Laid Off to Lift Off

What would you do if you got laid off on the same day you won a company-wide AI hackathon? For Donald King, the answer was to press record and post!In this episode, I sit down with Donald King, CEO of AMDK Marketing, who at 25 was building in the AI space at a big 4 company until a 6 a.m. meeting invite changed everything. Donald shares what that day actually felt like, why he chose to record his layoff and post it on TikTok and how a viral moment became the spark for his entrepreneurial journey.We talk about building a business with the person you love, and what it really takes to go from employee to CEO. Whether you're currently laid off, feeling the uncertainty of today's job market or quietly dreaming of building something of your own, this one's for you.In this episode:The moment Donald knew he wasn't going back to corporateHow his layoff video hit 1 million views in a single dayWhy he pivoted from an AI startup to a marketing agency in 26 daysAdvice for anyone laid off or thinking about entrepreneurshipConnect with Donald at amdkmarketing.com or on Instagram @DonaldTheKingConnect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/Grab my very own resume template, interview guides, join a movement of women building their personal brand after their 9-5 - https://stan.store/vanitacapo

Brittany Barbosa - Redefining her success after a layoffJamie Jackson - Chief Meme Officer/ HR Bestie chats about becoming "unemployable."Aseeyah Shahid - Building in public, creating her own media company.All amazing ladies showing resilience, hope and are inspiration that a layoff does not define who you are! #believeinyourself #layoffs #motivation

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, Vanita speaks with Roxy Couse, an entrepreneur and content creator, about surviving multiple layoffs, the impact on her identity and the importance of building a personal brand. We discuss the need for empathy in leadership, the changing landscape of job security and how to leverage skills for a successful career. Roxy emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the power of content creation in opening new opportunities.TakeawaysSurviving layoffsBuilding a portfolio careerChapters00:00 Navigating Layoffs and Uncertainty06:56 Impact on Relationship with Leadership and Corporate Loyalty14:53 The New Safety Net: Portfolio Careers and Content CreationConnect with Roxy on her website and follow on her socials- https://roxycouse.com/https://www.instagram.com/roxycouse/https://www.tiktok.com/@roxycousePlease share this podcast with someone who needs it. Subscribe to get the latest episodes when they drop and let me know how this episode or others helped you in the comments. Connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/Grab my very own resume template, interview guides on how to answer the most commonly asked questions and a blueprint on how to navigate layoffs or plan for one! - https://stan.store/vanitacapo

Jess Ramos got fired.Instead of spiraling (okay, maybe spiraling a little), she turned it into the launchpad for her now thriving data education brand, Big Data Energy.In this episode, we talk about what actually happens after you lose the corporate job, the doubt, the loneliness, the “now what?” and how Jess used that moment to build something completely her own.We get into:How her very first viral post on LinkedIn changed everythingWhy personality > perfection when it comes to standing outHow she makes complex data topics funThe reality of building a business aloneAnd how to turn career disruption into momentum instead of shameIf you’ve ever been laid off, fired, overlooked, or just feel stuck, have a listen. Sometimes the worst news you receive becomes the best redirection of your life.Connect with Jess on her socials - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessramosmsba/https://www.bigdataenergycourses.com/Connect with Vanita on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/Book a call with me to get a LinkedIn makeover so recruiters come to you, download my very own resume template and snag my interview guide on how to answer the most commonly asked questions. - https://stan.store/vanitacapo

