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Did you know it can take over 200 hours to manage the responsibilities of an executor?
For Danielle Phillips, losing both parents during COVID wasn’t just heartbreaking—it became a crash course in navigating the overwhelming task of estate administration.
This week, we uncover how she turned personal tragedy into Sage Executor Solutions, a lifeline for families facing the chaos after losing a loved one.
Becoming an executor is more than signing your name on a will—it’s stepping into a mountain of responsibility that can feel endless, especially when you’re grieving. In this episode, I speak with Danielle Phillips, founder of Sage Executor Solutions.
Danielle shares her personal journey of losing both parents within 15 months, managing her mother’s care, and tackling the exhaustive legal and administrative duties left behind.
From navigating MyGov’s labyrinth of links to realising that even the smallest details—like notifying the Electoral Commission—can come back to haunt you, Danielle recounts the challenges that inspired her to build a service aimed at making this process more humane.
Whether it’s creating a roadmap for executors, connecting families with trusted experts, or just lightening the emotional load, Danielle explains how proper preparation can transform chaos into clarity.
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever been an executor, expect to be one,
The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.
Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.
Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.
Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events
Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.
No pressure.
No expectation.
Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.
Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events
MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.
SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.
Support the show
Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.
Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/
Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22a
Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/