You are not stuck.

You’re unpositioned.

If you’ve been working hard, exceeding expectations, and still watching other people get promoted, this episode is for you.

In the Season 3 premiere of It’s Time to SOAR: From Unstuck to Undeniable, Coach Katina breaks down the uncomfortable truth most high performers are never taught:

Talent gets you in the room — but positioning determines what happens next.

Most workplaces do not reward effort alone. They reward visibility, perception, advocacy, and strategic presence. And when you don’t understand that shift, you can unknowingly position yourself as essential… but invisible.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why high performers often become overlooked

According to Gallup’s Global Workplace Report, only 21% of employees worldwide are engaged. That means the majority are producing — but not positioned for influence.

If you’ve ever asked:

This episode will give you language — and strategy.

Reflect on this:

If this resonates, share it with a colleague and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

It’s time to reposition your voice, your value, and your leadership presence.

Hey you… it’s time to soar.

Hey you. I was thinking about you. And you know what I was thinking? It might be time to admit the biggest thing in your way… is you. In this episode of It’s Time to SOAR: Getting Unstuck with Coach Katina, I’m joined by Dr. Charity Hughes, Senior Vice President of Talent Management at Sellers Dorsey and a seasoned executive coach, to unpack how high-achieving leaders get stuck — not because of their teams, their boss, or “the culture” — but because of blind spots they refuse to see. We talk about perfectionism, control, micromanagement, resistance to feedback, and the obsession with being right – and how all of that quietly kills innovation, silences your team, and keeps you small. Dr. Hughes shares powerful stories from the workplace and from her own life, and we walk through what it really looks like to: Face your blind spots Name your triggers Have courageous conversations And finally move from stuck to soaring in your leadership and your life. If you’ve ever heard feedback you didn’t like, shut down after a painful experience, or caught yourself saying, “That’s just how I am,” this conversation is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why self-awareness is the #1 success factor for effective leaders How perfectionism quietly turns into control, microaggressions, and missed opportunities The difference between being right and being effective — and why your career depends on it How unhealed childhood and workplace experiences show up today as triggers and bad habits Practical questions to ask people close to you so you can uncover your blind spots What a courageous conversation with a non–self-aware leader can sound like How to rewrite your self-talk so you stop shrinking and start showing up Why accountability, coaching, and honest feedback are non-negotiable if you’re serious about growth

About Our Guest – Dr. Charity Hughes Dr. Charity Hughes is the Senior Vice President of Talent Management at Sellers Dorsey, one of the nation’s leading healthcare consulting firms, partnering with states, providers, and health plans to strengthen the safety net and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. She’s been instrumental in building a best-in-class HR function that truly enables the business. Previously, she served as Chief Talent Officer for Mastery Charter Schools, a nonprofit network of 24 public schools serving 14,500 students in Philadelphia and Camden. On top of her executive role, Dr. Hughes is a professional certified coach, DEI practitioner, and HR consultant who helps organizations and leaders elevate their leadership capability, deepen self-awareness, and create cultures where people can thrive.

Episode Journey:

06:00 – “Stuck on being right”: Katina’s Penn State story and the need to defend your opinion

09:30 – The game-changing question: Is it more important to be right or to be effective?

13:00 – Triggers and childhood wounds: the story of the line, Jim Crow South, and unseen trauma

18:30 – “This is just how I am” vs. a behavior you learned, practiced, and can unlearn

21:00 – What to do when your leader is in their own way: curiosity & courageous conversations

26:00 – Imposter syndrome, shrinking at work, and the danger of negative self-talk 29:00 – Why healing is an inside job, even when the hurt was external

31:00 – Affirmations, prayer, and daily habits that shape how you show up

33:00 – Accountability, how people actually experience you, and owning your starting point

35:00 – Final encouragement: get honest, get support, and get unstuck so you can soar

04:30 – How perfectionism turns into procrastination, missed deadlines, and a silenced team

Ready to Get From Stuck to Soaring?

If today’s episode pulled on something in you — a blind spot, a pattern, a trigger you’re finally ready to face — you don’t have to do this work alone.

👉 If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start showing up, let’s talk.

