• How to handle layoffs and reorgs with clarity
• The neuroscience behind career identity and fear of change
• Why your brain resists stepping into the unknown
• Aligning values with work: what Laureen learned post-exit
• What it really means to “future-proof” your career
• Leading others through transformation
• Claire’s brain tools to rewire fear-based thinking
• A reframe that helps leaders navigate difficult transitions

00:00 – Claire’s opener: your career is not your identity

01:02 – Meet Laureen Knudsen: transformation leader, systems thinker, author

03:12 – What happens when the reorg comes for you

06:40 – Letting go of title-driven identity

08:22 – “I didn’t know who I was without the job”

10:10 – Claire on the neuroscience of fear, uncertainty, and the frontal lobe

13:55 – Future-proofing starts with one hard question

16:40 – What to do when your values and job no longer align

18:32 – Rebuilding a new vision of success

20:14 – Advice for leaders navigating layoffs or team changes

22:00 – Listener challenge: the “identity gap” question

23:50 – Closing reflections from Claire

What you’ll learn:

The neuroscience behind career identity and resistance to change

How to navigate layoffs, reorgs, and life pivots with courage

The mindset shift that helped Laureen realign with her values

Brain-based tools to stay calm and focused in uncertainty

Mentioned in this episode:

• Laureen’s Insight: “When the role disappeared, I realized I didn’t know who I was without it.”
• Claire’s Brain Tip: Fear of change activates survival-based thinking—and blocks vision for the future.
• Listener Challenge: Ask yourself: “If I couldn’t use my job title, how would I introduce myself?”

Follow Claire on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairehayek/

Follow Laureen on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laureenknudsen/

🎓 Want to train your brain for resilience and high performance?

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📩 For free resources, upcoming masterclasses, or to join our next live webinar—click here:👉 ⁠https://linktr.ee/clairehayek⁠

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The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast is produced by Claire Hayek. All opinions are those of the host and guests. For more leadership resources, visit www.mspteambuilding.com.