26. Caitlin Shea on the Gift of Getting Fired

Learning the Hard Way the Easy Way

What happens when your career trajectory gets derailed by an unexpected firing? For Caitlin Shea, Vice President of Development for Discovery Children's Museum, that moment of professional crisis became the foundation for authentic leadership and personal transformation.
This candid conversation goes beyond typical career advice to explore the rarely discussed aftermath of professional failure. Caitlyn reveals how being fired forced her to recognize that she was "so much more than her job" and ultimately shaped her into a more authentic and compassionate leader. The discussion takes a powerful turn as Caitlyn draws parallels between professional loss and personal grief, sharing how losing her mother during the pandemic further transformed her approach to authenticity in the workplace.
For listeners grappling with setbacks or questioning their professional identity, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: failure isn't the end but often the beginning of something transformative. As Caitlyn eloquently puts it, "When we invite others into these darkest moments, those moments that feel like they're never going to go away, what happens is the brightest, most vibrant light shines through."
Ready to transform how you view professional setbacks? Listen now to discover why sometimes the hardest lessons become our greatest gifts.

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1. Introducing Kaitlyn Shea (00:00:00)

2. Learning Through Job Loss (00:03:48)

3. Finding Power in Authenticity (00:10:27)

4. Professional Pain and Personal Growth (00:17:09)

5. The Importance of Self-Reflection (00:28:26)

6. Being Present for Others (00:35:54)

7. The Beauty of Loss as a Teacher (00:47:36)