Brenda and April dive into the emotional rollercoaster of being laid off, particularly the identity shift and grief that follows. April opens up about how being let go from a tech company during a massive layoff left her feeling disoriented, not just professionally but personally. She reflects on the sense of loss that came with no longer being “that girl in tech,” a title she had worked hard to earn. Brenda, validating that experience, relates it to the familiar stages of grief (denial, bargaining, and eventual acceptance) offering a framework for understanding how deeply these job losses can affect one’s sense of self.
As the conversation unfolds, they explore how corporate language like “resource realignment” and “we’re a family” often feels at odds with the stark reality of layoffs, especially for women and women of color. April shares how being part of a larger, anonymous wave of layoffs made it harder to process the experience, and they acknowledge how these decisions often overlook the lived experiences of the individuals affected. Together, they emphasize the importance of making space to grieve, reflect, and eventually reframe one’s narrative, not just for survival, but for growth.
Subscribe to B The Way Forward on Apple or Spotify.
Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.