Discover how Benji Block turned a sudden layoff into a year of remarkable growth and bold entrepreneurship. In this episode, Benji shares his personal story of resilience, the mindset shifts that fueled his success, and practical advice for navigating career transitions with confidence.The unexpected moment: Benji's experience of being laid off amidst holiday festivitiesThe psychological stages of losing a job: laughter, grief, and adaptationRecognizing the value of personal agency and control during career upheavalsThe power of boldness and courage in starting a business after layoffsInsights from Benji’s impressive 2025 stats: 11 new clients, 294 videos, 1.3M viewsThe importance of combining vision with strategy for sustainable growthBuilding community and the role of surrounding yourself with supportive networksThe origin story behind Signature Series and creating impactful personal brand contentPractical steps to move from feeling stuck to taking decisive actionConnect with Vanita on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/Stan Store - https://stan.store/vanitacapoBook a call with me to get a LinkedIn makeover so recruiters come to you, download my very own resume template and snag my interview guide on how to answer the most commonly asked questions.Connect with Benji Block on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-block/Signature Series - https://www.signatureseries.co/

On this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I chat with Evan Tachoir, HR expert and host of the NetGain podcast, about his layoff journey, from the shock of losing his job to building his own consulting business, Jack of All People Trades. Evan opens up about the emotional side of layoffs, the importance of relationships, and how resilience and reinvention can lead to something even better.Connect with Evan on LinkedIn.Visit my Stan Store for my own resume template, interview guides, bounce back blueprint for steps to take before and after a layoff.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I sit down with Timm Chiusano, a former VP turned creator, to talk about the other side of layoffs. Timm shares his journey from being a senior leader at a major company to navigating leadership decisions with more humanity and empathy than we usually see talked about.We chat about the realities of leadership during layoffs, how complex those moments really are, and what it means to lead with integrity. Timm shares thoughtful insights on leadership, resilience, and building a career that aligns with your values.Connect with me (Vanita) on LinkedIn.Visit my Stan Store for my very own resume template, interview guide or book a call with me.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I chat with my former colleague and HR Analytics expert, Anette, about how she turned her layoff into the adventure of a lifetime. (Honestly, I wish I had thought of it!)Anette shares how she processed her emotions on Disney's rollercoasters, finding joy and perspective in the happiest place on earth. Her story is a reminder that even in tough times, you can find new paths and opportunities.I absolutely loved our conversation and her positivity is infectious.Resources to help you lift off:Visit Vanita's Stan Store for Interview Guides, my own Resume Template and my Bounce Back Blueprint: Before & After Layoff StepsConnect with my on Linkedin.

Laid off and kind of relieved?Jason Muth was a top performer when his role was eliminated.In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, Jason shares his layoff story, what it’s like to go through multiple layoffs and how a side hustle he started while still working became a business he truly loves today. He’s very clear about one thing: he’s never going back to Corporate America.We talk about why top performers are still vulnerable, the identity shift that happens after a layoff and why starting your next chapter before you’re forced to matters so much.If you’ve been laid off or think it might be coming, this conversation is for you. And if this made you think of someone else… share it with them.SmartStay Show PodcastPrideaway StaysVisit my Stan Store for my own resume template, interview prep sessions and guides etc.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I sit down with Brittany Barbosa, a social media content leader to talk about her journey from the fast-paced world of sports media to redefining success on her own terms. Brittany opens up about navigating a layoff, stepping into motherhood, and discovering who she is beyond a job title.Tune in to hear how she transformed a tough transition into a season of growth, clarity and empowerment and how her story can inspire anyone facing big life shifts. She also drops some inspirational quotes to live by!Visit Brittany's Stan Store to learn how to break into sports media.See her Sport PortfolioVisit Vanita's Stan Store for interview guides, my own resume template and other career resources.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I chat with Jamie Jackson, self-proclaimed Chief Meme Officer and the brilliant mind behind Humorous Resources, Millennial Misery, and Parody Parenting. As one of the cohosts of the wildly popular HR Besties podcast, Jamie brings humor, honesty, and true authenticity to every conversation.In this episode, she opens up about her unique layoff story (trust me, you haven’t heard one like this or at least I hope it’s not common!), what it’s really like running multiple viral accounts and how she’s stepping into a new season of life with more volunteering, more time with her kids and more honesty about the hard days too.If you’ve ever been laid off, laughed at a meme just to make it through your workday or needed the reminder that you’re not alone , this one’s for you.Humorous Resources: YouTube • LinkedIn • Threads • Facebook • XMillennial Misery: Threads • Facebook • XHorrendous HR: Threads • FacebookNeed help navigating a career transition? Visit my Stan Store for my very own resume template, interview guide and how to answer the most commonly asked questions and free resources.

