In this thought-provoking episode of HR Salon, host Andrew Biernat sits down with executive coach Deborah Pratt, who has guided more than 10,000 leaders through critical career transitions. Together, they unpack why organizations spend heavily on onboarding and engagement—but often neglect the exit experience.

Deborah explores how “offboarding” done poorly can damage trust, brand reputation, and long-term innovation, while human-centered approaches—like those used by the U.S. State Department and Airbnb—set both employees and organizations up for future success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why layoffs can trigger lasting trauma for both those who leave and those who stay
• How empathy and proactive planning can turn separations into powerful brand moments
• Why companies that “do the right thing” ultimately strengthen culture and resilience
• What it means to design for the virtuous cycle instead of the vicious one

This conversation redefines the future of work—where leaders view offboarding not as an afterthought but as an essential part of building strong, sustainable organizations.

Support the show