Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Felicia Ann Rose Enuha AKA The Trillest MBA You Will Ever Know
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Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Being You, A Black Woman, is hard…especially in Corporate America. There are too many hurdles thrown at us as we try to climb the ladder of success. From microaggressions against you and your hair to the lack of advocates and sponsors everyone needs. Someone please just tell us what to do to make corporate America work for us! The Trill MBA Show is here to help you fight these battles by giving you the strategies that work, straight…no chaser. With our host, Felicia aka The Trillest MBA you will ever know, the Trill MBA Show curates the real truth to help you survive and thrive in Corporate America.

  1. 9H AGO

    How to Network Relentlessly (Without Feeling Fake)

    S9: E5 How to Network Relentlessly (Without Feeling Fake) In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia breaks down Rule #5 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Network Relentlessly. Let’s keep it real: networking often feels transactional, awkward, or like something “extroverts do.” But Felicia flips that narrative. Networking isn’t about schmoozing—it’s about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. If you’re only reaching out to people when you’re in need (like after a layoff), it’s time to shift your strategy. Your network is your net worth—and the people who know your name today could be the ones opening doors for you tomorrow. Felicia shares real-world strategies to build authentic relationships, expand your power circle, and use tools (like AI and Calendly!) to stay consistent without burnout. If you’re serious about your career, this episode will give you the exact playbook to start building your power base now. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🧠 Access + Visibility = Opportunity – You can be the most qualified person in the room, but if nobody knows you’re there, it doesn’t matter. Networking gives you access to decision-makers and makes you visible in rooms that matter. 🔗 Be a Connector, Not a Climber – When you help others connect and win, you become a high-value resource in your network. Focus on giving—not getting—and watch your influence grow. 📆 Make Small, Consistent Touchpoints – Build real relationships through low-pressure check-ins, LinkedIn messages, or coffee chats. Use tools like Calendly to make it easier and stay consistent. 🧭 Be Strategic About Who’s in Your Circle – Surround yourself with people who are going places. Identify 3 spaces or communities where you can meet high-impact individuals and contribute meaningfully. 🎯 Your Challenge This Week: Reach out to one new person and reconnect with one old contact. Don’t overthink it—just start the conversation and let it grow from there. Resources & Next Steps: Felicia dives into How to Overcome the Discomfort of Networking on the Find Your Dream Job podcast hosted by Mac Prichard Founder of Mac’s List. Check out that episode Here! 📚Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📥 Download Your Free Guide – Get the worksheet for this episode to help you create your networking plan and how to do it strategically. Click here. 🎤 Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A with Felicia to discuss this episode’s strategies. 💼 Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career. 📩 Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment to help us grow and make more awesome content for...

    22 min

  2. MAR 23

    How to Build a Powerful Personal Brand That Opens Doors

    S9: E4 How to Build a Powerful Personal Brand That Opens Doors In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia dives into Rule #4 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Build a Powerful Brand. If you’re working hard but still being overlooked, the issue might not be your skills—it’s how people perceive you. Your personal brand isn’t just a social media aesthetic; it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. If you don’t define your narrative, someone else will—and that’s not an option. Felicia breaks down how to craft a power brand that commands respect, amplifies your reputation, and positions you for career-changing opportunities. This isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about owning your story, showing up in the right circles, and being so unforgettable that people advocate for you when it matters most. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🗣️ Your Personal Brand = Your Reputation – If people don’t associate your name with something specific and meaningful, you’re forgettable—and forgettable people don’t hold power. ✍🏾 Craft Your Power Narrative – Own your story. Who are you? What do you stand for? What makes you different? Write a 2-3 sentence power statement that defines your brand with confidence. 🤝🏾  Expand Your Network Intentionally – You are the sum of the people you surround yourself with. Align with high-value people, organizations, and projects to elevate your status and visibility. 🌟 Show Up Consistently & Authentically – Update your LinkedIn, be active in professional spaces, and make sure your brand reflects your expertise and aspirations. If you don’t control your narrative, someone else will. 🎯 Your Challenge This Week: Write and refine your personal brand statement, share it with trusted friends or mentors for feedback, and start showing up in spaces that align with your goals. Resources & Next Steps: 📚Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📥 Download Your Free Guide – Get the worksheet for this episode to help you identify which rules to break and how to do it strategically. Click here. 🎤 Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A with Felicia to discuss workplace rule-breaking strategies. 💼 Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career. 📩 Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment to help us grow and make more awesome content for you.   💡 Follow @TrillMBAshow – Stay updated with career tips and new episodes on LinkedIn. Until next time, keep it trill! 🎙✨

