July 26, 2025
Crisis and Compassion: Meredith Parfet on Transforming Loss into Meaning
Crisis and Compassion: Meredith Parfet on Transforming Loss into Meaning
In this episode, we delve deep into the multifaceted world of grief, crisis management, and emotional resilience with Meredith Parfet, a CEO, hospice chaplain and death doula.
Meredith shares her poignant and personal journey with grief, having lost her sister during the early stages of the opioid epidemic, followed by a series of other profound losses.
As CEO of Raynard Group, 'Meredith works with individuals and organizations experiencing Capital C crisis – legal or regulatory action, fatalities, white collar crime, scandal, complex family office disputes. Crisis is not a bad tweet; it changes the trajectory of your life.'
She transitioned from a career in finance to also working with the dying, becoming a death doula and eventually a chaplain, bringing a unique perspective to both grief and crisis management.
Throughout this conversation, Meredith discusses grief, the impact of grief in professional settings, and how executive leaders can manage crises with compassion and presence.
Meredith also emphasizes the significance of turning towards suffering, finding meaning in grief, and the power of 'the next right thing' in navigating life's most challenging moments.
This episode is a rich tapestry of personal story, expert insights, and practical wisdom on handling grief and crises with grace and resilience.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:32 Meredith's Personal Journey with Grief
02:20 Becoming a Death Doula and Hospice Chaplain
03:42 The Intersection of Finance and Mortality
04:14 Understanding Grief Beyond Death
05:24 The Profound Experience of Death and Dying
07:05 Buddhist Philosophy and the Concept of Bardo
10:07 Crisis Management and Professional Grief
20:56 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Grief
25:24 The Transformative Power of Grief
26:28 Finding Meaning in Trauma
27:40 The Role of Outrage in Grief
30:09 Prioritizing During Crisis
32:58 The Healing Power of Service
35:51 Humanizing Leadership
39:40 Balancing Spirituality and Escapism
43:55 Turning Towards Suffering
46:03 The Next Right Thing
