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Leading Through Layoffs: Building Teams When Budgets Shrink
Your Inside Look at Exceptional Customer Experiences
Jen Weaver
October 14, 2025
“The biggest mistake leaders make? Treating everyone the same. Different people need different things, and you’ll lose trust if you don’t recognize that. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Don’t do it.”
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Budgets are shrinking, layoffs are everywhere, and leaders are under pressure to do more with less. In this episode of Live Chat with Jen Weaver, Alisha Joseph, founder of Savvy Service Pro and creator of the AI coaching tool Savvy Edge, shares the exact playbook she uses to keep her leadership authentic and effective when the industry feels unstable.
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Support leaders everywhere are being asked to do more with less. Budgets are cut, teams are smaller, and the old playbook for leadership doesn’t work anymore. How do you keep your team engaged, grow as a leader, and make sure your career stays safe in the middle of it all?
Here's how Alisha cuts through the chaos to lead with clarity:
1️⃣ Plan for risks, not just deadlines
Deadlines shift, but risks remain. Start by asking yourself: If this doesn’t get done, what’s the impact? Write down the possible consequences and rank them. This helps you prioritize based on risk, not just calendar dates.
“The easiest way for me to prepare is to look at risk. What happens if this doesn’t get done? What happens if I don’t prioritize this? I try to utilize that to make the best decisions I possibly can.”
2️⃣ Don’t treat everyone the same
Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Different people need different approaches, and trust erodes fast if you lead every person the exact same way.
3️⃣ Use AI for framing, not replacing
AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude can help you organize your thoughts and provide useful suggestions, but they can’t capture the nuances of your authentic voice. Use them to frame ideas or spark inspiration, then rewrite in a way that feels personal and true to you. Treat AI as a strategy aid, not a copy-and-paste solution.
4️⃣ Be genuine on LinkedIn
Forget chasing “Top Voice” badges. Show up as a real human and let your consistency build a personal brand that lasts.
“Do not come in trying to get top voice. My intent with my content is never to be a top voice. My content is to be as genuine and a genuine human as possible.”
5️⃣ Build your career as a brand
Layoffs and reorgs happen. By investing in your own personal brand, you create a safety net that stays with you no matter what company you work for.
“I have been laid off in this industry, and I made the decision to start the Savvy Service Pro. You should have some form of a personal brand. Even if the business changed, you’re going somewhere else, what you bring to the table does not change.”
Leaders who follow these steps create more than just efficient teams; they create trust, consistency, and resilience. By planning for risks, leading people as individuals, and showing up authentically online, you set a tone that keeps your team engaged even when resources are tight.
Alisha’s process proves that leadership doesn’t have to be performative or rigid. It can be real, practical, and sustainable. When budgets shrink or layoffs hit, the leaders who thrive are the ones who invest in their people and their own personal brand. That’s how you build stability for yourself and strength for your team, no matter what the industry throws your way.
Catch the full conversation on Live Chat with Jen Weaver!
🤝 Connect with Alisha Joseph on LinkedIn
🏢 Learn more about Savvy Service Pro on LinkedIn
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🎙 Listen to more episodes of Live Chat with Jen Weaver
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