    22 min

  3. MAR 16

    How to Command Presence and Project Power in Any Room

    S9: E3 How to Command Presence and Project Power in Any Room In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia breaks down Rule #3 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Appear Powerful If you’ve ever thought, “I should be judged by my work, not my presence,” it’s time for a reality check—perception drives influence. The way you walk into a room, how you speak, and how you carry yourself signals power before you even say a word. Felicia shares the truth about executive presence, why shrinking yourself makes it easier for people to overlook you, and how you can start commanding respect and authority at work without changing who you are. Whether it’s through body language, voice, or style, projecting power is a skill you can master—and Felicia is here to show you how. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🔥 Powerful People Take Up Space – If you’ve been shrinking yourself to fit in, it’s time to stop. The most influential people own their space unapologetically—and you can too. 👀 Perception = Power – People make snap judgments in seconds. Looking powerful makes people believe you are powerful, which leads to more opportunities, credibility, and influence. 🚀 3 Ways to Start Projecting Power Today –1.  Own Your Space: Stand tall, shoulders back, make eye contact, and walk in like you belong there.2. Strengthen Your Vocal Presence: Speak with clarity, confidence, and volume—no more “I think” or “I believe.” Make statements, not questions. 3. Dress for Power (Without Losing Yourself): Elevate your personal style in a way that aligns with your goals and signals authority. ✅ Your Challenge This Week: Identify one way to improve your executive presence at work—whether that’s adjusting your posture, speaking up more in meetings, or refining your professional wardrobe. Resources & Next Steps: 📚Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📥 Download Your Free Guide – Get the worksheet for this episode to help you identify which rules to break and how to do it strategically. Click here. 🎤 Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A with Felicia to discuss workplace rule-breaking strategies. 💼 Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career. 💖 Support the show on Patreon here. 📩 Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on YouTube and leave a review to help us grow and make more awesome content for you.   💡 Follow @TrillMBAshow – Stay updated with career tips and new episodes on LinkedIn and all your favorite social platforms. Editing and Sound Design by Chris Mann of Podshaper Until next time, keep it trill! 🎙✨

    27 min

  4. MAR 9

    How to Break the Rules (Strategically) and Get Ahead at Work

    S9: E2 How to Break the Rules (Strategically) and Get Ahead at Work In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia dives into Rule #2 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Break the Rules (but do it strategically). If you’ve been working twice as hard, following all the rules, and still feel stuck, it’s time to shake things up. The reality? Power doesn’t reward compliance, it rewards confidence. The people who rise in their careers don’t just follow the book; they strategically bend and break the rules to their advantage. Felicia shares real-world examples, including how one woman finessed her way into a VIP event at Sundance by taking bold action and how breaking the “no direct access” rule with senior leadership can make you visible and indispensable. She also gives actionable steps on how to break unspoken workplace rules, from challenging the idea that junior employees should stay silent in meetings to directly connecting with high-level decision-makers. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🔥 Power Rewards Confidence, Not Compliance – The assumption? If you broke a rule, you must have the power to do so. Instead of asking for permission, take bold action and let the results speak for themselves. 💡 Break Small Rules First to Test the Waters – Challenge unwritten norms in your workplace by speaking up in meetings, emailing the CEO, or setting up a coffee chat with senior leadership. Small, strategic rule-breaking builds credibility and influence. 🚀 Surprise Gives You Power – People are wired to follow the rules. When you break them strategically, you shift power dynamics in your favor because people don’t know how to react—and they’re forced to take you seriously. ✅ Understand the Rules Before You Break Them – Read your employee handbook (yes, for real). Know both the written and unwritten rules so that when you break them, you do it with purpose and precision. 🎯 Your Challenge This Week: Break One Rule – Identify one workplace rule holding you back and challenge it this week. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting or reaching out to a high-level executive, take the leap. Resources & Next Steps: 📚Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📥 Download Your Free Guide – Get the worksheet for this episode to help you identify which rules to break and how to do it strategically. Click here. 🎤 Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A with Felicia to discuss workplace rule-breaking strategies. 💼 Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career. 💖 Support the show on Patreon here. 📩 Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on YouTube and leave a review to help us grow and make more awesome content for you.   💡 Follow @TrillMBAshow – Stay updated with career tips and new episodes on LinkedIn and all your favorite social platforms.