This week’s Thanksgiving episode of Laid Off to Lift Off is a good one. Jordan Moran, a strategic marketing pro with 14 years of experience, joins me to talk about how a layoff became a chance to slow down, reset, and reconnect with what actually matters. We get into gratitude, rest, family, marathon training, and the power of giving back especially when life feels uncertain.If you need a little inspiration heading into the holiday, hit play. Jordan’s story is such a reminder that a pause isn’t always a setback, sometimes it’s a blessing you didn’t know you needed.God's Love We Deliver's mission is to improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. They prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. All services are provided free to clients without regard to income. Please visit their website to learn more, donate or volunteer. ❤️Visit my Stan Store for 1:1 calls with me, my own resume template, strategies on how to effectively answer interview questions and more.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I sat down with Aseeyah Shahid to talk about the emotions we don’t always say out loud, the shock, the fear and the “okay… now what?” moments.Aseeyah opens up about her own journey, how she learned to sit with those feelings and why building in public helped her find her voice again. Her story is honest, encouraging, and such a good reminder that even the toughest seasons can push us toward something better.If you’re going through a layoff or just need a little inspiration, this conversation will definitely give you a lift.Tune in to hear how embracing vulnerability can actually make you stronger.Connect with Aseeyah on LinkedIn!

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn, Instagram and visit his website to learn more about his work. Be sure to grab his book, "The Layoff Journey" for your blueprint on how to navigate the different stages of grief that comes with a job loss.In this episode, I sit down with Steve Jaffe, author of "The Layoff Journey " and someone who’s been laid off not once, not twice, but four times. We talk about what that does to you emotionally, how to pick yourself back up and what resilience really looks like when faced with uncertainty.Steve touches upon the stages of grief that come with losing a job, why community matters more than ever, and how to redefine success when your title suddenly disappears.If you’ve ever faced a layoff or you just want a reminder that endings can lead to new beginnings, this one’s for you.For additional support, check out my Stan Store for free interview questions to make you stand out, my very own resume template, 1:1 coaching with me and so much more!

Connect with Jakaria Burge on Linkedin!In this episode, I chat with Jakaria Burge, who opens up about her layoff experience and what came after; the emotions, the uncertainty, and the surprising strength she found along the way. 💪She shares how community, creativity, and faith played a huge role in her job search, especially through LinkedIn, where she’s built an incredible network of support.If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure of what’s next, this conversation is a reminder that small steps matter and you’re not alone.

Connect with Jennifer Lee on Linkedin!In this episode of 'Laid Off to Lift Off', I speak with Jenn Lee who was a member of my team and how I knew about her layoff a month before she did! We chat about her personal experience with layoffs, the emotional toll it takes, and how it can lead to unexpected opportunities.

In this episode of Laid Off to Lift Off, I chat with Lindsay Issler about her layoff journey, how she navigated the emotional ups and downs, and what she’s learned about personal branding and job searching. We dive into staying positive, showing up on LinkedIn, and why vulnerability and authenticity matter when sharing your story. If you’ve been laid off or are in the middle of a job hunt, this one’s packed with tips and inspiration you won’t want to miss.Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn!

Have you ever been laid off? Or know someone who has?I’m Vanita and this is Laid Off to Lift Off.Hear real stories from people across different walks of life talk about the day they were laid off, where they are now, and words of advice to inspire you.Whether you’ve been there, are in it now, or think it’s coming, you’re not alone.In this first episode, I'm sharing my story. Thank you for listening.Connect with me on LinkedIn!