A Journey Through the Business of Menopause

Jill Angelo

Jill Angelo, the powerhouse behind Gennev's revolutionary telehealth services for menopausal women, joined me to discuss menopause care, women's health, and navigating a start-up business.

Imagine making a leap from Microsoft to pioneering a startup focused on women's health. That's precisely what Jill Angelo did. After a well-deserved sabbatical, Jill decided it was time for a new challenge. She founded Gennev in 2016 to address the personal care needs of menopausal women. After a few years, Gennev pivoted to telehealth, offering virtual care, making it easier for women to access expert advice from the comfort of their homes.

Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap

Transitioning from a well-oiled corporate machine like Microsoft to the startup world was no small feat. Jill candidly shared with me the hard truths about doing everything herself – from strategic planning to intricate executions. What's more, educating investors about menopause introduced an additional layer of complexity. Let's just say not everyone was comfortable discussing hot flashes in board meetings.

One of Jill's key messages was the importance of persistence. Breaking into the menopause space wasn't easy, but her bold, unapologetic approach paid off. She stressed the significance of staying authentic and not letting societal perceptions hold you back. Being true to yourself is an unbeatable strategy!

Challenging Societal Norms

Jill's work is about more than just business; it's a mission to change societal norms. By collaborating with large institutions and integrating with existing systems, Gennev is paving the way for a broader acceptance of menopause. The message is clear: Real change happens when we work with existing frameworks rather than against them.

One eye-opening revelation for her was the lack of menopause education among medical professionals. Less than 20% of OB-GYNs receive training in menopause. Thankfully, things are changing. With more certified providers and increasing insurance coverage, quality menopause care is becoming more accessible. Jill emphasised the importance of evidence-based care to avoid confusion among patients about new products.

Partnering with Celebrities

Gennev teamed up with Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City, to raise awareness about menopause. Partnerships like this not only bring crucial conversations to the forefront of culture but also highlight the significance of integrated efforts in shaking up societal norms. Jill's also interested in global initiatives to empower women worldwide. With the acquisition of Gennev by Unified Women's Healthcare in 2022, her vision of integrated virtual and physical OB-GYN clinics is more tangible than ever.

This conversation with Jill was nothing short of inspiring. Her journey from tech to telehealth, the barriers she's overcome, and her relentless passion for women's health radiates through her every word. You can listen to the full podcast episode here: https://podfollow.com/women-of-a-certain-stage