#46 Benedikt Oehmen: Turning Layoffs into Life Lessons

What happens when the company you’ve devoted half your life to suddenly disappears? Benedikt Oehmen spent 17 years at Blizzard Entertainment, moving from gamer support to managing teams across seven languages. But when corporate priorities shifted and layoffs hit hard, he didn’t just walk away—he rebuilt. In this episode, Benedikt shares how he turned a painful downsizing experience into a mission to help others, building a coaching practice and writing a book centered on his signature “Big Three” framework: Be Kind. Be Present. Be Open. It’s a mindset that’s not just for career survival—but for reinvention with soul.>>From Gamer to Guide“I thought I was taking a semester off from physics. It turned into a 17-year journey.”Benedikt recounts how a student gig at Blizzard became a defining career. From player support to managing pan-European communities, he found joy in collaboration—and in building something that felt like family.>>The Culture Shift No One Saw Coming“We were all passionate. Then the merger changed everything.”After Blizzard merged with Activision, the company’s soul began to shift—from people to profits. The once-collaborative culture gave way to numbers-first decision-making, culminating in layoffs that wiped out entire departments—and the community spirit with them.>>When Family Gets Downsized“We went from 10 community managers to one. It broke our hearts.”Benedikt describes the emotional toll of watching his close-knit team vanish under corporate restructuring. But instead of retreating, he leaned into leadership—guiding others through the grief and uncertainty.>>Coaching as a Way Forward“I didn’t want to just survive—I wanted to help others do the same.”The experience sparked something new: a desire to coach others through job loss and change. He pursued certification, built his practice, and found a new mission—supporting the “geeks and quiet warriors” navigating their own career crossroads.>>The Big Three: Kind. Present. Open.“Writing the book wasn’t the goal. Becoming an author was.”His philosophy is simple but profound. Be kind—to yourself. Be present—in your journey. Be open—to what’s next. Whether coaching a client or finishing a book, Benedikt’s framework turns fear into forward momentum._______________________Connect with: Benedikt Oehmen