Fertility In The City

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode, Natalie and Somaya have a poignant conversation with Emma Whitney, a leading embryologist who has dedicated her life to helping others conceive. Emma discusses the delicate balance of her professional duties amidst her own fertility struggles, including the loss of a child and multiple miscarriages. Her resilience and commitment to reducing fertility journey anxiety shine through as she advocates for better workplace support for those facing similar challenges. Discover more about Emma's inspiring mission to educate and empower individuals through their fertility journeys -- GUEST Emma Whitney is the Director of Embryology & Genetics at The Evewell, London. With over 20 years of hands-on practical IVF laboratory experience, she specialises in pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos with a passion to prevent the transmission of inherited genetic disease, and to enhance the capabilities of embryo selection.Emma’s commitment to genetics – coupled with her multitude of experience – allows for a pragmatic and honest approach when discussing embryology. Emma believes IVF patients should have the opportunity to understand what goes on in the IVF laboratory. Her goal is to help patients alleviate some of the stress and anxiety caused by so many unknowns. “IVF is as much an emotional journey as it is a scientific one. I endeavour to protect the mental wellbeing of my patients through education and awareness. So, no matter what science has to offer, every patient is in a better position to deal with their outcomes.” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmatheembryologist/ and https://www.instagram.com/theevewell/ Website: https://www.evewell.com/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 4 SPONSOR: Apricity https://www.apricityfertility.com/uk

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. Explore the future of fertility with In/Fertility in the City as we welcome Caroline Noublanche, CEO of Apricity, a trailblazing company offering virtual fertility treatments… and our Season 4 sponsor. Learn how Apricity's unique model provides convenience, privacy, and high success rates, making the dream of parenthood a reality for many. From at-home scans to AI-driven medical insights, this episode unveils the next chapter in fertility care that's reshaping lives and creating families with love and science. -- Caroline Noublanche is the CEO of Apricity, the UK’s first virtual fertility clinic, a disruptive brand that is changing the way people access fertility treatment. Apricity aims to improve the chances of conception for women and couples, by combining technology and AI with personalised human care. Caroline has over 20 years’ experience in the new technologies market, having co-founded and CEO at PRYLOS, a French app development business, and Vice-President of Marketing and Portfolio for publicly listed tech company DORO AB. With years of strategic planning behind her, combined with her understanding of the mobile tech market, Caroline is leading the way for female entrepreneurs in the femtech market. Her ability to generate revenue and growth for a company puts her in great stead for her amazing new venture, Apricity. Caroline is a pioneer when it comes to start up and growing tech brands like PRYLOS and DORO and brings her knowledge of the tech industry to the ever -growing female technology market. Drawing on her extensive experience and her passion for women’s empowerment, Caroline’s aim for Apricity is to disrupt the current way we are offer fertility treatment, making it a much more personal experience for both couples and women, by bridging the gap between consumer and clinic and allowing women and couples to feel like they are part of the journey. https://www.apricityfertility.com/uk -- -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- SEASON 4 SPONSOR: Apricity https://www.apricityfertility.com/uk

We’ll be launching Season 4 next week but before that we have a bonus episode to share some news about the podcast. Since we launched the show in 2022 we’ve been a trio, but lives change and create new priorities, and Emma has decided that the time is right to step back and focus on being a mum, running her business, and lots more. In this episode, Emma talks with Natalie and Somaya about what In/Fertility in the City means to her, how it has helped her enormously over the last two years, and how proud she is of what the three of them have achieved. They also talk about how this situation is not unique with many people as they navigate their own fertility journeys – hopefully into parenthood – finding that you can’t do it all. -- You can find out more about Emma and her fertility at work coaching and consultancy business Ready Steady Coach on her: Website: www.readysteadycoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamenzies/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity --

