Job loss isn’t new—but in today’s world, it feels different.
Corporate downsizing, government shake-ups, and the rise of artificial intelligence have created a perfect storm of disruption. For many, the result is sudden uncertainty, shaken confidence, and the What now?
Cynthia Gutierrez-White has been there. When she unexpectedly lost her job in early 2025, she made a to turn her setback into a springboard.
In Redefined, she shares her journey alongside the voices of others navigating the same upheaval, offering both empathy and a road map forward. This isn’t a how-to manual. It’s a conversation, a companion, and a guide for anyone standing at a professional crossroads. With honesty and clarity, Gutierrez-White invites readers to reflect, reset, and reimagine their next chapter. Practical strategies and short reflection exercises throughout the book help you process what has happened, rebuild your confidence, and chart a course toward meaningful work.
No matter where you are in your career or how you arrived at this moment, Redefined will meet you there because losing a job doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. Sometimes, it’s the beginning of the most powerful chapter yet.
Cynthia Gutierrez-White is a seasoned communications strategist and storyteller who has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate complex moments and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether leading media relations during national disasters or shaping public messaging at major health-care systems, she has built a career at the intersection of service, strategy, and heart.
Most recently, she served as senior director of corporate communications at GTB Solutions, where she led national storytelling efforts around disaster preparedness and community resilience. Before that, she held senior roles at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross, where she also served as a national spokesperson.
Throughout her career, she has appeared in numerous local, national, and international media outlets—including CNN, BBC, Univision, EFE, and The New York Times—to deliver critical updates in both English and Spanish. She has also media trained leaders and spokespeople for interviews with media outlets including Good Morning America, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and top-tier outlets in every major US market.
Over the years, she’s collaborated with public figures ranging from Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Pitbull—but the only time she was truly starstruck and geeked out was when Darth Vader walked through the doors of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to visit the patients.
Cynthia holds a BS in communications from Appalachian State University and an MS in management from St. Thomas University. Originally from South Florida, she traded Colombian empanadas for Maryland crab cakes—though she’ll happily eat both if given the chance.
She lives with her tech-loving husband, their two incredible kids, and a small zoo including dogs, parrots, and a super chill cat and fish. Cynthia is most herself when she’s cheering from the sidelines at her son’s soccer games, singing loudly in the car with her daughter, training for a Spartan race, or enjoying a cup of matcha. This is her first book—but probably not her last.
Deeply personal, insightful and conversational. This book feels like a long walk with an old friend. Cynthia pours her heart into every word on the page. It's really for anyone navigating any type of change in their lives as her advice and wisdom transcends many areas. The book is filled with humor and light-hearted moments that will remind you that everything will be ok. I enjoyed the exercises that helped me think beyond my current feelings and put in place action steps to keep me moving forward helping me feel less stuck. Get it and keep it on your bookshelf for reference. You will use it again and again.
Excellent insight and very good read, it was great to learn others experiences and perspectives reading this book. Cynthia storytelling was perfect and this topic hits home with so many readers.
As someone who has spent the last year walking away from a long career, building something new from scratch, and trying to figure out my next move, this book felt less like advice and more like company. It didn’t do the work of redefining my career identity for me, but it did remind me that I’m allowed to write it intentionally.
There’s so much bravery in the way Cynthia tells her own story. She talks really candidly about the grief, loss of identity, fear, and the moments of clarity that show up in the wake of job loss. This book was exactly what I needed in my own career transition, and her advice has truly helped me in navigating redefining myself and my career.
I recently bought this book for a friend who lost their job. I was curious and read it before I gave it away and I LOVED everything about it! I am currently employed but it made me realize I need to rebrand myself and keep up with the latest changes (AI). This book helped me pivot and take the necessary steps to redefine myself.
Raw, real, and deeply relatable. This book is for anyone who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. The author transforms her pain into purpose, turning her personal journey into a powerful guide for those searching for hope and direction.
Raw, real, and deeply relatable. This book is for anyone who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next. The author transforms her pain into purpose, turning her personal journey into a powerful guide for those searching for hope and direction.