Frequently Asked Questions

UNDERSTANDING MY WORK

What is leadership strategy for midlife women?
Leadership strategy for midlife women is a structured approach that helps women over 40 navigate career transitions, perimenopause, and evolving leadership identity. It combines leadership development and leadership brand strategy to clarify your value, align your work with your values, and create a clear plan for what’s next.

What makes your approach different from traditional leadership coaching?

My approach is strategic and outcome-focused, not purely supportive. I use evidence-based leadership frameworks, leadership brand image and positioning, and practical implementation tools so clients leave with clarity, direction, and concrete next steps, not just insight or motivation.

What is a Leadership Development Strategist?

A Leadership Development Strategist helps experienced women clarify their leadership identity, articulate their value, and navigate complex career transitions. This work blends leadership development, strategic thinking, and positioning to support visibility, confidence, and decision-making at senior levels.

Who do you work with?

I work with women over 40 who are at a leadership crossroads. My clients are senior leaders, executives, and experienced professionals navigating perimenopause, career shifts, changing priorities, or a sense that their current way of leading no longer fits. I also work with women who are re-entering the workforce.

PERIMENOPAUSE & LEADERSHIP

How does perimenopause affect leadership performance?

Perimenopause can affect leadership performance by impacting focus, memory, energy, sleep, and emotional regulation. These changes can influence decision-making, confidence, and executive presence, which is why strategic leadership support during this stage is critical.

Can menopause affect executive performance at work?

Yes. Menopause can affect executive performance through cognitive, physical, and emotional changes that often go unaddressed in workplaces. With the right leadership strategies and tools, women can adapt how they lead and continue performing at a high level without burning out.

Do I need to talk about menopause to work with you?
No. You do not need to disclose or focus on menopause to work with me. While perimenopause is a common midlife transition I address, my work supports leadership evolution of all kinds, including career change, identity shifts, burnout, and redefining success.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

What is the North Star Program?
North Star is a 6-session leadership brand strategy program for women over 40. It helps you clarify how you articulate your value, strengths, and expertise so you can position yourself clearly for visibility, influence, and what’s next.

What is the Bloom Program?

Bloom is a 3-month leadership development program for midlife women navigating complex transitions. It supports perimenopause, identity shifts, changing priorities, and long-term leadership sustainability using strategic frameworks and values-based planning.

What’s the difference between North Star and Bloom?
North Star focuses on leadership brand clarity and positioning. Bloom supports broader midlife leadership evolution, including identity, resilience, perimenopause, and long-term direction.

How long are your programs?
North Star includes six sessions typically completed over six to ten weeks. Bloom is a three-month program with six sessions spaced to allow for reflection and implementation.

Do you work virtually or in person?

I work primarily virtually, which allows clients to work with me from anywhere. In-person work is available for select speaking engagements and organizational workshops.

What’s included in your programs?
All programs include strategic frameworks, personalized exercises, and clear action plans. North Star focuses on leadership brand development, while Bloom also includes resilience strategies, values clarification, and midlife leadership planning tools.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Payment plans are available and can be discussed during a discovery call to find an option that fits your situation.

How do I know which program is right for me?
If your main challenge is articulating your value, strengthening your leadership brand, or positioning yourself for visibility, North Star is usually the best fit. If you are navigating broader midlife transitions such as perimenopause, identity shifts, or career uncertainty, Bloom provides more comprehensive support. One-on-One personalized support is also available, which can blend both programs according to your needs and situation.

WORKING TOGETHER

Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. I offer free discovery calls to explore your current challenges, goals, and whether my programs are the right fit.

What results can I expect from working with you?

Clients typically gain clarity on their leadership identity, stronger articulation of their value, and a strategic plan for their next chapter. Many also report increased confidence, better decision-making, and tools to navigate midlife transitions without burnout.

What is your refund policy?
Because this work is highly personalized and time-based, program fees are generally non-refundable once work begins. If unexpected circumstances arise, timelines can often be adjusted.

Do you work with women in specific industries?
I work with women across industries, including corporate, nonprofit, public sector, and entrepreneurship. The common thread is being at a midlife leadership crossroads, not a specific sector.

How do I get started?

You can start by booking a free discovery call. During the call, we assess your leadership challenges and determine the best next step.

Is this coaching or consulting?

This is strategic leadership development, not traditional coaching.

Do you work internationally?

Yes. All programs are delivered virtually.

Is this only for corporate leaders?

No. Clients include senior professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs.

Carolyne Lord

Leadership development for women navigating midlife.

I provide leadership development and personal brand strategy for women over 40 navigating midlife career transitions, perimenopause, and evolving leadership identity. My work supports experienced women as they redefine their careers, reposition their expertise, and move confidently into what’s next.

© CL Consulting 2026