Lives Lost and Leadership Found - Panel Discussion
Tue Dec 16 2025
"Face reality and deal with it. The more we can create an environment where it's okay to give people the time, the space, and the opportunity to process what they're going through, the higher the chances are of successfully dealing with a loss of a loved one—or dealing with an organizational change." Ian Ziskin
Panel discussion on Lives Lost and Leadership Found
In this insightful and wisdom enhancing leadership conversation, A Leadership Beyond hosts a panel discussion on Lives Lost & Leadership Found.
The panel is moderated by Marie Genevieve Pawlak, and includes:
Ian Ziskin, co-author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies, co-founder of Consortium for Change (C4C), and "retired" Human Resources executive
Adrienne Guerrero, co-founder of A Leadership Beyond, Founder and CEO at at Positive Delta
Michelle Halm, Licensed professional counselor and founder of Grief Connection Space
Marie Genevieve Pawlak guides a deeply human conversation with thought leaders who have turned personal loss into a wellspring of insight for thriving through change initiatives and leading others in transformational change.
The discussion journeys from raw stories of unexpected loss—whether of loved ones or familiar ways of working—toward the subtle ways grief shapes our identities as leaders and our organizations as communities.
Together, the panelists reveal how facing pain with honesty, extending grace to others, and integrating lessons from adversity can forge not only resilience but greater compassion, connectivity, and authentic leadership.
Their dialogue bridges the deeply personal to the organizational, weaving neuroscience, practical strategies, and heartfelt stories into a rich tapestry of wisdom for anyone navigating change.
Among the highlights of this dynamic conversation:
- Grief, whether personal or collective, can be channeled into powerful lessons and growth for individuals and entire organizations.
- Authentic leadership emerges by embracing reality, showing empathy, and inviting open conversations about change and loss.
- The discomfort of change and loss can lead to renewed purpose, connection, and stronger organizational cultures—when leaders intentionally create space for healing and support.
Closing Invitation:
If today's dialogue resonates with your own journey or the challenges within your organization, we encourage you to explore Ian Ziskin's "Lives Lost & Leadership Found" for deeper insights and inspiration. Connect with the panelists to share your story and continue building a compassionate leadership community.
Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Lost-Leadership-Found-Somebodies-ebook/dp/B0FF3KKFCV
Connect with Consortium for Change (C4C): https://consortium4change.com/
Connect with our panel:
Ian Ziskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/
Marie Pawlak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegenpawlak/
Michelle Halm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehalmft/
Adrienne Guerrero: https://embracethedelta.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienneguerrero/
A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization).
Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization.
We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you!
To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com
Tom & Adrienne
More
"Face reality and deal with it. The more we can create an environment where it's okay to give people the time, the space, and the opportunity to process what they're going through, the higher the chances are of successfully dealing with a loss of a loved one—or dealing with an organizational change." Ian Ziskin Panel discussion on Lives Lost and Leadership Found In this insightful and wisdom enhancing leadership conversation, A Leadership Beyond hosts a panel discussion on Lives Lost & Leadership Found. The panel is moderated by Marie Genevieve Pawlak, and includes: Ian Ziskin, co-author of Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies, co-founder of Consortium for Change (C4C), and "retired" Human Resources executive Adrienne Guerrero, co-founder of A Leadership Beyond, Founder and CEO at at Positive Delta Michelle Halm, Licensed professional counselor and founder of Grief Connection Space Marie Genevieve Pawlak guides a deeply human conversation with thought leaders who have turned personal loss into a wellspring of insight for thriving through change initiatives and leading others in transformational change. The discussion journeys from raw stories of unexpected loss—whether of loved ones or familiar ways of working—toward the subtle ways grief shapes our identities as leaders and our organizations as communities. Together, the panelists reveal how facing pain with honesty, extending grace to others, and integrating lessons from adversity can forge not only resilience but greater compassion, connectivity, and authentic leadership. Their dialogue bridges the deeply personal to the organizational, weaving neuroscience, practical strategies, and heartfelt stories into a rich tapestry of wisdom for anyone navigating change. Among the highlights of this dynamic conversation: - Grief, whether personal or collective, can be channeled into powerful lessons and growth for individuals and entire organizations. - Authentic leadership emerges by embracing reality, showing empathy, and inviting open conversations about change and loss. - The discomfort of change and loss can lead to renewed purpose, connection, and stronger organizational cultures—when leaders intentionally create space for healing and support. Closing Invitation: If today's dialogue resonates with your own journey or the challenges within your organization, we encourage you to explore Ian Ziskin's "Lives Lost & Leadership Found" for deeper insights and inspiration. Connect with the panelists to share your story and continue building a compassionate leadership community. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Lost-Leadership-Found-Somebodies-ebook/dp/B0FF3KKFCV Connect with Consortium for Change (C4C): https://consortium4change.com/ Connect with our panel: Ian Ziskin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/ Marie Pawlak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegenpawlak/ Michelle Halm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehalmft/ Adrienne Guerrero: https://embracethedelta.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienneguerrero/ A Leadership Beyond exists to support the alignment between the business strategy and people strategy - to drive results with people not at the expense of people (Talent Optimization). Subscribe to our podcast to join the Leadership Beyond Community of Conversation and hear insights from thought leaders and human development experts leading the way in the field of Talent Optimization. We are grateful to you and always eager to hear from you! To learn more visit https://aleadershipbeyond.com Tom & Adrienne