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Lessons: What to do when you get “layered” at work | WorkLife with Molly Graham

Aug 16, 2026 · 27m

Summary

Host Molly Graham explores "layering," where a manager is hired above an existing employee as a company scales. Featuring insights from Don Fowle, who was layered at Facebook, the episode offers advice for employees to manage their emotions and view the change as growth. Graham also provides leaders with principles for executing this transition with care, clarity, and honesty to maintain trust and retention.

Topics discussed

Introduction to the concept of being layered at work Sponsor messages from Capital One, Dell, and Defender Don Fowle's experience being layered at Facebook Why layering is necessary for company growth Sponsor messages from LinkedIn and Capital One How to emotionally respond to being layered Layering is not a demotion and ego management Giving it a trial period and focusing on long-term story Sponsor messages from McDonald's, Capital One, and Ollie Leadership perspective: Layering is not a failure Principles for leaders: Clarify problems and make a plan Preparing for departure and maintaining honesty Conclusion, credits, and final sponsor messages
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