Grief is a powerful emotion, one that doesn’t care about your schedule, your responsibilities, or the fact that people are counting on you to lead. As professionals, leaders, and culture builders, we often feel the weight of showing up for others—even when our hearts are breaking.
I know this because I’ve lived it. Within a year, I lost both my parents. My dad, my greatest inspiration in business and in life, and my mom, whose love was a constant presence, were gone. 
The weight of that grief, coupled with the need to keep leading my team and showing up for my work, was overwhelming at times. But I learned valuable lessons through the process—lessons about strength, support, and resilience that I hope can help others navigating their own grief while leading.
Finding Strength in Community
One of the greatest sources of strength during grief is the people around you. Your team, coworkers, friends, and family can become an anchor in the storm.
- Lean on your team: Share as much as you’re comfortable with. Letting them know what you’re going through can create space for understanding and support. You might be surprised at how they rally around you.
- Draw from family and friends: Their presence can remind you that you’re not alone, even on the hardest days. My parents taught me the importance of relationships, and that lesson has never been more meaningful than in moments of loss.
- Encourage mutual support: Just as you lean on others, show up for them when they face challenges. Strength in community goes both ways.
Work as a Distraction—But Not an Escape
Work can provide a sense of normalcy during grief. It can give you purpose when the rest of life feels unmoored. For me, it was a place where I could focus on building, creating, and leading—a tribute to my dad’s legacy as an entrepreneur who led with love.
But it’s important not to let work become a shield that keeps you from processing your emotions.
- Create boundaries: Dedicate time outside of work to feel your emotions, journal, or talk with someone you trust.
- Take breaks when needed: If the weight of grief feels too heavy, allow yourself the grace to step away—even if just for a few minutes—to gather your thoughts.
- Use work intentionally: See your work as an extension of your values and your loved one’s legacy. My dad’s example of treating employees and customers with care has shaped how I lead every day.
Facing Grief in the Workplace
There will be days when the feelings sneak up on you, when the tears come unexpectedly in the middle of a meeting or at your desk. Those moments are part of the process, and it’s okay to let them happen. 
Here’s how to navigate those emotional days:
- Be kind to yourself: Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and it’s not linear. Some days will be harder than others. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment.
- Have a trusted confidant: Whether it’s a coworker, mentor, or friend, having someone at work who understands your journey can make all the difference.
- Create an emotional toolkit: Keep a few strategies on hand, like stepping outside for fresh air, listening to a calming playlist, or keeping a small memento that reminds you of your loved one’s strength.
The Importance of Talking
Grief can feel isolating, but talking about it can be incredibly healing.
- Find safe spaces to share: Whether it’s with a friend, a professional therapist, or a support group, talking about your feelings helps lighten the burden.
- Encourage openness in your workplace: As a leader, your willingness to talk about grief can create a culture where others feel comfortable doing the same.
- Honor their legacy: Sharing stories about your loved ones can be a way of keeping their memory alive while also finding connection and support.
Thriving Through Loss
Grief never truly goes away, but over time, you learn to carry it differently. For me, the lessons my parents taught me about leadership, love, and perseverance have become guiding principles in my work and life.
- Turn pain into purpose: Honor your loved one’s legacy by incorporating their values into your leadership. My dad’s belief in leading with love shapes how I treat my team and approach challenges.
- Celebrate their influence: Recognize the ways they’ve shaped who you are and the work you do. For me, it’s treating people with dignity, just as my dad did with his employees and customers for over 50 years.
- Allow yourself to grow: Grief can transform you. It can make you more compassionate, more resilient, and more attuned to what truly matters.
Closing Thoughts
Leading through grief is one of the hardest challenges you may face. But it’s also an opportunity to draw strength from those around you, honor the legacy of those you’ve lost, and grow as a leader. 
You don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your team, your family, your friends. Take time to feel, to cry, and to heal. And when you’re ready, let your leadership reflect the lessons your loved ones taught you.
This March, as I reflect on the anniversary of my mom’s passing, I’ll carry with me the love and inspiration of both my parents. They taught me to lead with purpose, with authenticity, and most importantly, with love. I hope these lessons can guide you through your own journey, wherever it may lead.
