#86 Understanding Career Grief and Recovery

What happens when the job ends—but the grief lingers?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Alisa sits down with Laverne McKinnon, a seasoned television executive turned Executive & Leadership Coach, to unpack a rarely discussed topic: career grief—a form of disenfranchised grief that emerges when we experience professional losses like being laid off, fired, or pushed out of leadership.

Laverne vulnerably shares her personal story of being unexpectedly fired from her role as Senior Vice President of Drama Development at CBS, after overseeing one of the network’s most successful years. With a deep background in television—including producing credits like the Netflix series GIRLBOSS and helping launch original programming at EPIX—Laverne's journey offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it means to lose your footing at the top and still rise again.

Together, Dr. Alisa and Laverne explore:

• What career grief looks like and why it often goes unnoticed
• The identity crisis and trauma that follow job loss
• How grief affects both the body and brain
• Visible vs. hidden losses during career transitions
• Practical rituals and mindset tools to support emotional recovery
• The tasks of grief that lead to clarity, purpose, and a new beginning

From entrepreneurs mourning failed launches to professionals navigating forced retirements, this conversation offers soul-deep wisdom and actionable steps to honor your losses—and come back stronger. If you’ve ever questioned your worth after a career shake-up, this episode is for you.

🎁 Explore more with Laverne:

• Website: www.lavernemckinnon.com
• Substack: Moonshot Mentor
• LinkedIn: Laverne McKinnon
• YouTube: Laverne's Channel