Navigating Grief and loss – Deanne Rhynard
- Navigating Grief and loss - Deanne Rhynard Tim Reitsma 44:14
Grief is a journey that many of us face, making us feel alone even though it's a common experience. This week, Deanne shares her deeply personal story of dealing with major losses: the death of her aunt, a miscarriage, her child's hospital stay, and changing jobs, all happening in just 45 days. She opens up about the unique way she found comfort through her podcast, “F'ing Up.”
This episode dives into the personal nature of grief and loss, highlighting that everyone handles it differently. We talk about the moments grief catches us off guard, challenging the idea that time heals all wounds. We discuss the importance of letting those around us know how they can support us best, whether we need a good cry or someone to just be there quietly with us.
We acknowledge the deep emotions often kept hidden, the struggle to appear okay for the sake of our kids or socially, and how sharing our stories, while risky, can be freeing.
Takeaways:
- Grief is a Personal Journey: Everyone feels and deals with grief differently. It's a part of life that doesn't just disappear over time.
- Society Struggles with Grief: People often try to offer quick fixes or might avoid talking about grief. It's hard to discuss, but sharing personal stories can help.
- Listening is Key: Being there for someone, just listening, is much more helpful than trying to solve their grief for them.
- Owning Your Grief: It's okay to not be okay. Taking action, like starting a project or asking for help, can be a step towards coping.
- The Importance of Support and Boundaries: While support from friends and family is crucial, it's also necessary to communicate what you need from them.
Deanne Rhynard – Bio
Deanne Rhynard is a seasoned HR executive and startup advisor. She has an appreciation for understanding the human psyche and how that intersects with the career journey.
Deanne hosts F'ing Up, a podcast dedicated to sharing the realities of the career journey through interviews with successful individuals, focusing on their tripping hazards along the way.
Most recently, Deanne was Chief People Officer at Performio, a fast-growing sales compensation software platform. Previously, Deanne held the role of Chief People Officer at Olo, Inc. Under her leadership, Olo grew its employee base by over 30x, and executed a successful IPO and two acquisitions. Prior to COVID, Deanne operationalized a workforce that was 65% remote, creating a unique value proposition in the tech market.
Deanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Walla Walla University. She lives in Washington State with her husband and three boys.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannerhynard/
https://www.finguppodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/finguppodcast/
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