Alicia Garfield’s Post

Whew! It’s been a year! I was a part of a reduction in force at a company that recruited me with promises of financial stability and growth. Like many of us in today’s job market, I’ve been navigating the ambiguity of opportunity, AI rejections, and silence. I’ve made it to final rounds of multiple roles, often in the top 2-3 candidates, but not the final choice. It’s humbling and frustrating. I’ve always been a star performer, the go-to and led with a spirit of continuous growth. I love giving back, so I’ve focused my time on volunteering and teaching. I’ve also been navigating a new area for me: supporting my kids through the often invisible world of SLD testing, 504, accommodations, IEP and fidelity. School was always easy for me, so this is a hidden battlefield I didn’t know existed, filled with jargon, barriers, research, rules and quiet victories. Advocacy takes a lot and the lessons I’ve learned about persistence, empathy and creative problem solving are ones that I’ll carry with me and make me a better friend and manager. As the school year wraps up with graduations, I’m filled with pride, gratitude and relief. Class of 2025 we made it! Professionally, I’m seeking new opportunities in product management and marketing leadership, with a focus on mission-driven companies where strategic thinking, empathetic leadership and customer-centric innovation drive real impact. If you have a role or know someone who has one, please reach out or connect. To those also navigating this crazy time, or advocating behind the scenes fighting hidden battles, I see you, keep going, the story isn’t over yet. #marketing #careers #productmanagement #productleadership #ai