Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Felicia Ann Rose Enuha AKA The Trillest MBA You Will Ever Know
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. How To Defend Yourself At Work Without Seeming Defensive

    NOV 3

    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
  2. Mastering Impactful Communication at Work: Elevate Your Career with EQ

    OCT 27

    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 n...

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

    OCT 20

    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.  a href="https://podcasts.apple.

    23 min
  4. Navigating Career Pivots: Managing Frustration Like A PRO

    OCT 6

    Navigating Career Pivots: Managing Frustration Like A PRO

    S8: E13 Navigating Career Pivots: Managing Frustration Like A PRO In this episode, Felicia provides a personal update on her career pivot from CPG marketing to the entertainment industry. She shares the challenges and insights from her job search, emphasizing the importance of networking, managing workplace frustrations, and effectively communicating your transferable skills. If you’re navigating a career change or facing challenges in your job search, this episode offers practical advice to keep you grounded and motivated. Felicia also dives into how we can unintentionally add to our own frustrations at work, offering strategies to stay focused on what matters while letting go of unnecessary stress. Plus, you’ll learn how to position yourself for success in a new industry by articulating your unique skills and value. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Networking is Essential to Career Pivots: Felicia discusses the importance of dedicating 25% of your career time to building and maintaining a network. She shares how strong connections can open doors during career transitions, especially when trying to enter new industries. Managing Your Own Frustrations at Work: Learn how to stop contributing to your own stress by trying to fix things beyond your control. Felicia provides insights on how to let go of unnecessary frustration and focus on what truly matters in your career pivot. Effectively Communicating Transferable Skills: Felicia shares her strategies for articulating your value when transitioning into a new industry. She offers tips on how to position your past experiences in a way that makes them relevant to new roles. Navigating Job Search Challenges with Patience: Felicia emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence when searching for a job. She provides actionable advice on how to keep your spirits up and maintain a sense of control during this process. Resources Mentioned: Download the Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet at TrillMBA.com/freebies. Check out JOBMINDER365 The Documentation App for tracking workplace issues. 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. Listener Letters: Have a workplace dilemma? Send your letters to ask@trillmba.com to get advice on a future episode!  Put Listener Letter in the subject line. Get Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet HERE 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.  Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here »

    26 min
  5. How to Set Workplace Boundaries That Protect Your Peace and Career

    SEP 29

    How to Set Workplace Boundaries That Protect Your Peace and Career

    S8: E12 How to Set Workplace Boundaries That Protect Your Peace and Career In this episode, Felicia dives deep into the topic of workplace boundaries. Navigating career advancement while maintaining personal and professional boundaries can be a challenge. Felicia offers actionable strategies to help you confidently enforce boundaries while maintaining your integrity and protecting both your peace and your career. Drawing on her own career pivots, Felicia shares insights on how to stand up for yourself in environments where your boundaries may not always be respected. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Boundaries Are Actions, Not Words: Felicia emphasizes that workplace boundaries are about how you respond, not about controlling others’ behavior. She provides practical tips for maintaining control of your time and space without unnecessary confrontation. Understand the Cultural Norms: Before setting workplace boundaries, understand the norms of your organization. Are you going against a cultural norm, or is it possible to adjust without sacrificing your well-being? Managing Expectations and Handling Pushback: Learn how to respond assertively yet professionally when your workplace boundaries are challenged, and how to navigate difficult workplace dynamics without feeling disrespected or devalued. Self-Care and Resilience: Felicia shares her own experiences with career pivots and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-care in the face of career challenges. She reminds listeners that job rejections are not a reflection of personal worth. Actionable Advice for Setting Boundaries: Whether it’s blocking off certain days for productivity or handling conflict with colleagues, Felicia provides scripts and strategies to confidently enforce your workplace boundaries without coming across as defensive. Resources Mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: A key recommendation for managing office politics and influencing others without conflict. LinkedIn posts: Follow Felicia’s journey of her own career pivot as she navigates job searching in the entertainment industry using the hashtag #AsFeliciaCareerPivots. 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. 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. Get Transferable Skills Checklist and Value Proposition Worksheet HERE 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.

