Heidi Johnson on Loss, Grief, and the Transformative Power of Giving

Heidi Johnson was in a great spot in life. She had a great family, good job, all she could reasonably ask for. But when her mother was killed in a shocking accident, that all changed.  After suffering from intense grief, Heidi’s life changed when she was asked to start a new initiative at her local children’s hospital. This led her to create and lead her own nonprofit and to a life today of service and also shining a light on other nonprofit leaders, through both a book and hosting her podcast, Charity Matters.   

 

Chapters:

00:30 Heidi Johnson’s Journey Begins 
Heidi Johnson shares her life story, detailing her upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family and the unexpected tragedy that altered her life’s path, leading her to a deeper exploration of grief and purpose. 

04:11 The Tragic Accident 
Heidi recounts the harrowing details of her parents’ vacation in Costa Rica, where a devastating accident claimed her mother’s life and left her father in a coma, profoundly impacting her family and her outlook on life. 

07:29 The Revelation of Grief 
Heidi reflects on how her grief revealed her inner strength and fueled her desire to help others, transforming her pain into a powerful catalyst for change in her life. 

10:34 A Call for Help 
A pivotal moment arises when a priest at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, reaches out to Heidi for assistance in establishing a nonprofit to provide emotional support to families, marking the beginning of her new mission. 

12:56 Establishing the Nonprofit 
Heidi discusses the formation of the Spiritual Care Guild, detailing the challenges and triumphs of starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing chaplains for families in need at the hospital. 

17:28 The Impact of Service 
Through her work at the Children’s Hospital, Heidi discovers the profound personal health benefits of service, illustrating how helping others can lead to healing and meaning in one’s own life. 

18:14 The Birth of Charity Matters 
Heidi shares the inspiration behind her blog and podcast, Charity Matters, which highlights the stories of nonprofit founders and the impact of their work, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit in the nonprofit sector. 

23:24 Lessons from Nonprofit Founders 
In this segment, Heidi reflects on the commonalities she has observed among nonprofit founders, emphasizing their resilience, optimism, and the transformative power of personal experiences that drive their missions. 

27:38 Finding Growth in Loss 
Heidi articulates her belief that loss can lead to personal growth, sharing insights on how adversity can pave the way for new beginnings and a deeper understanding of purpose. 

31:47 The Journey from Corporate to Nonprofit 
Heidi reflects on her transition from a successful corporate career to running a nonprofit, sharing the challenges and rewards of this significant life change.  

35:41 Igniting Passion in Others 
Heidi shares insights on the importance of building community as a nonprofit founder and the necessity of igniting passion in others to join the cause. She emphasizes the contagious nature of enthusiasm and how it helps in forming a supportive network. 

38:08 Philanthropy in America 
The conversation shifts to the philanthropic spirit of Americans, with Heidi noting that a significant percentage of the population volunteers. She discusses the importance of focusing on local communities and how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. 

40:07 The Good in the World 
Heidi and Bill conclude with a discussion about the prevalence of good deeds happening around the world, countering the negativity often portrayed in the media. They celebrate the resilience and positivity that nonprofit work embodies, encouraging listeners to contribute to their communities.