In this expansive and heartfelt conversation, Laura reconnects with her dear friend and fellow guide, Tesse Akpeki, to explore how we cultivate resilience in times of chaos, grief, and transformation. Tesse shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by global roots, professional pivots, and profound loss and how a serendipitous solo trip to Ghana became a turning point in her healing.

Together, Laura and Tesse reflect on how disruption can become a doorway to presence, purpose, and inner strength. They talk about the power of self-compassion, the need to honor our own timeline for grieving, and how unexpected change can become the very ground of growth.

This episode offers a powerful reminder: we can navigate even the most unpredictable storms with courage, curiosity, and care for ourselves and for one another.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Tesse’s multicultural background and journey from Nigeria to the UK
• The impact of sudden loss and the complexity of traumatic grief
• How a leadership retreat that didn’t happen became a soul pilgrimage
• What it means to be a “global citizen” shaped by many cultures
• Tesse’s evolving work in resilience, wellbeing, and leadership in academia
• The story behind her Future Focused Wellbeing & Resilience initiative
• The culture shock of returning home to find peace in Ghana’s pace and presence
• A powerful hospital story that demonstrates how loving culture can transform care
• The difference between anticipatory grief and traumatic grief
• The practice of intentional noticing and writing down daily moments of gratitude

Bio

Tesse Akpeki is a governance professional, lawyer, coach, and podcast host who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations thrive in complex times. A true global citizen, Tesse blends legal expertise, leadership training, and deep spiritual insight to guide others through transformation. She is the host of Tesse Talks and Tesse Leads.

Resources & Links

Tesse’s podcasts: Tesse Talks and Tesse Leads

Man’s Search for Meaning and Hope by Viktor Franklin

Music Featured

The music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.

List of Music

Saggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to Love

Jimit - Forever Instrumental Version

Hans Johnson - Maasai

Ran Raiten - Pain Management

Seth Parson - Lekki

CTRL S - Colours of Your Heart Instrumental Version

Soft Sand - MEOD

The Ladyproducer - Born Chic

LUMINAR - As We Go