⚠️Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child loss. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are listed at the bottom of these show notes.
Sharon Delaney McCloud built a career on the belief that the right words, told the right way, can change everything. What she didn't expect was that her own hardest story would become her most important work.
An Emmy Award-winning broadcaster turned executive communication consultant, Sharon spent two decades anchoring the news before walking away to build something new. But the turning point wasn't professional. It was the loss of her six-month-old daughter, Macie, to leukemia. That line in the sand reshaped how she understood grief, success, and the courage it takes to be real in a world obsessed with looking perfect.
In this tender and inspiring conversation, Sharon and Dr. Shabbir explore why facts push but emotions pull, how high achievers hide in their work, and why moving through loss matters far more than moving on. Sharon shares how she turned her grief into a TEDx talk that now trains nurses, reached the White House, and gives other bereaved parents language for the unspeakable. This is a masterclass in storytelling, leadership, and what it means to redefine success on your own terms.
Episode Takeaways:
- How storytelling shaped Sharon from the family dinner table to network news
- Why facts push but emotions pull, and what that means for leaders
- Moving through grief instead of moving on, and why there's no timeline for it
- Turning battle scars into badges of honor through intentional storytelling
- The Story Storm to Story Bank method for finding the why your team needs
- Why perfection creates distance and being real creates connection
- Reimagining success as work that matters, not titles chased
About the guest:
Sharon Delaney McCloud is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), TEDx speaker, adjunct professor, and corporate leadership consultant who helps people make an impact through powerful, intentional communication. As founder of a three-time INC 5000-recognized firm, she works with leaders and organizations on storytelling, self-aware leadership, and navigating hard conversations.
Her insights have appeared in Thrive Global and Enterprising Women, and she co-authored Keep Going: Memoirs of Strength, Courage & Perseverance. Her work spans clients including Cisco, Lenovo, Red Hat, UNC Health, Duke University, Amazon, IBM, Hilton, and Delta. Before founding her consultancy, Sharon supported American troops abroad with the Department of Defense's USO Program and spent two decades as a television journalist covering NASA, healthcare, and major events including the Olympics, where she carried the Olympic Torch. A mom of three, she considers that her most important role.
Connect with Sharon Delaney McCloud:
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
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❌ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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🎗️ Support Resources:National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (US/Canada)
The Compassionate Friends (Child Loss Support): 877-969-0010 | compassionatefriends.orgCrisis
Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
What is Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD ?
Are you tired of chasing goal after goal, only to feel empty once you get there? Do you appear successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled on the inside? Or are you wondering how to even begin your journey to success?
Welcome to Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD—the podcast that challenges traditional definitions of success and explores what it truly means to thrive at the intersection of ambition and well-being.
Hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC—Founder and CEO, Dual Board-Certified Physician, and a fierce advocate for mental health. With advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, Behavior Change, and Leadership Development, Dr. Shabbir brings deep expertise to every conversation. She’s also a sought-after Professional Speaker and proud Super Mom to two young girls. Drawing from her multifaceted roles, she offers a fresh, honest perspective on the realities of ambition, success, and sustainable well-being.
Each episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you break free from burnout, perfectionism, and the endless chase for external validation. You’ll walk away inspired and empowered to build a life that aligns achievement with deep personal fulfillment.
If you're ready to reimagine success with intention and courage, hit subscribe, rate, and review the show—and start your journey to a more joyful, aligned life today.
Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir:
Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md
Instagram: instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir
Facebook: facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md
Website: https://success-curated.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir