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