An Inspired Chat with Marie Alessi

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marie Alessi. Check out our conversation below.

Marie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I just delivered my speech “Beyond Grief” on stage of the Sydney Opera House in October – with my boys in the audience. A rather proud moment. In the same week I published my 4th book “My Person Died – What Now?, where my sons have co-written a chapter. Such a proud moment for the family!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marie Alessi, a Grief Advocate, multiple bestselling author, and speaker. After my husband unexpectedly died from a brain aneurysm in June 2018, with our sons being only 10 and 8, I made it my mission to bring more lightness into grief.
I have published 4 books, co-authored another 4, delivered my TEDx talk “Redefining our Image of a Widow”, and have taken far beyond 5,000 people onto their healing journey since early 2019. I offer healing journeys, coaching and retreats, I am passionate about bringing workshops into the educational space, as well as working on various collaborations with wonderful organisations such as Feel the Magic or Tomorrow Funerals.
I challenge certain myths like the 5 stages of grief, or the belief that grief will last forever.
My approach is different, as I offer hope and healing where people expect it the least, but need it the most!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
It is not safe to be seen.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, a couple of times in my early childhood and then in my early twenties.
“Giving up” is not in my vocabulary anymore.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Mostly yes – yet there are still certain things that need to stay private – which largely includes my sons’ lives – however, in my recent book “My Person Died – What Now?”, A Grief Guide with a Positive Twist, they both shared rather openly about their experiences and beliefs around grief. What a gift they have given to the world!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Somebody to hold sacred space for them without judgement; someone who offers them hope when they least expect it; somebody who brings positivity and lightness into a space that is usually only known as dark and heavy.

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Image Credits
Zoom in with Eden
Fjord & Fold Creative
Katherina Bilko

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