“I’ve been burned to the ashes... and had to rebuild.” Florence Fanelli’s connection to the phoenix isn’t metaphor, it’s experience. In this clip from Episode 2 of The Launch Pad, Flo opens up about how she’s faced deep personal and professional loss, and the strength it took to rise again. We talk about resilience a lot. But hearing Flo describe what it means to truly rebuild, reinvent, and rediscover your purpose? That’s the kind of message that stays with you. 🔥 Watch the full episode for more of Flo’s incredible journey through grief, transformation, and growth: https://youtu.be/TYb13kxgzds Subscribe for more raw, human stories about rising through adversity. #TheLaunchPad #Ilumifly #Resilience #GriefToGrowth #RiseUp #FloFanelli #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClip #IlumiflyMedia #LeadershipThroughAdversity *Social Media* https://www.youtube.com/@Ilumifly https://www.facebook.com/ilumifly https://www.twitter.com/@ilumifly https://www.instagram.com/ilumifly.ig/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilumifly

“Stay alive.” That one line from Florence Fanelli stopped me in my tracks. In this emotional clip from Episode 2 of The Launch Pad, Flo opens up about her personal battle with grief and how it led her to a new mission—supporting mental health, especially for youth. As a parent and leader, this conversation hit hard. Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is simply keep going. Flo’s honesty, strength, and purpose are a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and sharing that journey can save lives. 🎧 Watch the full episode to hear more of Flo’s story and the work she’s doing now: https://youtu.be/TYb13kxgzds Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity. #TheLaunchPad #Ilumifly #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #GriefToGrowth #PodcastClip #LeadershipWithHeart #FloFanelli #resilience *Social Media* https://www.youtube.com/@Ilumifly https://www.facebook.com/ilumifly https://www.twitter.com/@ilumifly https://www.instagram.com/ilumifly.ig/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilumifly

In this powerful moment from Episode 2 of The Launch Pad, Florence Fanelli and I reflect on the stark contrast between our professional worlds—and the deep humanity that connects them. While my day-to-day lives in tech and small business, Flo’s work has taken her across the globe, helping communities in crisis and building relationships that literally save lives. This conversation reminded me that impact isn’t always about scale. Sometimes, it’s about showing up where it matters most. 🎧 Watch the full episode for more of Flo’s inspiring journey through grief, purpose, and global service: https://youtu.be/TYb13kxgzds Subscribe for more real conversations about growth, leadership, and the moments that shape us. #TheLaunchPad #Ilumifly #GriefToGrowth #PodcastClip #GlobalImpact #HumanCenteredLeadership #USAID #FlorenceFanelli #LeadershipWithHeart *Social Media* https://www.youtube.com/@Ilumifly https://www.facebook.com/ilumifly https://www.twitter.com/@ilumifly https://www.instagram.com/ilumifly.ig/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilumifly

In this powerful episode of The Launch Pad by Ilumifly, Gus Martinez welcomes Florence "Flo" Fanelli, an international development expert, community builder, and first-time author who is turning personal grief into something transformative. Florence shares her journey through HR, disaster response, and her former role at USAID while opening up about the heartbreaks and breakthroughs that has inspired her to write a book and build a business around healing after loss. This conversation is about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to create something meaningful when life shifts unexpectedly. For anyone launching a dream, facing adversity, or finding new purpose through pain, this episode will resonate deeply. *Sound Bites:* "Choosing joy is a daily process." "It's never too late to pursue your dreams." "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." "You have the ability to rise from the ashes." *Takeaways:* Florence's journey reflects the importance of adaptability in career paths. Helping people has been a lifelong mission for Florence. Experiences in HR can be challenging, especially during layoffs. Consulting work allows for continued engagement in meaningful projects. Public health initiatives are crucial in addressing global challenges. Building relationships is key to success in any field. Mental health should be prioritized in both personal and professional life. I never met a stranger; I talk to everybody. People want to be seen, validated, and heard. Grief is universal for humans; we all experience it. You can grieve and still move on at the same time. ------------------------------------------ *Chapters:* 0:15 It goes back to what you're saying about helping people 11:38 You had the Grim Reaper, I had Florence finally 23:03 Flying in you can see the blue tarps 34:25 And I was like okay 45:47 You nourish them, this that 57:12 This is where I want to get to this whole story 68:33 You're gonna be okay, you know, from all this growth ------------------------------------------ *Social Media* https://www.youtube.com/@Ilumifly https://www.facebook.com/ilumifly https://www.twitter.com/@ilumifly https://www.instagram.com/ilumifly.ig/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilumifly