
Back Pocket Coach
Are you an executive woman seeking to succeed in the corner office, while still having time to sit with you family at the kitchen table? Join us on The Back Pocket Coach, hosted by Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant, Vicki Abelson. This podcast is here to provide you with inspiration, practical skills, and the tools you need to find fulfillment at work and at home.
As a former corporate 9-5er, entrepreneur, Mom, and general wearer of many hats, Vicki understands the challenges and aspirations of executive women like you. Having successfully transitioned from a healthcare administration career to running her own coaching practice, Vicki is on a mission to help women like her live life on their own terms.
In each episode of The Back Pocket Coach Podcast, Vicki will share valuable insights and practical strategies to help you professionally and personally thrive. You'll gain inspiration to pursue meaningful work, love what you do, and find the balance to be present for your family and your own self-care. Think of this podcast as the coach in your backpocket helping you live a more fulfilling life.
Join Vicki and her esteemed guests, who will share their expertise and experiences, as they dive into leadership, personal growth, work-life balance, and more.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable insights, learn actionable strategies, and feel empowered about your journey as an executive woman. Subscribe to The Back Pocket Coach Podcast today and start living life on your own terms.
Back Pocket Coach
EP: 31 | Grief, Identity & the Power of Feeling It All with Helen Ngo
In this episode of The Back Pocket Coach, I sit down with Helen Ngo—a powerful voice in the world of grief work—to talk about something most of us try to outrun: loss.
Helen shares her personal story of navigating both death loss and living loss (the kind that doesn’t involve a funeral, but still breaks your heart). We talk about how grief reshapes identity, why high-achieving women often use their careers to numb emotional pain, and why the path through grief isn’t about “getting over it”—it’s about learning to live with it.
We cover:
- What grief really looks like for high performers
- Why guilt, cultural invalidation, and “doing more” often mask deeper pain
- How to support others (and yourself) in seasons of loss
- Why marinating in your feelings might be the most healing thing you can do
This episode is especially for the healthcare professionals who hold space for others daily—and need a reminder that you get to have your feelings, too.
🩺 Because leadership doesn’t mean leaving your grief at the door. It means learning how to carry it with compassion.
🎧 Tune in. Let it sit. Then pass it on to someone who might need it.
Connect with my guest, Helen Ngo, a Grief Thought Leader + Advocate for Emotional Honesty at @helenngo.ceo.
Are you a healthcare executive that's been feeling more busy than effective lately?
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Find Vicki online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsabelson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicki.abelson/
Website: https://www.thedefinedleader.com/