When Grief and Growth Dance Together: A Conscious Leader's Journey Through 2024

As I stand at the threshold of 2025, one truth resonates deeply in my leadership journey: Grief and Growth can indeed coexist – and sometimes, they're the most profound dance partners in our transformation.

This past year taught me something powerful about conscious leadership: it's not about having everything figured out. It's about staying present and finding the gifts in our challenges, even when they feel overwhelming. As a leader navigating mid-life transitions, this lesson became particularly poignant.

Here's what 2024 revealed to me about authentic leadership:

1. Perspective is Everything When faced with challenges (and trust me, there were many), I learned to ask myself: "Is this happening TO me or FOR me?" This simple shift transformed how I navigated everything from business uncertainties to family transitions. It's not about toxic positivity; it's about finding the wisdom hidden within our challenges.
2. The Power of Daily Practice As a woman leader navigating life's transitions, I've discovered that my daily practices aren't just good for my mind – they're essential for my overall well-being. When my nervous system was overwhelmed, my body was sending clear signals. Consistent breath work, journaling, reading, and visualization haven't just sustained my mental health – they've become crucial tools in maintaining my leadership presence.
3. The Mind-Body Connection in Leadership Here's something we don't talk about enough in leadership circles: when we're dealing with high stress, our bodies respond on a biochemical level. Understanding this connection has transformed my approach to decision-making and team dynamics. Those mindfulness practices I mentioned? They're not luxury items – they're essential tools for maintaining clarity and presence during challenging times.

What I'm Most Proud Of

The real measure of conscious leadership isn't in perfect circumstances – it's in how we show up during challenges. This year, I witnessed the ripple effects of staying grounded and committed to growth:

? Deeper, more authentic connections with my community

? The successful launch of our Unlocking Conscious LeadHERship program (The next cohort begins Jan 24th!)

? Stronger, more resilient relationships

? Family members thriving in their journeys

Looking Forward to 2025

My word for 2025 is "Focused." This means going all-in on what matters most: expanding our B2B partnerships, supporting our ideal private clients, and growing our Conscious Leadership cohorts. I'm committed to helping more women leaders transform their relationship with stress and step into their full leadership potential.

Join Us This January

I'm excited to offer two powerful opportunities to start your year with conscious leadership:

1. FREE Intro Workshop: Turning Stress into Strength January 10th @ 8:30 AM PT Discover the neuroscience behind stress response and learn practical tools for conscious leadership. Register Here - https://bit.ly/UCLIntroWorkshop
2. Winter Virtual Retreat: Unlocking Feminine Wisdom January 18th @ 9:00 AM PT Take your leadership deeper with this immersive experience focusing on embodied wisdom and conscious presence. Register Here - https://bit.ly/UFWHalfDay

The Journey Continues Remember: Your challenges don't define you – how you choose to dance with them does. As I step into 2025, I invite you to join me in exploring what conscious leadership means in today's world.

What word will guide your 2025 journey?

Warm regards,

Taryn Laakso, PCC

?? www.tarynlaakso.com

[email protected]

About the Author

Taryn Laakso is a Conscious Leadership Coach and certified xchange facilitator who guides women leaders in mid-life to transform stress into strength. With over 25 years of experience in Tech & HR, combined with certifications in CTI Co-Active Coaching (PCC) and Positive Intelligence, Taryn brings a unique blend of corporate wisdom and embodied leadership practices to her work, including insights from neuropsychophysiology and mindfulness.

As the founder of Unlocking Your Potential, LLC and co-facilitator of the Unlocking Conscious LeadHERship program, she helps women in mid-life create sustainable success without sacrificing their well-being. Based in the San Juan Islands, Taryn integrates her love for nature's wisdom with evidence-based leadership practices, helping leaders navigate both personal and professional transitions with greater ease and impact.