Laurie Oswald | Climbing the Mountain of Sh#t

In this episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell talks with Laurie Oswald, whose life was turned upside down during the tumultuous year of 2020. Her journey offers invaluable insights into resilience, community, and the power of human connection.As the founder of InteraWorks, a global learning company, Laurie found herself facing unprecedented challenges when her business evaporated after the world shut down. Suddenly, the business she had nurtured for three years was facing an existential threat.As if the pandemic wasn't enough, Laurie also faced a series of unexpected trials in her personal life. First was the move from Tennessee to Florida to live in her deceased mother's home as a way to reduce expenses. Then came the hurricane that significantly damaged her mother's home, followed by the sudden loss of her father-in-law the week Laurie and her family moved into temporary lodging accommodations.Theses personal losses compounded the stress of the pandemic and the upheaval in her professional life, showcasing how personal and professional challenges can intersect. Laurie described this period as a "piling on" of events that forced her to confront not only the immediate chaos but also her deeper emotional scars from the loss of her mother 2 decades earlier.Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Laurie and her work team chose to adapt rather than succumb to despair. They pivoted quickly, offering free programs focused on resilience to support individuals and organizations navigating the crisis. This proactive approach not only helped others but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose within her team.Through this journey, Laurie discovered resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. She emphasized that going through the shit often calls forth a strength one may not know they possess. It is about finding joy in simplicity, reaching into new depths and finding a way to climb that daunting mountain of challenges. Her experience illustrates that while the journey may be fraught with difficulties, it is also a path toward personal growth and transformation. Key takeaways from her experience include the importance of community support, the need for resilience in the face of challenges, and the realization that even in our darkest moments, we can find a way to rise.InteraWorks websiteLaurie Oswald LinkedIn