In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ sit down with Suzanne Jabour, a grieving mom who has transformed her loss into a mission to educate others about grief. Suzanne shares her personal journey after losing her son Ben in 2020 and how it led her to become a grief educator, speaker, and coach. They delve into the importance of using thoughtful, meaningful language around grief, avoiding clichés, and fostering real connections with those who are grieving. They also touch on Suzanne's involvement in writing projects focused on grief in leadership and the workplace, highlighting the significant impact of unaddressed grief in professional settings. Learn about the staggering costs of grief on mental health and workplace dynamics, as well as actionable steps to create more supportive environments for those in mourning.

Don’t miss this episode—tune in now!

Highlights:

• (02:02) Suzanne explains her work in grief education and its language aspects.
• (03:49) Suzanne's personal journey, including the loss of her son, Ben.
• (05:13) The importance of open conversations on grief.
• (07:06) The misconception about avoiding talking to a grieving person.
• (10:27) Importance of making specific offers for help to grieving individuals.
• (12:39) Challenges grievers face with "brain fog" and accepting vague offers.
• (16:17) Creating safe spaces for grieving emotions to flow without judgment.
• (18:59) The impact of genuine language in connecting with grieving clients.
• (19:44) Importance of choosing words that foster connection, not isolation.
• (23:32) Naming emotional experiences, like "ugly crying," brings comfort and acceptance.
• (26:18) Inadequate grief leave policies in the workplace.
• (27:41) Consequences of grief isolation and the financial cost to businesses.
• (28:43) Organizations recognizing the need for better grief policies.
• (30:28) Brain fog and how it impacts job performance after a loss.
• (31:36) Aligning grief policies with psychological safety in workplaces.

Sue Kennedy Links:
Website:authoracademy.com.au
LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert
Facebook:http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective
Twitter: thauthoracademy
Email:sue@authoracademy.com.au
Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession
Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:
Website:catherinejames.au
LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James
Facebook:Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/
Instagram:@catherinejamescreative
Email: cj@catherinejamescreative.com.au
Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:
Web: https://linktr.ee/SuzanneJabourGr