Episode 145: Reese (Zahner) Maher (pen name: Cleo Childs) and her upcoming book Moving With

Episode 145: Reese (Zahner) Maher (pen name: Cleo Childs) and her upcoming book "Moving With" that's based on her spoken word poetry album "Moving With" (May 2024)

"...how does someone get from the depths of despair into having peace and acceptance, and what does peace and acceptance look like?"

In this episode, Cleo, a poet and author, shares her journey of processing grief through writing. She discusses the impact of her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and death on her life and work, emphasizing the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and connection in both personal and professional arenas. Cleo's insights on leadership and humanity highlight the need for compassion in a world often marked by isolation, loneliness, and suffering.

Preview Clip 1: Finding Perspective In Hardship

Preview Clip 2: Embracing Humanity After Loss

Full Conversation

Mental health has steadily maintained its seat at the table of societal discussion. Where we stand, how we're feeling, and what we need are all valid considerations now -- as opposed to just a few years ago when we felt we couldn't express our concerns.

The process of grief is just as important. And each of us will have different needs which need to be addressed in different ways and processes. Grieving doesn't look the same from person to person.

I'm grateful for this conversation with Cleo in which she shared her experience and what it's provided her with, how it's shaped her, and how she's able to move forward with the loss of her mother. Stories like hers can help others who might feel lost and alone in the depths of their own grief.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Processing grief through poetry and writing.

• Stephen Colbert's story of tragedy.

• The meaning of loss and moving with (not past or beyond) grief.

• Connection through shared suffering.

• Perspective-giving moments in life.

• Easing the path for others through writing.

• The antidote to loneliness.

• Embracing imperfection.

• The freedom in authenticity.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Cleo is, How do you process and utilize the suffering you've experienced in life to move with your grief and move forward in life?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

• Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

• Talking To Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell

• multipliers: How The Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE PAST EPISODES

• Episode 140: Laura Di Franco & WRITING: The Brave Healer’s Guide for World-Changers

• Episode 134: Debra Buhring Llapaj & Her Book, Sicilian Seductions, a Mediterranean Love Affair

• Episode 127: Mimi Gonzalez & The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

• Episode 128: Jeanne Omlor - 7 figure Coach for Coaches and Consultants & Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

ABOUT CLEO

Cleo released her spoken word poetry album "Moving With" in May 2024. Her book "Moving With" will be released later this year. These projects are the culmination of years of writing about the journey of grief she experienced after losing her mom to Alzheimer's when she was 28 years old. Her mother was an English major in college and her grandmother, who is also one of her editors, was an English teacher for 30 years, so she came by her grief-processing tool of writing naturally. With these projects, she hopes to show the path her grief took from having her mother, losing her mother, and the peace and acceptance she feels now. She also hopes to give an authentic and honest look at what her grief felt like so other people going through grief don't feel alone and feel community in their grief.

FIND CLEO

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesezahner/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleochildspoetry/

• Website: cleochilds.com

VIDEO CHAPTERS

• 01:07- Introduction & Bio

• 02:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

• 08:00 - On Stephen Colbert's experience of life vs. career in comedy.

• 56:00 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

• 01:07:04 - What does leadership mean to you?

• 01:18:46 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

• 01:22:01 - What book has inspired you?

• 01:23:52 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

About The Book Leads

On The Book Leads podcast, I speak to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership. In the course of my conversation I also learn about my guest's background, experience, and work they're carrying out today. 

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube

• Listen on YouTube Music

• Listen on Spotify

• Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUS PODCAST IS NOW ONLINE!

The Leadership Syllabus Podcast will provide insights from leaders on one leadership lesson they can share that stems from their work, life, and experiences.

Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.

This collection of mods will offer the listener a one-series stop of lessons to enhance their own leadership understanding, awareness, and effectiveness.

Mod 3: Community & Connection w/Kisha Zullo

Kisha is a dynamic entrepreneur, President of Events of Joy, and the founder of the Women in Business Summit (WIB Summit), and a dedicated leader in women’s empowerment.  As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has excelled in both sales and event management—bringing people together with purpose and impact.

Leadership Lesson: Leadership during challenging times requires resilience and vision. Building a strong community can provide the support, trust, and collaboration needed to navigate change and lead a thriving team. 

Find Kisha

• https://www.eventsofjoy.com/

• https://www.wibsummit.com/

The Leadership Syllabus:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzXadR_BOEgFNk-sSU2HEQUvfwW4YR6lZ

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tQDJ4I0lVXDAYkvVGobWQ?si=a061fcb511ee445b

• The Leadership Syllabus - Blog Post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-syllabus-lessons-30-minute-mods-jaramillo-mba-msop-otbme/

About Me

I'm a Leadership Performance Coach and Consultant at Coach It Out, LLC (www.coachitout.com). In addition to coaching, and as you can see above, I enjoy writing, podcasting, and speaking about leadership. Specifically, I work with clients to realize what they're all about when it comes to (1) new positions they've been hired or promoted into; and (2) rediscovering what they want out of their leadership, development, and career.

My signature talks include Design Your Leadership! Nine Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Brand In The Everyday, and Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection.

Please subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Reach out to me at johnmjaramillo@coachitout.com.