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- It’s our Season 3 finale and for the first time on the podcast we are bringing you one of our live events, our third so far. Joining Natalie, Somaya and Emma at the offices of law firm Clifford Chance in London are panellists Keeley Lengthorn, Eraldo D’Atri, Nina Goswami, and Sophie Wellings. They share their in/fertility journeys and discuss how things can be improved for employees, the self-employed, and anyone going through miscarriage, IVF, or adoption. Our thanks to the panellists, our live audience, and to Clifford Chance for hosting the event. The episode also includes a chat with James Nicopoullos, clinic director at the Lister Fertility Clinic, our Season 3 sponsor. We’ll be back with Season 4 in Spring 2024. -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode, we are joined by ITV news anchor Andrea Byrne who shares her experience of being diagnosed with unexplained infertility and suffering multiple miscarriages. Her daughter was born naturally, defying the odds to some extent, but as with so many in/fertility stories, Andrea’s takes several twists and turns along the way. Somaya, Natalie, and Emma discuss with Andrea about how she managed the demands of a high-profile, high-pressure job with her fertility challenges, and how the language people use while trying to be supportive can sometimes be the last thing you want to hear. Guest Bio: Andrea Byrne is one of the faces of ITV News. She anchors the BAFTA award-winning daily news programme Wales at Six, as well as ITV’s national bulletins. This has included ITV Weekend News, Lunchtime News, Evening News and News at Ten. Prince Harry is among the many high-profile names she has interviewed. Andrea also presents the current affairs programme Wales This Week; presents her own fertility podcast ‘Making Babies’; and is a TEDx speaker. She is an ambassador for ‘The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme’ and a Non-Executive Director for Hockey Wales. Andrea is married to Wales and Lions legend Lee Byrne. She is passionate about wellbeing and pioneered the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders in ITV’s newsrooms. Away from the newsroom, she is a keen yogi, a novice stand-up paddle-boarder and a budding novelist! -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode we're delighted to be speaking with Yvonne John, author of ‘Dreaming of a Life Unlived: Intimate Stories and Portraits of Women Without Children’ and a leading voice for women of colour’s experience around infertility and childlessness. Yvonne was diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility’ in October 2014 and was engulfed by grief after facing the reality that she would never be a mum. She talks about how this affects her and so many others, including feeling it was her fault having had two terminations in her 20s and how she came to realise this was not the case. Yvonne also talks about the unique experiences that women of colour have with infertility and how this is not frequently discussed. The conversation also covers how workplaces do not generally recognise bias towards those who do not have children and how common occurrences at work can be emotionally triggering for childless women and men. Guest Bio: As a public speaker Yvonne has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes, including ‘Woman's Hour’ on BBC Radio 4, to talk about her experience of recovering from the devastating grief of involuntary childlessness. Yvonne is a graduate of Gateway Women (GW) year-long Plan B Mentorship programme and is a trained facilitator of the GW reignite weekend workshops. Jody Day (founder of Gateway Women) personally invited Yvonne to lead the Reignite weekends for women of colour having come to understand through many conversations together that there are unique aspects to the women of colour experience of childlessness that would be better served in a dedicated workshop. Yvonne is passionate about creating an inclusive space for black women and women of colour to openly talk about their childless journey and is the leading voice on the childless experience of WoC and blogs at www.findingmyplanb.com -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode, we are joined by Jenny Saft to discuss fertility benefits and how they not only support people with their in/fertility journeys, but can also give employers an advantage in attracting and retaining talent, and creating a positive workplace culture that aligns with DE&I. Jenny candidly discusses deciding to freeze her eggs as a single 32-year-old, struggling through treatment alone, realising that more support was needed and rallying friends to invest in her startup business Apryl, which partners with companies to offer fertility coverage, clinic guidance, and inclusive culture. Guest Bio: Jenny Saft is CEO and co-founder at Apryl: a Berlin-based fertility benefits platform helping companies across Europe offer staff access to inclusive fertility and family forming services - everything from egg freezing through to adoption and IVF. Prior to starting Apryl, Jenny worked in project management and Business Development at several different companies, including Fyber in San Francisco and Dutch fintech Adyen. She was inspired to start Apryl following her own experience of freezing her eggs. In addition to founding Apryl, Jenny is an Angel investor, investing in early-stage startups through the Atomico Angel Programme. Find at more at https://apryl.co/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode, we are joined by Amy McKeown who has a very unique story to tell us today about her personal experience of miscarriage, redundancy, and taking on her employer. She shares the trauma of baby