6 ways grief can transform your business and your mindset

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

I can attribute many of my entrepreneurial and managerial skills to my father, Fernando, who ran many businesses throughout his life. From learning how to supervise a team of people and managing conflict to watching him charm potential clients and nurture a network of trustworthy colleagues, he is responsible for many of my successes.

That's why my world was immediately turned upside down when he died suddenly at age 54. You see, life doesn't wait for the "right" moment. Sometimes it hits you right in the middle of the busiest week of your career to remind you of what really matters and what doesn't.

Lucky for me, if you could say that, my dad passed away just before Christmas and, as anyone in the entertainment business can tell you, he quiets down around this time of year. It didn't surprise me in the middle of the most important meeting of the year, but it was eventful enough to teach me some of the most important lessons I've learned so far.

Related: 4 Ways to Get Through Grief Without Neglecting Your Business

1. You can't do it all yourself

Most entrepreneurs would proudly tell you that we are self-sufficient and self-sufficient, which is great. But there will be times, both in life and in business, when you have to let someone else take over, even if only for a moment. Asking for help, especially from people we don't want to let down, is perfectly acceptable. The first step is to admit that you can't do it yourself. After all, if you've done a good job, the captain should be able to take a break and know that the crew will keep the ship afloat.

2. Vulnerability can be a wonderful thing

When I think of some of the most successful marketing campaigns I can remember, the first ones that come to mind are always those with "heart". From a business perspective, it can seem scary to humanize our work, to let the public into our world. But from a customer and customer perspective, nothing gets you closer to a business than knowing that real people are running it.

When the founder of recently announced that he would essentially donate the company to fight climate change, it wasn't the numbers that sparked something in people. It was his heartfelt letter and the way he spoke about his humble beginnings, his journey, his hopes and dreams for the company and planet Earth that really got people sharing, reposting and admiring.

Related: Being Vulnerable Is the Boldest Act of a Business Leader

3. Don't do it for the money

We've all heard this, but sometimes we need a reminder: you can't take the money with you. In all honesty, no one knows what happens in the afterlife, but tells us that material things remain behind, including paper. So don't let that be the motive. You can still live a good life and treat money as your much-needed bridge to get you where you need to go. Let your passions be your guide and know that it's much better to get rich doing something you sincerely believe in.

4. Return the favor

What surprised me when my father died was how many people came to the rescue. As the saying goes, "look for helpers, there will always be helpers". Helpers come from all corners of your life, and it's a humbling experience to have. I've had co-workers and clients who have shown a level of kindness I never thought possible, and now they live on my "goodbye" list forever. Whether it's facilitating a connection or putting an exceptionally good word for them, I'll be happy to oblige.