In this episode of Laid Off Legends, I sat down with Dr. Paula McCall, licensed psychologist and mental health advocate with the Semicolon Society, to discuss the critical—and often overlooked—issues of mental health, suicide prevention, and loneliness. In this incredibly difficult time of layoffs, we cannot afford to overlook such a critical conversation.

Together, we unpack the stigma that keeps too many people silent, the red flags that can signal someone is struggling, and why meaningful community support can be life-saving. Dr. McCall shares practical steps for showing up—whether you're struggling yourself or trying to help someone else.

⚠️ This episode includes a discussion about suicide. Please take care while listening.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

Why open conversations around mental health matter now more than ever

How to spot the subtle signs someone may be in distress

The surprising power of simply checking in on someone

Why talking about suicide doesn’t cause harm—it saves lives

How building stronger communities can become the ultimate support system

💡 Memorable Quotes:

“We need to break through those barriers.”

“Suicide touches everyone of all backgrounds.”

“We can model the power of that impact.”

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Stigma thrives in silence—let’s change the narrative

Loneliness is a hidden epidemic with real consequences

Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention

Community and connection build resilience

Crisis lines are a lifeline—share them, use them, normalize them

📲 Resources Mentioned:

Semicolon Society (https://semicolonsociety.org/)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (24/7)

The QPR Socieyt: https://qprinstitute.com/about-qpr

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

🎯 Join the Conversation:

Share this episode with someone who needs it. Speak up. Reach out. And if you’ve got a story of your own—your voice matters here.

Ready to turn a layoff into your launchpad? 🚀 In this episode of the Laid Off Legends podcast, I sit down with Diana M. Jones—a powerhouse in product and sales strategy—to unpack her journey through corporate upheaval and back again.

From the shock of that pink slip to conquering imposter syndrome, Diana’s story is packed with actionable insights on:

Bouncing Back from Layoffs: How to process the immediate fallout and channel that momentum forward

Finding Your True Fit: Why aligning your values with your next role makes all the difference

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Practical strategies to own your expertise and step boldly into new opportunities

Work‑Life Balance & Growth: Lessons on setting boundaries, prioritizing your well‑being, and growing stronger through community support

🔔 Don’t miss this one—whether you’re freshly laid off or simply plotting your next career move, Diana’s advice will fuel your comeback.

👉 Subscribe for biweekly episodes packed with real‑world tips and triumphant stories from laid‑off legends just like you.

💬 Join our Slack community to connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and keep the conversation going in #LaidOffLegends: www.leagueoflaidofflegends.com/community

👍 If you found value here, hit that Like button and share with someone who needs a boost today!

In this episode of the Laid Off Legends podcast, host Leo speaks with Dr. Dalia Perez, a former Microsoft product leader who shares her journey through layoffs, the importance of inclusive design in technology, and her impactful projects like Breonna's Garden. They discuss the challenges of working in a large product team working on a “0 to 1” product, the emotional experience of being laid off, and the mindset needed to navigate this transition. Dr. Perez emphasizes the significance of community support, personal growth, and the power of storytelling through technology.

Takeaways

- Layoff can be seen as a graduation, a time for reflection.

- Inclusive design is crucial for creating representative technology.

- The importance of community and support during layoffs.

- Experiencing layoffs can feel depersonalized but also unifying.

- Mindset shifts are essential for resilience after a layoff.

- Projects like Breonna's Garden exemplifies the leveraring power of technology in storytelling.

- Finding joy and purpose in work is vital for personal fulfillment.

- It's important to articulate what you want in your career.

- Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected paths.

- Emotional labor is necessary to combat self-doubt after a layoff.

**Links:**

Dr. Perez mentioned a few resources during the pod:

**Inclusive Product links**

[Microsoft's Inclusive Design content](https://inclusive.microsoft.design/)

**Links to Accessibility XR projects:**

[Webinar on Scene Weaving](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalyaperez/overlay/1730223222514/single-media-viewer/?profileId=ACoAABSZcggBgj8oPWTRRugRM8IypVoYGv-eLKk)

[Article on blind accessibility in metaverse that I co-authored](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3544549.3583909)

**Breonna's Garden**

[Website](https://breonnas.garden/)

[iOS App](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breonnas-garden/id1564025886)

[Breonna’s Garden Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/breonnasgarden/)

**Life Coach**

[Meghan Patiño](https://www.meghanpatino.com/)

You can contact Meghan at meghan@meghanpatino.com

[RIP DEI podcast](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KyqNYRQ6z6oYagXa1h1qa?si=iQZ7U5I0T624lbXfPzZzwA)

**Children's Books on Palestine:**

Shop at: [Estelita's Library](https://bookshop.org/lists/estelita-s-library)

[P is for Palestine](https://bookshop.org/p/books/p-is-for-palestine-a-palestine-alphabet-book-golbarg-bashi/21027522?ean=9798887440767&next=t)