loss and how this was exacerbated by employment policies that are all-too-often inadequate to truly reflect the pain and challenges experienced by those affected by miscarriage and other in/fertility issues. Guest Bios: Amy McKeown is an award-winning health, mental health and wellbeing consultant. She coaches organisations of all sizes to build strategies with are both innovative and measurable, whilst providing unique expertise in implementing said strategies. Amy is also a respected thought-leader within her field, sharing her advice regularly on LinkedIn and at speaker events such as Mad World. -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Van Der Meer, who is an HR business partner at Cancer Research UK and head of their Fertility and Baby Loss Network. Following a difficult journey with fertility struggles, she successfully created her family through adoption and now has two girls, aged six and four. We met Sara through a bespoke online event that we did for Cancer Research UK and when we heard about her experiences, we thought she would make an absolutely fabulous guest because we haven't talked about adoption yet on this podcast. Guest Bio: Sara's personal experience of recurrent miscarriage, unsuccessful IVF and becoming a mother through adoption has inspired her to lead a staff network for her organisation that supports colleagues, managers and leadership through Fertility and Baby Loss at work and influences leadership on the support staff need when going through their own journeys. Having worked in the charity sector for the majority of her career Sara has recently moved into Human Resources where she hopes her personal experiences of creating a family the ‘unconventional way’ will lead to positive change for others. -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- In this episode we are joined by Hannah and Lewis, who are both journalists and met at journalism college many moons ago! Lewis presents on the BBC News channel while Hannah anchored CNN International until she finally got pregnant in 2019. They have been very public about their infertility struggle since 2017 when Hannah wrote a personal piece published in The Times following a chemical pregnancy. They went on to document their seventh round of IVF treatment with “Our IVF Diary” on YouTube. After 15 rounds of treatment, they welcomed their son, Sonny in late 2019. Guest Bios: Hannah Vaughan Jones is an Emmy-nominated journalist, broadcaster, moderator & media consultant. She anchored primetime shows for CNN and Sky News before branching out on her own. Hannah has interviewed the last three Prime Ministers as well as countless heads of state, change makers, and thought leaders. She runs her own production company, Lewnah Ltd, sits on the McCain Global Leaders Advisory Council, and advises communications consultancies - predominantly in the Global Health space. Lewis Vaughan Jones is a presenter on the BBC News channel. He has been a journalist for twenty years - working initially as a reporter and correspondent for ITN covering politics, health, tech and the biggest stories in the UK and around the world. He regularly interviews world leaders and newsmakers. Lewis uses a hearing implant after losing the majority of his hearing in 2018. Guest Links: The Times article mentioned: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/53ce7e2a-b4e7-11e7-a7ed-96e3d3dae681?shareToken=2b18a0be0f4969fe1153a8f30be378ad Our IVF Journey on YoutTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-sMdag5fEk -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecity https://instagram.com/infertilityinthecity https://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. For this episode, Natalie, Somaya, and Emma are joined by Lisa Finnegan. Lisa is Vice President of LinkedIn’s International Human Resources organisation, leading LinkedIn’s HR Business Partners across EMEA, LATAM and APAC regions. Since joining LinkedIn in 2016, Lisa’s work has been recognised, with the company recently receiving an Irish HR Champions Award for its ‘Fertility at Work’ initiative, as well as being personally named on the Financial Times & HERoes Champions of Women in Business list in recognition of her work on LinkedIn’s ReturnIn programme. LinkedIn has been recognised as one of Ireland’s top ten employers by the Sunday Independent and Statista. She talks about the shock of discovering that IVF was likely to be her and her partner’s only route to parenthood, the joy of conceiving naturally and the pain of miscarriage. She now has a daughter and a son on the way! We also discuss how workplace fertility policies make a huge difference to both employee and employer and, in the case of LinkedIn, the game-changing policy that is attracting talent to the business. In the episode, we mention an article that Lisa wrote in 2019 that is still so relevant in 2023. We hear it said time and time again by our guests that it is so important to talk about fertility at work and this conversation explores exactly why that’s the case. It highlights how employers and employees can benefit from a culture of openness, drawing on Lisa’s personal and professional experience. You can read the article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/we-have-talk-fertility-work-lisa-finnegan/ You can find Lisa on LinkedIn at: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/lisa-finnegan-7063704 -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: emailing usinfo@infertilityinthecity.comwebsitewww.infertilityinthecity.comfollowing us onwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. For this episode, Natalie, Somaya, and Emma are joined by Zita West. For over 40 years, Zita West has been working in the field of fertility in pregnancy as a midwife and acupuncturist. In that time, she has written 9 books, founded an IVF clinic and launched a range of fertility supplements, baby products as well as a mind/body programme for fertility, IVF and early pregnancy. Through her holistic approach, she has helped thousands of couples get pregnant, and now she is delighted to be returning to her roots and what she loves most, with independent, bespoke fertility consultations. This boutique service will offer a medical and mindset approach to fertility advice in a homely setting. Zita has witnessed couples understandably struggling with lack of direction, planning, and falling down a ‘fertility rabbit hole’. Emotionally exhausted with no control, willpower, or energy to face the challenges that fertility struggles can bring. Often not knowing which investigations are needed and with so many different avenues to explore, it can leave couples feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Zita's approach is tailored to her client's unique circumstances. Recommendations will be matched to their needs, with referrals to the best specialists in all aspects of fertility and pregnancy. She sets out a plan of action based on her signature consultation and makes the relevant referrals from her network of trusted and accomplished therapists. As an independent, Zita's advice is not linked to any other clinic or business, nor does she receive any fees for referral. Zita's aim is simply to help couples navigate the maze. Zita's website: https://hughealth.co/ Connect with Zita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zita.west/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinichttps://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. We’re back for Season 3 with some more incredible, insightful, and inspirational guests. For this first episode, Natalie and Somaya (Emma’s back soon!) are joined by Jeremy Holmes. Jeremy is a lawyer who has worked in international law firms, one of the UK financial regulators and now works in-house at ClearBank which is a UK fintech bank. Jeremy and his wife started trying to become parents in September 2019. Along the way they suffered a stillbirth, two miscarriages and had to navigate various medical issues including period problems, high white blood cell count and poor sperm quality. Finally, after IVF treatment, they had the joy of welcoming their little daughter, Phoebe, into the world in August 2023. Jeremy has written on the topic of baby loss to raise awareness and to offer support to other warriors who are battling through their own fertility and baby loss issues. In this podcast Jeremy talks about these issues, as well as how they affected him and his career. He also talks about what employers can do to help and what you can do to help yourself – namely, speaking about the issues you are facing Find Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-holmes-351705141/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.comwww.infertilityinthecity.comwww.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- SEASON 3 SPONSOR: The Lister Fertility Clinic Find them on: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinic https://instagram.com/listerfertilityclinic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZAhttps://x.com/listerfertility?s=21&t=Fs307LOBs3ujypHYHk4OFghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lister-hospital/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- It’s an emotional season finale of In/Fertility in the City as Emma, Natalie, and Somaya are joined from Dublin by Elga Long. Her story resonates so much with us that there were tears as she described her challenges with IVF and trying to navigate a workplace without clear policies or support for those undergoing fertility treatment. Elga describes how sometimes even simple changes to corporate culture can make a big difference to how someone going through fertility treatment feels – and how the support they receive should be the same as if they were undergoing any medical treatment. Despite some tough times during her fertility treatment, we’re leaving this season on a positive note, as Elga and her husband have two healthy children and the process has left her feeling more resilient: “f**king bulletproof.” Elga Long is an occupational psychologist who is endlessly curious and passionate about the way people want to contribute to the world and supporting them to do so. She has separate degrees in Occupational Psychology, Psychology and Economics and Sociology and has completed executive education in Stanford Business School (Executive leadership) and Harvard Business School (Talent Management). Elga has an advanced diploma in Executive and Personal coaching and an NLP Practitioner. She is licensed to administer the Kornferry leadership architect and qualified to administer the MBTI, 16PF and Hogan psychometrics. When she is not doing this work that she loves - she can be found with her husband, and two