Issue 58: When your role is at risk - what to do right now

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

- Maya Angelou

📌 A quick note: This week’s newsletter was originally planned to cover a meeting strategy, but given the uncertainty facing so many right now - especially those in the federal government and other impacted industries - I’m shifting focus. If your role feels uncertain, I want to give you immediate, practical steps to help you stay in control, protect your career, and create options for yourself - starting today.

Layoffs are coming. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, along with professionals in other industries, are bracing for uncertainty. If you’re in this position, waiting and hoping isn’t a strategy.

This week’s issue is about quick, strategic action - steps you can take right now to protect your career, increase your options, and stay in control, even when circumstances are outside your control.

Step 1: Get clear on your leverage

• Know your value. What specific skills, experience, or expertise set you apart? Write them down. If you don’t know, neither does anyone else.

• Update your materials. If your resume, LinkedIn profile, or references haven’t been touched in a while, start now. A strong personal brand moves faster than panic.

• Clarify your options. Could you shift into a different department? Pivot to the private sector? Explore contracting or consulting? Having a plan - even a loose one - reduces fear.

Step 2: Build strategic connections

• Reach out before you need help. Send three check-in messages today - mentors, former colleagues, and anyone who could provide insight or opportunities.

• Strengthen internal relationships. If layoffs are selective, being visible and valuable can be your best protection. Look for ways to contribute, solve problems, and stay on leadership’s radar.

• Leverage industry groups and communities. If you’re in government, healthcare, or another impacted industry, peer networks are gold. Be active, engage, and listen for opportunities.

Step 3: Control your narrative

• Be ready to tell your story. If you had to answer, "What do you do best, and why does it matter?" in 30 seconds, could you? If not, practice.

• If layoffs happen, don’t let them define you. Stay focused on what’s next - how you talk about your career shift affects how people see your potential.

• Keep moving. Set daily, small goals: one conversation, one outreach, one application. Momentum keeps you from feeling stuck.

Take action now

If your job feels uncertain, please don’t wait for a decision to be made for you. Start positioning yourself today. The most successful professionals aren’t the ones who react last - they’re the ones who move first.

I teach my executive coaching clients how to lead through uncertainty with clarity and strategy - and that’s  exactly why I’m offering a deeply discounted beta of my 6-week executive coaching program - to help you reposition, gain clarity, and move strategically toward your next opportunity.

Over six focused weeks, we’ll work together to:

• Position you for immediate opportunities - whether that means pivoting roles, industries, or strengthening your influence where you are.

• Clarify your unique value so you can confidently communicate what sets you apart.

• Build and activate your network so you’re connected to the right opportunities before they’re even posted.

• Develop and implement a clear, actionable plan so you’re not reacting - you’re leading your next move.

Reach out today to see if I still have openings in this beta program. If your job security is at risk, we’ll use these six weeks to make sure you’re not just prepared - you’re ahead of the curve. Schedule your consultation. 

Go out there and lead,

Asia

P.S. Next week, we’ll talk about how to lead a team through uncertainty - because even if your role is safe, your team may need your guidance more than ever.

What’s one step you’re taking today to strengthen your career position? Reply and let me know - I’d love to hear.