23 Mar Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose
Jody LaVoie, CEO and Coach at Widows in the Workplace, shares her deeply personal journey through unexpected tragedy, transformation, and ultimately, purpose. Jody recounts how she stepped into a leadership role following the sudden loss of her husband, founding Widows in the Workplace and supporting others as they navigate grief and transition.
Embracing Leadership After Tragedy
Jody’s story begins with her husband’s sudden passing in 2014. As the founder and CEO of Aerostream, her husband’s death left Jody unexpectedly in charge of the business. Faced with the dual challenges of professional responsibilities and personal grief, Jody quickly learned valuable lessons on resilience and leadership:
- Identify Strengths and Outsource Knowledge Gaps:
- Jody focused on her own strengths while relying on experts for areas she wasn’t familiar with.
- Build a Support Network:
- She emphasized finding mentors and supportive communities, especially through the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Menttium.
- Lead with Empathy:
- Recognizing that her colleagues had shared the traumatic experience, Jody approached her team with understanding and compassion.
The Power of Mentoring and Asking for Help
As a grief coach, Jody guides clients, particularly widows, through their own transformative journeys. She addresses common challenges her clients face, from managing the overwhelming resources available to understanding how grief can shift priorities:
- Seek Guidance Early:
- Jody shares the story of a widow who sought support even before her husband passed, underscoring the importance of preparing for change.
- Set Boundaries:
- Many clients, especially women, feel pressured to “hold it all together.” Jody works with them to establish boundaries that protect their mental health and work-life balance.
- Acknowledge Grief’s Impact on Identity:
- Helping clients reconcile their former identities with their new realities, Jody encourages self-compassion and flexibility in redefining purpose.
Redefining Life After Loss
Through her company, Widows in the Workplace, Jody developed “Grief to Greatness,” a program designed to help widows rebuild fulfilling lives after loss. Jody’s reflections on her journey highlight the importance of self-care and perseverance:
- Self-Care Habits:
- Jody stresses the importance of sleep, journaling, and gratitude practices as foundational habits that helped her find stability.
- The Role of Humor and Perspective:
- Even in the face of hardship, Jody finds ways to incorporate humor, which she believes is vital for emotional resilience.
- Empowering Children Through Role Modeling:
- Jody’s experience also profoundly impacted her daughters, who watched their mother navigate grief and build a new path forward with strength.
Insights for Emerging Leaders
Jody addresses people dealing with leadership challenges and imposter syndrome, providing actionable advice:
- Question Self-Doubt:
- Following the “pause principle,” Jody recommends evaluating negative self-talk and assessing if these thoughts hold any real basis.
- Challenge Perceived Limitations:
- Inspired by authors like Byron Katie, she encourages questioning limiting beliefs to unlock potential.
- Lead with Authenticity:
- Jody emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s core values while managing change and uncertainty.
Conclusion
Jody LaVoie’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of purpose-driven leadership. Her experience reminds us that while we cannot control life’s tragedies, we can choose to navigate them with strength, authenticity, and a commitment to growth. Through her work with Widows in the Workplace, Jody continues to empower others, offering a message of hope and resilience for all.
About Jody LaVoie
Jody LaVoie is the CEO and Coach at Widows in the Workplace, where she helps widows and others facing grief to rebuild purpose-driven lives and careers after loss. Her journey began in 2014 after the sudden death of her husband, which led her to found Widows in the Workplace and create the Grief to Greatness program. Drawing from her personal experiences and leadership background, Jody empowers her clients to navigate grief, set boundaries, and rediscover their strengths. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Jody is dedicated to helping others turn hardship into resilience and growth.