    26 min
  5. The Power of Mindset in Career Success

    MAR 2

    The Power of Mindset in Career Success

    S9: E1 The Power of Mindset in Career Success In this powerful kickoff to Season 9 of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia explores the first rule from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Get Out of Your Own Way. Too often, we hold ourselves back with limiting beliefs, playing small, and waiting for permission to step into leadership. But real career success isn’t just about working hard, it’s about understanding and navigating power. Felicia breaks down how Black women in corporate spaces can reclaim their power, overcome self-doubt, and position themselves as indispensable. Through real-life examples like Rukaiyah Adams, who leveraged her authenticity into a power move in finance, Felicia shares practical strategies to shift your mindset, own your narrative, and make yourself indispensable in your workplace. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure about how to move forward in your career, this episode is your roadmap to taking action and positioning yourself for success. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 🔥 Power is a Tool, Not a Bad Thing – Power isn’t good or bad, it’s how you use it that matters. You don’t have to become someone else to gain influence, you just need to understand how to play the game strategically.🚀 Three Strategies to Step Into Your Career Success * Reframe Your Narrative – How you talk about yourself sets the tone for how others see you. Instead of saying, “I think” or “I just”, start owning your skills and saying, “I lead”, “I know”, “I excel at”. * Stop Apologizing for Your Success – Shrinking yourself doesn’t make you more likable it makes you invisible. Confidence is key to stepping into power and being recognized for your value. * Build Your Confidence Through Small Wins – You can’t afford to sit back and hope someone notices your hard work. Make strategic moves like speaking up in meetings, volunteering for high-impact projects, and networking with decision-makers. 🎯 Take Action Now – This week, challenge yourself to one power move, whether that’s leading a meeting, advocating for yourself, or making your contributions known. Download the digital guide for this episode to help you implement these strategies. Resources & Next Steps: 📚Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📥 Download Your Free Worksheet – Get the worksheet for this episode to map out your career power moves. Click here. 🎤 Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A session with Felicia. Don’t miss your chance to ask questions! 💼 Career Consulting with Felicia – Need help navigating career challenges? Book a coaching session to get personalized strategies. 💖 Support the show on Patreon here. 📩 Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com. 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Love the show? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help us grow and make more awesome content for you.

    22 min
  6. How To Defend Yourself At Work Without Seeming Defensive

    11/03/2024

    How To Defend Yourself At Work Without Seeming Defensive

    S8: E16 How To Defend Yourself At Work Without Seeming Defensive In this episode, Felicia explores a difficult but vital workplace challenge: defending yourself professionally without appearing defensive. Many Black women face added pressures around tone, expression, and self-advocacy, often needing to navigate feedback and microaggressions in ways that don’t compromise their professionalism or peace. Felicia shares real-life insights on how to defend yourself and handle these situations confidently and constructively. Felicia introduces her “strategic questioning” approach—a technique to respond to uncomfortable comments or feedback by asking clarifying questions that deflect defensiveness and encourage accountability. This approach helps redirect the conversation back to clarity, allowing you to communicate with strength while maintaining control. Felicia also dives into boundary-setting, explaining how to use actions to enforce boundaries without needing to announce them openly. She offers tips on protecting your peace by stepping back from unproductive situations and handling interactions in ways that prioritize your well-being. Plus, she covers the importance of tone and how to balance authenticity with adaptability to prevent misinterpretations. Whether you’re dealing with difficult feedback, setting boundaries, or managing workplace dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you defend yourself while staying true to who you are. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Defend with Strategic Questions: Instead of reacting defensively, use specific questions to shift the conversation back to clarity and accountability. This approach keeps you in control while encouraging others to rethink their assumptions. Set Boundaries Through Actions, Not Words: Boundaries don’t always need an announcement. Small but consistent actions can reinforce your limits effectively and reduce the need for confrontation, helping you maintain peace. Master Tone to Maintain Authority: Balancing authenticity with adaptability can help prevent misinterpretation. Modulate your tone in ways that stay true to yourself while still fitting into the workplace environment. Know When to Step Away: Defending yourself can sometimes mean choosing not to engage. Recognize when and how to disengage from unproductive interactions to safeguard your focus and psychological safety. Prepare Before Escalating to HR: Escalating a workplace issue should be strategic, not impulsive. Consulting with an attorney or developing a clear plan first can be crucial in protecting your career. Career Consulting Services:If you’re preparing for a job interview and want to ensure you’re fully prepared, Felicia is offering interview prep sessions. You can sign up for a session using this LINK. If you’re struggling with workplace issues, Felicia offers one-on-one consulting to help you navigate your career journey. Visit trillmba.com/coaching to book a strategy session. Additionally, Patreon members will have access to a objectives setting guide to help them in their career journey. Join our Patreon for access here: https://www.patreon.com/trillmbashow Get Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet HERE

    42 min
  7. Mastering Impactful Communication at Work: Elevate Your Career with EQ

