After years of hearing stories from people facing redundancy, it was finally my turn. On a Friday at 3:30 PM, I received a "don't come Monday" letter. As the only person delivering a particular service in the business, I assumed my role was secure. I was wrong.

The Human Impact of Redundancy

I understood the business justification, but the hardest part was the human aspect. I had strong relationships with my colleagues—people I liked and respected—yet suddenly, I was cut off from that daily connection. Like many before me, I felt betrayed, unappreciated, and unsure of my next step.

Despite knowing my skills and contributions were valuable, I struggled with self-doubt. Why had this happened to me? I realised that searching for answers wouldn’t change my situation or help me move forward. Learning to sit with uncertainty was the biggest challenge.

Choosing My Own Path

Instead of endlessly job-hunting, I made a bold decision: to create my own path. I had the contacts, skills, and determination to build something meaningful. My vision? To bring more humanity into workplaces and redefine what success looks like.

In building my new life, I identified key values that would guide my journey:

• Extreme Flexibility: I wanted to control who I worked with and how I spent my time.

• Exceptional Relationships: I sought partnerships built on mutual respect, not just financial transactions.

• An Inspiring Culture: A balance between strong relationships and high performance was essential.

• Purpose-Driven Work: Clients needed to align with a vision of people, profit, and purpose.

Building the Right Team

I quickly realised that running a business meant wearing many hats - social media, accounts, marketing, and strategy. I didn’t want to do it all alone, so I surrounded myself with an incredible team who shared my passion and commitment.

Inspired by leaders like Richard Branson and initiatives like Virgin Unite, I’m exploring collaborations that align with my mission. Being More Human isn’t just a business; it’s a movement to create workplaces that prioritise humanity.

The Silver Lining

Has it been easy? Not at all. Some days are daunting, and self-doubt creeps in. But I wouldn’t change a thing. The redundancy forced me into a life I might never have chosen on my own. Now, I help others navigate this journey, offering support from a place of deep personal understanding.

Because of my experience, I can coach others through redundancy in a truly human-centered way. I’m grateful every day that someone else made this decision for me - because I wouldn’t have had the courage to do it myself.

What's been your greatest life lesson? I'd love to know.