Tuesday Learning Lab: "The Invisible Backpack: The Weight of Carrying What Others Don't See"

By the time most of us reach mid-life, we’ve already experienced dozens of losses… some obvious, like the death of a loved one or a pet, and others quieter, like moving away from a childhood home, losing a job, hitting a milestone birthday, ending a friendship, or letting go of a version of life we once imagined for ourselves. And guess what? Grief isn’t something we leave at the door when we walk into work. In the workplace, grief often shows up in subtle ways… changes in behavior, motivation, communication, and/or productivity. This session takes a thoughtful but lighthearted look at how grief can quietly influence the way we work and interact with others. And, rather than focusing on therapy or heavy solutions, we’ll simply explore how to recognize it, acknowledge it, and understand why awareness matters… for ourselves, our families, our teams, our present, and our future.

Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize common and often overlooked forms of grief and how they can show up in everyday workplace behaviors.
- Understand why acknowledging grief… without using it as an excuse… can lead to healthier communication, stronger teams, and more supportive work environments.
- Explore simple mindset shifts for leaders and individuals that empower

About the Presenter: Charity Gibson is an internationally recognized marketing strategist, innovator, and keynote speaker with more than two decades of leadership in the promotional products and branded merchandise industry. She is currently the Director of Strategic Accounts at Bold Promo, helping top organizations transform branded touchpoints into meaningful experiences that deepen connection and drive measurable growth.

Additionally, Charity is the founder of The Paper Plane Coaching Company, where she serves as a fractional CMO and trusted advisor to companies seeking clarity, creativity, and a more human approach to modern marketing. Known for her insight, adaptability, and ability to simplify complex brand challenges, she has become a well-respected educator and advocate.