What do you do when you’re laid off twice, navigating uncertainty, ego, identity, and the grief cycle—all while building cat social-media stardom on the side? Today’s conversation is a blueprint for resilience, reinvention, and redefining your worth beyond your job title.

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend and fellow engineer-turned-high-achiever, Laura Hubelbank, who has built a 20-year career in engineering and program management—and survived two major layoffs with clarity, humor, and the most grounded energy you’ve ever met.

We dive into what it’s really like to lose your job, not once but twice, and how Laura navigated the emotional, financial, and identity rollercoaster that comes with career upheaval. From the shock and grief of 2020 to the more recent 2025 layoff, she shares the shifts that helped her stay confident, connected, and strategic rather than spiraling.

Laura opens up about self-reflection, defining your professional brand, leveraging your network without shame, and why being honest about your gaps is one of the most empowering moves you can make. She also explains why she’s taking a career break right now—and how FIRE, financial prep, and pickleball are shaping her next phase.

And yes, we also talk about her two orange cats, Zoey and Ziggy, their 7-million-view video, and why recording cat content might just be the unexpected interview-prep hack you never knew you needed.

What You’ll Hear ✔️What it feels like to be laid off with zero warning—and what it feels like with a year’s notice

✔️How to use self-reflection as the first step in any job search or pivot

✔️Red flags vs. real fit: choosing interviews, companies, and roles that align with your values

✔️Why networking isn’t shameful—and how to do it even if it terrifies you

✔️How practicing for interviews can start with something as unexpected as… cat videos

“You have to be at peace with yourself. Bitterness doesn’t serve you—clarity does.”

If this episode hit something deep, share it with a friend who’s navigating job uncertainty or a big pivot.

Grab your free Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at https://www.leadintact.com/freebies/heart-aligned-career or Book 20-min consultation call https://leadintactwithlaura.as.me/free-consultation

You can follow Zoey and Ziggy’s fun antics here:

• https://www.youtube.com/@zoeyzestyclaws

• https://www.instagram.com/zoeyzestyclaws/