Use the link to connect with Coach Katina, and see if you’re a fit for the SOAR Coaching Program. https://scheduler.zoom.us/katina_robertson/strategy-call

And don’t forget to: Follow & subscribe so you never miss an episode Share this with a leader who needs a loving nudge to get out of their own way Leave a rating and review so more people can find It’s Time to SOAR #It’stimeforyoutogetunstuck. #It’s time for you to SOAR. 🕊️

Are you doing everything right at work… but still not being seen?

Patrick shares his powerful journey from frustration and stalled promotions to becoming an Executive Director leading 300+ people — without forcing, pushing, or demanding the title. His insights on sponsors, emotional regulation, patience, and playing the long game will change the way you approach your own career path.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or stuck at a ceiling you know you’re capable of breaking, this conversation will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy to lead yourself to your next level.

You don’t have to navigate visibility, promotion readiness, or leadership confidence alone.

If you’re a high-achieving professional who wants:

I’d love to support you.

👉 Schedule your call with me at:

Let’s talk about what’s keeping you stuck — and build the plan to help you SOAR.

It’s time for you to rise with intention… and soar with strategy.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome & Why Quiet Ambition Matters

01:25 – Meet Patrick Kamba, Author of Quiet Ambition

03:15 – “I checked every box… so why wasn’t I promoted?”

04:58 – Making waves vs. making progress

06:42 – Why advocates and sponsors matter

08:10 – The missing “rule book” of corporate promotions

10:25 – The frustration gap: when readiness ≠ promotion

12:30 – “Act as if you’re already promoted” (game-changing mindset)

14:40 – How emotional regulation affects your promotion

16:50 – When promotions happen “behind your back”

19:05 – The unexpected promotion story

21:00 – Why humility + relationships beat competition

23:15 – Quiet Ambition vs. entitlement

25:22 – How jealousy shows up at work — and how to protect your peace

27:10 – Why you need multiple mentors and advisors

29:00 – Surrounding yourself with the right people

31:00 – Final SOAR message & closeout

Hey you — I was thinking about you. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard, carrying the weight, doing everything right… and yet somehow still being overlooked — this episode is going to shift something in you. This is The Visibility Trap — the mindset and cycle that keeps high-performing women stuck, unseen, under-recognized, and exhausted. In this 27-minute episode, I break down the truth nobody tells you: Hard work is NOT a visibility strategy. And being the “go-to person” is not what gets you promoted.

Together we’re going to uncover:

✨ Why people with less experience jump ahead of you

✨ Why visibility matters just as much as value

✨ The mindset traps that dim your presence

✨ How perfectionism keeps you invisible

✨ What your work can’t do for you — but your voice can

✨ How to stop shrinking and start standing in your impact And I walk you through how the SOAR Framework (Self-Reflection, Overcoming Obstacles, Action Planning, Resilience) helps you break this cycle once and for all. If you’re tired of being the “best-kept secret,” it’s time to fix that. Let’s get visible. Let’s get valued. Let’s SOAR.

🕒 EPISODE BREAKDOWN

00:00 – Welcome + Why we need to talk about visibility

01:28 – The moment I learned performance ≠ promotion

03:40 – Visibility vs value: understanding the difference

05:55 – Why “working hard” doesn’t move your career forward

07:42 – The emotional cost of being overlooked

09:10 – The stories you tell yourself that keep you invisible

10:55 – SOAR Framework: S — Self-Reflection

13:02 – SOAR Framework: O — Overcoming Obstacles (fear + perfectionism)

15:25 – SOAR Framework: A — Action Planning (visibility moves that work)

18:10 – How to communicate your value without feeling like you’re bragging

20:42 – The “pick your brain” trap + protecting your intellectual property

22:08 – SOAR Framework: R — Resilience (how to keep going when you feel unseen)

24:18 – One small action that starts changing everything

26:00 – Final encouragement + your next step If this episode hit home, don’t stay stuck.

📩 Book a Clarity Call — let’s get you visible and valued. https://scheduler.zoom.us/katina_robertson/strategy-call

▶️ Subscribe so you never miss a new SOAR episode.

💛 Share this with someone who works hard but keeps getting overlooked.

