Podcast Episode #8 : How to Expect Career Setbacks and Bounce Back Stronger
What happens when the career path you’ve built for over a decade suddenly falls apart?
In this candid and energising episode of What Is Your Working Title?, we speak with Iwan de Leeuw, a global HR leader whose journey spans the military, multinational corporations, retrenchment—and reinvention. With stories from the frontlines of leadership, personal growth, and people experience, Iwan shares how moments of failure can become catalysts for clarity, confidence, and deeper purpose.
Whether you’re navigating a career change, leading through uncertainty, or questioning what really matters in your work—this conversation will meet you where you are, and help you move forward with intention.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
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Key Takeaways
🔄 Reinvention can begin with setbacks – disruptions can wake us up to what really matters
🧭 Purpose is greater than performance – work becomes meaningful when it serves others
💥 Resilience is built, not born – confidence grows with each hard-earned lesson
🛠 Career development is your job – no one else will design it for you
🤝 Connection is everything – be human, be honest, and pay it forward
🔄 Reinvention can Begin with Setbacks
From being turned away by the Navy due to poor grades, to losing his job after 13 years at GE, Iwan’s story is one of unexpected pivots. Each setback was painful—but also pivotal.
“The moment I got retrenched, it felt like my identity was stripped away. But a year later, I realised it was the best gift I could have received.”
🧭 Purpose Is Greater Than Performance
After years in senior HR roles, Iwan’s view on work shifted: “Life isn’t just about climbing ladders or chasing titles. At some point, money stops motivating. Purpose has to take over.”
Today, his drive comes from serving others—from senior execs to frontline staff—and creating employee experiences that reflect dignity, trust and growth.
💥 Resilience Is Built, Not Born
Whether facing a failed promotion, or rebuilding after retrenchment, Iwan credits his confidence to one mindset: “If I don’t get it, I’ll work harder. I’ll prove I can.”
It’s not bravado—it’s earned. Built on small wins, missteps, and the discipline of reflection. Like endurance training, resilience strengthens with use.
🛠 Career Development Is Your Job
As someone who’s led talent strategies across MNCs, Iwan is clear: companies can offer opportunities—but it’s on individuals to take ownership.
“No one owes you a career path. You decide what to invest, and how much you want to grow. Experience is still the best teacher.”
🤝 Connection Is Everything
From checking in with retrenched employees to noticing a stranger on the MRT, Iwan believes our small actions matter most.
“People won’t remember your title. They’ll remember how you made them feel.”
Tune in for a grounded, human conversation that reminds us: careers are not ladders—they’re journeys. Filled with detours, doubts, and decisions that shape who we become.
Connect with Us
🔗 My Working Title on LinkedIn
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Tags:
#CareerResilience #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWork #CareerTransitions #PeopleExperience #MidCareer #HRLeadership #RetrenchmentRecovery #WorkingTitlePodcast
