Why I Wrote Permission to Pause

Grief shows up at work every day—in the quiet moments behind a closed office door, in the missed meetings, in the strained interactions no one knows how to name. Over the years, I’ve watched employees struggle silently with loss, and I’ve seen leaders unsure of how to respond. What I didn’t see often enough was space—space to process, to breathe, to be human.

That’s why I wrote Permission to Pause, not as a clinical manual or a collection of platitudes, but as a guide for navigating the very real, very human experience of grief in the workplace. It’s a call to create cultures that see people, not just productivity.

Who I Am

I’m Dr. Denise Y. Wynn—consultant, speaker, educator, and founder of Wynn Essentials. With over 25 years in research administration and organizational leadership, I’ve spent my career at the intersection of strategy, people, and systems. I hold a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), an MBA, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems.

But beyond the credentials, I’m someone who believes workplaces can do better—especially when people are hurting.

I’ve trained and supported leaders across the country, helping them build operational excellence rooted in empathy, equity, and resilience. My research focuses on faculty motivation, leadership development, and creating institutional cultures that don't just accommodate grief—but honor it.