Overcoming Professional Setbacks

My LinkedIn tells you that I am a successful engineering manager working at Google & living the dream but here’s what it won’t tell you: ► Back in 2008, after completing my masters in the USA at Cornell University, I  was unemployed for 9 months.  ► I was rejected by Microsoft, 5 times (2 times in the same year & 2 different countries)    ► Startups turned me down because I couldn't write a Binary Search Tree.  ► Google rejected me because I couldn't explain how Hadoop works.  ► When I finally landed a job, I was told: "You’re not good enough to be a software engineer."  I broke production code. Multiple times.   As an architect, I built a product that didn’t scale.   As a new manager, two engineers quit my team—because of me.  But my biggest failure?  ► I caused a million-dollar outage at Amazon.   Millions of users were impacted.   Amazon.com went down for five minutes.   And I was the reason.   3 Lessons from my journey to help you become a TOP engineer: ✅ 1. T : Talent is overrated and You will fail. Accept it, but don’t stop.   - Every engineer screws up. The difference is who keeps going and learns from it.   - Your failures won’t define you, what you do after them will.  ✅ 2. O : Own your mistakes as Writing code is easy.    - It’s easy to blame deadlines, bad specs, or teammates.   - Great engineers take responsibility, learn from failure, and improve.   - No one remembers your mistake forever. But they will remember how you handled it.  ✅ 3. P : Problem solving is permanent. Knowledge is temporary.   - You won’t always know the answer. You’ll forget concepts.   - What matters is your ability to learn fast, debug effectively, and think through problems.   - The best engineers aren’t those who know everything, hey’re the ones who figure things out.  Failures aren’t career-ending. They’re career-defining.  So, fail, learn, and keep building. 

I've recently suffered a major career setback. Since I teach about high performance and career growth, I want to share how I am addressing it. One day you will need this recipe yourself! My goal in my current "career" is to reach as many people as I can, and to help them achieve career success and satisfaction. For the last three years, the way to do this has been through LinkedIn. Unfortunately, LinkedIn recently made some unknown changes to their algorithm. Other Top Voices and I have noticed a drop of 70% to 80% in the reach of our posts. Since my goal is to share my knowledge with more people, that means my goal just took an 80% hit. In general, setbacks in performance are either due to: A) Something we did Or B) Something external, outside our direct control Mistakes, poor decisions, and missed deadlines are examples of A. They are in our control. Things like Covid, high interest rates, and reorganizations at work are examples of B, outside our control. LinkedIn's change is also case B, outside my control. When a setback comes from something in your control, you know clearly what you did wrong and what you need to change to restore your performance and progress. Fixing your own issues may take time and be difficult, but you know what to do. When the setback is due to something outside your control, you do not know how to fix the issue. So, how can we react when our performance is shattered and we do not know why? Here is my recipe: 1. Allow yourself a fixed amount of time to grieve (and complain if you wish). Emotions are real, and before you can move on you will need to sit with those emotions. But, do not get stuck in them. Curse your bad luck, pout for a minute, etc. Then, move to the next step. 2. Refocus on your core value. Whatever happened, go back to how you define high performance to ensure it is still relevant. I admit, I slipped into defining my own performance by how many people viewed my LinkedIn posts. This was a mistake. My mission is to help others, so getting views is a proxy, not a result. And, using LinkedIn is just a method for the mission, not the mission itself. 3. Adapt your core value if you must (if its value has decreased). In my case, the value of what I offer hasn't changed, the external delivery system has. 4. Once you adapt and/or increase your value, find new ways to deliver it if necessary. Luckily, I have other options for reaching people: my Substack newsletter, YouTube, etc. Since Substack has been such a good partner recently, I will start there. I have also refocused how I write on LinkedIn to make every post focused on my goal. 5. Test, measure, adapt, repeat! Really, this step is everything. Once you get past the grief, jump into action in this loop. Nothing can stop you if you keep working to refine, deliver, and showcase your core value. Comments? Here's my newsletter, which is my next area of investment: https://lnkd.in/gXh2pdK2

