The Brutal Truth About Running Layoffs

The Brutal Truth About Running Layoffs

Update: 2025-11-13
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On today’s Dear Heretics segment, Nolan and Kelli tackle a question on navigating layoffs, revealing hard-won lessons from cutting deep, treating people humanely, and avoiding rookie RIF mistakes.

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KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00 ) Intro

(03:22 ) Dear Heretics: What to Know Before Your First RIF

(05:10 ) The Carta Layoff Playbook: Cut Deep, Stay Humane, Do It Once

(09:19 ) Sponsor: Metaview

(10:41 ) Change Management: Why Before and After Matter Most

(15:00 ) Opt-In Severance and Tucking In Top Performers

(19:00 ) Designing for Trust Over Fear

(22:04 ) Leadership Accountability and the Golden Rule

(24:11 ) Wrap



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com
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The Brutal Truth About Running Layoffs

The Brutal Truth About Running Layoffs

HR Heretics