The IMPACT Tribe Podcast

Laid Off? Burn Your Old Identity and Start Again

In my latest The IMPACT Tribe Podcast episode, auGi Garred reminds us that reinvention isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about chiseling away everything that isn’t you. We talk about what happens when layoffs, AI disruption, or burnout strip away the identity you’ve been clinging to. Augi shares how losing jobs, breaking hearts, launching startups, bombing on stage, and starting over again helped him discover something deeper: your superhuman gifts were there all along. He opens up about the fear of performing, the trap of chasing money, and the moment he realized that getting laid off was actually the Trojan horse that set him free. Instead of waiting for permission or the “perfect plan,” he chose to burn the old identity and step toward what felt true. And in one of my favorite moments, he reflects on a line his mother wrote to him decades ago: “You can do or be what you want to be.” Not in a fantasy sense—but in a grounded, courageous, practical way. The kind that requires community, reflection, and the willingness to shed the armor we’ve built over time. Thank you, Augi. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you’re bigger than your title—and you’re not done yet. 🔥 Connect with my guest: Linkedin Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/augigarred/] Molting Men [https://www.moltingmen.com/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/theimpacttribepodcast] ===Follow & Subscribe=== IG /  https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast] TT / https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast] YT / https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast] ===Sponsored By=== * Makertank - Join Founder Waitlist [https://www.makertank.com] * OpusClip - 30% discount code [https://www.opus.pro/themessagefixer30] * Streamyard - Get $10 discount [https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6330653346234368] == About Ashley Bright == Ashley Bright is the founder and host of The IMPACT Tribe Podcast, a bi-monthly live stream spotlighting changemakers and innovators. A executive communications coach with 20+ years of experience—including work with Apple and AT&T—Ashley helps purpose-driven leaders turn fear into confidence and ideas into action. His clients have raised over $50M by mastering storytelling, stage presence, and audience connection. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybright/]

News deserts are devastating small town America.

I'm excited to welcome a visionary leader working to strengthen the backbone of our democracy through local journalism. As the founder of Journalism New England, she’s helping small, independent newsrooms across the region grow, innovate, and thrive—because every community deserves access to trusted, credible reporting. Her career spans journalism, nonprofit leadership, and media transformation—from launching The Nation Fund for Independent Journalism to creating new pathways for underrepresented storytellers through the Fellowship for the Future of Journalism. A writer, builder, and advocate at heart, she’s proving that journalism isn’t just about informing people—it’s about connecting them. Please put your hands 👏 together for Erin O’Mara Thanks, Erin! 👏 Connect with my guest: Linkedin Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-omara1/] Journalism New England web site [https://www.journalismnewengland.org/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/theimpacttribepodcast] ===Follow & Subscribe=== IG /  https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast] TT / https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast] YT / https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast] ===Sponsored By=== * Makertank - Join Founder Waitlist [https://www.makertank.com] * OpusClip - 30% discount code [https://www.opus.pro/themessagefixer30] * Streamyard - Get $10 discount [https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6330653346234368] == About Ashley Bright == Ashley Bright is the founder and host of The IMPACT Tribe Podcast, a bi-monthly live stream spotlighting changemakers and innovators. A executive communications coach with 20+ years of experience—including work with Apple and AT&T—Ashley helps purpose-driven leaders turn fear into confidence and ideas into action. His clients have raised over $50M by mastering storytelling, stage presence, and audience connection. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybright/]

Being a teen mom didn't define her, it inspired her.

I’m excited to welcome an executive leader who’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose, optimism, and connection. As Executive Vice President of Mosaic Quarter — one of Southern Arizona’s most ambitious sports and entertainment developments — she’s helping shape a future where community, business, and innovation thrive together. She also serves as Chair of the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Immediate Past President of CREW Tucson, championing equity, representation, and opportunity for women and underrepresented voices in business and real estate. Her leadership proves that when you build with authenticity and heart, entire communities rise. Please put your hands 👏 together for Linsday Knott Thanks, Lindsay! 👏 Connect with my guest: Linkedin Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaymknott/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/theimpacttribepodcast] ===Follow & Subscribe=== IG /  https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast] TT / https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast] YT / https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast] ===Sponsored By=== * Makertank - Join Founder Waitlist [https://www.makertank.com] * OpusClip - 30% discount code [https://www.opus.pro/themessagefixer30] * Streamyard - Get $10 discount [https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6330653346234368] == About Ashley Bright == Ashley Bright is the founder and host of The IMPACT Tribe Podcast, a bi-monthly live stream spotlighting changemakers and innovators. A executive communications coach with 20+ years of experience—including work with Apple and AT&T—Ashley helps purpose-driven leaders turn fear into confidence and ideas into action. His clients have raised over $50M by mastering storytelling, stage presence, and audience connection. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybright/]

Travis Reed, Owner of Mass Fabricator

I’m excited to welcome a master craftsman, entrepreneur, and community builder. He’s the owner of Mass Fabricator, with 30 years of experience in aerospace, military, and mining — turning raw metal into complex structures for both mechanical and architectural use. But what really sets him apart is his passion for the next generation. He recently founded a nonprofit trade school that offers free welding classes, and when he promoted it on TikTok, more than 400 people showed up to take advantage of the opportunity to learn. He’s proof that experience plus generosity can spark opportunity — and that welding isn’t just about metal, it’s about building futures. Please put your hands 👏 together for Travis Reed @massfabricator1 Thanks, Travis! 👏 Connect with my guest:  Web Site [https://massfabricator.com/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/theimpacttribepodcast] ===Follow & Subscribe=== IG /  https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast] TT / https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast] YT / https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast] ===Sponsored By=== * Makertank - Join Founder Waitlist [https://www.makertank.com] * OpusClip - 30% discount code [https://www.opus.pro/themessagefixer30] * Streamyard - Get $10 discount [https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6330653346234368] == About Ashley Bright == Ashley Bright is the founder and host of The IMPACT Tribe Podcast, a bi-monthly live stream spotlighting changemakers and innovators. A executive communications coach with 20+ years of experience—including work with Apple and AT&T—Ashley helps purpose-driven leaders turn fear into confidence and ideas into action. His clients have raised over $50M by mastering storytelling, stage presence, and audience connection. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybright/]

70% of employees don't trust HR, and 98% of HR leaders are burnt out.

I’m excited to welcome an HR innovator helping organizations rethink and enhance how they show up for employees. He’s also the founder of HR Fuse — a rapidly growing HR community bringing leaders together across Tucson and Phoenix. With a passion for creating connections and raising the bar on how organizations support their people, he is proof that when you invest in community, everyone wins. Please put your hands 👏 together for Manny Loyden Connect with Manny: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-loyden/] Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/theimpacttribepodcast] ===Follow & Subscribe=== IG /  https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/theimpacttribepodcast] TT / https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@theimpacttribepodcast] YT / https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheIMPACTTribePodcast] ===Sponsored By=== * Makertank - Join Founder Waitlist [https://www.makertank.com] * OpusClip - 30% discount code [https://www.opus.pro/themessagefixer30] * Streamyard - Get $10 discount [https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6330653346234368] == About Ashley Bright == Ashley Bright is the founder and host of The IMPACT Tribe Podcast, a bi-monthly live stream spotlighting changemakers and innovators. A executive communications coach with 20+ years of experience—including work with Apple and AT&T—Ashley helps purpose-driven leaders turn fear into confidence and ideas into action. His clients have raised over $50M by mastering storytelling, stage presence, and audience connection. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybright/]