Ready to turn a layoff into your launchpad? 🚀 In this episode of the Laid Off Legends podcast, I sit down with Diana M. Jones—a powerhouse in product and sales strategy—to unpack her journey through corporate upheaval and back again.

From the shock of that pink slip to conquering imposter syndrome, Diana’s story is packed with actionable insights on:

Bouncing Back from Layoffs: How to process the immediate fallout and channel that momentum forward

Finding Your True Fit: Why aligning your values with your next role makes all the difference

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Practical strategies to own your expertise and step boldly into new opportunities

Work‑Life Balance & Growth: Lessons on setting boundaries, prioritizing your well‑being, and growing stronger through community support

🔔 Don’t miss this one—whether you’re freshly laid off or simply plotting your next career move, Diana’s advice will fuel your comeback.

👉 Subscribe for biweekly episodes packed with real‑world tips and triumphant stories from laid‑off legends just like you.

💬 Join our Slack community to connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and keep the conversation going in #LaidOffLegends: www.leagueoflaidofflegends.com/community

👍 If you found value here, hit that Like button and share with someone who needs a boost today!

In this episode of the Laid Off Legends podcast, host Leo speaks with Dr. Dalia Perez, a former Microsoft product leader who shares her journey through layoffs, the importance of inclusive design in technology, and her impactful projects like Breonna's Garden. They discuss the challenges of working in a large product team working on a “0 to 1” product, the emotional experience of being laid off, and the mindset needed to navigate this transition. Dr. Perez emphasizes the significance of community support, personal growth, and the power of storytelling through technology.

Takeaways

- Layoff can be seen as a graduation, a time for reflection.

- Inclusive design is crucial for creating representative technology.

- The importance of community and support during layoffs.

- Experiencing layoffs can feel depersonalized but also unifying.

- Mindset shifts are essential for resilience after a layoff.

- Projects like Breonna's Garden exemplifies the leveraring power of technology in storytelling.

- Finding joy and purpose in work is vital for personal fulfillment.

- It's important to articulate what you want in your career.

- Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected paths.

- Emotional labor is necessary to combat self-doubt after a layoff.

**Links:**

Dr. Perez mentioned a few resources during the pod:

**Inclusive Product links**

[Microsoft's Inclusive Design content](https://inclusive.microsoft.design/)

**Links to Accessibility XR projects:**

[Webinar on Scene Weaving](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalyaperez/overlay/1730223222514/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAABSZcggBgj8oPWTRRugRM8IypVoYGv-eLKk)

[Article on blind accessibility in metaverse that I co-authored](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3544549.3583909)

**Breonna's Garden**

[Website](https://breonnas.garden/)

[iOS App](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breonnas-garden/id1564025886)

[Breonna’s Garden Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breonnasgarden/)

**Life Coach**

[Meghan Patiño](https://www.meghanpatino.com/)

You can contact Meghan at meghan@meghanpatino.com

[RIP DEI podcast](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KyqNYRQ6z6oYagXa1h1qa?si=iQZ7U5I0T624lbXfPzZzwA)

**Children's Books on Palestine:**

Shop at: [Estelita's Library](https://bookshop.org/lists/estelita-s-library)

[P is for Palestine](https://bookshop.org/p/books/p-is-for-palestine-a-palestine-alphabet-book-golbarg-bashi/21027522?ean=9798887440767&next=t)

In this episode, Leo sits down with Dr. Brooke Choulet, a performance psychiatrist who works with elite athletes and high performers in the NBA, NFL, the US Soccer Federation, the US Olympic and Paralympic committee, and many more.

Together, we unpack the parallels between the competitive world of sports and the demanding side of the tech industry—especially when it comes to layoffs and transitions.

You’ll learn:

- Why mindset is *everything* during uncertain times

- How to rebuild confidence and identity after a setback

- Simple tools like meditation and goal-setting that create lasting change

- The role of community, structure, and purpose when navigating what’s next

Whether you're in between jobs or reimagining your path, this episode will leave you feeling seen—and ready for your comeback.

**Helpful Links**

You can find Dr Choulet’s work at:

* https://www.chouletperformance.com/

As well as her new book: The Ultimate Private Practice: https://a.co/d/eJ1wyC2

#LaidOffLegends #Podcast #CareerTransitions #MentalHealth #Resilience #PerformancePsychology #Leadership #Reinvention #ComebackSeason