Ep. 24 Jody LaVoie: From Tragic Workplace Violence to Empowered CEO
In 2014, Jody LaVoie received the unthinkable news that her husband, Steve, the owner of ArrowStream, had been shot by a disgruntled colleague in an act of workplace violence. In a whirlwind of doctors, nurses, police and press, Jody and her family’s story made headlines locally in Chicago and nationally. Navigating her own grief, the mother of three became the leader of ArrowStream, as Steve fought for his life. Sadly, Steve passed away three months after the shooting. Without a succession plan in place for his business, Jody, in the midst of her own and her daughters’ grief, took over, and within three years, grew the company before selling it. Now, Jody is the CEO of the non-profit Female Strong, an organization on a mission to create life-changing experiences for girls that enable them to be future leaders. In this episode of Flip Your Script, Jody shares with host Kristi Piehl the importance of community and surrounding yourself with the right people. Jody also discusses the determination it takes to flip your script in the midst of unexpected tragedy.
CLOSING QUOTES
Brave by Sara Bareilles
Roar by Katy Perry
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth