Episode 8: Navigating a Layoff using Insights from an Executive HR and Business Consultant

This is the final episode in the Layoffs over Lattes podcast series and the final three conversations with people who faced their layoffs head-on, navigated their job search with structure, focus, and grace, and found their way back into meaningful work. When a layoff hits, the hardest part is not necessarily the layoff moment itself, but figuring out what’s next, and doing so with clarity, confidence, and momentum. A layoff is not the end of your story. It’s the start of your rebuild towards something new. For anyone navigating a layoff and wondering what comes next, these final three conversations, along with those in the last episode, are meant to offer proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it will arrive for you. Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Professional Development, Career Development, Job Search, Resilience, Job Offer Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:48 Bansari’s story 28:00 Alex’s story 47:07 Katy’s story 1:06:55 An Irish blessing

When a layoff hits, the hardest part is not necessarily the layoff moment itself, but figuring out what’s next, and doing so with clarity, confidence, and momentum. I’m closing out the Layoffs over Lattes podcast series with two final episodes focused on success stories - people who faced their layoffs head-on, navigated their job search with structure and focus, and found their way back into meaningful work. You'll hear how people managed the emotional and practical realities of being laid off, what they did during their job search to stay motivated and moving forward, and the strategies and mindset shifts that helped them land their next role. Some used the experience to return to work they loved, while others chose to pivot entirely. A layoff is not the end of your story. It’s the start of your rebuild towards something new. For anyone navigating a layoff and wondering what comes next, these final two episodes are meant to offer proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it will arrive for you. Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Professional Development, Career Development, Job Search, Resilience Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:25 Kelly’s story 24:45 Tyler’s story 43:55 Gloria’s story

In this episode, I talk with Laura Mahr about the often-overlooked issue of enmeshment at work, its signs, its impacts, and how it affects mental and emotional health, especially during career transitions like layoffs. We explore practical strategies rooted in neurobiology, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems to help professionals reclaim balance, so that work occupies an appropriate place in one’s life – the thing we do and not the thing we are – and how companies have a real responsibility to foster healthier workplaces that allow employees to thrive with a greater sense of purpose. Learn more about Laura: https://www.consciousworkingminds.com/ and https://consciouslegalminds.com/ Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mahr-esq-65a582130/ Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Enmeshment, Burnout, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Professional Development, Career Development, Job Search, Resilience, Work-Life Balance, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Organizational Culture Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:20 The significance of identity and grief in layoffs 05:04 Defining enmeshment in a professional setting 06:24 Signs of enmeshment: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual signs 08:43 Types of individuals prone to enmeshment and personality factors 09:42 Internal Family Systems perspective on enmeshment 12:48 Advice for those experiencing layoffs to reclaim self and avoid enmeshment cycles 15:32 The importance of the "power of the pause" during career transitions 17:14 Managing emotional highs and lows during job searches 20:32 The danger of urgency and impulsive actions post-layoff 22:25 Strategies for those in workplaces and at risk of enmeshment 23:47 Personal and organizational red flags during the interview process 27:48 The role of nervous system regulation and mindfulness in maintaining boundaries 30:00 Addressing common fears and anxiety related to job security and success 32:28 The biochemical roots of overworking and addiction to success 39:43 Can success exist with healthy boundaries? 42:18 Organizational responsibility for cultivating healthy work environments 45:23 The role of company culture in preventing enmeshment 49:34 Questions to ask during interviews to assess wellbeing and cultural fit 52:35 How to find professionals trained in enmeshment, IFS, and nervous system work 56:39 Connecting with Laura

In this episode, I speak with Alaina G. Levine and discuss her journey from her childhood aspirations to be a Broadway star and scientist to becoming a professional speaker and author. Alaina shares her unique career path, emphasizing the importance of combining passion with practicality to create a "unicorn career," one that aligns with one's values, brings joy, and provides financial stability. Alaina discusses her latest book, "Create Your Unicorn Career," and offers insights into navigating career transitions, the significance of networking, and the art of building meaningful professional relationships. Alaina also highlights the challenges and opportunities in today's evolving job market, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique skills and passions to forge fulfilling careers. Learn more about Alaina: http://www.alainalevine.com/ Connect with Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainaglevine/ Learn more about her book (use code UNICORNCLIENT5 to get $5 off your e-copy): https://alainalevine.com/product/create-your-unicorn-career/ More resources: https://8fb38a5a-9ae7-4a15-9bbe-c7d0e9bd26e5.paylinks.godaddy.com/Land-A-Job-Crisis-Webinar Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Career Transition, Job Search Strategy, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Authenticity, Professional Development, Professional Brand Development, Unicorn Career, Networking, Career Transition, Personal Branding, Resilience, Career Development, Job Search, Entrepreneurship, STEM Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Childhood Dreams 1:23 Career Path and Unicorn Career 5:46 Networking and Career Development 12:27 Intrinsic Data, Extrinsic Data, and Bridge of Marketing 17:51 Real-World Examples and Challenges 23:41 Networking as a Spectrum of Activities 31:08 Navigating Layoffs and Career Transitions 44:56 The Future of Unicorn Careers

Much like a political campaign, a job search requires strategic planning and proactive effort. My guest today, Dr. Heidi Scott Giusto, has developed a campaign framework, comprised of seven separate, but interlinked components, that helps you to navigate through your job search with confidence and peace of mind. This episode is chock full of great practical advice that will allow you to be successful in the role of being your own campaign manager and land your next opportunity. Learn more about Heidi: https://careerpathwritingsolutions.com/ Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidigiustophd/ How to Tailoring Your Resume: https://careerpathwritingsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Tailor-Your-Resume_FINAL-1.pdf Learn more about Heidi’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Paradigm-Using-Tools-Create/dp/1642011479 Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Career Transition, Job Search Strategy, Job Search Campaign, Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, LinkedIn Profile, Professional Networking, Interview Preparation, Strategic Storytelling, AI, Self-Care, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Authenticity, Professional Development, Professional Brand Development Chapters 00:00 Introduction: treating job search like a political campaign 02:32 Heidi’s childhood dream of being a marine biologist 04:19 The campaign framework for job searching 05:41 What a strong job search strategy looks like 08:20 Crafting resumes that catch attention in under six seconds 11:09 Customizing resumes for each application 13:09 When and how to use cover letters effectively 16:23 AI's role in resume and cover letter writing 20:04 Building a strong LinkedIn profile and activity strategy 27:36 Networking as genuine help and relationship building 32:47 Preparing for interviews to maximize your chances of success 37:23 The importance of wellness during a lengthy job search 40:44 How to connect with Heidi