The VVI Shield: How to Make Yourself Layoff-Proof in the Age of AI

“It’s a matter of doing your best work and making sure the right people see it, thereby expanding your influence.”

Atip Muangsuwan
CEO Coach and Coach Supervisor

When “big tech storms” hit, the most valuable players don’t just hide—they build an unbreakable shield.

Recently, I coached an executive from a global tech giant. Let’s call him Steve. The company was preparing for a major round of layoffs, and the anxiety was palpable. Steve loved his job and didn’t want to leave, but he felt insecure. His question was a universal one in today’s market: “How do I survive this?”

His fear is justified. With AI transforming roles and companies prioritizing cost-saving, job security can feel like a relic of the past. But through our session, we uncovered that survival isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy.

The key insight? In times of uncertainty, you must shift from being a passive employee to an active, indispensable asset.

We distilled this strategy into a simple, powerful framework you can start applying today: The VVI Survival Shield.

The 3-Pillar Framework to Secure Your Role

This framework moves beyond simply “doing good work.” It’s about systematically demonstrating and expanding your worth to the organization.

1. Value: Become the Obvious Choice

When cuts are made, companies don’t fire their most valuable players; they protect them. Your first job is to become one of those players.

• How to Apply It:
  • Drive Critical Projects: Like Steve, focus on getting key products to market or initiatives that directly impact the bottom line.
  • Solve Bigger Problems: Don’t wait to be told what to do. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this uncertain situation?” and “How can I turn this challenge into an advantage?” Then, share those innovative ideas with your manager.
  • Be the Expert: Deepen your knowledge so that on your most important projects, you are the undeniable “key person.”

2. Visibility: Make Sure the Decision-Makers See You

Hard work in the dark is a career risk. If senior leaders don’t know who you are or what you contribute, you are invisible—and invisible is expendable.

• How to Apply It:
  • Show Your Work: Do exceptional pre-work before presentations to leaders. Frame your updates logically and strategically, focusing on business outcomes.
  • Proactively Communicate: Don’t be shy about sharing your successes and the value you’ve added in a professional manner.
  • Seek the Spotlight: Volunteer for high-visibility projects or to present in meetings where leaders are present.

3. Influence: Grow Your Impact Beyond Your Team

Your title defines your job description; your influence defines your importance. The most secure people are those whose positive impact is felt across the organization.

• How to Apply It:
  • Lead Cross-Functionally: Facilitate collaboration between departments. By helping solve problems that span different teams, you demonstrate leadership and become a crucial node in the company’s network.
  • Expand Your Sphere: Consistently ask, “Who else can I help succeed?” The more people who see you as vital to their success, the more your own position is secured.

Summary of the VVI Survival Shield Framework

To survive and thrive during organizational layoffs, you need a shield. This shield is built on three actionable pillars: Value, Visibility, and Influence (VVI).

1. Value: Become Indispensable.
   • Go Beyond Your Job:Don’t just do your tasks. Actively look for ways to improve the business, reduce costs, or increase revenue. Share innovative ideas.
   • Be the Key Player:In critical times, be the one who knows the most and delivers the most. Become the “go-to” expert for your role or project.

2. Visibility: Ensure Leaders See Your Value.

• Show, Don’t Just Do:Your hard work means nothing if decision-makers don’t see it. Proactively share your wins and contributions with senior leaders.
• Communicate with Logic & Strategy:Frame your updates in terms of business impact—how you’re helping the organization survive and win.

3. Influence: Expand Your Impact.

• Lead Beyond Your Title:Facilitate collaboration between teams. Solve cross-functional problems. By helping others succeed, you increase your sphere of influence and demonstrate leadership.
• Become a Connector:The more you are seen as a central, positive force in the organization, the more secure your position becomes.

How to Remember It: Do great work (Value), make sure the right people see it (Visibility), and your impact will grow (Influence).

Your Action Plan for Next Week

You don’t need a grand plan to start. Use the Think-Feel-Act cycle:

1. THINK: Identify one upcoming project or problem where you can add disproportionate value.
2. FEEL: Become a passionate leader who owns the outcome, not just a task.
3. ACT: Execute on that project and ensure you have a plan to make your contribution Visible to at least one senior leader.

It’s a matter of doing your best work and making sure the right people see it, thereby expanding your influence.

In the era of AI, human strategic thinking, leadership, and influence are your ultimate competitive advantages. Build your VVI Shield, and you won’t just survive the storm—you’ll learn to dance in the rain.

Want to dive deeper? Let’s talk!

About Atip Muangsuwan: Coach Atip is an executive leadership coach who specializes in helping high-achieving leaders overcome internal barriers to unlock their full potential and drive organizational success. Through a blend of strategic frameworks and profound personal insight, he empowers leaders in transforming their mindsets, emotional states, and behaviors for lasting impact.