Lucy Hudson, MD of McCann Birmingham, on Child Loss, Grief Advocacy in the Workplace, Leadership & Empathy in the Workplace.

In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by Lucy Hudson, Managing Director of McCann Birmingham, for a profoundly moving and deeply honest conversation about grief, leadership, resilience and finding life after unimaginable loss.Lucy shares the story of losing her first daughter, Poppy, to a brain tumour, and reflects on the devastating impact grief had on both her personal life and professional world. With extraordinary openness and courage, she speaks about navigating bereavement whilst continuing to lead within the fast-paced advertising industry, and the emotional realities of returning to work after profound loss.Now MD of McCann Birmingham, Lucy has become a passionate advocate for more compassionate workplace cultures and greater understanding around grief, loss and emotional wellbeing and helping organisations better support employees experiencing trauma, bereavement and life-altering events.Together, Athene and Lucy explore how tragedy reshaped Lucy’s leadership style, her understanding of community and vulnerability, and her belief that there is life after loss, even in moments when hope can feel impossible to reach. With warmth, honesty and humanity, Lucy reflects on motherhood, resilience and the importance of authentic leadership during life’s most difficult chapters.Together, Athene and Lucy discuss:Child loss and griefCancer and bereavementLeadership through adversityWorkplace support and compassionate leadershipEmotional resilience and mental healthReturning to work after lossWomen in leadership and advertisingVulnerability, community and authentic connectionLucy is a proud mother of three and lives with her husband and Poppy’s two sisters.This is a deeply emotional and powerful conversation about grief, humanity and the strength it takes to continue forward after devastating loss 🎧✨Tracks:Thank You For The Music – ABBAWorking 9-5 – Dolly PartonTogether in Electric Dreams – Phil OakeyStronger – Kelly ClarksonWeightless – Marconi UnionThe emPOWER Breakfast – Lucy Hudson – Spotify PlaylistKey Topics:Leadership Through Crisis – Balancing work with personal griefWorkplace Grief – Creating supportive environmentsTeam Support – How to show up for grieving colleaguesAuthentic Leadership – Why vulnerability is a strengthSupporting Colleagues Through Grief – Tips:Listen, don’t fixFollow their lead – Let them share at their paceOffer specific help – “Can I handle the client call today?”Respect their process – Grief has no timelineOngoing Support:Check in regularly – Often, support is most needed after the funeralRemember key dates – Offer flexibility on anniversaries or birthdaysInclude them – Don’t assume they want to be aloneBe patient – Grief affects focus and decision-makingWhat NOT to Say:“I know how you feel.”“They’re in a better place.”“How old? That’s a good innings.”“Everything happens for a reason.”“You need to move on.”Any “At least…” statementsWhat TO Say:“I’m thinking of you.”“I’m here if you need me.”“Would you like to talk about [their loved one]?”“There’s no right way to grieve.”“How are you today/this afternoon?” (Be specific)If You’re Bereaved: The Five Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model):Denial – “This can’t be happening”Anger – “Why me? This isn’t fair”Bargaining – “If only…”Depression – Sadness and withdrawalAcceptance – Coming to terms with realityUseful Resources:Cruse Bereavement Care – Free advice/supportThe Compassionate Friends – Support for bereaved parents/siblingsChild Bereavement UK – Family supportWinston’s Wish – Support for grieving children/young peopleLucy Hudson, McCann Birmingham, grief and loss, child loss, bereavement, cancer, leadership through grief, compassionate leadership, workplace wellbeing, emotional resilience, women in advertising, women in leadership, authentic leadership, mental health, emotional wellbeing, returning to work after grief, leadership podcast, empowerment podcast, vulnerability, community and connection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.