13. For Moms Walking Through Grief, Death, and Widowhood with Verhanika Willhelm

Made for Mothers

I am deeply honored to call Verhanika Willhelm a dear friend, with whom I've shared a profound connection for over a decade now!
Verhanika, based in Seattle, Washington, is an organizational development consultant and executive coach with a rich background in theater management and psychology. Armed with a master's degree in organizational development, she has seamlessly transitioned from her roles as a stage manager and financial planner to becoming a catalyst for fostering healthy workplaces. Known affectionately as a workplace therapist, a moniker I wholeheartedly relate to given my own role in facilitating business therapy sessions, Verhanika is adept at instigating lasting change that harmonizes traditional structure with humanity.
Over the years, both our businesses and personal lives have undergone profound transformations. In a candid conversation, Verhanika and I delve into the topic of her husband's battle with cancer, and the profound grief she endured upon losing him—the love of her life. Amidst navigating her grief, she persevered in growing her business and mothering her young son. Our discussion also touches upon the arduous struggle of seeking help as a mother, emphasizing the importance of specificity when receiving support that truly meets one's needs or those of their family.
Regrettably, our society often lacks safe and accessible spaces for confronting the uncomfortable realities of death and grief. We discuss WHY we just can't talk very well about death?
I treasure the depth and sincerity of my conversation with Verhanika. Her courage in sharing her journey of grief and widowhood with the world is a gift! Please connect with her on IG if you feel seen in this convo!
____

Connect with Verhanika on Instagram
Learn more about working with Verhanika by visiting her website
Listen to Verhanika’s podcast: How to Have the Best Day Ever At Work!

____

Connect with me on Instagram
Learn more about booking coaching sessions and working together by visiting my website
Hey I'm Mariah. I'm a Boy Mama, the very PROUD founder of Made for Mothers, obviously a Podcast Host, and a Marketing and Business Mentor for Moms. I offer Biz Therapy Sessions. Unlike traditional business coaching, this is a space where the whole person is honored, motherhood is celebrated, limiting beliefs are uncovered, messaging is prioritized, niches are defined, roadblocks are clearly identified, systems are taught, marketing is simplified, and the support is a month long.
1 x 90-minute session + 30 days of voxer support

Chapters

1. 13. For Moms Walking Through Grief, Death, and Widowhood with Verhanika Willhelm (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Loss and Grief in Entrepreneurship (00:00:01)

3. Navigating Support and Communication in Motherhood (00:13:59)

4. Challenges of New Motherhood and Work (00:20:01)

5. Journey Through Terminal Cancer Diagnosis (00:27:03)

6. Preparing for a Loved One's Death (00:30:15)

7. Navigating Grief and Society's Expectations (00:34:15)

8. Navigating Conversations About Grief and Permission (00:46:08)

9. Communication Challenges in Busy Seasons (00:56:19)

10. Legacy Building and Impact on Others (01:02:35)

11. Navigating Grief and Repartnering in Motherhood (01:11:09)