S1 Ep6: Life After Layoffs: How 2 Leaders Rebuilt Work, Identity and Self-Worth - with Jamie McDonnell & Sacha Dekker

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

In this episode of Change Unfiltered, I’m joined by two senior leaders, Jamie McDonnell and Sacha Dekker, for a frank conversation about a career moment many avoid talking about: being laid off from high-pressure, high-performance roles.

With leadership experience across companies like LinkedIn, Microsoft, Oracle, Citrix, Okta, and HubSpot, Jamie and Sacha speak to the deeper impact of job loss — not just professionally, but personally when your role has become part of your identity.

We explore:

• What really happens to your confidence and identity when a high-level role disappears

• Why strong performers can still be blindsided — and what to do next

• The unexpected power of values-led decision-making, even when opportunities are limited

• How AI is changing the landscape of leadership, learning, and the future of hiring

This episode is for experienced professionals navigating career disruption at a senior level — and asking what it takes to rebuild, not just bounce back.