Ep 2153: The Fog of Grief
Running a business is challenging enough, but what happens when unimaginable personal loss collides with leadership responsibilities?
In this deeply moving conversation, Matthew Efird shares the story of his son Noah, who was given the terminal diagnosis in the womb of Trisomy 13, a rare genetic condition caused by an extra 13th chromosome. Matthew and his wife Hannah walked through months of anticipatory grief before Noah was born, treasured the 57½ hours they had with him, and said goodbye on March 9, 2020 – just days before COVID hospital lockdowns changed everything. Their memorial service, held on March 13th (Trisomy 13 Awareness Day), became the last memorial service held in Athens, Georgia, before pandemic restrictions took effect.
As heartbreaking as their journey was, it also revealed timeless lessons for business leaders. Matthew explains why healthy businesses – like healthy marriages – must be prepared before the storm arrives. Just as he and Hannah had invested in their relationship long before tragedy struck, his companies had been built with trusted leaders and clear systems that allowed them to continue serving well during crisis.
Finally, Matthew introduces a simple but powerful framework for caring for grieving employees:
Specific: before tragedy hits know your employee and what would genuinely bless them
Silent: take action and help without placing decision-making on them
Soon: respond within the first 24 hours.
When leaders care well for people during seasons of loss, they don't just demonstrate compassion – they help prevent the disengagement and quiet quitting that often follow when employees feel unseen.
What you'll hear in this episode:
What Trisomy 13 is and how Noah's diagnosis changed everything for Matthew and Hannah
The reality of anticipatory grief and grieving before a loved one is gone
How God's timing allowed family and friends to meet Noah just before COVID hospital restrictions began
Why preparing your marriage – and your business – before a crisis makes all the difference
Common phrases to avoid when comforting someone in grief and better ways to care
Why responding well to grief in the workplace builds trust, strengthens culture, and helps prevent employee disengagement during difficult seasons
Grief will touch every workplace eventually. This episode offers biblical hope, practical leadership wisdom, and simple ways every employer, manager, and coworker can care for people well when life's hardest moments arrive.
Pick up a copy of Matthew’s book Even Though, We Will: Finding Rest in the Waves of Child Loss and the Practical Arks that Carry Us Throughto learn how to better navigate grief in your life and in the lives of others.
And don’t forget that a key part of walking through a season of grief with someone is establishing a relationship prior to crisis. Get to know those you live closest to by hosting a summer picnic in your neighborhood! Find inspiration for launching your picnic/potluck on the iWork4Him website.
Enjoyed this episode? Help iWork4Him reach more Christians with the message that their work matters to God. Support us for $5/month at iwork4him.com/donate.
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