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)