    10/27/2024

    Mastering Impactful Communication at Work: Elevate Your Career with EQ

    S8: E15 Mastering Impactful Communication at Work: Elevate Your Career with EQ VOTE- You have a few more days of early voting and then TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2024 is the last day to GO VOTE n this episode, Felicia reveals key strategies for mastering impactful communication at work, showing how EQ (emotional intelligence) can elevate your career and help you navigate challenging workplace dynamics. From dealing with microaggressions to handling feedback with grace, Felicia dives into the essentials of communicating with confidence and empathy—skills that are critical for standing out and advancing professionally. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling misunderstood or overlooked at work, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you refine your communication style. Felicia shares her personal experiences and hard-won lessons, showing how empathy, perspective-taking, and clear boundaries can transform your workplace interactions. She also connects these lessons to broader themes, highlighting how mastering communication can empower you both personally and professionally. With a candid tone and practical advice, Felicia encourages listeners to engage in thoughtful communication and embrace EQ to create meaningful impact. Tune in to learn how impactful communication can become your superpower in the corporate world, opening doors to new opportunities and deeper professional relationships. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Communicate for Impact, Not Just Expression: Shift your mindset to focus on the impact your words have on others rather than simply expressing your viewpoint. Effective communication means considering how your message will be received and understood. Use EQ to Navigate Workplace Challenges: Strengthen your EQ by becoming aware of emotions (yours and others’) during interactions. Learn to respond, not react, especially in high-stakes conversations or when facing microaggressions. Practice Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Approach feedback and challenging conversations with empathy. Aim to understand your colleagues’ perspectives without needing to agree, creating a foundation of mutual respect and trust. Lead with Curiosity in Feedback: When receiving feedback, adopt a curious mindset. Ask clarifying questions to fully understand the other person’s point of view, which can help you refine your communication style and build stronger relationships. Set Boundaries Without Being Defensive: Establish boundaries at work in a way that doesn’t come across as defensive. Position yourself as a professional who is open, assertive, and confident in advocating for what you need. Turn Communication Into Your Superpower: Build the habit of intentional, thoughtful communication, making it a tool for career growth and effective leadership. Practice daily to gain confidence in delivering messages that resonate and drive positive impact. Make your voting plan! Go to www.vote411.org/make-your-plan Career Consulting Services:If you’re preparing for a job interview and want to ensure you’re fully prepared, Felicia is offering interview prep sessions. You can sign up for a session using this LINK. If you’re struggling with workplace issues, Felicia offers one-on-one consulting to help you navigate your career journey. Visit a href="https://www.

    32 min
  8. Maximize Your Career Success: Align Your Objectives and Win in Company Culture

    10/20/2024

    Maximize Your Career Success: Align Your Objectives and Win in Company Culture

    S8: E14 Maximize Your Career Success: Align Your Objectives and Win in Company Culture In this episode, Felicia helps you maximize your career success by sharing strategic advice to align your objectives with company priorities and effectively navigate company culture. Learn how to assess your current deliverables, ensure they align with your year-end goals, and position yourself for high-visibility roles within your organization. Felicia also explains how to decode the difference between stated company values and the actual workplace culture to strategically thrive and grow. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or trying to understand office dynamics, this episode provides actionable insights to boost your career. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Align Your Objectives: Regularly review and update your goals to ensure they align with your company’s priorities and end-of-year deliverables. This helps set you up for success during performance evaluations. Decode Company Culture: Understand the difference between a company’s stated values and its actual culture. Learn to navigate these differences to strategically position yourself and make informed decisions. Secure High-Visibility Roles: Identify and position yourself for high-impact projects or roles that receive the most attention and resources in your organization. Block Time for Reflection: Schedule dedicated time to evaluate your objectives, plan your next steps, and proactively ask for support from your leadership to meet your goals. Strategize Your Career Moves: Use the progress you’ve made in meeting your current objectives to transition into higher-impact roles or projects, positioning yourself for career growth. Focus on What the Company Values: Make sure your efforts align with what the company truly values, not just busy work, to maximize your impact and visibility. Career Consulting Services:If you’re preparing for a job interview and want to ensure you’re fully prepared, Felicia is offering interview prep sessions. You can sign up for a session using this LINK. If you’re struggling with workplace issues, Felicia offers one-on-one consulting to help you navigate your career journey. Visit trillmba.com/coaching to book a strategy session. Additionally, Patreon members will have access to a objectives setting guide to help them in their career journey. Join our Patreon for access here: https://www.patreon.com/trillmbashow Get Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet HERE Listener Letters: If you have a situation that we can all learn from, email us at ask@trillmba.com.  We will not use real names.  Put Listener Letter in the subject line to let us know we can read your letter on the show. Learn How To Save Money On Student Loans with JUNO Have you received some Trill Lessons from this podcast?  If yes, could you help us out by subscribing and leaving a quick review in iTunes?  Hitting subscribe and leaving a review makes a HUGE difference and should only take a minute.  Subs...

    23 min
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    Being You, A Black Woman, is hard…especially in Corporate America. There are too many hurdles thrown at us as we try to climb the ladder of success. From microaggressions against you and your hair to the lack of advocates and sponsors everyone needs. Someone please just tell us what to do to make corporate America work for us! The Trill MBA Show is here to help you fight these battles by giving you the strategies that work, straight…no chaser. With our host, Felicia aka The Trillest MBA you will ever know, the Trill MBA Show curates the real truth to help you survive and thrive in Corporate America.

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