Layoffs are often treated as mere logistical issues — a quick notice, the severance package, and then the scramble for the next job. But what gets lost in this framing is the profound emotional and psychological impact job loss has on our identity, self-worth, and mental health. Steve Jaffe, author of "The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery," joins Angie Callen to explore how layoffs mirror the stages of grief we experience with loss and how embracing these stages can lead to resilience and renewed purpose.

In this episode, we explore:
- The deep connection between professional identity and self-worth
- How layoffs trigger grief stages like denial, anger, and depression
- Why skipping emotional processing hurts job seekers during interviews
- The seven stages of grief applied to career transitions
- Common emotional roadblocks and how to move past them
- Practical advice on self-care and structuring your days after job loss
- The critical role of networking and community in the job search
- Understanding layoffs as a growing, new normal in modern work
- The importance of separating your identity from your job title
- How to future-proof your career through transferable skills and diversification
- The rise of AI and the value of creative human thinking

This conversation matters because layoffs are no longer rare events, and the future of work demands that we view career disruption through a human and emotional lens—not just tactics and resumes. By acknowledging the pain and giving ourselves space to grieve and grow, we can transform career setbacks into opportunities for clarity, reinvention, and leadership.

Steve Jaffe is a marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience and has lived through four layoffs himself. He now shares his unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to guide people through the emotional landscape of job loss. His book, "The Layoff Journey," offers a practical roadmap to navigating grief and emerging with renewed confidence and purpose. Connect with Steve through his website stevejaffe.com, LinkedIn, or find his book on Amazon.

At No More Mondays, we believe humans still matter — especially when work feels uncertain. Steve's story reminds us that with space to grieve and a values-centered approach, we can rise from disruption stronger and more authentic than ever.

--> Get Steve's Book: https://thestevejaffe.com/

You can live with losing.

It's much harder to live with not trying.

This week's Midweek Momentum is inspired by the Olympics — and Lindsey Vonn's decision to ski at 41 without an ACL. She knew the risk. She knew the odds. It didn't end the way she hoped.

But she would have regretted not going for it more than she regrets going for it.

That's not recklessness. That's resoluteness.

In this episode, Angie explores:

• The difference between reckless and resolute

• Why regret lingers longer than failure

• How modern grit isn't about grinding harder — it's about staying engaged

• Why fear of "fail" keeps us stuck in mediocrity

• One small move you can make this week to stop avoiding and start trying

Failure is data.
Regret is emotional residue.

If you've been playing it safe, staying comfortable, or putting something off because you're afraid of losing — this is your nudge.

Humans still matter. And that starts with showing up.

Building a business with your spouse can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging adventures you'll face. In this episode, Robert Fukui, business coach and co-author of "Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide to Greater Work-Life Balance," joins Angie Callen to share lessons learned from navigating a business and marriage simultaneously.

This conversation matters because the boundary between work and home life often blurs when you're married to—or working with—your spouse. The stress, communication challenges, and decisions about priorities can affect both your business and your relationship deeply.

In this episode, we explore:
- How Robert and his wife unintentionally found themselves working together and thriving
- Why communication style differences create friction and how to navigate them
- The importance of setting intentional boundaries around business talk and personal time
- How a supportive spouse plays a critical role even when not directly involved in the business
- Shifting the entrepreneurial mindset from "more sales at all costs" to prioritizing margin and quality of life
- Understanding core values and aligning business decisions with your life priorities
- The critical role of trust between spouses in business and life
- Practical tactics to avoid burnout and create sustainable growth
- How adapting to change, including new tools like AI, is essential for the future of work

This episode reminds us that modern work isn't just about hustle or money—it's about building a life and business that honors your values and relationships.

Guest bio:
Robert Fukui is a seasoned business coach and co-founder of i61 Business Development. He is co-author of "Tandem, The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide for Greater Work Life Balance," which he wrote with his wife Kaylee. Together, they help couples build thriving businesses without sacrificing their marriages. You can find them at marriedentrepreneur.co.

At its heart, this episode reinforces a timeless truth: humans still matter. No business success is worth losing the people you love along the way.

Want to hear more from Robert?

Check out his new book: Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. Click here