Permission to Feel It All: Gratitude, Resilience, and Authentic Leadership with Lori Adams-Brown (Best of 2025)

Some conversations stay with us because they name what we’ve been living but haven’t had words for yet. This episode is one of those moments, a reminder that gratitude does not require us to deny our pain, and authenticity does not demand perfection.

As we revisit this Thanksgiving message, one of the most downloaded and shared episodes of the year, Lori reflects on what it means to hold multiple truths at the same time. In a year marked by layoffs, uncertainty, grief, and global upheaval, this episode offers permission to be honest and grateful, resilient and tender.

This is not a call to toxic positivity. It’s an invitation to courageous leadership by showing up fully human, holding space for ourselves and others, and leading with compassion even when life is messy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why gratitude and grief are not opposites, and why leaders need both

• How holding “two truths” builds psychological safety and trust

• The difference between compassion and dismissal during times of loss

• What authentic leadership looks like in seasons of uncertainty

• Practical ways to support others facing layoffs, trauma, or transition

Guest Bio
Lori Adams-Brown is the host of A World of Difference and a globally minded leadership expert focused on difference, resilience, and authentic leadership. With decades of cross-cultural experience, Lori creates spaces where leaders learn to show up fully human while making meaningful impact.

Key Moments

• 00:00 – Why this message resonated so deeply with listeners

• 02:10 – Holding gratitude and grief at the same time

• 04:30 – Trauma, empathy, and the power of being witnessed

• 06:55 – How to truly support someone after a layoff

• 09:10 – Joy, purpose, and showing up in your strengths

If this episode resonates, subscribe to A World of Difference, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going.

If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% off with the code: DIFFERENT

Learn more at loriadamsbrown.com.

Are you on Substack? Lori is too. Find her here: https://loriadamsbrown.substack.com

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