August 7, 2025

If you’ve been impacted by recent layoffs—this note is for you.

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Hello Reader

Welcome to Level Up Weekly newsletter, where I leverage 19 years in Stanford tech to help emerging leaders think strategically, build influence, and execute with confidence - so you’re seen, heard and valued where it matters most.

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In moments of uncertainty, structure and support can carry you forward.

It has been a heavy week in my own community—Stanford—where many incredible colleagues were affected.

If you’re navigating uncertainty right now, I want to offer a few practical frameworks and reminders that I often share with clients during transitions like this.

Whether you’re just catching your breath or already refreshing your resume, I hope this gives you clarity—and space to move forward with intention.
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5 Big Boulders to Focus On

(1) Start with reflection

Before updating a single bullet point, pause.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of work energizes me?
• What do I want more of? What do I never want again?
• What do people consistently rely on me for?
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This helps clarify your brand—your throughline.

Use it to guide what comes next.

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(2) Update your materials—strategically

Your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn are not just documents.

They’re marketing tools.

They should reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
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💡 And yes—leverage AI tools.

There are great app that can help you brainstorm bullets, polish language, and surface patterns.

You’re not handing over your voice. You’re sharpening it.

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(3) Network, Network, Network

This is far more effective than applying cold from job sites.
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If you do find a job you like, find someone who can send in a good word for you—it doesn’t have to be someone in the company.
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Referrals and warm intros go a long way.
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Here’s how to begin:

Make a list of people you know.

Next to each name, jot down 3 things:

• Do they root for you? (Scale of 1–10)
• How connected are they in your field? (Scale of 1–10)
• When’s the last time you talked?

Then:
✅ Start reaching out—aim for a handful each day.

✅ Ask for conversations, insight, or just to reconnect.

✅ These relationships open more doors than any job board can.

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The best opportunities come through conversation—not cold clicks.

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(4) Treat your search like a focused project

The job hunt can eat your whole day if you let it.

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• Set small, clear weekly goals (ex: 2 applications, 3 connections, 1 hour of story prep)
• ⏱ 1.5 hrs resume⏱ 1 hr networking⏱ 45 mins researching
• Track your time with an app like Session or Toggl to stay out of the scroll spiral.

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And most importantly: set guardrails.

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Don’t burn out trying to do everything at once.

Work in focused sprints—and then rest.

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(5) Build your story inventory

Start capturing stories now—don’t wait until you get an interview.

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Think about:

• Challenges you’ve overcome
• Moments you led or adapted
• Times you made a measurable impact

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Use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure them.

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You’ll use these stories in your resume, in interviews, and in networking conversations.

Make them ready—and real.

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Final Thought

If you’re in the middle of it right now—

Know this:

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

To wonder when it’ll turn the corner.

To question where to start, and if it’s all adding up.
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But every small step is adding up.

You’re not starting from scratch—

You’re building from experience, strength, and clarity.

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Pause.

Take one step.

Then another.

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I’m rooting for you.

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