Play Nice or Play Smart? How Women Can Navigate Office Politics & Power Dynamics with Karen Ashton Sterling

Struggling with office politics, feeling overlooked in meetings, or dealing with workplace power dynamics that seem unfair? This episode gives women—especially black women navigating corporate culture—the practical strategies to get seen, heard, valued, and promoted. If you’ve ever said: “I know I’m good… why don’t they see it?” This is your episode. 

🔎 What This Episode Will Help You With • How to navigate office politics without losing yourself • How women can increase visibility and influence at work • How to get heard in meetings • How to handle unconscious bias with emotional intelligence • How to identify hidden power dynamics • How to position yourself for promotions and leadership roles • Career strategies for women in corporate America • How to stop shrinking and show up with confidence 

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Welcome & Why Office Politics Matter

01:42 – Karen’s Journey: Healthcare to Pharma Leadership

04:10 – Understanding Power Dynamics in the Workplace

06:58 – When Communication Styles Clash

09:15 – Learning to “Play Nice” and “Play Smart”

11:43 – When Miscommunication Lands You in HR

13:20 – Reading the Room & Spotting Key Influencers

15:48 – When Someone Repeats Your Idea and Gets Credit

18:07 – How to Get Heard Without Being Labeled “Aggressive”

20:52 – Managing Unconscious Bias in Real Time

23:11 – Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Reactivity

25:46 – Strategic Visibility: Getting the Right Eyes on Your Work

28:04 – How Women Can Navigate Corporate Politics

30:19 – Mentorship, Sponsors & Your Career Roadmap

35:12 – What to Do When You’re Ready to Quit

39:24 – Karen’s Final Message: “You Are More Than Enough.”

🧠 High-Value Insights

•How to balance authenticity with workplace strategy

• How to spot office politics before they hit you

• How to manage being talked over or dismissed

• How to step into rooms with confidence

• The smart way to handle workplace conflict

• How to get your ideas recognized—without confrontation

• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership

• Why shrinking back keeps you invisible

• How to navigate bias and still thrive

✨ Power Quotes “Communication is a two-way street. You’re responsible for what you say and for how it lands.” – Coach Katina

“You don’t have to be loud to be heard — but you must be willing to speak.” – Karen Ashton Sterling

“Sometimes the room is political, but you can still be powerful.” – Coach Katina “Don’t shrink. Don’t doubt. You are more than enough.” – Karen Ashton Sterling

If This Episode Speaks to You… Tap LIKE so more women in leadership can find powerful conversations like this. Hit SUBSCRIBE to grow with a community of women who are ready to soar.

✈️ Work With Coach Katina Leadership coaching for women who are ready for visibility, confidence, and promotion:

👉🏾 https://katinachristmasrobertson.com/ 

🎯 Ready to grow your influence, navigate politics with confidence, and soar in your career? Hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications for weekly empowerment.

Join Coach Katina and special guest Apostle Kevin Mullens for a soul-stirring, mindset-shifting conversation about purpose, procrastination, and the price of playing small when you’re called to soar. This episode speaks directly to the leader in hiding — the gifted, the called, the capable — who’s been delaying obedience, avoiding risk, and living beneath their potential. Whether you’re in ministry, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or just wrestling with your “what’s next,” this conversation will challenge you to stop sitting on what God gave you and start moving toward your divine assignment.

💥 Breakthrough Moments in This Episode:

00:00 – Why You Feel Spiritually Stuck

02:42 – The Cost of Playing Small

05:10 – False Humility vs. Obedience

07:25 – The Call That Won’t Let You Sleep

11:47 – Kevin’s Own Jonah Moment

15:03 – The People Waiting on Your YES

18:21 – What Happens When You Outgrow Your Circle

20:55 – How God Uses Discomfort to Move You

24:30 – Embracing the Season You’re In 28:17 – Courage to Launch Before You Feel Ready

31:01 – Breaking Agreement with Fear

33:14 – Redefining Success in Ministry & Marketplace

37:42 – The Consequences of Delay

40:19 – Why Obedience is the Key to Impact

🔑 Soul-Shifting Takeaways: How false humility keeps us disobedient The danger of “self-sabotage wrapped in spiritual language” Why your influence expands when you stop shrinking The power of launching before you feel 100% ready How to recognize when your delay is actually disobedience What happens when your faith finally matches your call