sons, Thomas aged 5 and Liam aged 3 months - who are the best fun in the world and whom she loves dearly. Her favourite phrase is Go Team - expect to hear it whenever you talk to her! -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: emailing us: info@infertilityinthecity.com following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. There is also mention of suicidal thoughts. -- In/fertility in the City is all about crossing new borders in the discussion about fertility challenges and how that is managed in the workplace, but in this episode we are also crossing the Atlantic. Canadian lawyer Fariya Wajli joins us to talk about a devastating series of baby losses in a story with a happy ending as she now has two daughters. As the chat develops, it’s interesting to hear that there are many common themes in employers’ responses to fertility issues and how professionals feel compelled to hide what they are going through. Fariya also brings the perspective of how race and culture may play a part in how fertility is handled by leaders. Fariya Walji is a lawyer and strategic director who lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and two daughters. Articles mentioned in this episode: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/am-i-still-a-mother-if-my-newborn-died-1.6822059 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/our-baby-girls-were-born-5-months-apart-after-we-suffered-with-infertility-for-years-1.6822095 -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: emailing us: info@infertilityinthecity.com following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

One of the most important aims of what we do at In/Fertility in the City is to get people talking more about fertility issues, not just when they occur but as part of the narrative around becoming a parent. Our guest today wishes that he had known more about male infertility well before he and his wife had started trying for a baby. Shawn Greenaway, a police detective who worked on the Salisbury Poisonings investigation, is still not 100% certain if having mumps in young adulthood or a separate medical issue was the cause of his azoospermia, the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Requiring two operations, Shawn eventually told his employers – the Metropolitan Police at the time - what he was going through and couldn’t have hoped for a more supportive response. But he’s well aware that this is not always the case and wants to encourage more people – men in particular – to open up about fertility issues and for employers to make it easier for employees to seek their support. GUEST BIO: Shaun Greenaway is a male fertility coach and advocate. Having been diagnosed as infertile in 2018, he experienced the heartache, shame and secrecy attached to being a man with no sperm. Shaun found himself navigating this trauma alone, with no support networks in place for men at the time. Now the proud father to twins conceived via the use of donor sperm, Shaun shares his story via Instagram (@Knackered_Knackers) to provide that voice that he so desperately needed when experiencing infertility. To further expand the help and support he can provide men, Shaun trained to become an accredited Transformational Coach. -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: emailing us: info@infertilityinthecity.com following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- There’s a growing trend towards establishing a career path before considering starting a family, but this is not right for everyone and traditionally was not so prevalent. Our guest today began her fertility journey and became a mum in her early 20s, but not without many struggles – not least polycystic ovaries - and the devastation of miscarriage. Adding to Elizabeth Cowper’s story is that this was twenty years ago when fertility was not a topic that was talked about openly (even less so that today!) especially in the workplace. That led to Elizabeth, an HR professional who was working in recruitment at the time of her first IVF cycle, to hide what she was going through, fearful that it may harm her career prospects and “embarrassed” by her infertility. GUEST BIO: Elizabeth Cowper has over 20 years of HR leadership experience and is a working mother of 3 and Founder of Ludo. Ludo provides multi-award winning tech for inclusion in the workplace. Elizabeth spent her HR career working for brands such as Planet Organic, Harvey Nichols, LVMH and Tapestry. Tapestry is the umbrella company for Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman where Elizabeth was VP HR Europe, Global Head of Wellbeing and part of the Global DEI Committee. Elizabeth has been described as the ‘Culture Adjuster’ and has listed in the HR Most Influential Awards for 5 years straight. Elizabeth understands how to engage talent and drive wellbeing in the workplace. It’s her thing. In 2022 Ludo won Inclusion Initiative of the year by Corporate Livewire and Rising Stars in Corporate Wellbeing. Elizabeth has been listed as one of 10 Most Futuristic Business Women Pioneering Innovation 2022 and Top Five Unstoppable Women Leaders to Watch 2023. -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: emailing us: info@infertilityinthecity.com following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. Suicidal thoughts are also mentioned. -- Much discussion