I’m In Podcast Episode 56 | Demystifying the Stigma Around Job Loss

Episode 56 of I’m In, our official monthly podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland is available for our members to listen to today!

In this episode, Phil Street FIH and his guests look at Demystifying the Stigma Around Job Loss

Redundancy. Job loss. Career breaks. Few topics carry quite so much emotional weight, or so much quiet stigma.

In this honest and deeply human conversation, Phil Street is joined by Ben Purton FIH, Jake Armston MIH and Alessandra Beqiraj AIH to unpack what job loss can do to identity, confidence and belonging and why, despite how it feels in the moment, it is so often not an ending at all, but a redirection.

Drawing on lived experience from all sides of the table, those going through redundancy, those supporting others through it, and those managing the process, this episode explores how we might remove shame, increase empathy, and reframe what comes next.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why job loss often feels like a loss of identity, and how to separate self-worth from job title
• The hidden stigma people place on themselves after redundancy
• Why gaps on a CV shouldn’t be treated as red flags
• Whether we need to reframe “redundancy” as a career transition or career break
• How employers can handle difficult conversations with greater empathy and dignity
• Why communication, not assumption, is the missing piece in recruitment
• The pressure to “bounce back quickly” and where that pressure comes from
• Why career breaks, pivots and transitions should be normalised
• The role the IOH and professional networks can play when people need support most
• What may be waiting on the other side of job loss that you simply can’t see yet

Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”

Ben Purton:
Ben has long seen the Institute as a vehicle for giving back, helping others navigate crossroads, build confidence, and access the support and perspective many of us need at key moments in our careers.

Jake Armston:
Originally drawn to the practical development opportunities the IOH offered as a student, Jake’s involvement has grown into something much bigger, community, contribution, and helping shape the industry’s future.

Alessandra Beqiraj:
Initially sceptical about joining, Alessandra came to see the IOH as a place for growth, standards, and meaningful professional connection, particularly in an industry built on people.

Outstanding Quotes from the Episode

• “What feels like an ending is often just the moment the next version of you is allowed to begin” – Phil Street
• “Redundancy isn’t a reflection of your worth” – Ben Purton
• “We are amazing at filling in the blanks before we know anything” – Phil Street
• “If we call it a career break, it changes the whole lens” – Alessandra Beqiraj
• “Your craft and your work ethic don’t disappear with your job title” – Ben Purton
• “Everything happens for a reason… there’ll be something better around the corner” – Jake Armston

Members can follow the link below to listen to this episode now! Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD activity.

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org

Members can listen to Episode 56 now!