In/Fertility In The City

Do HR Professionals Who Experience Their Own Fertility Struggles Know How to Help Others More?

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Episode notes

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of in/fertility and/or baby loss.

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In this compelling episode we’re joined by Shrara McCue from Chicago to explore her profound fertility journey. She shares her experiences navigating the challenges of hyperemesis gravidarum, early ovarian failure, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF.

She also sheds light on the stark realities of fertility treatment and parental leave in the United States, especially from her perspective as a seasoned HR professional. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the personal and professional impacts of infertility, the importance of empathy, and the pressing need for better support systems in the workplace.  

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GUEST INFORMATION:

Shrara McCue is a mother to 2 young boys and has been an HR professional for just over 18 years. She has operated at the Director level the last few years with a large team that she has managed while at the same time supporting the entire organisation and its executive team by acting as a thought partner to the C-Suite. Supporting senior leaders in national and global environments has been both a demanding and rewarding job.

After conceiving naturally early on in her marriage, Shrara suffered a non-viable pregnancy and went through pregnancy loss at 16 weeks. Shrara would later deal with secondary infertility and was diagnosed with early ovarian failure. While all of this was going on, she found herself immersing herself in her career as a way of dealing with her infertility issues. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of her role was meeting with employees who were welcoming babies. Shrara found this extremely difficult as she had to balance her emotional and personal situation while maintaining a professional demeanor in the workplace. Shrara decided to put some of that energy instead into advocating for enhanced coverage for infertility treatments to be covered by employers as part of insurance plans and increasing paid time off for new parents as part of paternal leave. Shrara was fortunately able to eventually conceive through IVF.  

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SEASON 5 SPONSOR: 

The Lister Fertility Clinic. Visit the website