Emma Varjo
Redhill Games
Emma Varjo (she/her) is a games industry veteran with a focus on UX, production, and leadership. Emma has experience in leadership, UX design and engineering, with a true passion laying in interdisciplinary communication, design culture, and strategic product development.
Emma Varjo is speaking at the following session/s
The Rollercoaster Ride of Being Made Redundant
Losing a job is more than a professional setback: it’s a deeply emotional experience. Even when the signs are there, redundancy is a shock, leaving many to navigate feelings of grief, anger, and self-doubt before reaching clarity and acceptance.
This roundtable will explore redundancy through the lens of the 7 stages of grief, reframing them into key phases many experience: the initial shock and denial, the anger and bargaining that follows, the guilt and self-doubt that often take hold, and ultimately, the reflection, testing, and eventual excitement for new opportunities.
Through shared stories and open discussion, we’ll explore questions such as:
- What emotional responses are common, and what kind of support do newly redundant employees need?
- How do you manage the emotional toll of rejection and self-doubt?
- How can you reframe redundancy as an opportunity for growth?
While we will acknowledge the emotional impact, the heart of this discussion will focus on the Testing & Reflection stage—the phase where people have the most agency. We’ll talk about practical ways to redefine career goals, network effectively, and regain confidence in the job search.
Whether you’ve been through redundancy, are currently experiencing it, or want to support others, this roundtable provides a space to share, reflect, and gain new perspectives.
Session Takeaway
- Understand that redundancy is an emotional journey, and all feelings are valid
- Gain a new lens through which to view their situation
- Gain peer support and a lessened sense of shame
- A renewed sense of agency and practical tips and ideas on what to do next
Session speakers
