The Climb

Felicia Smith
  • 5.0 (19)
  • CAREERS
  • WEEKLY SERIES

At The Climb Podcast, our mission is clear: to empower women of color in their pursuit of leadership roles within the private and public sectors. We understand that the workplace can present distinctive challenges for women of color, and our podcast is your dedicated guide to navigating this terrain. With each episode, we delve into the strategies, stories, and experiences that can propel you forward on your professional journey. Join us as we spotlight the extraordinary achievements of women of color and equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to not only survive but thrive in today’s workplaces. Your success is our focus, and together, we’ll forge a path to leadership that is as unique and unstoppable as you are.

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  1. Allow me to reintroduce myself: This Climb is personal.

    EPISODE 1

    Allow me to reintroduce myself: This Climb is personal.

    Takeaways: • Why being excellent at your job does not automatically lead to promotion • The critical difference between tactical execution and strategic visibility • Why many high-performing women of color are overlooked for leadership roles • How positioning, advocacy, and proximity influence career advancement • Why women of color cannot afford to be excellent and invisible Chapters00:00 – If You’re Excellent But Still Not Promoted 00:25 – Welcome to The Climb Podcast 01:10 – The Career Moment When the “Tap” Never Came 02:42 – Tactical Excellence vs Strategic Visibility 04:05 – What Tactical Really Means 05:06 – What Strategic Leadership Looks Like 06:30 – The “Prize Pony” Career Trap 07:32 – Why High-Performing Women of Color Are Rarely Taught This Shift 08:26 – The Economic Reality: 81 Cents vs 64 Cents 09:30 – Why Positioning Matters More Than Credentials 10:40 – Leadership Is About Proximity and Visibility 11:50 – Why You Cannot Afford to Be Excellent and Invisible 12:50 – What The Climb Is Really About 13:40 – Join the Conversation Episode DescriptionIf you are a woman of color who is excellent at your job but still not being promoted, this episode is for you. In this opening episode of The Climb Podcast, Felicia Smith breaks down one of the most misunderstood dynamics of career advancement: the difference between tactical excellence and strategic visibility. Many high-performing professionals are taught that working harder, delivering consistently, and staying prepared will eventually lead to opportunity. But the reality is more complex. Organizations often reward execution — but they promote visibility, positioning, and influence. In this episode, Felicia explains why many women of color find themselves stuck in high-performance roles that never translate into leadership access, and how understanding the rules of positioning can change everything. This conversation introduces the core mission of The Climb: helping women of color move from being excellent and invisible to strategic and visible. Connect with The Climb 🌐 Website: https://the-climb.org 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoinTheClimb2024 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoinTheClimb1 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97178217 Subscribe to The Climb Podcast and share this episode with a woman who needs the language for what she’s experiencing in her career. Because leadership isn't just about talent. It's about positioning, visibility, and access. And you don't have to climb alone. About The Climb PodcastThe Climb Podcast is where leadership conversations get real. Hosted by Felicia Smith, founder of The Climb, this show explores the unspoken rules of career advancement — especially for women of color navigating professional spaces where leadership access has not always been equitable. Each episode breaks down the systems, strategies, and power dynamics that influence who rises and why. Because the goal isn’t just individual success. It’s building a pathway so more women can climb.

    9 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    When The Climb Costs Too Much: Redefining Success After Burnout with Dr. Nikia Smith

    What You Will Learn• Why burnout among high-achieving women of color is often called the silent epidemic • The early warning signs that burnout is building before you recognize it • Why exhaustion is not a badge of honor in leadership and career advancement • How hustle culture can disconnect you from your identity and purpose • Practical ways to redefine success and rebuild a sustainable life Connect with The Climb 🌐 https://the-climb.org 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@JoinTheClimb2024 📘 https://www.facebook.com/JoinTheClimb1 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/97178217 Connect with Dr. Nakia Smith 🌐 https://www.sheisfireforged.com 📧 hello@sheisfireforged.com 📱 Instagram: @sheisfireforged If this conversation resonated with you, listen to the full episode and subscribe to The Climb Podcast. Share it with a woman who may be pushing through exhaustion without realizing the cost. Because success should not come at the expense of your health, identity, or peace.

    34 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

At The Climb Podcast, our mission is clear: to empower women of color in their pursuit of leadership roles within the private and public sectors. We understand that the workplace can present distinctive challenges for women of color, and our podcast is your dedicated guide to navigating this terrain. With each episode, we delve into the strategies, stories, and experiences that can propel you forward on your professional journey. Join us as we spotlight the extraordinary achievements of women of color and equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to not only survive but thrive in today’s workplaces. Your success is our focus, and together, we’ll forge a path to leadership that is as unique and unstoppable as you are.

Information

  • Creator
    Felicia Smith
  • Episodes
    51
  • Seasons
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Felicia Smith
  • Show Website
    The Climb