Dr. Ginni Mansberg is an Australian doctor who is the co-founder of Evidence Skincare (E.S.K) and the author of The M Word: How to Thrive in Menopause and Save Your Brain.
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Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?
First and foremost I’m a doctor – I’ve been a practising GP for almost 30 years and I love it! Right now, I’m a bit of a ‘slashie’ because I run my own cosmeceutical skincare company called Evidence Skincare (E.S.K), whilst also being a GP in Sans Souci in Sydney, and juggling my commitments in TV and podcasting.
This includes Sunrise & Morning Show (Channel7) and my podcast, Help I Have a Teenager. I am also a regular host of Healthy Living on Nine Radio and my advice can be found in various magazines, such as New Idea where I have a monthly column.
But most of all I am a GP with a special interest in all things skin and menopause- which led to my writing my bestselling book, The M Word , How to Thrive in Menopause.
Throughout my career, my passion has always been about making medical evidence accessible to all and calling out dubious claims in the health and wellness industry. These dual passions were the driving force behind me creating Evidence Skincare (E.S.K), an Australian cosmeceutical skincare company that follows an evidence-first approach.
Just like our name suggests, Evidence Skincare is focussed on creating products using ingredients that are scientifically backed and clinically tested. In an industry that is full of fad products, unsubstantiated claims and questionable marketing, E.S.K is in a different lane with products that are formulated based purely on evidence – independent scientific studies that are peer-reviewed and published in major medical journals.
In 2022, with growing evidence that 10% of women with severe menopause symptoms leave the workplace, I also co-founded Don’t Sweat It – Menopause in the Workplace, a company that offers comprehensive strategies to help midlife women stay engaged in the workplace without stepping out due to their menopause symptoms.
We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?
A typical workday for me involves me wearing many hats depending on what is required that day! A recent workday for me involved me speaking to a range of professionals at a major bank as part of my Don’t Sweat It – Menopause in the Workplace duties.
On this day I also responded to some media commitments, such as writing up a by-line article for my monthly column and chatting to a journalist about all things skincare for E.S.K! A ‘typical’ workday for me usually isn’t very typical because most days are so varied (which is something I really love about what I do).
Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?
Work-life balance is certainly something I aspire to. Don’t ask me. I’m a total disaster! BUT I am so grateful that I get to do what I love, so it often doesn’t feel like work. I’m surrounded by intelligent, inspiring and creative people on a daily basis and working in areas I am passionate about. I’m so proud of the brands that I’ve created.
Sure, I’m very busy, but I can hardly complain! I work harder than I ever have in my life but go to bed each day filled with pride and joy for the difference we are making! A bit more sleep and time to exercise is coming soon!
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Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?
One change would be being strategic about what I say yes to. I’m a ‘yes’ person by nature but sometimes that can mean that you’re pulled in different directions. As a result, I can feel like I’m not able to give my all to everything and at times I lose sight of what’s most important.
So, instead of saying yes right away, I now ask myself if it’s something that I really want to do, or if instead it’s better to be a ‘maybe’ (for another time), or a flat-out no. Ultimately, there needs to be some space in your life to say yes to the really important things when they arise!
We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?
It would be remiss of me here to not recommend my bestselling book, The M Word, How to Thrive in Menopause! In this book I work through the evidence and bust the taboos around menopause and perimenopause (the hormonal rollercoaster years leading up to a woman’s last period).
Now with that shameless self-promotion out of the way, I do subscribe to The Economist and listen or read it daily. As for book recommendations, there are so many: I still love The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy and Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins.
Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
For me, I need to believe in the integrity and values of what I do on a day to day basis. I need to be able to stand up proudly in front of my work and know it is making a difference. I couldn’t enjoy my work without that. I feel blessed to stand tall everyday and sleep easy at night.
If you feel the same, don’t wait. Whether it’s starting your own venture or working in a job, believe that what you are doing matters! Make the move and feel the pride and joy grow in your heart.
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