Margo Fowkes on Losing her son, creating community, and Leading Through Loss at work

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” This quote by Isak Dinesen inspired today’s guest, Margot Fowkes, to create Salt Water, a virtual community where grievers can share their stories and honor their loved ones.Margo is the founder and president of OnTarget Consulting and author of the award-winning book, LEADING THROUGH LOSS: HOW TO NAVIGATE GRIEF AT WORK, helps leaders create more compassionate workplaces by acknowledging and speaking openly about grief.***Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube***Margot shares her journey of grief after the death of her son, Jimmy. She discusses Jimmy's resilience during his illness, and the moments that shaped her perspective on motherhood and loss.Salt Water was founded to honor all types of loss, as a virtual community providing resources and welcoming guest writers to share their experiences.She delves into the challenges of grief in the workplace—how to support grieving colleagues, navigate work when grieving, handle the death of an employee, and find support in virtual or hybrid work environments.TakeawaysEach person's grief is unique and should be respected and validated.Grief can deepen our understanding of what is truly important in life, and how we want to show up for ourselves and others.Navigating grief as a family requires open communication, understanding, and allowing each person to grieve in their own way.Creating spaces for sharing stories and honoring all types of loss can provide comfort and support for grievers.Grief can impact one's definition of motherhood, and navigating the balance between letting go and stepping in can be challenging.Creating a compassionate culture that recognizes and supports grief and loss is essential in the workplace and in society.Grief at work can have a significant impact on productivity and well-being. It's essential to create a compassionate and supportive culture.Companies can implement simple initiatives to provide support & understanding for grieving employees.Connect with Margo Fowkes:ontargetconsulting.netfindyourharbor.comBook: LEADING THROUGH LOSSIG @findyourharborFacebookLinkedInConnect with Nina Rodriguez:@griefandlightgriefandlight.comSchedule a Clarity CallSubscribe to my newsletterDisclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimersSend us Fan MailSupport the showGrief and Light is an award-winning, independent podcast exploring the honest, messy, and deeply human experience of loss. We're on a mission to foster a more grief-informed, hopeful world, one conversation at a time. 🏆 Ear Worthy Best Life Lessons 2026 · TalkDeath Readers' Choice Best Podcast 2025 · Women Who Podcast Awards 2025 Winner · Podground Editor's PickNew episodes wherever you watch or listen.Connect with Nina Rodriguez:griefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackThank you for listening! If this conversation resonated with you:✅ Share this episode with someone who needs it✅ Follow Grief and Light so you never miss a conversation✅ Leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more heartsDisclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers