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TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Listening in Grief

My dear Dad passed away at the end of last month, thankfully peacefully at home where he wanted to be. The paradox of my tears over these past weeks has been a reflection of the deep love I was fortunate to have for him coupled with the grief of the loss of his physical presence in my life. He was a Dad who made many sacrifices in taking care of my brother and me throughout his life.

During my reflections, I realise that my grief for losing him began many months before he died. The last four months were tough for him, and in turn for me, witnessing his deteriorating health accompanied by the frustration that bought. And yet he navigated his condition with as much strength and will as he could muster until the end.

During these months when I was able to spend more time with him caring for him at home with the help of friends, family, and carers, we spent time in conversation, playing cards, draughts, or rummykub as a way to distract his mind from pain and discomfort and simply enjoy this time together.

These times were precious moments. I listened, he spoke. I listened, he became quiet. I listened, he drifted off for a nap. I was still there, still listening when he awoke a little while later.

He shared stories of when he was younger. He recalled experiences of his school days, in the RAF, and his working life where he served others in the hospitality, laundry, clothing, catering, and food trades. We also spoke of current times, our girls and their university life and holidays, my husband, and my work contributions. He was interested in and cared greatly for his family.

As the weeks progressed I realised each time we were together it was harder for him to be in conversation for long. He became weaker. I began grieving then as he became a different version of the Dad I knew. I found it harder each time I walked through his door as I didn’t know what to expect. And yet I wanted to be upbeat for him and so fought back the tears of witnessing him become a shadow of his former self mentally and physically. I sat with him, listening to what he needed now, what needed to change, and what he wanted as his condition deteriorated.

Over these months I was reminded of the goodness Dad generated in the lives of others. He worked until he was 80 years old in the food trade! He worked in his community with the local school and tennis club jointly for over 40 years. He helped those who sought help. He took time out to visit those who wanted company. He never arrived anywhere without a gift for the person he was visiting. He enjoyed being with people. Dad’s life was a life well lived, one to be grateful for and celebrated.

I am hugely grateful to my family, friends, and colleagues who have been such a dependable source of comfort, strength, and love throughout this time – you know who you are. Whilst I was listening to Dad, you have been there listening to me and for that I am hugely grateful.

And today, in writing to you, sharing my experience of listening in grief, I am reminded of this gift that we all have. I have been enriched in listening to others share with me their experiences navigating times of loss. I have been reminded of how lucky I was to have been on this earth together with Dad for the past 56 years. I am grateful to have had some time to reflect and listen to my own positive memories, my feelings as they surge and burst out unexpectedly at times, and listen to the gratitude in my heart for all that Dad was for me and others. His legacy of generosity, kindness, and independence is one that will remain in our hearts forever.

Thank you for listening!

Jane Adshead-Grant
Jane Adshead-Granthttps://janeadsheadgrant.com/
Jane is a listening and people leadership specialist. She helps individuals develop their leadership gifts and skills with compassion, courage, and commitment to foster environments where everybody matters. Her gifts are to encourage and to listen. Listen free from interruption and judgement, encouraging others to step into who they were meant to be. She has more than 30 years’ experience in people-focused roles in the corporate environment. Jane is an MCC coach with the ICF, Accredited Coach, Facilitator, and Teacher of the Thinking Environmentâ and Ambassador of Truly Human Leadership. Additionally, she is the author of Are you Listening or Just Waiting to Speak?

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