When Kristina Shier lost her job due to the pandemic, she launched The Comeback Podcast, which uses her personal journey (with insights from expert guests) to give tips and tools to anyone else who finds themselves in the same boat. —Vita Daily
Hi Kristina! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I’m someone who recently lost their job due to Covid, but have worked for the past 11 years as a marketing professional in Vancouver. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on fun projects and events like opening Tsawwassen Mills, building promotions for Disney on Ice and hosting Aston Martin events. I loved this industry because it allows me to be creative, build relationships and find interesting strategies to solve problems. I’m also a mom to a fun and energetic two-year-old boy, and a wife to a sports entrepreneur who supports and challenges me. I’m at my best when I’m connected with my circle of amazing friends (and a delicious glass of wine, or two …).
Why did you launch The Comeback Podcast? What is it about?
I had been let go from my job in November 2020, a role I had been in for five years, as a result of a company restructure due to Covid. It was an emotional rollercoaster and took time to process. After some time reflect, I chose to shift my perspective and look at this event as a positive. A time to transition to something bigger and better. If anything, I wanted to ensure this period in my life was defined by personal growth. But then I looked at the job market. Opportunities were limited, and the job-seeker pool was extremely competitive. Inspired by a podcast telling me true growth and change only happens through adversity and transition, I decided to lean in to the uncomfortable. Also inspired by an encouraging nudge from my husband on New Year’s Eve, the idea for this podcast was born. I decided to start a podcast to help people, in a similar position to myself, stand out from the sea of competition, improve their skill set, and to stay positive about the next chapter in their life. I had a career coach since day one of my lay off, something I would have never considered to use before. But it was so incredibly helpful and provided such great direction, I thought how so many people would benefit from this similar type of guidance while going through this incredibly challenging experience. I wanted to pay that forward.
Who is the podcast for? What does it offer listeners?
Initially, it was for anyone who may have lost their job or looking for a change and searching for tips, tools and guidance in taking a positive step forward in finding new employment. Upon hearing feedback from listeners, I’ve learned that this podcast can be used as a resource and there are a lot of great takeaways for anyone who is ambitious and looking to grow in their professional lives.
What are some of the top things you’ve learned, personally/professionally, in the past year?
I’ve learnt how important it is to adapt and stay positive. We often don’t have control over big events that happen, like losing a job or facing a global pandemic, but we do have control over how we react and steps we take from those events. You always hear how important it is to have a positive mindset and how beneficial that is. It took a lot of work for me to find that silver lining: talking to friends, reading inspirational books and listening to motivational podcasts. Not every day is easy to stay positive, but in learning to be mindful and neutral in your emotions, you can always reframe a situation into a positive and see it as an opportunity to grow or find a new direction.
Your top tips/advice for anyone who has lost work during the/due to the pandemic?
My top tip would be to try and remain positive—and, I know, this is a bit cliché. I believe now, through my experiences, that you are in charge of maintaining a positive attitude, and this begins with fundamental, daily practices, of eating well, exercising and prioritizing sleep. I also think it’s a great time to reflect and decide what you’d really like to do, this could be a great opportunity to make a change, go back to school, change industries, follow inspiring work that makes you happy. This is a great time to upskill, too. There are so many free online courses available. For example, I work in marketing and took the opportunity to take multiple digital marketing courses. It’s great way to learn new skills, build confidence, and then include it on your resumé.
Upcoming podcasts will cover … ?
I have a couple really exciting podcasts coming up; the next episode provides tips on what job seekers can do to increase their appeal and presence to attract potential employers through social media. Another upcoming episode will provide guidance and tools on how to keep a positive mindset throughout a challenging process of losing and finding a job, and why it’s so important in finding success.
Hard work and hustling aside, how does “hope” figure into your journey?
I think ensuring I was putting the work in made me help to believe that I was on the right path to a new and exciting chapter in my life. While daunting at times, I think it’s never too late to pick up new skills and to believe that we have the ability to take control of our future. If we’re open to change, then we will always cross paths with opportunity, and when you are prepared and confident, then you will likely find that you’ll rise to the occasion.
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