    43 min
  6. How to Gain Visibility and Get Promoted Without Burning Out

    SEP 22

    How to Gain Visibility and Get Promoted Without Burning Out

    S8: E11 How to Gain Visibility and Get Promoted Without Burning Out In this episode, Felicia tackles a common career challenge faced by many Black women in corporate spaces: being told to “be more visible” despite excellent performance. Drawing from a listener letter from a frustrated yet ambitious manager who has been passed over for promotions, Felicia breaks down the feedback, explains what visibility really means, and provides actionable steps for getting recognized in your organization without burning out. Key Takeaways in this Episode: Understand Your Company’s Power Dynamics: Start by observing how people behave in meetings—who holds influence, what motivates them, and how decisions are made. In this episode, Felicia shares key questions you can ask to identify those with real decision-making power in your organization. Clarify What Visibility Really Means: When told to “be more visible,” don’t just guess—ask for specific examples of what successful visibility looks like. Felicia explains how to open this conversation with your boss to ensure alignment. Build Relationships Strategically: Focus on building connections with influential people in your company. Align your work with their priorities, and learn how to frame your conversations to gain their support. Felicia explores how to make these connections in an authentic way. Leverage Your HR Business Partner: Approach HR with a career growth mindset, not as a complainer. Find out how promotions really happen behind the scenes by asking the right questions. Felicia dives into the strategies that help you get HR on your side. Shape Your Narrative with 360-Degree Feedback: Collect feedback from peers and leaders to understand how you’re perceived. Use this insight to consciously shape your personal brand at work. Listen to the episode for examples of phrases you can use to drive your narrative. 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.  Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here » Editing and Sound Design by Chris Mann of Podshaper

    41 min
  7. Unfiltered Conversations on Identity, Humanity, and Blackness with Andre Thomas

    SEP 8 · BONUS

    Unfiltered Conversations on Identity, Humanity, and Blackness with Andre Thomas

    S8: Ep Bonus Bonus Episode: Unfiltered Conversations on Identity, Humanity, and Blackness with Andre Thomas In this special bonus episode, Felicia sits down with good friend and fellow podcaster, Andre Thomas, co-host of Healing Race, for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the complexities of identity, race, and relationships within the Black community. Though this episode steps away from our usual career-focused discussions, it touches on the human experiences that shape us—at work and in life. We dive into thought-provoking topics like: * The dynamics between Black women and Black gay men. * The unspoken challenges of identity, competition, and love within our community. * Breaking free from societal expectations and embracing self-acceptance. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of navigating multiple identities or struggled to reconcile personal truths with professional life. While we’re not directly discussing workplace dilemmas, this dialogue is a reminder that being your authentic self is crucial, not just in the workplace but in all aspects of life. Let us know your thoughts on this conversation and if you’d like to hear more of these candid chats in the future. Key Takeaways in this Episode: * Embrace Self-Acceptance to Thrive in All Areas of LifeLearning to fully accept yourself—including your flaws, identity, and experiences—allows you to show up authentically, whether in relationships or at work. The journey toward self-acceptance frees you from societal expectations and helps you make decisions that align with who you truly are. * Build Relationships on Honesty and UnderstandingWhether in personal or professional spaces, open communication and honesty create stronger connections. The discussion between Black women and Black gay men in this episode highlights the importance of fostering empathy and understanding in all relationships to prevent misunderstandings and build supportive networks. * Challenge Societal Norms that Limit Your GrowthBreak free from outdated societal expectations that might be holding you back. As discussed, societal pressures around identity, success, and even relationships can limit your growth. Challenge these norms by creating your own path, both personally and professionally. Check out the Healing Race Podcast where Andre and Todd have honest conversations about race and fight to find the best in humanity. Mentioned in this episode: Coming Out as Black and Gay in America 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. a href="https://joinjuno.com/p/trillmba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener...

    31 min
  8. Career Breaks to Recharge and Rebuild Your Professional Life

    SEP 1

    Career Breaks to Recharge and Rebuild Your Professional Life

    S8: E10 Career Breaks to Recharge and Rebuild Your Professional Life In this episode, Felicia sits down with Katrina McGhee, a renowned career break and sabbatical coach, and the author of “Taking a Career Break for Dummies.” Together they explore the importance of taking a career break for professionals who feel burned out, uncertain about their next steps, or simply in need of a reset.Katrina shares her expertise on how to approach this crucial moment with confidence and clarity, offering practical advice on planning and maximizing your time away. Their discussion covers strategies for not only making the most of your break but also for rebuilding your career with renewed energy and purpose. Whether you’re considering a sabbatical or just need some time to recharge, this episode will equip you with the tools to return to the workforce ready to thrive. Key Takeaways in this Episode: * Listen to Your Needs: Pay attention to the signs of burnout and understand when it’s time to take a break. Prioritizing your well-being now can lead to greater success and fulfillment in the long run. * Plan Your Career Break: Take proactive steps to prepare for your break. This includes setting up financial safeguards and figuring out the best way to communicate your decision with your employer. * Rebuild with Purpose: When you’re ready to return to work, focus on re-entering the workforce with renewed energy and a clear vision for where you want your career to go next. Use your break as a springboard for your next big move. * Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a coach like Katrina McGhee, who can help you navigate your career break and return with clarity and confidence. Coaching provides the support and strategies you need to make the most of this pivotal time in your career. Thinking About A Career Break? Grab Katrina’s book Taking A Career Break For Dummies Connect with Katrina McGhee: Click for Katrina’s Website or Katrina’s LinkedIn 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.  Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here »

    48 min
4.9
out of 5
328 Ratings

About

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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