What happens when grief becomes the teacher and storytelling becomes the way forward?

In this Faces of Atlantic conversation, I sat down with Teri Kingston, speaker coach, storyteller, widow, and guide for leaders learning how to show up more fully as human beings. Teri’s journey through anticipatory grief, loss, and rebuilding life after the death of her husband reshaped not only how she lives, but how she helps others find their voice.

We talked about why grief belongs in the workplace, how leadership begins with self-awareness, and why authenticity on stage and in life is what truly moves people to action.

In this episode:

→ Teri’s journey through anticipatory grief and what it taught her about presence, leadership, and love

→ Why grief is not a personal problem but a human reality that belongs in workplace conversations

→ The cost of ignoring grief at work and how organizations can better support their people

→ What makes a great speaker and why authenticity always lands more powerfully than performance

→ How storytelling becomes a tool for healing, influence, and meaningful change

→ Why not every story belongs on a stage and how to know when one is ready

→ The importance of serving the audience rather than performing for them

→ A life mantra that reframes loss and creates space for hope: being surprised by joy

Links and Resources:

Follow Teri Kingston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terikingston/

Follow Real Impact Speaking: https://realimpactspeaking.com/

Follow Terri-Ann Richards: https://terriannrichards.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TerriAnnRichards

Follow Faces of Atlantic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faces-of-atlantic

If this episode encouraged you to embrace more of who you are — at work, at home, or in leadership — share it with someone who needs that same reminder.

Subscribe, leave a review, and give yourself a moment today to consider:
What part of you have you been leaving at the door — and what would change if you brought it with you?

Let’s keep showing up with honesty, courage, and humanity, one conversation at a time.

• (00:00:00) - Faces of Atlantic
• (00:00:48) - Faces of Atlantic: The Widows
• (00:03:22) - Your Journey Through Grief
• (00:06:10) - How to Cope with a Caregiver's Alzheimer's
• (00:09:38) - The Need for Grief in the Workplace
• (00:17:16) - Disrupting HR: The Multiplying Human Body
• (00:19:11) - Toastmasters Canada Business Interview
• (00:25:51) - What Makes a Great Speaker?
• (00:29:14) - What Advice Would You Give to Public Speaking?
• (00:33:13) - Widow Moves From St. Andrews To Atlanta
• (00:35:29) - Q&A
• (00:35:43) - What is your happiness ritual?
• (00:36:09) - "Surprised by Joy"
• (00:37:14) - Faces of Atlantic: Terianne Richards