Episode 2

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Published on:

2nd Jun 2023

Navigating Grief at Work: Compassionate Leadership with Jennifer Barchi

Navigating Grief at Work: Compassionate Leadership

In this heartfelt episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo sits down with Jennifer Barchi, senior consultant at Design Group International, associate for Church and Leadership at the Presbytery of Baltimore, and executive coach at Artfully Caffeinated. Together, they discuss the complex nature of grief in the workplace, highlighting compassionate leadership, authentic communication, and creating supportive, inclusive environments. Jennifer shares powerful insights on recognizing diverse expressions of grief, handling discomfort with empathy, and encouraging personal and professional growth through challenging times.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction: The importance of addressing grief at work.
  • (01:26) Jennifer’s insights on diverse experiences of grief.
  • (02:43) Betsy's personal reflection on navigating grief after losing her mother.
  • (05:54) Managing personal and professional expectations during grieving.
  • (07:06) Workplace approaches to grief and the limitations of traditional bereavement leave.
  • (10:12) Understanding complex and extended grieving processes.
  • (13:00) Effective communication strategies for supporting grieving employees.
  • (17:18) Culturally diverse expressions of grief and understanding workplace dynamics.
  • (24:00) Leadership responsibility in supporting employees through loss.
  • (27:00) Addressing discomfort around death and grief in American culture.
  • (28:42) Jennifer’s final advice for leaders and individuals on grief management.

Key Takeaways:

  • Compassionate Leadership: Authentic empathy and open dialogue are crucial in supporting grieving employees.
  • Grief's Complexity: Grieving processes are diverse, nonlinear, and deeply personal, demanding flexibility and sensitivity from workplace leaders.
  • Inclusive Workplaces: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences in grief expressions enhances workplace inclusivity.
  • Personal Growth: Actively engaging with grief can lead to significant personal and professional growth and resilience.

Resources & Links:

About the Guest:

Jennifer Barchi is a senior consultant with Design Group International. She's also an associate for church and leadership for the Presbytery of Baltimore, and a trauma informed executive and leadership coach for her practice, Artfully Caffeinated.

Barchi graduated from Stanford University with her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Affairs.

Tags:

Grief, Compassionate Leadership, Inclusive Workplaces, Workplace Culture, Empathy, Bereavement Leave, Authentic Communication, Personal Growth, Cultural Sensitivity, Jennifer Barchi, Betsy Cerulo, Room at the Table Podcast.


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About the Podcast

Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers
Gather around the table for conversations about creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where leaders rise above mediocrity and teams thrive.
Gather around the table for insightful conversations focused on building heart-centered workplaces that thrive on equality, inclusive workplaces, and exceptional leadership. Betsy Cerulo (she/her) and her expert guests explore what it takes to transform workplace culture through thoughtful, meaningful dialogues that drive real social impact.
Each engaging episode of Room at the Table Podcast gets to the core principles of creating a heart-centered workplace. Through inspiring conversations, listeners will discover the critical role that inclusive workplaces play in achieving equality and enhancing workplace culture. Betsy and her diverse guests share powerful strategies to help leaders rise above mediocrity, fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity and significant social impact.
Whether discussing compassionate leadership, the impact of inclusive workplaces on employee satisfaction, or addressing burnout and stress management, each episode emphasizes practical ways to cultivate a thriving workplace culture. Betsy’s expert guests provide tangible advice on how to implement meaningful changes that support both individual and organizational growth, reinforcing the values of equality and heart-centered leadership.

Listeners will find rich, actionable insights on fostering emotional authenticity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting disability inclusion in inclusive workplaces. Each conversation highlights the transformative power of equality, effective leadership, and workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Room at the Table also explores the powerful journeys of women in leadership, providing inspiration and guidance on how to break down barriers and achieve greater equality in the workplace. Episodes dedicated to navigating grief and loss underline the importance of compassion and understanding within heart-centered workplaces, reinforcing the value of empathy-driven leadership.

Economic empowerment and financial equality are also central themes, demonstrating how inclusive workplaces drive both organizational success and broader social impact. Leaders will gain valuable insights into leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to build sustainable, thriving organizations that positively impact communities.

Room at the Table Podcast is essential listening for leaders and team members dedicated to cultivating heart-centered workplaces. Betsy Cerulo and her expert guests offer clear pathways for creating inclusive workplaces where equality is prioritized, leadership is impactful, and the overall workplace culture significantly contributes to positive social impact.

Subscribe now to Room at the Table Podcast and join a growing community committed to equality, inclusive workplaces, and leadership that transforms workplace culture into environments of empowerment, empathy, and enduring social impact.

About the Host:

Betsy Cerulo is the CEO of AdNet/AccountNet, a successful certified LGBTE, WBE and 8(a) management consulting firm focused on professional staffing and executive search, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Co-Founder of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is the author of Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, a children's book that was inspired by lighting up a dream for a child through their imagination. She is also a contributing author of two compilations: Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth. Betsy lives in Baltimore with her wife, Susan, and their treasured Weimaraner, Grace Kelly. Their son and daughter-in-law, daughter, and three grandchildren complete the picture with lots of love, creativity, and laughter.

Company Website: https://www.adnetp3.com/
Personal Website: betsycerulo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
Shake it Off Leadership: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Shake_It_Off_Leadership.html?id=tZ3fxwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

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