In a recent LinkedIn post, Richard van der Blom shares a deeply personal story about his family’s journey through loss and the unexpected strength found in community, particularly on the LinkedIn platform. He highlights the emotional toll of multiple miscarriages and the subsequent hope as his family approaches a new beginning.
Finding Strength in Shared Experience
Van der Blom opens by setting the stage for a significant personal milestone, hinting at the arrival of a new family member after a long and challenging period. He reveals the couple’s struggle with infertility, marked by miscarriages that brought significant physical and emotional hardship to his wife.
“We wanted to start a family, but were confronted with several miscarriages that came with heavy complications and health issues for my wife.”
The post delves into the emotional exhaustion that can accompany such experiences. Van der Blom articulates the critical juncture where the question arises: “can we continue with this, can we deal with another loss?” This raw honesty underscores the profound vulnerability inherent in his sharing.
The Role of Online Community
Crucially, Van der Blom emphasizes the pivotal role that support systems played during their darkest times. He notes that when they felt they could not see a way forward, the encouragement from various sources, including connections on LinkedIn, provided renewed strength and confidence.
“And just when you don’t see it anymore, the stories and support of friends, family and even people I’d never heard of before here on LinkedIn, give you new strength and confidence.”
This leads Van der Blom to address his practice of sharing personal stories on the platform. He posits that his willingness to be open stems from a fundamental human need for connection and support.
Humanity and Connection on Professional Platforms
Van der Blom argues that sharing personal experiences is not merely a matter of oversharing but a reflection of his humanity and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. He explains the impact of positive interactions:
“Because words and thoughts from positive people help me to overcome challenges”
He further states that the source of this support is less important than its impact, indicating a broad appreciation for empathy and encouragement, regardless of the channel.
“Because I don’t care from which direction (or channel) they come.”
The post concludes with a heartfelt thank you to his network for their support and a hopeful anticipation of sharing positive news. To engage his audience further, Van der Blom includes a lighthearted game, inviting followers to guess the name of his new arrival for a chance to win a membership to his online community, The TRIBE.
A Call for Empathy and Support
Richard van der Blom’s candid post serves as a powerful reminder of the human element within professional networks. By sharing his personal struggles and the strength derived from community support, he illustrates the profound impact of vulnerability and empathy. His insights suggest that professional platforms can indeed be spaces for genuine human connection, offering solace and encouragement during difficult times. The engagement strategy at the end, offering a prize for participation, further demonstrates a creative approach to community building and interaction.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Richard van der Blom on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 5, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →