In this episode of the Laid Off Legends podcast, Leo welcomes Marcus Alexander, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss the emotional impact of job loss and the journey towards mental resilience. They explore the emotional life cycle that individuals experience after layoffs, including stages of grief, identity crisis, and the importance of self-perception. Marcus emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their inherent value and skills, even after losing their job, and encourages listeners to reimagine their identity as they navigate this challenging transition. Marcus also discusses the importance of reimagining one's identity and value in the job market, especially after layoffs. He emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their skills and contributions, and to view themselves as 'free agents' rather than victims of circumstance. The discussion also highlights the significance of community support during transitions, maintaining confidence and self-awareness, and the necessity of self-assessment to navigate future opportunities effectively.

In our very first episode, we interview Regine - a marketing leader with over 17 years of experience – with time at startups like FullContact, SurveyGizmo, Koombea, and larger Fortune 500 companies like Verizon, Microsoft, and Tableau (now SalesForce), the US Government, and many more. Regine has had an incredible career journey thus far, and shares her extensive career journey in marketing, her experiences with multiple layoffs, and the lessons learned from each. As part of her career journey, she shares a shocking experience with startup stock options - one everyone should be aware of and if possible prepare for. She discusses the emotional impact of being laid off, the importance of self-care, and how she navigated her identity during these challenging times. Regine emphasizes the value of taking time for self-reflection and the power of choice in shaping her career path. She also highlights her current work in supporting solo mothers by choice and the significance of genuine networking in her professional life. Relevant Links: Regine has started an incredible journey as a parent and helping others do the same. With Single Mothers By Choice (SMBC), their mission is to create a supportive and resource-rich space where independent mothers and those pursuing solo motherhood can connect, share experiences, and thrive together.** Form more information: https://www.smbcresources.com/

Join Leo as he shares how the idea for the League of Laid Off Legends came about and what the plans for the community are.

In this conversation, he talks about the inspiration that came from his own layoff experience and the achievements of others going through the same thing, and how a random conversation with a stranger at a local coffee shop reinforced the need for a unique community of laid off tech professionals.