The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

101. Silver Linings After Layoffs

39 snips

Dec 2, 2025

Layoffs can spark unexpected paths toward energizing work. The hosts dive into how many find themselves misaligned in careers due to convenience rather than passion. Using the Working Genius framework, they highlight transferable strengths and the importance of cultural fit. A fascinating story unfolds about a lawyer who transitioned to tech leadership by embracing his unique talents. Listeners receive practical advice on navigating career shifts, emphasizing the value of joy in the workplace and the courage to pursue better fits.

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INSIGHT

Layoffs Can Enable Positive Reinvention

A layoff can create space for reinvention if approached intentionally.
Patrick Lencioni says it can be less painful and often positive when you use it to reassess work that gives you energy.

ADVICE

Use Layoffs As Forced Opportunity

Use a layoff as an automated forcing event to reconsider direction.
Cody Thompson urges people to rethink their path and leverage Working Genius during transitions.

INSIGHT

Skills Transfer Beyond Job Labels

People often enter roles for majors, convenience, or necessity rather than joy.
Patrick Lencioni argues Working Genius reveals transferable strengths across industries.

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How might a layoff create space for you to pursue work that energizes you rather than drains you?

In episode 101 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why layoffs—while often painful—can become pivotal moments of clarity and reinvention. They also explain how the Working Genius framework provides a roadmap for choosing future roles that offer joy, energy, and long-term career sustainability.

Topics explored in this episode:

(02:20) What Layoffs Reveal About Misaligned Work

* How many people fall into roles based on majors, circumstance, or convenience—not joy and energy.

* How Working Genius uncovers transferable strengths that open doors.

(04:59) Rethinking Identity and Job Descriptions

* How job descriptions often fail to capture the actual genius needed for success.

* Employees who thrived after shifting roles, including a lawyer who moved into a technology leadership role using his Genius.

(07:50) Why Most People Aren’t Working in Their Genius

* How few people truly operate within their strengths.

* The value of cultural fit, personal interests, and joy—not just salary—when choosing a new role.

(14:54) Life Changes and the Power of a Reset

* How life transitions and financial considerations can open unexpected possibilities for better-fit work.

This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.

The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about

Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).

Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.