We were lucky to catch up with Erika Shannon-Hathaway recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I learned that you might not get it right the first time (in fact, you probably won’t), and that is NORMAL.

My first Head of Content position for a connected fitness startup involved my producing hundreds of on-camera workouts in a short amount of time. It was connected to wearable tech and a complicated CMS, and through the process of bringing that content live I learned the value of extensive product testing and quality control. It is better to launch a great product later than expected than to launch a subpar product on time. You only have one shot to make an impression.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a movement-centered person all my life. I started dancing at age 4 and danced professionally well into my thirties. In my late twenties I also started dabbling in the fitness and wellness industry, and eventually crossed over to that full time- first as a fitness instructor, than an on-camera trainer, producer, and Head of Content Programming. I’ve watched the industry change over the past two decades and I’m truly grateful to be part of it.

A few years back I noticed there wasn’t a lot of dedicated content for women on the Menopause journey, so I got certified as a Menopause Coach Specialist (with supporting certificates in Understanding Hormones. Programming for the Female Client, and Heart Rate Performance). I have a special interest in this population, as I am part of it, and cheekily call myself “the Perimenopausal Menopause Coach.”

In 2024 I launched my own coaching business at erikashannon.com, where I offer group and private menopause coaching, a menopause centered workout platform called MOVE AND WIN, and several downloads and e-books on the subject. I also offer free monthly “menoparties” on Zoom, where I host experts on menopause-related subjects and do flash coaching for anyone who wants to attend. I also continue to consult for movement-centered startups, which I love.

I believe all women deserve a safe and judgment free place to evolve, and I can provide that for them. I am here to remind you that it’s never too late, that you have everything you need, and that something is better than nothing when it comes to daily progress.

My tagline is “If You’re Moving, You’re Winning.” I recognize that all bodies and journeys are different, and the most important thing is to move forward, in any amount, in the direction you want to go. It is my honor to help other women do this for themselves.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I work in a market that is very saturated at the moment. The Menopause space is exploding, which is wonderful, but there’s a lot of noise out there. I would say the three factors that set me apart from the crowd are my credentials, my unique way of sharing information, and my willingness to stay in my lane.

First, I learned from my dear mentor Patricia Moreno that integrity is everything. So even though I had the fitness and heart rate certifications, as well as the hormone and female focused programming certificates, I did not feel comfortable starting my business until I was actually certified as a Menopause Coach. If I am going to advise other humans on how to treat their bodies, I want to feel confident in my own abilities to do so, and I want them to know they’re getting their information from a trusted source.

Second, for better or for worse, social media has to play a part in how I reach new clients and build my brand. As a former cheesy musical theatre person, a perimenopausal Gen X mom, and a women comfortable sharing her vulnerability, my take on the menopause journey is unique and I attract the right people for the right opportunities for me.

And finally, I am comfortable with the words “I don’t know.” I am not ChatGPT or a doctor. I stay within my scope of practice and refer out whenever a client needs to know something I’m not qualified to answer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In late 2022, I was laid off from a big fitness company after a downsizing effort that shut down all east coast operations. I was in the process of interviewing for a few other jobs when my mother in law, who lived several states away, was diagnosed with dementia.

My husband and I went into emergency mode, and I stopped my job hunt for a few months to help him find her a place to live and facilitate her move. During that time, I spent so much more time with my daughter, now 12, and realized that going back to work full time for a big company was not something I wanted to do. The realization surprised me, as the job that had laid me off was basically my dream job, and I saw myself staying there for years. I am also a productivity-minded, success driven oldest child, so it was a bit of a “who am I without this impressive job title” moment. But I listened to my inner voice, and trusted myself enough to know there was something to it.

A few months later, after my mother in law was settled, I decided to put my efforts into building my own consulting business, and by early 2024 I added the menopause coaching piece as well. I’m proud to say that in 2024 I doubled my income every quarter, and I feel optimistic that 2025 is going to be even better!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erikashannon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikashannonmovement
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikashannonmovement/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikashannon/

Image Credits

Kristyn Brady