Job loss is rarely just about income. For many professionals, it represents a profound loss of identity, purpose, and belonging — and it can trigger real grief.

In this conversation, David Kessler, founder of Grief.com and author of Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, explains why job loss can be experienced as genuine grief, why the pain often feels disproportionate, and why high-achieving professionals are especially vulnerable after losing work.

Speaking with Lisa Oake, executive counsellor and former CNBC Asia anchor, David explores:

• Why job loss often feels like identity loss
• How grief after redundancy differs from other forms of loss
• Why people feel pressure to “move on” too quickly
• How grief affects decision-making after job loss
• The role of meaning in rebuilding after professional disruption

This conversation is especially relevant for executives, leaders, and professionals navigating redundancy, career transitions, layoffs, or unexpected job loss.

Resources Mentioned

David Kessler — Grief.com https://grief.com

Talk to Grief Expert David Kessler’s AI — here to help, 24/7. https://grief.com/ai/

Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501192736

About the Host Lisa Oake is an executive counsellor and former CNBC Asia anchor who works with high-performing professionals on confidence, communication, and psychological resilience.

https://www.executivecounselling.com