Experiences with death, whether it be through losing a loved one or having a brush with it yourself, can be some of the most impactful experiences we'll ever face. How one responds to that adversity often defines new trajectories in that person's life.

For today's guest on the Empowering Leadership podcast, host Doug McVadon talks to Ray Whittaker. A poet and author, Ray discusses losing his wife, and then having battled a disease that nearly took his own life.

Through his poetry, Ray finds ways to heal and move forward, using his creativy and expression as an outlet.