Approx. 60,000 Service personnel retire every year at a significantly younger age of 34 to 48. And most of them choose to do a corporate job after retirement. 👉🏻 Is that the only option they’re left with? NO! In 2022, I made a bold choice. After retiring as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, I didn’t take the usual path of getting a corporate job. Instead, I decided to start my own business in financial advisory ie. True North Finance. It was a challenging journey, but my training and experience in the defence sector gave me the skills to succeed.⭐️ As a veteran, I know that defence professionals have incredible potential to become successful entrepreneurs. However, many choose to work in corporate jobs after retirement. But I believe they can be the game-changer if they choose to become entrepreneurs and build a startup. Since everything has a reason. Why I believe this also has a few reasons and I would like to tell you those. 📌 Reason 1: Leadership Skills Our time in service equips us with exceptional leadership abilities. Starting and running a business requires guiding a team and making strategic decisions—skills we master in the field. 📌 Reason 2: Discipline and Dedication The discipline we have is a huge business advantage. It helps us stay committed and focused. 📌 Reason 3: Problem-Solving Abilities We’re trained to solve problems quickly and under pressure, which is essential for overcoming business challenges. 📌 Reason 4: Resource Management We know how to use resources efficiently, a key skill for any business. 📌 Reason 5: Resilience We’ve faced tough situations and come out stronger, which helps us handle the ups and downs of running a business. 📌 Reason 6: Strategic Planning Our experience with planning and executing operations is very useful in business strategy. To all my fellow defence personnel, I urge you to consider the path of entrepreneurship. Remember, our unique skills and experiences can drive innovation and success in the business world. If you're contemplating your next steps post-service, remember that you have the potential to not just participate in the corporate world but to transform it. What are your post-retirement plans? Do let me know in the comments. 👉🏻 PS: As an applaud for their work, I’ve mentioned the defence personnel I know and are entrepreneurs in the comment section. #entrepreneurship #defence #indianarmy #army #officers #finance

Have you ever written a personal Failure Log? It’s a simple but powerful self-improvement technique which builds mental resilience. Setbacks happen in everyone’s career journey. But documenting the decisions and circumstances that lead to failure will let you transform defeats into lessons and strengthen your capacity to bounce back. It’s easy to do too. Here’s how to write a Failure Log: Pick a format (spreadsheet, notebook, or digital journal) and a frequency (weekly is good for reflection). For each entry, answer: - What went wrong? - What did I learn? - How will I change my approach next time?   Use one or two sentences to answer each question. Stay objective. Use a neutral tone (“I didn’t delegate enough tasks”) rather than inflammatory statements (“I’m terrible at managing projects”). Focus on describing events and lessons, rather than beating yourself up. The aim is insight, not self-blame. Review your entries every month or two to spot patterns — maybe you sometimes underestimate timelines or often fail to communicate well enough with stakeholders. Over time, you’ll course-correct with consistent strategies. Celebrating your successes is important, but objectively acknowledging your failures will often yield the most impactful lessons. A Failure Log can be a transformative tool to consistently improve your outcomes. Best of all, over time you’ll develop a more resilient form of confidence — grounded in reality, not wishful thinking. What techniques do you use to learn from your own professional setbacks?

Getting laid off was one of the hardest experiences I've faced, and it has had a lasting impact on me. As someone whose top strength is Achiever, I get a huge sense of purpose from work. So when I lost my job, it wasn’t just about losing a paycheck. It felt like I had lost a piece of my identity. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I had just been better, if I had worked harder, maybe I would still have a job. Cue the shame spiral of not being good enough. But looking back now, I can honestly say that my layoff taught me some invaluable lessons. 1. Your job doesn’t define your worth. It's easy to tie your identity to your role, especially when you’re passionate about your work. But being laid off wasn’t a reflection of my value — it was a business decision. 2. Being strategic makes all the difference. At first, I applied to anything and everything that seemed like a fit. When I shifted to focusing on newly posted roles, prioritizing local onsite and hybrid opportunities, and connecting with recruiters directly, things changed. 3. Networking is powerful. Some of my best leads came from conversations, not just applications. Reaching out felt intimidating at first, but most people genuinely want to help if you approach them authentically. 4. Resilience is key. Job searching can feel defeating at times, but celebrating small wins like getting a positive response or securing an interview kept me motivated. 5. Your next role might be better than the one you lost. At the time, I couldn’t see how things would work out. It was difficult to be positive and hopeful. But I ended up landing a role that aligned even more closely with my skills, career goals, and lifestyle. If you’re currently navigating a layoff, I know how hard it can be. But you are not alone, and there’s a path forward — one step at a time.

Burnout is rampant in the legal profession. But most law firms are approaching it all wrong. They think yoga classes, meditation apps, and mandatory vacation days will solve the problem. Spoiler alert: they won't. Don't get me wrong - those things can help. But they're not addressing the root cause. Burnout isn't about individuals needing to relax more. It's about toxic workplace cultures. As an autistic lawyer who burned out at a big firm, I can tell you firsthand: - No amount of deep breathing would've fixed the stuff I was dealing with - Meditation couldn't cure the way I was being treated (not to mention that sticking to a meditation routine is also especially hard if you have ADHD like I do) - I wasn’t burning out because of the amount I was working (I work way more now, and I’m the opposite of burned out) Burnout happens when: - Workloads are unsustainable - People feel a lack of control - There's insufficient reward for effort - The workplace community is dysfunctional - Fairness is absent - Values are misaligned The problem isn't lawyers who can't handle stress. The bigger problem is when you’re being poorly managed, not being treated with respect, and being worked to the bone. Want to actually address burnout? Try: - Autonomy over how (and where) work gets done - Building supportive team cultures (with actual psychological safety) - Transparent decision-making processes - Aligning firm actions with stated values All of this is possible in a law firm. We run Renno & Co this way. It’s not easy, but it’s all doable. So why not do it? (although perhaps it’s because burnout is a feature, not a bug, of most firms!) #lawyers #lawfirms #burnout #mentalhealth

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

These two Veterans are living examples of a wise saying: Disability does not mean Inability. Professionally, we are all cognizant of the skills that we wish we had— and we are often faced with choices on how to process this. One choice is to shy away from opportunities and just stick to things we’re good at. A second choice is to face our weaknesses head on and try anyway— either by striving to get there with another path, or by surrounding ourselves with people who fill our gaps so that the whole team is successful. Veterans like Robert Morris and Koren Woodworth constantly remind me to take the second choice. I had a chance to meet them at our annual Winter Adaptive Sports Clinic recently in Snowmass, CO. Robert is an Army Veteran who suffered a C5-C6 spinal cord injury after a motor vehicle accident 41 years ago. He has had some tough times with recovery and therapy, but decided that he wouldn’t let his disability prevent himself from doing the things he loved. With hard work, he became an active adaptive sports athlete, including air rifles, bowling, boccia, and power soccer. Three years ago, he joined the winter sports clinic for the first time, and took up sit skiing. He is also a peer mentor to Veterans with spinal cord injury, introducing adaptive sports to so many over the years. He has also managed to serve as treasurer of Paralyzed Veterans of America in Ohio. Koren is also an Army Veteran who served in two deployments overseas as a combat medic. She went on to further her nursing career to become an LPN— and became a specialist in the Community Reintegration Program and Recreation Therapy at VA Cleveland— helping Veterans with disabilities like Robert engage with recreational therapies like adaptive sports every day. Robert and Koren routinely help other Veterans make choice number 2: tackling their own adversities and perceived weaknesses with hard work and dedication, but also, surrounding themselves with others who can help them get there. No matter what our weaknesses are professionally, we can all learn a lot from Robert and Koren.

I’ve been laid off three times in my career. And each one sent me in a direction I never expected. Here are 15 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from those moments: 1. Your job title is not your identity. You are more than your role. 2. The most uncomfortable seasons usually spark the most growth. 3. You will bounce back. And often, better than before. 4. It’s hard not to take it personally—even when it’s not. 5. Each time I’ve been laid off, I’ve come back twice as strong. 6. Company loyalty is a myth. Put your career first. 7. At the end of the day, no one’s watching your back but you. 8. Your boss probably wasn’t the one who made the call. 9. You were a budget line item. Nothing more. 10. Yes, someone less qualified will keep their job. It’s frustrating. 11. Networking without direction is a waste of time. 12. Everything in life runs in cycles. The lows don’t last forever. 13. Enjoy the highs while you have them. They won’t always stick around. 14. This might be the perfect chance to shift your career path entirely. 15. Always stay ready. Build real skills, grow your network, and learn how to market yourself effectively. Don’t wait until your back’s against the wall. Getting laid off can be one of the hardest things you go through. But it can also be the moment that launches you toward something bigger. And for me? I created an entire brand around sharing my experiences. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from being laid off?

No one escapes a career without scars. Trust me, after 35 years in marketing, I have plenty. At some point, you’ll be passed over for the role you wanted. You’ll lead a project that doesn’t land. You’ll say the wrong thing in a room that mattered. The higher you climb, the more those moments accumulate. Some still sting when I think about them. Early on, I thought the goal was to avoid them. To build a spotless resume, to never fall short, to be a perfect professional. But time and experience teach us a different lesson: → Failure builds your humility. → Rejection builds your resilience. → Embarrassment builds your empathy. Each one, in its own way, forces you to look inward and ask better questions about who you are, what you value, and what kind of leader you want to be. So when the memory still lingers but the pain no longer defines you, you realize that what felt like failure was actually a hard-earned lesson. And the setbacks become your foundation.