Quality Makers: Celebrated TV Journalist & Midlife Advocate Tamsen Fadal

I must start by first congratulating you on leaving your network career after 32 years — I know first-hand that pivoting in midlife can be daunting. What advice do you have for anyone making change, or considering a substantial shift?

Get in motion. If you wait for the "perfect moment" it will never appear.

What is the best advice you are being given now as you approach your new role — and what advice do you feel helped you get here?

I believe what is helping me is the fact I had a plan, but it’s a flexible plan. To get here, it was important to look ahead but not to a point that I box myself into a corner.

What motivates you when times are tough, or when you encounter obstacles?

I am motivated by having a purpose and remembering my goal of helping women.

I love your steadfast mission. As a midlife advocate, with prominence in menopause education and legislation, as well as a resource for divorced dating, you've been such an incredible mentor to women — of all ages. Who has been a big influence in your journey?

After losing my mother at a young age, I found strength in my father. I watched him deal with so many obstacles along the way, both personally and professionally. He is the person I look up to and has been the biggest influence in my journey. He never told me I could not do something. He believes in me, and it has made all the difference.

I can imagine his immense pride as you have achieved so much to date — and in some ways, it feels you are just getting started given the number of new impactful initiatives you are developing. What would you say is your proudest accomplishment?

At the start of this journey, I had trepidations about speaking out on midlife and menopause but felt it was an important, universal message. I chose to speak out despite any stigma and believe that has paved the way for other women to do the same — one at a time. We will get this message out.

The millions of women in menopause are grateful. On that note, congratulations on your role as a Let’s Talk Menopause Board Member and Ambassador — and helping to push through the Menopause Research and Equity Act of 2023. Can you share what it was like to witness the president sign the first (ever!) White House initiative on Women’s Health Research?

I will never forget that day in DC. As a journalist, I have always covered press conferences or watched from afar. To be a part of something that we have been working toward for so long was so special. I am so proud to be part of a group of dedicated women fighting for more research, and to make sure we can educate and empower generations of women who have been confused and are suffering during this transition.

Speaking of change, as we have just rung in the new year did you make any resolutions? Beyond 2024, do you have a wish list of things you are eager to experience?‍

In 2024, I would like to spend more time with my family and loved ones. No question about this. Professionally, I am aiming for freedom in my work that comes with purpose; picking projects that don't feel like work.

Long-term, I look forward to experiencing how to work differently and how to take on new projects including my podcast and documentary. I am also writing a book about menopause, midlife and finding meaning; it is so important to me to share the message.

While you have experienced a lot of change lately, are there products that are mainstays in your day? We love beauty and wellness, but also any business or spiritual items that contribute to your life.‍

I love Oprah's Happiness Journal ($29.95) — I have gifted it so many times. I also love my reMarkable tablet ($279), which was a gift from my best friend on the last day of my job anchoring the news.

In this winter season, my skincare go-to’s include: DermoPhisiologique Optyma for eyes ($95), Peter Thomas Roth eye patches daily! ($75), Primally Pure Body Butter / Eucalyptus + Lavender ($26), True Botanicals Active Serum ($90), Oil ($110) and Vitamin C Booster ($90) and cocokind mymatcha lip balm ($9).