Illustrating Leadership Lesson: When Life as you know it is over
The Unexpected Journey
Maggie shares an intimate and heartfelt narrative about her daughter, Nell, who was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum disease, a rare neurological autoimmune disorder. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging chapter for Maggie and her family, as they navigated the complexities of living with a rare and incurable disease.
As Maggie recounts, the initial phase was filled with fear and denial. "My first response is always denial —no, that's a mistake, this can't be her," she recalls. Despite these natural reactions, Maggie later discovered a path of acceptance and purpose, largely inspired by her daughter's unyielding spirit and determination.
Leadership Through Adversity
Maggie identifies her daughter as her greatest source of inspiration. Nell's journey exemplifies leadership in its rawest form — courage and grace in the face of adversity. "She's unafraid to share her story, to help other people, to get out there and be in an uncomfortable place," Maggie notes. Nell's openness and strength sparked a transformation within Maggie, pushing her beyond the comfort zone of her previous medical career into rare disease advocacy and coaching.
From Medical Professional to Life Coach
Witnessing the transformative power of coaching, Maggie decided to get certified and now dedicates her energy to supporting others who walk the challenging path she once did.
She fondly speaks of The Sumaira Foundation, where she and Nell actively participate in rare disease advocacy, and underscores the profound connection and growth this advocacy work has provided for their entire family.
Learning Acceptance and Embracing Change
A significant theme throughout Maggie's narrative is learning acceptance. She candidly shares her struggles with accepting change and the mental journey to move past initial denial. "It took me more than a year to fully come to terms with accepting the reality of our life," she reveals. Her experience with coaching was pivotal in reaching this acceptance, allowing her to transform suffering into a proactive force for good.
Maggie emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and the power of being open about challenges within her family. This transparency has fostered a deeper family bond and cultivated an environment where difficult conversations can occur freely.
An Empowering Ending
For those who find themselves in similar situations, Maggie's story is a beacon of hope and strength. She offers her unique perspective, a combination of medical knowledge and personal experience, to help guide others through their own journeys. As she shares, "I like to offer my support and help to people if it's useful."
Connect with Maggie and Learn More
To get more of Maggie's insights, don't miss her TEDx talk, "The Truth About Pain and Suffering Will Change Your Life," where she expands on her stories and lessons learned. Also, check out Nell's book, "My Hospital Story," a heartfelt compilation of her experiences that resonates with both young and adult readers.
For those interested in connecting more with Maggie, her "Lobster Mom Collective Newsletter" is a resource for mothers navigating similar paths, drawing a powerful metaphor between life’s challenges and the growth process of lobsters.
To reach out or learn more about Maggie Kang's work, visit her website or connect on LinkedIn.
Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
