Turning Grief into Growth with Ian Ziskin

What if the most painful moments in life could become the greatest catalysts for growth?

In this deeply moving episode of The Flourishing Edge, Ashish Kothari sits down with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, author, and leadership thought leader, to explore the powerful connection between loss, learning, and leadership.

Ian shares the personal story that shaped his life from age 13 — losing his father to multiple sclerosis — and how that early experience of grief forged his lifelong commitment to intentional living, compassion, and resilience. Together, Ashish and Ian unpack what it truly means to flourish through adversity, why intentionality (not time) heals wounds, and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel trusted, valued, and alive.

This episode is a masterclass in transforming suffering into strength — and leading with both heart and purpose.

💡 Key Topics & Insights:

The Early Loss That Defined a Leader:

At 13, Ian lost his father to multiple sclerosis — a moment that sparked his lifelong choice to turn lemons into lemonade and lead with empathy and purpose.

The Fork in the Road: Grief or Growth

How an 11-year-old learned to focus on helping others, mastering his emotions, and finding meaning — three timeless principles for navigating hardship.

Intentionality Over Time:

“Time doesn’t heal all wounds — intentionality does.”

Ian shares how conscious reflection, not waiting, transforms loss into wisdom.

Flourishing Beyond Balance:

Ian’s modern definition: “Do what I want, when I want, where I want, with whom I want.”

True flourishing is about reconciling passions, relationships, and purpose — not chasing work-life balance.

Lessons from Sweden: Systems That Support Life

Through time spent with family in Sweden, Ian discovered how public policy and culture can align to prioritize humanity — a stark contrast to the U.S. work model.

The Trust Crisis at Work:

Why only 20% of people are thriving — and how rebuilding trust between leaders and teams is the missing link to organizational flourishing.

→ “Do what you say you’ll do, and treat others with dignity and respect — that’s real trust.”

Rethinking HR and Engagement:

Ian challenges outdated corporate norms:

Stop overcomplicating engagement surveys

Measure fewer things, more often

Hold leaders accountable for culture and well-being, not just performance metrics

Lives Lost and Leadership Found: The Book

Inspired by the loss of his brother and mother within six months, Ian’s latest book compiles stories from leaders who found meaning, courage, and compassion through grief.

The Smoothie Effect 🥤:

A brilliant metaphor for blending life’s contrasting emotions into something nourishing and whole.

Ingredients = People and experiences you choose

Blending = Processing chaos into growth

Intention = The key to turning pain into purpose

A Call to Write Your Own Story

The book includes writing prompts to help readers process their own loss — of a loved one, relationship, or career — and find wisdom through reflection.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Time doesn’t heal all wounds — intentionality heals all wounds.” — Ian Ziskin

“We can hold grief, but we don’t have to let grief hold us.” — Ashish Kothari

“Flourishing isn’t balance. It’s reconciliation — between passion, purpose, and the people we love.” — Ian Ziskin

“Trust isn’t doing what makes others happy. It’s doing what you said you would, with honesty and respect.” — Ian Ziskin

👤 About the Guest:

Ian Ziskin is the President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, leadership advisor, and author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Life and Leadership Lessons Learned from Lost Loved Ones. With over 40 years of experience as a CHRO, coach, and consultant, Ian’s work bridges strategy, culture, and human potential to help leaders flourish through authenticity and purpose.

🔗 Connect with Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/

If this conversation moved you, share it with someone navigating loss or leading through challenge.

Get your copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found and try the reflective writing exercise Ian includes at the end of the book.

Then, subscribe to The Flourishing Edge Podcast for weekly inspiration on leading and living with purpose.

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Happiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/

Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

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