What if your next layoff didn’t leave you spiraling—but supercharged instead?
In this episode I sit down with Jacqueline Widdis, a powerhouse mentor and product leader, to break down the mindset, strategy, and visibility it takes to be layoff ready in today’s chaotic job market.
From pacing the floor before publishing her first LinkedIn post to becoming a beacon of support for thousands of jobseekers, Jacqueline shares how she built a career safety net rooted in digital presence, bold authenticity, and proactive community building.
This isn’t about panic—this is about power. And in a market this volatile, you don’t wait to get laid off before you start showing up. You start now.
We cover:
– Why layoff readiness is about strategy, not fear
– The truth about job security (spoiler: it’s often a lie)
– How to build a personal brand before you need help
– Practical tips for growing your network—even if you’re introverted
– The stigma of layoffs and how to break through it with confidence
– What it really means to “build community” when your career’s on the line
Why this episode matters:
In a world where loyalty doesn’t guarantee security, your visibility and community are your currency. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll deal with that when I have to”—this episode is your wake-up call.
Guest Bio:
Jacqueline Widdis is a product leader, mentor, and one-woman career support engine who turned a personal layoff into a movement of visibility, strategy, and community for jobseekers navigating an unpredictable market.
After her own role at Microsoft was cut, Jacqueline didn’t just bounce back—she stepped up. She’s mentored over 1,000 professionals, built a fiercely engaged digital presence, and become a trusted voice on LinkedIn for people looking to take back control of their careers.
Jacqueline is known for keeping it real—ditching toxic positivity in favor of honest advice, practical resources, and consistent support. Whether she's sharing hard truths about the job market or uplifting someone who’s just hit “post” on their first jobseeking update, she leads with empathy, credibility, and clarity.
Why she matters to you:
Jacqueline isn’t just talking about layoff readiness—she’s lived it. Her guidance is rooted in experience, not theory. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up online without feeling like a fraud, how to network without feeling fake, or how to build resilience in the face of rejection, Jacqueline is the mentor you didn’t know you needed—until now.
Learn more about Jacqueline and her community: https://mentor.jacquelinewiddis.com
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinewiddis/
Host Bio:Kate Ball is an international talent strategist, bestselling author, and unapologetic Bullshit Exorcist on a mission to torch performative HR and take down corporate nonsense with a smile. With 20+ years spent shaking up culture, leadership, and talent strategy at giants like Amazon, Expedia, and Cision, she now runs Sparkle & Sass Consulting—helping brave companies and bolder leaders stop playing nice and start doing better.
On The Culture Chronicles, Kate calls it like it is: no jargon, no fluff, and definitely no beige. Just sharp minds, spicy takes, and real talk about what’s broken at work—and who’s bold enough to fix it.
This isn’t your HR department’s podcast. It’s the one they hope you never find.
Learn More About Kate:www.sparkleandsassconsulting.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateball1/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_culturechronicles/Explore The Culture Chronicles Book Series: https://www.amazon.com/author/kateball