The Anxious Achiever
Finding Your “Why” and Rooting Leadership in Healing
May 7, 2025
Maggie Chery, a Health Equity Clinical Specialist at Google and COO at Not Just a Black Body, shares her profound journey after losing both parents to COVID-19. She emphasizes how this grief transformed her leadership style, making empathy and community connection central to her work. Maggie discusses redefining healing in leadership and navigating the complexities of emotional awareness. She also tackles the challenges of leading with compassion while managing anxiety, urging a supportive workplace culture that fosters growth and understanding.
44:33
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Cherry emphasizes the profound impact of personal grief on her leadership philosophy, advocating for empathy and human connection in the workplace.
- Her journey led to a redefined career focus on health equity and community support, prioritizing meaning and fulfillment over job titles and external validation.
Deep dives
Navigating Grief Through Leadership
Dr. Magdala Cherry shared how personal tragedy shaped her leadership approach. She lost both parents within weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her to confront deep emotional pain and reassess her purpose. This experience not only highlighted the importance of empathy in leadership but also influenced her to prioritize human connection over rigid professionalism. By recognizing the profound impact of grief, Dr. Cherry learned to lead with increased awareness of others' struggles, fostering a supportive work environment.
