Why Turning 39 Hit Harder Than I Expected w/ Lauren Najar

What happens when you reach the age that changed your parent's life forever?As I reflect on my 39th birthday, I found myself thinking about a number that carries deep meaning. Thirty-nine was the age my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, and reaching that same milestone brought up unexpected emotions about grief, family, identity, and the passage of time.In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing memories of my mother's cancer journey, the challenges of losing both parents at a young age, and the realization that I never got the chance to know my mom as an adult. As I reach the same age she was when she was diagnosed, I reflect on how grief evolves over time and the surprising ways her influence continues to shape my leadership style, work ethic, and approach to building a business today. If you've ever lost someone you love, struggled with unanswered questions, or wondered how the people who shaped you continue to influence your life, this episode will leave you thinking differently about legacy, grief, and the stories we carry with us.Chapters:00:40 Why Turning 39 Feels So Significant03:20 The Story Behind My Mom's Cancer Diagnosis07:40 Losing My Mom at 21 Years Old11:10 How Grief Changes As You Get Older14:00 The Reality of Never Knowing My Mom as an Adult17:00 The Questions I Wish I Could Ask20:20 Why Reaching Certain Ages Feels Different24:10 The Impact My Mom Still Has on My Life 27:30 The Leadership Lessons I Learned From Watching My Mom30:20 How My Mom Influenced My Business Without Knowing ItThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.