- Mass layoffs in tech led to a complete career transformation for Lorraine K. Lee.
- Lee, a former LinkedIn and Prezi employee, was laid off in November 2022.
- She now runs RISE Learning Solutions, which she built by leveraging her personal brand and network.
For a decade, I worked in tech during its golden era at LinkedIn, SlideShare, and Prezi. I was fortunate not to experience a layoff — a reality many of my friends in other industries faced, often more than once.
When mass layoffs in tech started making headlines in late 2022, I naively believed I would be spared.
I wasn't, but my layoff was the catalyst that led to the most significant transformation of my career yet.
I still remember the calendar invite as if it were yesterday
It was titled "Your Conversation," with a link to a video message from the CEO about the impending layoffs. I assumed it was an invitation to inform managers about coming changes, but then I saw my manager and an HR representative were on the invite. My stomach sank.
While at Prezi, I built a modest side hustle as a keynote speaker and a LinkedIn Learning instructor. This side work benefited me and benefited Prezi, creating more brand awareness and visibility for the company. I became a recognized expert in virtual communication and meetings.
Yet, when friends would ask me if I ever thought of doing my own thing, I'd reply, "No, I like the stability of corporate."
Corporate wasn't as stable as I thought. I was laid off in November 2022, leaving behind a six-figure salary and benefits.
It can be easy for a layoff to feel personal
I spent years leading Prezi's editorial team, shaping content strategy, building internal processes, and creating product awareness.
My layoff was a harsh lesson: Even if you deliver results and are well-known and well-liked within a company, a layoff can happen to you. While I could've dwelled on the disappointment, I chose to view it as a turning point.
These three lessons transformed my mindset over the following few months and helped me recover and thrive.
1. Bet on your personal brand
Before Prezi, I was a founding editor at LinkedIn — my dream job then. It wasn't until I left LinkedIn that I realized how closely I had tied my identity to the company. Outside my role there, I didn't know what I wanted to be known for professionally.
That experience was a wake-up call. It taught me the importance of building your brand, even when you're working for someone else. You never know when a job might end, but your brand will stay with you wherever you go.
Though thinking about your brand may feel uncomfortable, you already have one. It's essentially your reputation. You can be intentional about it or let others define it for you.
I created the EPIC Career Brand Framework, which I share in my book, "Unforgettable Presence." I used this to build a strong professional presence and thriving business. EPIC stands for:
- Experiences: Information about your background, professional journey, and life events that have greatly influenced you.
- Personality: Personality traits, soft skills, and special qualities define who you are and what you do.
- Identity: Your values and what you stand for, which helps people predict how you'll behave.
- Community: Ensuring your network sees you how you want to be seen.
After my layoff, many people knew me as the editorial lead at Prezi, but they also knew me as a speaker, an instructor, and a thought leader. Knowing I already had an intentional brand gave me the confidence that I would land on my feet.
2. Operate as the CEO of your career
In corporate roles, it's natural to go with the flow. We work to climb the ladder, hoping our hard work will earn us promotions and raises.
One big mindset shift I adopted at Prezi was to become the CEO of my career, which meant taking my fate into my own hands. I advocated for myself and my team and asked for what I wanted, I knew when promotion cycles were and who was deciding them, and I volunteered to present during all-hands to ensure I was seen.
I had spent too much of my career waiting for opportunities to come my way instead of actively creating them. After the layoff, my mindset as the CEO of my career gave me the confidence to become the CEO of my own company, RISE Learning Solutions, in January 2023.
Whether you stay in corporate or venture out on your own, thinking like the CEO of your career changes everything. You'll start taking the initiative, advocating for yourself, and operating with a sense of purpose and control that unlocks new doors.
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3. Build relationships, not just a résumé
Early in my career, I thought building a résumé full of qualifications was the key to career success, but the relationships you build propel your career forward.
Even when I wasn't actively job-hunting, I continued networking and cultivating relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers.
My connections opened new doors and introduced me to opportunities aligned with my goals. Many people reached out with job postings and ideas. Some became clients, and others became referrals. These relationships were key to my transition and continue to play a crucial role in my career today.
Getting laid off from Prezi is one of the best things that ever happened to me
While I experienced my fair share of panic at being laid off just before the holidays in a cool labor market, it gave me the space to make decisions that would shape my future.
These three lessons empowered me to take ownership of my journey, embrace new opportunities, and create a career that's fulfilling, impactful, and uniquely mine. I'm proud to say I've created a six-figure business that has surpassed my former corporate salary.
If you're facing a layoff, remember growth happens in the uncomfortable. The difficult setbacks you encounter are likely to propel you forward if you're willing to lean in and take action.