Today’s episode is about navigating layoffs. Whether triggered by a gallery restructure, a delayed museum opening, or a market slowdown, more people are finding themselves at a crossroads.

Our guests bring decades of perspective. Brooke Lampley, senior director at Gagosian and one of the field’s most respected dealmakers, shares why grace in the first 72 hours can shape long-term prospects. Career coach and Art Market Mentors cofounder Cat Manson explains how to reframe the story so it opens doors instead of closing them. And Loic Gouzer, founder of the auction app Fair Warning, makes the case that every pause is an opportunity to invest in yourself.

The takeaway? A layoff doesn't have to be the end of your art-world journey, it can be a reset.

Today’s episode is about the art of selling—paintings, yes, but also yourself. Our guest, Brooke Lampley, is one of the art world’s most respected dealmakers. She rose through the auction ranks to senior leadership at Sotheby’s before moving to the gallery side as a senior director at Gagosian, where she has advised top collectors and landed major consignments.

Brooke reflects on two decades of pricing, negotiating, and closing deals, sharing what she’s learned about making a sales pitch land, building lasting client relationships, and why passion and preparation matter more than pedigree. She also unpacks the differences between selling at auction and in a gallery, how to adapt to new generations of buyers, and what it takes to advocate for yourself without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Her message? Passion is intoxicating, and the best sales are a seduction. What people want is your knowledge, and once you understand that you can close any deal.

Follow Art Market Mentors news on Instagram @artmarketmentors.

This is the first episode of How to Get Ahead in the Art World, a brand new podcast mini-series bringing you actionable career advice from insiders who have built lasting success in the industry. Made in partnership with Art Market Mentors, a program dedicated to professional development in the art world, the series is hosted by Artnet News editor-in-chief Naomi Rea. Across four episodes, top professionals in different areas of the industry share their tips on how to get ahead.

Finding your next job can feel daunting. For Cat Manson, helping people navigate that challenge has become a life’s work. After 25 years at Christie’s—where she served as chief of staff to the CEO and later global head of communications—she has guided countless professionals through career transitions. Today, as co-founder of Art Market Mentors, Cat brings that experience to mentoring and executive coaching, helping people define their paths in the art world and beyond. In this episode, she shares how to take ownership of your career, recognize your transferable skills, and prepare with confidence for whatever comes next.

Her central piece of advice? Don’t negotiate against yourself. The only way to guarantee you won’t land a role is not to apply.

Follow Art Market Mentors news on Instagram @artmarketmentors or Cat Manson on LinkedIn.