Rebuilding After Job Loss: Your Leadership Identity | EP11

Lisa Jones shares a strategic blueprint for navigating a Reduction in Force (RIF) and re-centering your leadership identity when a job title ends.With nearly 90,000 jobs eliminated from just three major companies in early 2026, and a job market that’s harder for older workers and women specifically, Lisa shares data, strategy, and honest reflection on navigating layoff, ageism, faith, and what it actually means to build resilience.This isn’t a ‘blessing in disguise’ conversation. It’s the real version. And it’s for anyone who’s been laid off, is watching others go through it, or is wondering how to move through uncertainty with both grace and strategy.Key Topics We ExploreUnexpected job loss and the disorientation that comes with itThe pressure to perform positivity after layoffAgeism & gendered ageism in hiring and career advancementThe job market reality in early 2026Long-term unemployment rates for older workersFaith and grief existing togetherSix practical strategies for navigating job lossHow to support someone who has lost their jobThe resilience you did not know you already hadChapters00:00 Facing Unexpected Job Loss08:32 Navigating the Job Market Challenges16:42 The Emotional Impact of Job Loss24:48 Strategic Job Searching and Networking32:37 Moving Forward with ResilienceJoin the Community!Subscribe on Substack: leadershipstory.substack.comFollow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-jones-mbcp-mbci-57872823Follow on Instagram: @leadershipstory Real Women. Real Leadership. Real Resilience!™Companion article on Substack:“Congratulations! You’ve Been Restructured!” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadershipstory.substack.com