Cooper People Publications

Dear HR Insider: Leading Through Downsizing, Layoffs & Career Transitions

Publication Date: August 11, 2026
🕒 12-minute video

Layoffs and workforce reductions are never easy, but how leaders handle them can make all the difference.

In this episode of Dear HR Insider, host Cinthia Williams is joined by Lisa Cooper and special guest Mary Jo Baweja, President of Blank Canvas Consulting, to discuss how organizations can navigate downsizing with compassion while supporting employees through meaningful career transitions.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in outplacement and career counseling, Mary Jo shares practical guidance for leaders facing difficult workforce decisions. The conversation explores how thoughtful planning, empathy, and an understanding of human behavior can help organizations manage change in a way that protects dignity, preserves relationships, and supports future success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • What leaders should consider before implementing a workforce reduction
  • Common mistakes organizations make during layoffs and how to avoid them
  • How psychology plays a role in helping people navigate career transitions
  • Why investing in outplacement services benefits both employees and employers

Whether you’re leading through organizational change or facing a career transition yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for navigating the next chapter with confidence.

💡 About Dear HR Insider

Dear HR Insider is a video series from Cooper People Group where we answer real workplace questions and bring together HR leaders and industry experts to share practical insights on today’s biggest workforce challenges.

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Connect with Mary Jo Baweja & Blank Canvas Consulting

To connect with Mary Jo Baweja or learn more about Blank Canvas Consulting, please see the contact information provided below!

✉️ maryjo@blankcanvasmi.com
📱 616-821-1575
🔗 linkedin.com/in/maryjobaweja
🌐 blankcanvasmi.com

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⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared in this video is provided by Cooper People Group for educational and informational purposes only. We are not attorneys, and this content does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult with qualified legal counsel.