Today, we're unpacking something rarely acknowledged: career grief. Imagine being at the top of your game, feeling unstoppable — then suddenly, it’s all gone. That’s what happened to Laverne McKinnon, Career Strategist and Speaker. Losing her job wasn’t just a professional setback; it felt like losing a part of herself. Her identity had been so deeply intertwined with her career, and when it ended, she was left with a sense of loss. Laverne calls it disenfranchised grief — a silent grief that society often overlooks because "it’s just work." But it’s not just work. It’s purpose, it’s pride, it’s identity. And when it's ripped away, you deserve to grieve it. You’re allowed to feel that loss, process it, and then — when you're ready — pivot toward what’s next. Remember: honoring your grief is the first step to finding your next chapter.

Laverne McKinnon is a certified grief counselor, leadership and personal coach, and former film and television producer. In her role as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, Laverne's course on Persuasion & Pitching has propelled students to excel, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic thinking.

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