EP169 What Leadership Looks Like When Everything Falls Apart with Jody LaVoie

Send us Fan MailIn this moving and insightful episode, Angela and Sami speak with Jody LaVoie, founder of Widows in the Workplace and The Grief Company. Following the traumatic loss of her husband, Jody assumed leadership of his company, all while raising three daughters and facing unimaginable grief.Now a grief expert and coach, Jody shares how that experience shaped her purpose—and how she now equips both individuals and organizations to better navigate grief. This conversation offers both professional insight and personal reflection, with practical guidance for anyone experiencing or supporting others through loss.💡 What We Talk About:Jody’s story of sudden loss and becoming a leader overnightHow grief shows up in unexpected places (including the office)Why “just let me know if you need anything” isn’t that helpfulWays to show up for grieving friends or coworkers📘 Key Takeaways:Grief does not follow a timeline—and that’s normalThoughtful action is more impactful than asking “how can I help?”Managers have a vital role in creating supportive workplace environmentsSmall gestures, like checking in or offering practical help, go a long wayHealing often involves rebuilding on your own terms—both emotionally and physically💬 Thank you for being a valued part of the Be Freaking Awesome community. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit.🔗 ResourcesConnect with Jody on LinkedIn: Jody LaVoieWidows in the Workplace: www.widowsintheworkplace.comThe Grief Company: www.thegriefcompany.comYou've done the work. The retreats, the books, the coaching. And the pattern is still there. The Invisible Edge Foundation 1:1 Coaching is where that changes. Six sessions, one-on-one, body-based belief work that gets underneath what nothing else has touched. bfreakingawesome.com/invisible-edge-foundationSupport the showSign up at bfreakingawesome.com to get the latest news, insights, and episodes straight to your inbox.Follow Be Freaking Awesome on Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Instagram.Let us know what questions you want to be answered and discussed by emailing us at [email protected].