Face the Storm: Lessons Learned from Loss on 9/11 | Craig Woodall | TEDxMountainAve

When Craig Woodall lost his brother Brent on September 11, 2001, he did what most of us do in the face of unbearable pain —he ran from it. For months, avoidance was his coping mechanism. It didn't work. In this powerful and personal talk, Craig shares the moment he decided to stop running and start healing — and the daily habits, mindset shifts, and hard-won resilience that slowly changed him from the inside out. Drawing on over two decades of grief and self-discovery, Craig makes the case that emerging stronger from tragedy is real, it's possible, and it doesn't happen by accident. It happens by choice. After two decades of hard work and healing, Craig’s message is simple and unforgettable: your storms will change you. But they don’t define you. You get to choose who you become. Craig is a retired educator with thirty years of experience in public education. He served as principal of Rocky Mountain High School for his last twelve years, where he focused on building strong connections and creating a sense of belonging. He is known for his open-door policy, direct communication style, humor, and ability to lead through challenging times. Married for thirty years and the father of four, he draws deeply on the inspiration of his family and his faith. His approach to leadership and connection has been profoundly shaped by loss and adversity, experiences that challenged him to cultivate resilience and develop a perseverance mindset. Through his journey, he discovered that hope is not passive; it is built through intention, discipline, and a willingness to pick your head up and move forward. Today he shares those lessons as a leadership consultant and author, helping others create clarity, build perspective, and establish clear purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx