Today, we're unpacking something rarely acknowledged: career grief. Imagine being at the top of your game, feeling unstoppable — then suddenly, it’s all gone. That’s what happened to Laverne McKinnon, Career Strategist and Speaker. Losing her job wasn’t just a professional setback; it felt like losing a part of herself. Her identity had been so deeply intertwined with her career, and when it ended, she was left with a sense of loss. Laverne calls it disenfranchised grief — a silent grief that society often overlooks because "it’s just work." But it’s not just work. It’s purpose, it’s pride, it’s identity. And when it's ripped away, you deserve to grieve it. You’re allowed to feel that loss, process it, and then — when you're ready — pivot toward what’s next. Remember: honoring your grief is the first step to finding your next chapter.

Laverne McKinnon is a certified grief counselor, leadership and personal coach, and former film and television producer. In her role as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, Laverne's course on Persuasion & Pitching has propelled students to excel, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic thinking.

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MORE ABOUT LAVERNE MCKINNON:
Website: Moonshot Mentor
LinkedIn: Laverne McKinnon
Instagram: Laverne McKinnon
YouTube: Laverne McKinnon/Moonshot Mentor

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary and Cooper, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, dig into what really drives a team - performance, morale, and the connections that hold everything together. The #1 reason employees leave their jobs? It’s not salary—it’s feeling unappreciated or disconnected. We’ll help you recognize when a team is starting to struggle, whether it’s missed deadlines, low energy, or lack of collaboration.

From small shifts in leadership style to everyday check-ins that actually matter, we’re sharing practical tips to create a healthier, more motivated work environment. Whether you’re leading a team or part of one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build stronger relationships, boost morale, and keep people engaged. Because when people feel supported and seen, they stick around—and they do their best work.

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ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

What if you could build a six-figure income without creating your own product?

In this episode, Mary Sullivan of Sweet but Fearless sits down with Whitney Bonds, the CEO and Founder of Tried and True Mom Jobs, to uncover one of the most overlooked (but seriously powerful) ways to make money online: affiliate marketing.

Whitney gets real about how she turned her struggles into solutions, launching a low-cost, flexible income stream that now brings in over $200K a year—all while supporting her family and designing a life she loves. She didn’t chase trends or quick wins. She built trust. She showed up with purpose. And she’s sharing how you can do the same.

💡 Why affiliate marketing is perfect for busy people
💬 How simple, everyday conversations can turn into income (without feeling “salesy”)
🚀 The steps she took to go from $0 to full-time freedom

If you're dreaming of financial independence, time freedom, or simply want to start a side hustle that actually works—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to help you get started on your own terms.

Whitney Bonds is the Founder and CEO of Business Expedited a membership designed to help future entrepreneurs find their business idea, grow it and monetize it.

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MORE ABOUT WHITNEY BONDS:
Website: Business Expedited
LinkedIn: Whitney Bonds
Instagram: Whitney Bonds
YouTube: Whitney Bonds

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless