Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health, Menopause And Money - Creating a Truly Inclusive Energy Industry

6 Aug

This month, Law Squared’s Energy + Infrastructure team hosted our next round of “Let’s Talk About It” events in Brisbane and Melbourne, designed specifically for women working in the Energy + Infrastructure sector.

Guided by the leaders of our Energy + Infrastructure Team lawyers, Natasha Ozolins-Stubbs and Sarah Ward, the events brought together over 30 women from all ages and stages of their careers to engage in honest conversations around the topics that are too often left out of the workplace dialogue: mental health, menopause and money.

We’re incredibly grateful to the speakers who generously shared their stories and insights, and to the guests who contributed with honesty, warmth and wisdom. Our appreciation to Meaghan South, Nutrition Coach + Vitality Expert; Joanna Stevens, Managing Director, Premier Strategy; Stephanie Cassidy, CEO, Productivity Matters and Joanna Brand, Commercial Lawyer + Team Lead, Law Squared.

The Message: Real Inclusion Starts with Real Conversation

By creating space to talk openly about wellbeing, life transitions and financial independence, we take a step toward building a more inclusive energy sector where women can show unapologetically, thrive through every life stage and lead.

Here, we share our top take aways from the sessions:

Mental Health: It’s Not a Luxury - It’s a Leadership Standard

Lifestyle > Quick Fixes

True wellbeing isn’t found in the occasional massage or wellness retreat. It's built daily through habits: sleep, nutrition, movement, breathwork. The small, consistent actions matter most.

Leaders Must Set the Example

Today’s leaders need to model boundaries and wellbeing, not just endorse them. When leaders visibly prioritise their health by blocking out time for a walk, being transparent about their self-care, it sets the tone for the team to follow suit.

Self Care Practices to Try

5 minutes of breathwork (box breathing)
Legs-up-the-wall technique
End your shower with cold water
Morning sunlight exposure
Daily Omega-3 and Magnesium supplements

The Three-Week Rule

Notice something “off” about your health? Don’t spiral and send your stress level sky rocketing. Mark your calendar three weeks from now—if it hasn’t resolved, that’s your cue to act.

Same Hazard, Different Response

In building psychologically safe workplaces, recognise that people respond differently to the same stressor. Move beyond “Are you OK?” and instead:

“I’ve noticed that… what’s going on there?”
“How can we help get you there?”

Menopause: Strength, Strategy and Self-Awareness

The transition to peri-menopause and menopause can bring brain fog, anxiety, disrupted sleep, even clumsiness or dry eyes, and yet it’s still largely misunderstood, under researched and unsupported.

Here’s what we heard:

Your experience will be unique. Don’t fear every horror story. Your journey may be completely different.
Shift from skinny to strong. Building muscle and stamina through strength training supports your brain, bones and balance.
Knowledge is power. Don’t suffer in silence. Hormone therapy isn’t the last resort we were once told. Find a doctor who listens and understands.
Know your non-negotiables. What do you need to feel emotionally regulated every day?
This can be a powerful phase - one that brings clarity, freedom and self-knowledge - with the right support and awareness.

Money: The Confidence to Take Control

Financial literacy isn’t optional—it’s empowering. Many women in the legal professional grew up proudly declaring, “I’m not a numbers person.” That needs to change.

“I’m bad at maths” is a myth. You just haven’t been taught yet.
You deserve to know where your money is going, how tax and superannuation affect you, and what your financial future looks like.
Start by finding a financial advisor who doesn’t just manage your money but can also help you to understand it.
Financial independence gives you freedom of choice to build the life and career you want, and to walk away from what no longer serves you.

Stay Connected

We’re not done yet. These conversations matter and we’re committed to continuing them.

We’ll be hosting more Women in Energy events and creating more opportunities for connection, learning, and growth.

Want to be on the invite list for the next event? Drop us a line here and we’ll make sure you’re included.

Lisa Malone