Duality of Grief in the Workplace
Yesterday, I officially completed the leadership program at work! For the past 8 weeks, or so, I've been diligently focused on getting the most out of this program which is designed to help a select number of colleagues develop the mindset, knowledge, and resources needed to become a people manager. While I really doubt that'll happen anytime soon, it's been a rewarding experience and it's helped me rethink what it means to be a leader.
For some reason, I was really stressed about it. I didn't understand. I have my master's degree in communication... how can an ungraded presentation like this make me so worried? My mind was constantly thinking about my capstone project. For a second I thought maybe it was the fact that HR and my senior leader were going to be present -- but it wasn't until after my final presentation yesterday that I realized it was deeper than that.
It was so important for me to take a moment at the beginning of my presentation to remember my late manager who passed away in December. That's when it clicked. This whole experience was possible because of her. She believed in me for the longest. When I first applied to the program, I didn't get in, but we didn't give up. We spent all of 2025 diligently working together so that I can be eligible for the program when I applied again.
Now I know that's the reason why this program has been so meaningful to me. It was a reminder that she's always been cheering me on and I couldn't let her down -- and I didn't. The presentation went well, and everyone loved it. They praised me for how well I've transitioned with all the changes happening around me and they spoke about how bright the future is looking for me.
If only they knew how difficult it's been to experience the duality that came with her loss. Nevertheless, today reminded me that true leaders don’t just make an impact for a season, but for the rest of our lives. 🕊 RIP Kathleen