Meet Nick Shaw

Nick Shaw, an accomplished executive coach, consultant, speaker and author, shares profound insights into personal transformation and self-discovery in his upcoming book, My Teacher, My Son.

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About Nick Shaw

Following the tragic loss of his beloved son, William, in a devastating ski accident, Nick embarked on a journey of grief and healing. Through dedicated meditation and self-reflection, he found purpose in the phrase "My Teacher, My Son," guiding him towards personal evolution.

Drawing parallels between his struggles and those of his clients, Nick's book invites readers to embrace introspection and self-compassion, offering a compelling guide to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. His poignant story is a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope for others seeking a more intentional life.

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Get a better idea of what My Teacher, My Son is about with this book preview.

LIFE.

Chapter 1 – The Moments
When I heard those words come out of the doctor’s mouth, there was a momentary pause. The pause was infinitesimally brief, yet its magnitude was utterly immense. It created a dividing line between the life that once was and the uncertain life that would be. Right there, in that instant, my world was changed forever. My son had been a nine-year-old, skiing the best run of his lifejust hours before. And now … he was gone. Even the doctor couldn’t bring himself to say it. My son was dead.

LOSS.

Chapter 5 – WWWW
In those early days, it felt like I would be carrying my grief around forever. I envisioned having a perpetual black cloud hanging over me, like in cartoons, dashing any hope of joy and happiness. As depressing as this was, part of me was OK with it. It was the only way I knew to keep William with me. If I stopped grieving, it would be as if William was no longer a part of my life … and that scared me to death. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing him again, which meant that I was prepared for this deep level of grief to be with me for the rest of my days (or so I thought).

LOVE.

Chapter 6 - Love Manifest
Someday, we will die. It’s the one universal shared experience of humanity. We are hardwired to accept this truth when it comes to loved ones — and even ourselves — if, and only if, a long life has been lived. All my grandparents have passed and while this was sad, it followed the natural order of things — which made it more acceptable. What we are less inclined to accept is that death sometimes comes for us when we have lived shorter lives — that sometimes “the good die young.” When a child dies, there is no turning away from this reality. A life cut short is a stark reminder of our mortality. As harsh as this truth is, it also allows for one of the most beautiful aspects of humanity to emerge: love.
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What readers have to say

Reviews and authentic perspectives shared by readers of My Teacher, My Son.

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What People Are Saying

Reviews and authentic perspectives from readers of My Teacher, My Son.

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“It seems impossible that a book about unimaginable grief could offer so much hope, yet that is the gift of My Teacher, My Son. With breathtaking honesty, Nick Shaw shows how love, joy, and continued connection co-exist with loss, change, and challenge. The courage of Nick’s self-reflection empowers each of us to find a way forward. A truly heart-empowering read.”

Kelly McGonigal, PhD

Research Psychologist, Stanford University Lecturer, and Author of The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage

“With gripping intensity, Nick Shaw shares the terror of losing his nine-year-old son in an accident on a mountain after sharing a much-anticipated summit ski. Nick is determined to investigate his grief in a way that maintains a loving connection to his son and serves as an example to readers of his powerful memoir, . Fueled by the knowledge that things can change in a moment, he calls on us to pause and be with the complex terrain of grief; he inspires us to move into the strength that comes from exploring our vulnerability so we may ultimately become more present in our lives. While healing is not linear and is deeply personal, Nick courageously shares his journey so we all feel less alone with unimaginable loss.”

“This heart-piercing book is a tragic story, authentically and beautifully told. Nick Shaw brings the reader into deep resonance with the entire arc of his experience, with precise sharing of all the emotions —panic, pain, despair, yearning — all the understandable ruminations and all his efforts to reach again for joy, connection, and meaning. It is a short read but an intensely impactful story that bravely reminds every one of us to learn from loss, deal with our demons, make life matter and focus on love above all else.”

“In this gripping and emotionally raw account of losing his son to a ski accident, Nick Shaw takes us on a rollercoaster of unimaginable shock and sorrow. In seeking to find meaning and make sense of the tragedy, Nick shares his spiritual journey and the creative process that has helped him heal, stay connected to William, and strive for a sense of calmness and serenity. Nick’s degree of vulnerability in is a testament to his courage and a reminder to us all to embrace our emotions and be in the moment so we can open the path to personal growth and healing.”

"As a father and a skier, this compelling, tragic, yet somehow deeply uplifting story holds your heart from the moment you meet Nick and his family, and doesn’t let go. Sadly, as a person present on that day I knew too well the outcome of events. But what I wasn’t prepared for was encountering the depth of paternal and familial love that came later. Nick taught me about the depth of human resilience, and how much we can learn and grow even from an unimaginable event."

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Enjoy a 5 minute interview from Nick in which he shares why he wrote this book, as well as what he hopes you - the reader - can take away from it.

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May 6, 2024

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