Running a Business in Midlife

Julie Spugnardi
Nov 20
4 min read

Interview with Allison Poole, Founder, Midlife Wellness & Community

Navigating entrepreneurship in midlife can be challenging - from changing family demands (can you say ”sandwich generation”) to physical changes that can feel like a rollercoaster ride some days, there’s a lot for women to manage, along with running a business.

At our BOSS Networking event in October, we had the pleasure of hearing from Allison Poole, PT, MPT, WHC, a Midlife Wellness coach and facilitator of the Pause Together Community, who shared her thoughts about how women business owners in perimenopause and menopause can take care of themselves during this period of life and ultimately thrive.

Read on to discover the changes that women experience as they approach or transition through midlife, and learn about helpful ways you can address the challenges while also enjoying the opportunities that arise for a more balanced life.

Q: What’s different for women business owners in midlife?

Allison: In midlife, women find themselves dealing with changing energy levels, shifting hormones, and sometimes a distinct “whisper” prompting them to pause and reassess. Many of us try to push through, add more strategies, optimize productivity, and hustle harder.

But the fundamental transformation comes when we get honest with ourselves and design our work around how we actually feel, not how we think we “should” feel. This honesty isn’t just freeing—it makes businesses sustainable and deeply aligned with what we value most.

Q: How do I decide what matters—and what to let go?

Allison: It starts by asking hard questions:

What does real success mean for you—right now, in this season?

What would an “ideal week” actually look like, with work and rest in balance?

Often, recognizing that our bodies and brains operate differently in midlife is the key. Rather than fighting it, use it!

Instead of following a set schedule designed for somebody else, build a business that fits your rhythms and priorities. Identify and release things from your plate that sap your energy or no longer fit your needs.

Sometimes, letting go—even of something you worked hard to build—is the smartest move. Closing a business chapter doesn’t mean failure; it often means clarity and courage to change course.

Q: What can help me avoid burnout and resentment?

Allison: Burnout whispers louder in midlife, and the only way out is through boundaries and non-negotiables. Prioritize sleep, establish solid boundaries (both at work and home), and be honest about your actual capacity. Consider nourishment in its broadest sense—good food, regular movement, and mindful stress management.

These aren’t just tips; they’re the foundation for everything else. Without them, every achievement risks resentment and exhaustion.

5 Practical Tactics For Thriving in This Season

Pause, Listen, and Redefine Productivity Stop hustling for hustle’s sake. Honor smaller “energy waves” and allow for productivity to ebb and flow each month. Use low-energy periods to reflect and high-energy times to create, strategize, and lead.
Build Systems Around Yourself, Not the Other Way Around Too often, we try to wedge ourselves into pre-set systems built for someone else. Reverse it: create business processes, workflows, and schedules that match your life today. This may mean scaling back, asking for help, outsourcing, or saying no to new ventures that clash with your well-being.
Get and Give Community Support Don’t do it alone. Midlife is a perfect time to connect—whether with new communities, professional support, or by investing in mentorship. Sometimes, a different perspective is the catalyst for long-overdue shifts in work and life.
Name Who YOU Are—And Grow from ThereSpend time considering where you’re at - what's bringing you joy, what's draining your energy, where you could use some support (personally, health, business, etc)? Recognizing your struggles or needs can help you pinpoint exactly what to change, let go of, or embrace in your work and life.
Permission to Do Things Differently
Let go of “shoulds” and give yourself permission to run your business smarter, not harder. Midlife brings the gift of caring less about others’ opinions and more about authentic success. Lean in to what feels true—whether that’s downsizing, rebranding, or doubling down on your community impact.

By leaning into these strategies—honesty, boundaries, self-designed systems, community, and permission—you can transform midlife entrepreneurship from a struggle into your most vibrant and impactful season yet.

About Allison Poole, PT, MPT, WHC

Allison Poole is a Midlife Wellness coach and consultant, and the founder of Pause Together Community, a space dedicated to helping women thrive through midlife and menopause. She began her career as a physical therapist, specializing in pelvic health, and spent over 20 years working with patients in both clinical and coaching settings. During this time, she developed a passion for supporting women through the transitions of perimenopause and menopause.

Wanting to create a broader impact, Allison launched Pause Together to provide a community-based approach to midlife wellness. Through workshops, coaching calls, and a resource-rich membership, women learn strategies to improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Allison lives in Portland, Maine, where she enjoys connecting with her community, sharing her expertise through integrative health coaching, events, and focused consultations aimed at helping women feel energized, confident, and empowered as they move through life’s changes.

For more information visit allisonpoole.com.