Practical Insights on Grief from Samina Bari's Journey

The central theme of this episode is the exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on individuals, particularly in the context of losing a spouse.

We are honored to host Samina Bari, a seasoned public company officer and author, who shares her deeply personal journey following the unexpected death of her husband. Through her experience, Samina has crafted her book, "Don't Call Me Widow," which serves as a practical guide for those seeking to support grieving individuals.

In our dialogue, we delve into the complexities of grief, the societal discomfort surrounding it, and the vital importance of offering genuine presence and understanding.

As we navigate this difficult terrain, we aim to illuminate how we can better support those in our lives who are facing unimaginable loss.

Our Guest This Week:

In this week’s episode of #WisdomofWomen we have a 🌟Heart-Brave Truth-Teller 🌟 in our presence.

Samina Bari is a two-time author, seasoned public-company officer, and strategic advisor who has spent 30+ years helping CEOs and boards navigate high-stakes moments—from IPOs and fundraising to crisis, governance, and reputation strategy. She has orchestrated transformation and growth efforts connected to major acquisitions involving global Fortune 500 companies, including deals valued at $2.3B, $2.6B, $14.3B, and $21B. After the sudden death of her husband in 2023—her partner of 21 years—Samina found herself living the kind of loss most people fear and few know how to support, while also parenting two young daughters through the unthinkable. That experience became Don’t Call Me Widow, a raw, practical, first-hand guide that teaches us what to say, what not to say, and how to show up with real presence when grief rewrites someone’s life. With the voice of a healthcare executive and the heart of a woman who has rebuilt from trauma and tragedy, Samina’s work turns pain into clarity—and gives all of us a better way to love people when it matters most.

Takeaways:

1. Samina's journey through grief highlights the profound challenges faced by those navigating loss.
2. Practical guidance is provided on how to support individuals experiencing grief in a meaningful manner.
3. The discussion delineates the societal discomfort surrounding death and grief, urging more open conversations.
4. Samina's book serves as an essential resource for understanding how to approach grief sensitively and effectively.
5. The episode underscores the importance of community support and presence during times of profound loss.

Chapters:

00:06 Amplifying Women's Voices in Business

05:50 Understanding Grief and Loss

22:17 Navigating Grief: The Impact on Parenting

26:58 The Importance of Acknowledging Children's Grief

36:33 Navigating Grief and Professional Life

Burning Questions Answered:

1.Why grief can’t be fixed—and why trying to fix it causes harm

2.How “well-meaning” phrases often land painfully wrong

3.What presence actually looks like when someone’s world collapses

4.Why children are not resilient—and why they need us to ask better questions

5.How leadership, compassion, and humanity intersect in moments of loss

Guest Offers & Contact Information:

www.saminabari.com