From Layoff to Legacy: How Sarah Moody Built a Life of Freedom, Wealth, and Impact

“It was one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life.”– Sarah Moody on her layoff

If you’ve ever experienced a layoff or felt the sting of starting over, you’re not alone. On Open to Connect, I sat down with Sarah Moody, founder and CEO of Sarah Moody International, to talk about what happens when life forces you to rewrite your story. What began as a layoff in a tech startup turned into a journey toward freedom, purpose, and impact.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that the end of one chapter can become the best beginning you never saw coming.

A Layoff That Sparked a New Direction

Like so many professionals, Sarah didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur. She was laid off from a fast-moving startup and found herself questioning what came next. The job title that had once defined her was gone, but her curiosity remained.

Rather than rushing to replace what she lost, Sarah took the layoff as an opportunity to rebuild her life on her own terms. What started as a moment of fear evolved into a foundation for something bigger: a coaching business built around mindset, leadership, and helping others step into their power.

That single layoff didn’t just change her income; it changed her identity.

Rebuilding Confidence Through Connection

What stood out most during our conversation wasn’t just the practical steps Sarah took, but the relationships that carried her through. We actually met through networking. I knew someone who knew someone, and before we knew it, we were having a conversation that would inspire audiences.

That’s the power of intentional networking. It’s not about collecting business cards or adding names on LinkedIn. It’s about building real relationships that lead to real opportunities.

When Sarah shared how her network helped her grow from fear into freedom, it echoed something I’ve experienced personally too. After my own layoff, the people who reached out, encouraged me, and offered ideas became the reason I didn’t stay stuck.

Networking isn’t just career strategy; it’s community in motion.

Mindset Over Mayhem

Sarah built what she calls a “rock your brain, rock your life” philosophy which is a mindset that success isn’t about avoiding chaos but learning to navigate it. She teaches her clients that our thoughts are the most powerful tools we have.

If you’ve been laid off, it’s easy to focus on loss. But the truth is, a layoff strips away everything that isn’t essential so you can rebuild something that actually aligns with who you are now.

Sarah’s words reminded me that we can either let the layoff define us or refine us. One path leads to bitterness; the other leads to breakthrough.

The Ripple Effect of a Network

Throughout our talk, we came back to one core theme: your network is your legacy. Every introduction, comment, or conversation creates a ripple you can’t always see in the moment.

I often tell my community that the best time to build a network is before you need it. Sarah’s journey proves that true. Her connections became mentors, clients, and partners. Mine did too. And yours can if you start showing up intentionally.

Whether you’re a professional worried about stability or someone rebuilding after a job loss, remember this: you don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step. You just need to reach out.

👉 Get Sarah’s book here: Rock Your Brain. Rock Your Life.
👉 Listen to her podcast here: Rock Your Brain. Rock Your Life

Start Your Own Comeback

If this story resonates with you, consider it your invitation to start your own comeback.

You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” or another round of layoffs to make networking a priority. Start now. My Free 7-Day LinkedIn Starter Challenge will walk you through how to build meaningful connections, show up confidently, and start attracting the opportunities that fit your future.

➡️ Join the challenge today: 7-day Challenge

And if you’d like to hear the full conversation with Sarah Moody — and others who’ve turned career setbacks into purpose — head over to my YouTube channel. Each episode of Open to Connect is a front-row seat to stories that remind us that even after the hardest chapters, there’s always a way forward.

🎥 Watch & Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@JacquelineWiddis?sub_confirmation=1