How Grief Work Made Me a Stronger Business Owner

Becoming a volunteer with hospice taught me a TON about leadership, empathy and showing up with purpose.

When I became a grief facilitator with hospice, I didn’t do it for my business.



I had developed death anxiety after a series of gut wrenching loss.



I needed to face this debilitating anxiety and panic, but I also did it because I wanted to hold space for people in their most human, sacred moments.



But I certainly didn’t expect how much this work would influence the way I lead, serve and grow as a business owner.

I believe grief isn’t just about loss, it’s about love, change and all the things we carry when life shifts unexpectedly.



And in helping others navigate their grief, I’ve learned some very powerful lessons that have shaped how I show up in my life and in my business every single day.

1. Holding Space Is More Than Just Listening

In grief facilitation, the most impactful thing you can offer is your presence.



You’re not there to fix. You’re there to witness, to hold space and to create a container for people to feel seen, safe and understood in their heartbreaking vulnerability.

That skill has directly translated into how I work with my clients.



Whether we’re navigating a brand pivot, building an SEO strategy or clarifying a voice, they’re often bringing their own fears, frustrations and insecurities to the table.



My job isn’t just to offer answers; it’s to hold space for the messy middle and guide them through it with empathy.

2. Purpose Over Pressure

Grief significantly changes how you see time, success and what really matters.



It strips away everything.



Through this work, I’ve learned to slow down, to focus on intention over urgency and to build my business around values that align with how I want to live and lead.

This perspective has helped me prioritize quality over quantity, depth over breadth and long-term impact over quick wins.



It’s also helped me coach my clients with more clarity, helping them define success on their own terms, not just by industry standards or what some tech bro says about manipulating the algorithms.

3. Compassion Creates Connection

Grief work is the ultimate reminder: everyone is carrying something you can’t see.



That truth now informs every email I send, every conversation I have, every strategy I craft.



I try to lead with compassion, not because it’s trendy - but because everyone deserves it, it’s real, it’s needed and it builds trust.

Whether I’m guiding a founder through their first site launch or helping a seasoned business owner reconnect with their audience, emotional intelligence is the path that runs through it all.

4. Embracing Vulnerability as Strength

In the depth of grief, vulnerability isn't a weakness - it's a bridge to healing and true authenticity.



I've learned that showing up with my whole self, imperfections and all, fosters deeper connections and trust.



This lesson has permeated my business practices, encouraging me to lead with transparency and understanding.

By embracing vulnerability, I've grown a business environment where clients feel safe to express their true needs and challenges, leading to more effective collaborations and meaningful outcomes.

5. The Power of Presence in Decision-Making

Grief work has strengthened my ability to be fully present, a skill that's sooo damn important in business decision-making.



In moments of uncertainty or high stakes, I try to practice mindfulness so I can assess situations with clarity and calm.

This presence allows me to navigate complex business landscapes with a grounded perspective, ensuring that decisions are aligned with both strategic goals and core values.

6. Building Resilience Through Adversity

Witnessing the resilience of individuals facing profound loss has been a profound teacher.




Their strength has inspired me to approach business challenges with a similar resilience, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation.

This mindset has enabled me to persevere through setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances and maintain a confident commitment to my mission, even in the face of insane adversity.

7. Cultivating Empathy in Client Relationships

Grief facilitation has deepened my capacity for empathy, allowing me to connect with clients on a more emotional level.




Understanding the nuances of human emotion allows me to be more flexible and to meet clients where they are, fostering a supportive and collaborative partnership.

This empathetic approach not only enhances client satisfaction but also contributes to the creation of solutions that truly resonate with their unique needs and aspirations.

8. Integrating Mindfulness into Business Practices

The mindfulness practices integral to grief work have seamlessly integrated into my business operations.



From mindful communication to intentional planning, these practices have enhanced my ability to stay focused, reduce stress and foster a balanced work environment.

By prioritizing mindfulness, I've cultivated a business culture that values well-being, intentionality and sustained productivity.




Hustle culture used to define me (and I have experienced great success from it) but at the expense of my relationships, mental well-being and overall happiness. Would not recommend.

9. Redefining Success Beyond Metrics

For me, grief work prompted a reevaluation of traditional success metrics.



While revenue and growth are important, I've come to value impact, fulfillment and alignment with purpose as equally vital indicators of success.

This redefinition has guided me to pursue projects and partnerships that resonate with my values, leading to a more meaningful and sustainable business journey.

10. Inspiring Purpose-Driven Leadership

At the heart of grief facilitation lies a commitment to service, a principle that has profoundly influenced my leadership style.



Leading with purpose, compassion, and integrity has become the cornerstone of my business philosophy.

This purpose-driven approach not only inspires my team, but also seems to attract clients and collaborators who share a commitment to making a positive difference, amplifying the collective impact of our work.



To the helpers and healers of the world, I see you.

Grief Work Isn’t a Detour - It’s Deep Leadership Training

I used to separate my business life from my personal growth work. But the honest truth is, everything is connected.



The way I hold space for grief has helped me hold space for growth. For change. For real, human experiences in business.

If you're navigating your own season of growth or grief, know this: you can build a business that's rooted in purpose, empathy and presence.



You don’t have to choose between being strategic and being heart-centered.

You can do both. And you can have great success with both. This is definitely possible.



And I’d love to walk alongside you as you do.

Interested in building a more human, purpose-led brand?


Let’s chat