This TED Talks Daily episode features an interview with crisis management expert Meredith Wilson Parfet, who discusses navigating personal and professional crises, using her experiences with grief and loss as examples. Parfet explains how to manage both the internal emotional turmoil ("grief brain") and the external logistical challenges of a crisis, emphasizing self-awareness and a four-question framework for problem-solving: defining the crisis, identifying trade-offs, prioritizing actions, and determining the next step. She advocates for acknowledging the validity of grief in all settings and encourages empathy and support rather than toxic positivity. The interview concludes with advice on supporting colleagues facing personal crises, stressing the importance of human connection and bearing witness to their struggles.
