What You’ll Learn in this Episode About Grieving the Job You Loved (or Hated) and Moving Forward in Midlife with Laverne McKinnon:
- Why grieving the job you loved (or hated) and moving forward in midlife needs to be talked about.
- Why loyalty is a common part of the midlife woman’s mindset when it comes to employment, and how it can block opportunity.
- Why my guest always wanted to support underdogs to achieve their dreams.
- What it’s like to take the blinders off and face hard truths in your life to find opportunity in midlife.
- Why career-related grief and related loss can be exceptionally painful and an example of disenfranchised grief.
- How resilience is a critical skill when it comes to coping with professional heartbreak.
- How our brains are meaning-making machines and how this relates to this topic.
- Why it can be uncomfortable to express your grief related to job loss.
- Why you can still experience loss even if it was your choice to pivot, change, or retire when it comes to your job or career.
- How your professional identity plays a role in your career grief.
- Why allowing yourself to mourn helps you feel emotionally lighter, have clarity on what’s important to you, and the energy to take the next steps.
DEDICATION: Laverne had a transformational experience with her first coach, Mona Miller. Sadly, Mona passed tragically and unexpectedly. This episode is dedicated to her memory.
Welcome to Another Episode of the Women in the Middle Podcast
Today’s podcast interview is about thriving after grieving a job you love.
My guest today is Laverne McKinnon.
Laverne is an executive and leadership coach specializing in career transitions—whether recovering from a setback, embracing a pivot, or stepping into a leadership role with confidence.
Her upcoming book, Showstopper, explores career grief and transformation, reframing setbacks as plot twists that offer the chance to rewrite our stories and shape our futures. A former senior executive at CBS and EPIX, she executive produced Netflix’s GIRLBOSS, teaches at Northwestern University, and is a mentor for the CAPE Leadership Fellowship program.
Midlife transitions and change like this can be tough. And, when you’re grieving this type of loss, it can also be difficult to talk about, which is why it’s so important to talk about it here.
I know you’re going to appreciate and enjoy this interview.
Featured in this Episode:
“When Your Job Breaks Your Heart” by Gretchen Gavett. February 14, 2025, Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2025/02/when-your-job-breaks-your-heart
You may also like:
Podcast: Women in the Middle: Ep 287: Ageism in the Work Place with Patti Temple Rocks: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-287-ageism-in-the-workplace-in-midlife-with-patti-temple-rocks/
Podcast: Women in the Middle: Ep 189: How Coaching Can Help You Make a Career Change in Midlife with Carolyn Gillespie: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-189-how-coaching-can-help-you-make-a-career-change-in-midlife-with-carolyn-gillespie/
Contact Lavern McKinnon
Website: https://moonshotmentor.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavernem/
Connect with Suzy
Midlife QUIZ: You’re also invited to take the free “Get Unstuck Midlife Quiz” to discover what’s keeping you stuck and how to move toward the life you’ve been putting off! It only takes about 90 seconds! You can start the quiz here: www.midlifequiz.com.
Work with Me: Group Coaching Women in the Middle Academy: Learn to start living like time matters…because it does! The Academy helps you do this in a 12 month group format that includes coaching, community, creativity, and connection. Get unstuck and create your happiness blueprint for your future! Apply now: www.womeninthemiddleacademy.com and book your free call to learn how I can help you find what’s missing so that you love your life after 50.
Private Coaching – Limited Availability. Midlife transformation coaching is the fastest way to rediscover joy and purpose after 50! Regret-Proof Private Coaching to get unstuck, clear, and excited about your life again. Available in 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year options. Powerful results! Flexible payment plans. Book your free, no obligation Insight & Momentum Call here: www.talktosuzy.com
Breakthrough Coaching Session: Breakthrough what’s keeping you stuck! Imagine having a private 2 hour coaching session to get some solid clarity about what’s holding you back and confidence about your next steps forward! Limited spots available, so book now. Book here.
Midlife Happiness Jumpstart Experience: Enjoy a powerful experience of tiny joys and big shifts! Get ready for 14 Days of Happiness “Boosts,” which are tiny, science-backed actions delivered to your inbox daily, with a private WhatsApp group for connection and sharing together. Each happiness boost only takes approximately 5 – 10 minutes or less and builds your momentum for more of the same. Feel more grounded, present, and connected to more happiness now! Sign Up Here
New Masterclass: Get Unstuck: Midlife Clarity Fast & Easy: Take this fun DIY midlife masterclass and get clear about your next chapter priorities without spin, confusion, and overwhelm in less than an hour! www.midliferoadmap.com
Download Suzy’s eBook: 50 Ways to Celebrate Life after 50: Get unstuck, avoid regrets, and live your best life: www.50waystocelebrate.com and Amazon
OTHER RESOURCES:
Free Monthly Webinars and Workshops offered by Suzy Rosenstein: https://suzyrosenstein.com/webinar/
FREE VIDEO: Get Unstuck in Midlife Video Training: www.girlfriendsguidetomidlife.com
Email your feedback: info@suzyrosenstein.com
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