The Anxious Achiever Finding Your “Why” and Rooting Leadership in Healing
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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.
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Flight Attendant’s Empathy Moment
- Maggie Chery shared a touching moment on a flight where a flight attendant showed empathy without probing her grief.
- This small act reminded her of her father's comforting presence and highlighted the power of human kindness.
Losing Parents in Pandemic
- Maggie lost both parents suddenly within weeks at the start of the pandemic, a traumatic reckoning filled with shock and grief.
- Her mother chose to die at home with family, emphasizing dignity over medical care in hospital isolation.
Healing Through Small Steps
- To move through grief, start with small, manageable goals like physical health to rebuild your body and mind.
- Lean on trusted friends to "hold your hope" until you find your way forward.