Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we delve into the cost of loyalty and the power of letting go with award-winning pharma sales executive Karen Madison. She opens up about the emotional toll of being unseen at work, the illusion of loyalty in corporate spaces, and how she found freedom by choosing herself even when the system didn’t.

Karen is a decorated sales leader with accolades like the World Champion Award (top 1% in her field), Circle of Excellence, and Market Access Preceptor Award. Beyond this, she champions representation through programs like Maryland Made and BACES. Karen is redefining what leadership looks like for women of color in high-stakes industries.

Key Discussion Points:

01:59 The Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is not limited to the beginning phases of your career; it is vital throughout your entire career, especially as an “only.”

07:21 Breaking Into Sales as a Woman of Color: There are real barriers in pharma sales for women of color, and the industry’s bias shows up in subtle yet significant ways.

13:02 Natural Hair Bias: It is not uncommon for people to make assumptions about women of color based on their hair and not their skills or results.

17:57 Surviving Microaggressions at Work: How do you stay emotionally intelligent and professionally firm when repeatedly disrespected for your appearance? 

20:25 The Pressure to Perform as a Woman of Color: As an “only,” there is pressure to outperform just to be seen as competent.

29:16 Knowing When It’s Time to Walk Away: If the microaggressions in your environment are not tolerable, you can show your resistance by walking away.

35:58 The Myth of Corporate Family: Loyal employees are often underpaid, and loyalty won’t protect you from being replaced.

In Summary: Karen shares that you don’t need to prove your worth to people who refuse to see it and that reclaiming your power often means walking away before they push you out.

Resources from this episode:

The Pivot Point by Gregory L Peel

Follow Karen on LinkedIn.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/.

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals. 

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship. 

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Embracing Only on

Ready to make a change?
→ Struggling with your corporate career but have big goals? 
Reach out to Olivia on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.
→ Ready to leave corporate or start a side venture? Archita can guide your next steps.
Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.