Kintsugi Leadership: Finding Strength in Career Setbacks and Layoffs
I did a Kintsugi workshop earlier in May.
Kintsugi is the art of repairing something broken using gold. Instead of hiding the cracks, you highlight them. I see this every day in my work with people who have been through layoffs, career setbacks, or difficult leadership environments.
You are not broken; you are being rebuilt. The experience becomes the strength and the insight becomes the leverage. But this only happens if you take the time to step back and see it.
The Value in the Cracks
What if the cracks in your career are actually the most valuable part? Not the title or the salary, but the moments where things did not go to plan. That is where you learn what you tolerate, what you value, and what you are no longer willing to accept. Most people try to move past those moments quickly, but that is where the clarity is.
If you’re navigating one of those moments right now, we can work through it together. Book a Career Reset call.
How do I explain a "gap" or setback to future employers?
Highlight the insight and growth you gained. Turn the “crack” into a story of resilience and strategic pivot.
Is a career setback a sign I should change industries?
Not necessarily. It is a sign you need to step back and see your path clearly before deciding.
What is the goal of a Kintsugi approach?
To make your career foundation stronger and more aligned than it was before the break.
