Beyond the Layoff: Black Women Rising Redefining What's Possible
In a year when 300,000 Black women lost their jobs, we refuse to let displacement define us. This is more than a podcast series—it's a movement.
I sit down with brilliant Black women professionals who've been laid off to share their expertise, their journey, and their vision for what's next. Because a resume or LinkedIn post can't capture the full person behind the professional. These women deserve visibility, human connection, and a platform that amplifies their voices.
Whether they're returning to corporate or pivoting to entrepreneurship, each guest embodies the strategic resistance our ancestors modeled for us. They're not just surviving—they're rising.
This is their space to be seen, heard, and celebrated for the experts they are.
Check out some key insights below from my interview with Michaun Elise Winborn, CEO of Born 2 Win Coaching.
With layoffs sweeping across industries, hundreds of thousands of Black women have been displaced from both corporate and entrepreneurial roles this year alone. Behind these staggering numbers are real stories of resilience, strategic pivots, and reclaiming agency. The Beyond the Layoff: Black Women Rising series provides a powerful platform to amplify, affirm, and elevate the experiences of Black women as they rise beyond setbacks.
Here are the top lessons and insights drawn from the first episode of this vital new series:
1. Prepare for Change Before It Arrives
If you recognize the shifting tides before a layoff hits, stay ahead of it by closely observing workplace dynamics and industry trends. Start updating your resume, networking intentionally, and preparing for what’s next—even if you hope to stay. When the writing is on the wall, early action gives you options and peace of mind.
2. Grieve, but Don’t Get Stuck
Losing a job takes an emotional toll, regardless of how prepared you might feel. It is important to acknowledge these feelings—anger, disappointment, frustration—but equally crucial to avoid lingering in that space. The overarching message is to “sit, don’t stay”: Feel what you must, but channel your energy into movement. This mindset shift is key to moving forward with purpose.
3. Your Identity Is Not Your Job Title
One of the most transformative takeaways is the distinction between professional identity and personal worth. A job, no matter how prestigious, does not define who you are. Your skills, knowledge, and unique perspective are yours to take into any venture you choose. By separating identity from role, you empower yourself to pivot confidently, whether towards a new corporate position or entrepreneurship.
4. Leverage and Nurture Your Brand
Personal branding emerges as a non-negotiable—regardless of industry. Those who thrive post-layoff have built visible, credible brands rooted in authenticity and purpose. Clarify what you offer and whom you want to impact, then communicate clearly across platforms like LinkedIn. This foundation is especially vital for those exploring entrepreneurship, but powerful for anyone looking to stand out.
5. Strategic Networking and Targeted Asks
Direct outreach remains invaluable. Reach out to your network with specificity: Share what you do, who you help, and exactly how others can support you. Whether you need introductions, referrals, or simply to spread the word, precision in your asks makes it easier for your community to advocate on your behalf.
Black women are not only surviving workforce displacement; they are pioneering new pathways, building businesses, and redefining leadership.
Anticipate change, honor your journey, own your value, brand yourself, and ask for what you need.
Are you or someone you know on a journey of reinvention after a layoff? Ready to own your brilliance, amplify your story, or connect with a community of support? Share your story, extend the conversation, and help others rise by liking, commenting, or sharing this article. Together, we rise.
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About the Author:
Kelly Charles-Collins is Founder of Speaker Moguls and the creator of Speaking Industry Xpo a/k/a THE 6 and Positioned for Profit. She teaches speakers, trainers, coaches, and consultants to turn their expertise into an enterprise—without underpricing or undervaluing their work. Through strategic positioning and proven business frameworks, Kelly equips experts to amplify their visibility, package their brilliance, and build sustainable, revenue-generating brands with authority.
