Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Gibson-Morgan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Michelle, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
I have experienced layoffs several times throughout my career. I empathize with persons who are navigating that type of situation in their career presently. I acknowledge that it can be challenging but we can let our resilience shine through. Here are some steps I typically take after experiencing a layoff: Firstly, I take time to process and reflect. Layoffs can be a shock to your system. I allow myself time to emotionally process the layoff before diving into job searching. I document my accomplishments and lessons learned from the position. I revisit my career goals and define what I want from my next opportunity. Overall, this approach provides clarity and confidence for the next phase of my career.
Next, I focus outwardly. I engage my network. I network continuously so no specific life or career event prompts that. However, career transitions provide additional room to increase my networking activities. This includes connecting virtually or in-person with former colleagues and industry peers. In addition, I invest in learning and skills development. I am always committed to my growth as a professional and leader, so I continuously engage in formal and informal learning opportunities. I use this time to upskill or reskill in areas relevant to job market trends.
In my book, Finding a Thriving Career in Canada: Strategies and Stories to Equip Immigrants to Succeed, I write about being proactive and how to be change ready throughout your career including the possibility of being laid off and other consequences of restructuring. I see change readiness as a key to a thriving career.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself and my professional background! As a learning and talent leader, I enable organizations to achieve their goals by developing an organization-level learning strategy, implementing learning and development initiatives, focusing on talent management, change management for technology training, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My work drives measurable improvements in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational performance, ensuring that businesses can meet their operational objectives while fostering inclusive and supportive environments. I integrate an intersectional lens, which I believe is key to creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Otherwise, right now, my focus is on the exciting release of my book, Finding a Thriving Career in Canada: Strategies and Stories to Equip Immigrants to Succeed, which is set to launch soon. This book is close to my heart because it blends practical advice with inspirational stories from immigrants to guide immigrants.
As a coach, mentor, award-winning career consultant, bestselling author, and speaker, I specialize in helping ambitious mid-career professionals, immigrants, and entrepreneurs elevate their careers and build strong personal brands, using DEI lenses. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the impact I have on individuals as they navigate their professional growth and gain advancement opportunities (whether it’s helping them prepare for interviews, design ATS-friendly resumes, or enhance their LinkedIn presence). It is rewarding to see my mentees and clients increase confidence and land roles that align with their skills and aspirations.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back at my journey through roles of increasing responsibility and thriving as a consultant, I identify continuous learning, relationship building and big picture thinking (strategic thinking) as contributing to the trajectory of my career journey. Continuous learning makes it easier to market myself for the opportunities I seek because I am increasing my competence. Both informal and formal learning are marketable including investment in learning about Generative AI (ChatGPT), formal education, certifications, and professional development.
Relationship building is important because you need people in order to succeed. My success as a leader and consultant has been bolstered by my ability to build strong relationships with diverse partners, clients, leaders, team members and community organizations. Being able to influence people and change is a result of how I sought to build and maintain relationships with people at every level. Also, I serve better when I get to know people and they get to know me, it’s reciprocity.
Big picture thinking is a game changer whether I consider goals for my organization, people I serve or myself. I keep my focus aligned with the goals and desired outcomes. People who work with me closely get used to being asked “what are we trying to accomplish?”. This comes naturally to me because being strategic and goal-oriented are strengths that I am aware of. I pay attention to trends and try to be proactive.
If you are early in your journey and you aspire to be a leader in your organization, school or industry, intentionally make time each week for learning, relationship building and strategic thinking. It means scheduling time to learn something new or improve a skill, cultivating authentic relationships around you and reflecting on your observations of events in your company or industry. Over time you will reap the incremental benefits of investing even small amounts of time consistently.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking out for great collaborations. I anticipate 2 types of collaborators. I would like to collaborate with organizations that aim to engage and retain top talent through learning or those seeking to effectively implement new technology through effective training and change management. Secondly, I collaborate with ambitious professionals who struggle to position themselves for better opportunities, feel stuck in their current roles, or lack clarity on how to effectively transition into new career paths.
I am here to equip organizations and professionals to learn, change and thrive! That’s one of my mantras. They can connect with me via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgibsonmorgan/ or https://bit.ly/CollaborateWithMGM .
Finally, I will just mention that I am open to collaborating with podcasters and writers who want me to share on any of the topics discussed here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellegibsonmorgan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgibsonmorgan/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/followMGMonFB
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgibsonmorgan/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnchangethrivecareersMGM
Image Credits
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