How She Leveled Up After a Layoff: LaKesha’s Story

How She Leveled Up After a Layoff: LaKesha’s Story

From Brown Ambition by iHeartPodcasts

April 24, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode features LaKesha J. discussing her career growth after a layoff and the decision-making involved in navigating her next steps.

In this week’s special flashback episode, we’re revisiting a live coaching session with LaKesha J., who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team. Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals. And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong flex and staying curious is the best career insurance out there. This episode is a celebration of…

People in this episode

Guest: LaKesha J.

Topics covered

  • career growth
  • layoff
  • decision-making
  • severance
  • data analytics
  • cybersecurity
  • lifelong learning

Keywords

  • career
  • layoff
  • severance
  • data analytics
  • cybersecurity
  • certifications
  • AI trends
  • skills
  • resume
  • motivation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: iHeartPodcasts, Instagram, brownambitionpodcast.com

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