Episode 10

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Published on:

1st May 2024

Navigating Grief and Loss in the Workplace: A Conversation with Miranda Quinn

Navigating Grief and Loss in the Workplace: A Conversation

In this deeply moving episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo talks with Miranda Quinn, a professional dancer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. They explore the complex and often challenging process of grieving within workplace culture, highlighting the critical role of compassionate leadership and inclusive workplaces. Miranda shares her personal journey through grief after losing her mother, Donna Wynike, discussing how she channeled loss into her creativity, professional growth, and emotional authenticity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the necessity of creating heart-centered workplaces that prioritize empathy, equality, and social impact. This episode is essential for leaders and team members alike, providing actionable advice on supporting colleagues through grief and fostering environments that empower individuals to heal and thrive.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction: Embracing grief in professional settings.
  • (01:32) Miranda's story of loss and initial reactions to grief.
  • (03:00) Navigating professional responsibilities immediately following loss.
  • (05:10) The unexpected and delayed impacts of grief.
  • (10:12) Workplace expectations around grieving periods.
  • (12:04) Seeking professional support and therapy for grief.
  • (16:00) Connecting with legacy and finding identity after loss.
  • (18:48) Creativity as an emotional and healing outlet.
  • (22:30) Recognizing prolonged grief and challenging societal expectations.
  • (24:00) Final reflections and embracing the full spectrum of grief.

Key Takeaways:

  • Supportive Environments: Compassionate leadership and workplace flexibility significantly support employees through grieving periods.
  • Grief Has No Timeline: Everyone’s grief process is unique; workplaces must offer ongoing empathy and understanding.
  • Creative Healing: Creative expression, including professional and personal creative outlets, can greatly aid in navigating grief.
  • Legacy and Growth: Grief can serve as a catalyst for profound personal growth and deeper connections to legacy and community.

Resources & Links:

Bio:

Miranda Quinn is a celebrated professional dancer with the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company, carrying forward her late mother’s legacy through dance and artistic expression. Miranda openly shares her journey with grief, advocating for compassionate leadership and empathetic workplaces that embrace emotional authenticity.

Tags:

Grief, Workplace Culture, Inclusive Workplaces, Compassionate Leadership, Creative Expression, Legacy, Emotional Authenticity, Heart-Centered Workplace, Equality, Social Impact, Miranda Quinn, Betsy Cerulo, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, 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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