Protect Your Career During an Economic Depression

10 Bold Moves to Future-Proof Your Career — Especially If Layoffs Hit. I’m a die-hard optimist. I believe in passion, possibilities, and people — always. But I’m also a realist. So, here’s the deal: I’ve been thinking not just about surviving but THRIVING — even if my current role disappears tomorrow. I believe in planning ahead. These are the moves I would do as an engineering + tech leader, speaker, and consultant to stay one step ahead — and why you might want to consider them too. ✅ 1. Cultivate a Personal Brand that speaks for you If I were affected, I’d immediately double down on my visibility. I’d continue to write consistently on LinkedIn, speak on podcasts, contribute to panels, and share insights on AI, engineering leadership, and the future of work. I would make sure opportunities couldn’t miss me. ✅ 2. Productize my expertise I'd package my knowledge into offerings beyond just consulting — online courses, leadership playbooks, or book writing. ✅ 3. Leverage AI to work smarter I wouldn’t just use AI — I’d master it. Whether it’s creating my AI/Tech newsletter, building prompt libraries, or automating low-leverage tasks, I’d ensure I am surfing the AI wave. ✅ 4. Build Intellectual Capital I’d double down on investing in ideas: whitepapers, talks, newsletters. Thought leadership is an amplifier. ✅ 5. Create and leverage my network I'd proactively reach out to leaders across industries in my network. ✅ 6. Stay current on the latest Tech I'd consistently stay current with latest technologies: Agentic AI, GenAI integration, privacy-first architectures, and top tech/AI trends. The more I can lead from the front, the harder it is to be sidelined. ✅ 7. Position myself as a Fractional CTO or advisor In times like this, companies want leadership but can’t always afford full-time execs. I'd market myself as a fractional CTO or advisor to startups, accelerators, or enterprises navigating transformation. ✅ 8. Codify my Leadership operating system I’d document how I scale teams, drive org wide AI Upskilling, lead large transformation initiatives, or handle launches. This becomes a shareable framework to demonstrate my value. ✅ 9. Reframe setbacks as Strategic Pivots If I got laid off, I’d own the narrative. Not “I lost my job,” but I’m using this moment to refocus on higher-leverage work — building, advising, and teaching at the intersection of tech and leadership. ✅ 10. Help others first The best long-term strategy? Serve. Whether it's mentoring laid-off professionals, offering free consultations to start ups, or amplifying others' work — value creation always comes back around as I believe in kindness and giving back to the community. What's your strategy? Have you thought about your career? Think ahead to stay ahead. #futureproof #layoffsresilient #branding #layoffs #resilientleader #career #leader #attarctopportunities

What would you do if tomorrow brought an unexpected career shift? For executives, even the most stable careers can face disruption—whether through layoffs, downsizing, or industry shifts. The key to navigating uncertainty is preparation. Here are five proactive steps to safeguard your financial and professional future: 1. Build a Financial Safety Net The rule of thumb is 6–12 months of living expenses in an emergency fund. Based on my experience, I recommend 12-18 months. Consider keeping it in a high-yield savings account or short-term CDs for easy access. 2. Diversify Your Investments Avoid having a significant amount of wealth in your company’s stock. A well-balanced portfolio across different asset classes reduces risk and provides flexibility. 3. Maintain an Updated Network Cultivate relationships within and outside your organization. Regularly connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers to keep your network active and supportive. 4. Invest in Your Skills Stay ahead by pursuing certifications, attending industry events, or developing leadership skills. The more versatile your expertise, the better positioned you’ll be for new opportunities. 5. Review Your Career Trajectory Reflect on your long-term goals. Are you where you want to be? Proactively exploring new paths can make transitions less daunting if they become necessary. Why It Matters: Preparing for the unexpected doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means being ready for the best opportunities, even when they come disguised as challenges. A little planning now can save you from scrambling later. What’s one step you’ve taken to prepare for the unexpected?

A major recession is approaching… which means so are mass layoffs. Here's exactly how to protect yourself: But first, let me be clear about something. If you're waiting for the "perfect time" to switch jobs, that time was yesterday. I've watched too many talented professionals get blindsided by layoffs while they were comfortable staying put, justifying their loyalty to companies that ultimately saw them as numbers on a spreadsheet. Here's what senior tech professionals earning $150K+ need to do right now: 1. Build your exit strategy while you're still employed. The strongest position to switch jobs from is when you already have one. You're not desperate. You can negotiate. You have leverage. 2. Stop believing the 2-3 year myth. Your best protection isn't tenure… It's mobility. Those who switch every 2-3 years aren't just recession-proof, they're building wealth while others are hoping their loyalty gets rewarded. 3. Create multiple pathways, not just one backup plan. Don't just update your LinkedIn. • Build relationships. • Develop your personal brand. • Make yourself known in your industry before you need to be. The harsh reality? Companies will prioritize their bottom line over your mortgage payments every single time. But here's the empowering truth: You don't have to be a victim of economic cycles when you know how to navigate them strategically. I've helped over 1,000 professionals switch jobs on their terms. Many achieved 2x to 4x salary increases in the process. The recession isn't coming for those who move first. What's your recession protection strategy?