about infertility focuses on the woman, but sometimes it’s male factor infertility that causes issues for couples. Abnormal or low-quality sperm or blockages in sperm delivery can be investigated, but is often not even considered, especially in the early stages of infertility challenges, potentially leading to unnecessary procedures for the female partner – and years of frustration and heartbreak for the couple. In this episode, Emma and Somaya (Natalie wasn’t with us this time) were joined by Toby Trice whose personal experience took him to such a low point that he considered suicide, but ultimately sparked determination to drive awareness of male factor infertility. Not only is Toby driven in his advocacy but in his dual careers as high-speed train driver and motor racing driver for Porsche. Toby uses his profile in motor racing to raise awareness of male infertility issues through his Racing for Fertility campaign. Its name reflects fertility’s race against the clock. Toby Trice is a train driver and Porsche racing driver on a campaign to raise awareness for fertility through motorsport. Breaking down the taboo and stigma of infertility while supporting couples across the UK using his own experience to normalise the conversation. Find out more at www.tobytriceracing.com -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.com Following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- The sad reality is that sometimes the desperate wish to become pregnant is met with the realisation that it just isn’t going to happen. Despite doing everything you can to maximise your chances, and the medical wonders of IVF and other treatments, pregnancy is never guaranteed. For Kat Brown, not being able to conceive is another setback in a life of mental health issues, a late diagnosis of ADHD, and a career in a challenging industry. In this episode, Kat talks about being a “middle class white woman” coming to terms with not being a mum and feeling that she has “disappointed the Daily Mail” and worse, is “letting the country down.” Kat’s open and often-hilarious take on a heart-breaking subject makes for a compelling episode about infertility, work, and the harsh realities of life. Kat Brown is a freelance journalist and commentator whose work on ADHD, mental health stigma, and other social and arts commentary has appeared in national titles including the Telegraph, Grazia, "Woman’s Hour", Woman’s Health and the Times. Her first book, No One Talks About This Stuff, is an anthology sharing people’s untold experiences of infertility and baby loss. Her second book, It's Not A Bloody Trend, is an accessible and informative guide to ADHD, which she was diagnosed with aged 37. Both books are out in spring 2024. Find out more at: www.katbrownwrites.com It's Not A Bloody Trend and No One Talks About This Stuff are out in 2024. -- Natalie had some internet issues halfway through and Emma had to leave to attend to her baby before the end – in case you wonder why you haven’t heard from them for a while! -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.com Following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity-- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss. -- We’re excited to bring you a great guest on this episode… Joeli Brearley is the founder of the charity and campaign group, Pregnant Then Screwed which she established in 2015 after her own experience of pregnancy discrimination. Her organisation is rewriting the narrative for mothers in the UK, whilst working to end the motherhood penalty. Vogue named her as one of their top 25 influential British women who are shaping 2021 and beyond. Pregnant Then Screwed has released research findings following a survey which they carried out with women in data asking women undergoing fertility treatment how they experience the work environment. Joeli joins us to discuss the findings and what can be done to improve things. Apart from running Pregnant Then Screwed, Joeli writes for the Telegraph, is the winner of the Sheila McKenzie: Campaigner of the Year 2021 award, the Northern Power Women: Agent for Change award, is an Amnesty International Human Rights Defender and a member of the United Nations Working Group: Women’s Human Rights in the Changing World of Work. In January 2021 she took the Government to court for indirect sex discrimination due to the way self-employed mothers were being financially penalised by the income support scheme. Her debut book: ‘’Pregnant Then Screwed: The Truth about the Motherhood Penalty’’ was published by Simon & Schuster on the 4th of March 2021. Find out more at https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/ -- CONNECT WITH US You can engage with the hosts and the growing In/Fertility in the City community by: info@infertilityinthecity.com Following us on: www.linkedin.com/company/infertilityinthecityhttps://instagram.com/infertilityinthecityhttps://twitter.com/InFertilityCity -- OUR SPONSOR Finally, our thanks go to Horsfield Menzies, a modern boutique law firm and consultancy practice specialising in workplace matters, for sponsoring this season of the podcast. You can find out more about Horsfield Menzies here https://www.horsfieldmenzies.com/. You can also contact their co-founders, Simon Horsfield and Angus Menzies, here: simon.horsfield@horsfieldmenzies.com angus.menzies@horsfieldmenzies.com