Charles Esther
Steve Prokopiou, a 58-year-old head of data literacy and enablement based in London, faced redundancy after three years at his previous company.
With more than 35 years of experience in data and analytics, he had seen both sides of the process—being made redundant and leading redundancy decisions.
When he learned his role was being eliminated, Prokopiou quickly leveraged his network and, within weeks, secured a new job that began just one month after leaving his former employer.
Lesson 1: Prioritize Self-Care and Reflection
Instead of pushing through as if nothing had changed, Prokopiou chose to step back.
He cut unnecessary meetings, delegated tasks, and allowed himself space to reflect on what truly mattered at this stage of his career.
He stresses that it’s the role being cut, not the individual’s worth, and creating mental space is essential for making clear decisions.
Lesson 2: Negotiate an Elegant Exit
Rather than leaving bitterly, he reviewed his contract line by line, identified entitlements, and negotiated respectfully.
His advice: don’t be aggressive, but advocate for fair compensation, whether it’s unused vacation, notice periods, or pending bonuses.
A professional exit preserves relationships and reputation.
Lesson 3: Build a Support Network
Prokopiou sought advice from trusted peers over coffee and lunches, using their insights to refine his next steps.
He also created a written list of job criteria — focusing on what would bring him fulfillment, must-haves, and transferable skills from past roles.
Lesson 4: Leverage Networking to Find Opportunities
Most of his roles came through professional connections rather than job boards.
He advises categorizing contacts into “now, next, and later” lists, reaching out directly with concise, respectful requests for support.
Conversations, he believes, are often more effective than sending countless online applications.
Lesson 5: Ask the Right Interview Questions
To avoid missteps, he recommends asking employers about team culture, reasons for the vacancy, and expected responsibilities in the first six months.
Understanding how organizations function — including potential blockers — helps candidates choose the right fit instead of rushing into the wrong one.
A New Role That Feels Custom-Made
By applying these five strategies, Prokopiou found a position that aligns perfectly with his expertise and values.
He reflects that although layoffs can be emotionally challenging, they can also open doors to better opportunities than before.
