E22 How to Handle Layoffs as a Leader with Sophie Vo Part 1: The Story

Building Better Games

If you’ve been on LinkedIn lately, you may have noticed a rise in layoffs. The interesting part about this news is not the fact that more layoffs are happening, but that more people and companies are being open about it.

Layoffs have always been common, but where companies go wrong in the process is their lack of transparency, which can result in employees feeling unimportant and ashamed. Layoffs are definitely a negative experience, but being laid off should not be a stain on someone’s resume.

A games industry leader recently experienced the reality of layoffs in her team. Her desire to provide information and thoughtful treatment during a layoff of half her team has given her firsthand experience on this topic. She recalls breaking the news to the team she passionately built, and how they navigated a tricky situation.

In Part 1 of our conversation, she shares how it affected her personally and professionally, including her decision to save the less secure team members over the more experienced leads — including herself. You’ll also hear a deep dive into the taboo subject of emotions in the workplace, and respecting yourself and your employee if it happens to you.

Listen to this first part of our conversation and learn what to do when your values misalign with your company, and why you should value your emotions and intuition as you make decisions!

Topics discussed in this episode:

- A layoff experience as a leader

- Why she made the decision to leave

- Emotions being taboo in the workplace

- Advice to other leaders in the same situation

- One thing many leaders lack in their approach

- Telling the team leaders and the exit plan

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