
Steve Jaffe: The Layoff Journey: How to Turn Job Loss Into Reinvention
What if losing your job isn’t the end of your career story, but the beginning of a more intentional one? In this episode, Dean Newlund and Steve Jaffe explore how layoffs can become powerful opportunities for resilience, self-discovery, and reinvention. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Steve Jaffe discuss: Why layoffs often mirror the stages of grief and emotional recovery The myth of meritocracy and why high performers can still lose their jobs How job loss challenges identity, purpose, and self-worth Building resilience through adversity, failure, and life transitions How to approach career pivots, transferable skills, and industry disruption Key Takeaways: Layoffs often trigger a grief process that includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, reconstruction, and renewal. Losing a job can force valuable self-reflection about identity, values, priorities, and long-term career direction. Resilience is built through adversity, and setbacks often create the coping skills needed for future success. Letting go of shame and self-blame allows people to move forward more effectively after job loss. Professionals can reduce future career risk by developing transferable skills, adapting to industry shifts, and staying aware of emerging trends. "Instead of looking backwards, you look forward.” — Steve Jaffe About Steve Jaffe: Steve Jaffe is the author of The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery: Navigating the Stages of Grief After Job Loss and a four-time layoff survivor. Drawing on his own experiences and a 25-year career in advertising and marketing, including work on the iconic “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” campaign, he helps readers navigate job loss through the stages of grief, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity and resilience. He holds a degree in journalism and communication from San Diego State University. Connect with Steve Jaffe: Website: https://thestevejaffe.com/ Substack: https://stevejaffe.substack.com/ Book: The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery: https://www.amazon.com/Layoff-Journey-Dismissal-Discovery-Navigating/dp/B0DXSDCQPY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaffesteve/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejaffethelayoffjourney/ See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.