🔥 Must-Save Quotes:

“There are some places you’ll never go until you obey.” – Apostle Kevin Mullens “Delayed obedience is still disobedience.” – Apostle Kevin Mullens

“You wouldn’t feel the tension if you weren’t made for more.” – Coach Katina “Playing small doesn’t honor God. He gifted you to GO.” – Coach Katina

👤 Guest Spotlight: Apostle Kevin Mullens is a speaker, pastor, entrepreneur, and empowerment strategist who helps people move from success to significance. Known for his prophetic insight and unapologetic obedience, he equips high-capacity leaders to stop hiding and walk boldly in their divine calling. Kevin is the author of several books, including As It Is In Heaven, and served as executive producer of the film Canal Street. His mission is to help others activate their purpose, build legacy income, and live fully aligned with God’s plan for their lives. Connect with Kevin https://kevinmullens.com/

✨ Work With Coach Katina: https://www.katinachristmasrobertson.com/ Want support to break free and soar in your leadership, calling, or career?

🎯 Book a Clarity Call or Explore Coaching Programs https://scheduler.zoom.us/katina_robertson/alignment_session

 It’s your time. It’s time to SOAR.

Join Coach Katina Christmas Robertson and career strategist Tricia Simone for game-changing insights on breaking free from career stagnation and making powerful professional transitions. Perfect for professionals feeling stuck, behind schedule, or ready for their next big move!

00:00 - Welcome & Understanding Career Transition 

02:20 - The Truth About Career Timeline Myths 

04:45 - Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Deadlines 

07:05 - The Growth Mindset Shift 

09:29 - Identifying Career Blockers 

11:55 - The Power of Owning Your Data 

14:10 - Doers vs. Achievers: The Critical Difference 

16:32 - Personal Branding Success Story 

18:48 - Standing Out in Corporate America 

21:11 - Signs You're Hitting the Career Wall 

23:26 - Making Moves While Employed 

25:55 - Building Your Professional Portfolio 

28:17 - Overcoming Self-Promotion Barriers 

30:41 - Defeating Imposter Syndrome 

33:05 - Creating Your Unique Value Proposition 

35:33 - Quantifying Your Career Impact

"Don't just be a doer - be an achiever. People usually provide what they've done, but not the outcomes of what they've done." "When preparation meets opportunity, that's when the dancing begins." "You're not late - everyone has their own path."

https://www.launchyourinfluence.com/

https://katinachristmasrobertson.com/ola/services/discovery-call

🎯 READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE? Hit SUBSCRIBE and the notification bell for weekly career strategy tips!

SPECIAL OFFER: Book a 30-minute career audit with Tricia - use code "SOAR" for exclusive access

Join Coach Katina Christmas Robertson and style strategist Kellye Adams for game-changing insights on overcoming workplace barriers and showing up authentically in your career. Perfect for professionals feeling stuck, struggling with office politics, or ready to level up their executive presence!

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 

01:51 - Understanding the "Bobblehead Syndrome" in Leadership 

04:18 - Navigating Workplace Politics Without Losing Integrity 

06:41 - The Global Perspective vs Individual View 

09:06 - Finding Your Voice Without Being Oppositional 

11:35 - Setting Professional Boundaries 

13:50 - The Truth About "Looking the Part" 

16:13 - Rethinking Work-Life Balance 

18:32 - Packaging Your Ideas for Impact 

20:24 - Choosing Your Battles Wisely 

22:45 - Understanding Different Leadership Levels 

24:58 - Managing Personal Challenges 

27:21 - Cross-Generational Communication 

29:49 - The Importance of Global Thinking 

32:11 - Problem-Solving vs Problem-Spotting 

34:18 - Personal Style as Professional Strategy 

36:42 - Self-Reflection and Growth

"Don't just bring problems - bring solutions. Otherwise, you'll be labeled a problem picker." "Looking professional isn't about conforming - it's about packaging your brilliance effectively." "Sometimes it's not about agreeing or disagreeing - it's about understanding the global perspective."

https://katinachristmasrobertson.com/ola/services/discovery-call

🎯 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER? Hit SUBSCRIBE and the notification bell for weekly professional development insights!

CONNECT WITH KELLY: Website: www.jkellydesigns.com