FNDN Series It's Time to Talk About the Menstrual Cycle with Carmen Amador, Founder at The Cycle Method
Welcome back to the FNDN Series, where we continue our deep dive into startup compensation with industry leaders from across the startup world. In our conversation with Carmen Amador, Founder of The Cycle Method and business psychologist, we unpack the critical connection between the menstrual cycle and workplace performance that most organizations are missing. We explore how the modern work environment, built on industrial revolution principles, fails to account for cyclical rhythms and discuss the untapped potential when we understand and leverage the unique strengths that come with each phase of the menstrual cycle. Keep watching to discover why women are twice as likely to burn out at work and what actionable steps both individuals and organizations can take to create more inclusive, effective workplaces.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up Conversation
02:30 Guest Introduction: Carmen from The Cycle Method
04:45 Why the Menstrual Cycle Matters in the Workplace
08:15 The Personal Health Journey That Led to Professional Mission
12:00 How Modern Work Structure Ignores Cyclical Rhythms
15:20 The Burnout Statistics: Why Women Are Twice as Likely to Burn Out
18:10 Myth Busting: Beyond Period Pain and Pregnancy
21:40 The C-Suite Framework: CEO, CIO, CPO, CMO, and COO Energies
27:30 Understanding Your Unique Cyclical Patterns
31:15 The Three Layers: Self-Awareness, Adjustment, and Cycle Mastery
36:20 Practical Applications: Sync, Adjust, and Prepare
40:25 The Business Case: Untapped Potential and Performance
43:50 Using Product and Tech Language: Agile Meets Biology
46:40 The Policy vs. Culture Gap: Spain's Menstrual Leave Example
49:30 Creating All-Gender Inclusive Conversations
51:45 Generational Perspectives on Menstrual Cycle Awareness
53:20 Beyond the Menstrual Cycle: Including All Hormonal Experiences
54:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
65:50 Beyond the Menstrual Cycle: Including All Hormonal Experiences
68:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Carmen
Visit: thecyclemethod.com
linkedin.com/in/carmenpsychologist
Resources Mentioned
Oyster - Previous workplace where Matt and Carmen worked together
Culture Amp - People and culture platform
Air Tree - Australian VC company mentioned for menopause-focused initiatives
Canva - Example of inclusive leave policy implementation
Deloitte - Published report on supporting women through hormonal transitions showing 60% higher retention
Research and Studies:
WGEA (Workplace Gender Equality Agency) - Referenced for workplace equity benchmarks
Deloitte Report on Hormonal Transitions - Found 60% higher retention when women feel supported
Spain's Menstrual Leave Policy - First country to offer legal menstrual leave
Concepts and Frameworks:
The Cycle Method - Carmen's educational program and framework
Agile Framework - Compared to menstrual cycle phases
Seasons Analogy - Winter (menstruation), Spring (follicular), Summer (ovulation), Autumn (luteal)
C-Suite Framework - CEO (menstruation), CIO (follicular), CPO/CMO (ovulation), COO (luteal)
Media:
A Good Hang by Amy Poehler - YouTube series mentioned in conversation
More FNDN Episodes:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GeBIeZOKrFxG1oiiPxmiM
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fndn-series/id1794263484
MenstrualCycleAwareness, WorkplaceWellbeing, WomensHealth, StartupCulture, BurnoutPrevention, HormonalHealth, CyclicalLiving, PeopleOperations, InclusiveWorkplace, WorkplaceEquity, PerformanceOptimization, HRInnovation, DiversityAndInclusion, EmployeeWellbeing, StartupLeadership, WomenInBusiness, CycleTracking, HolisticWorkplace, PsychologicalSafety, StartupBestPractices