Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Need a Break? Here’s Exactly How to Take FMLA

In this episode, Felicia lays out your ultimate cheat code for strategically leveraging your rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Short-Term Disability (STD) to confidently take the break you deserve—without putting your job, your coins, or your peace of mind at risk. You’ll get the full breakdown on exactly how to pair these two powerful protections to keep your paycheck flowing and your position secure.

With a mix of real talk, humor, and no-nonsense advice, you’ll learn insider strategies on handling those tricky conversations with your manager, mastering the paperwork game, and timing your leave to steer clear of workplace drama and corporate shenanigans. You’ll get the scoop on common pitfalls professionals encounter when taking leave—and the practical steps to avoid them.

But this episode isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your mental and emotional wellness. You’ll be empowered to fully disconnect without guilt, reclaim your time, and return stronger, healthier, and ready to thrive at work.

Whether you’re planning leave for family care, personal health, or just stepping away from the daily grind to avoid burnout, this episode has everything you need. Tune in now, because taking leave should never stress you out—it should set you up for success.

Learn how aligning your FMLA leave with your company’s 18-month restructure cycles can help you avoid layoffs and protect your role while you’re out.

Don’t tell your manager you’re going out before the paperwork is in. That early convo can weaken your position and delay protection. Handle HR first, always.

FMLA secures your job; short-term disability provides income. This episode breaks down how to file for both so you’re protected and paid while on leave.

You don’t owe anyone personal details. Say this: “I’m out on doctor’s orders. You’ll get more info from HR.” That’s it. Keep it short, clear, and strategic.

If you’re burned out or overwhelmed, FMLA applies. This is your permission to log off, rest unapologetically, and not touch a single work email while you’re out.

Resources & Next Steps:

Career Fast-Track System – Felicia’s training session to help you create your promotion plan using the P.I.E. model

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 [email protected].

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!

In this highly anticipated conclusion to our powerful two-part replay, Raslyn C. Wooten continues her incredible journey of surviving and thriving despite facing repeated workplace sabotage at Target. If you thought Part 1 was intense, buckle up—Raslyn’s story only gets more compelling as she details exactly how she navigated the politics, bias, and systemic gaslighting that tried to derail her career.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who’s ever had their excellence questioned, their confidence shaken, or their potential undermined by toxic workplace tactics. Raslyn doesn’t just survive; she flips the script, reclaiming her power and using each challenge as a stepping stone toward greater clarity, strength, and strategic career advancement.

As Raslyn unpacks the dynamics of her situation, we also gain deeper insight into the harmful culture hidden behind the glossy exterior of corporate “diversity” initiatives. With Target’s recent dismantling of their $2 billion REACH initiative and the backlash they’re facing, Raslyn’s experiences highlight the critical lesson: performative allyship isn’t just inadequate—it’s damaging.

Join us as we close this replay with strategies you can use right now to protect your career, sanity, and dignity in environments that don’t value your worth.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Keep Your Receipts – When narratives get twisted, documented evidence is your greatest ally.

Focus on Your Endgame – Don’t get stuck in battles that don’t serve your long-term goals. Keep your strategy tight and your exit clear.

Lean Into Trusted Allies – Identify those who truly have your back, inside and outside your organization, and strategically leverage their support.

Use Their Bias as Your Blueprint – Understand the game being played and flip it to your advantage by staying steps ahead.

Protect Your Energy – Your peace and mental health are non-negotiable. Know when the cost of staying outweighs the benefits.

Resources & Next Steps:

Career Fast-Track System – Felicia’s training session to help you create your promotion plan using the P.I.E. model

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 [email protected].

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!

In this powerful replay episode, Felicia brings back one of the most jaw-dropping career survival stories we’ve ever shared. Raslyn C. Wooten takes us through her incredible journey of surviving not one, not two, but three PIPs (Performance Improvement Plans) at Target. Yes, you read that right.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has ever been gaslit at work, set up to fail, or made to feel “less than” despite their excellence. Raslyn’s story is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and holding onto your power when your workplace tries to take it from you.

What makes this replay even more timely is the broader context unfolding right now: Target’s long-standing issues with performative DEI have finally been dragged into the spotlight. In 2025, Target dismantled its $2 billion REACH initiative and rebranded its Supplier Diversity program, facing nationwide backlash, investor lawsuits, and boycotts. But for those inside, like Raslyn, these systemic problems — racism, bias, and corporate gaslighting — have been simmering for years. The political climate attacking DEI efforts has only emboldened companies to roll back progress, exposing the fragility of “corporate allyship” when it’s not rooted in real change.

Whether you’re currently navigating a toxic work situation or just want to armor up for your career journey, this replay will remind you: you are not crazy, you are not alone, and you can win — even when the odds are stacked against you.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Document Everything – Every shady email, every “coaching” conversation, every goalpost move. Your receipts are your shield and sword.

Stay Centered in Truth – Don’t let the gaslighting make you doubt yourself. Trust what you know is real, even when they try to spin it.

Survival Requires Strategy – Sometimes winning at work means choosing your battles wisely and playing the long game with your exit strategy.

Leverage Your Network – Allies inside and outside the company can help you navigate and make power moves behind the scenes.

‍ Know When It’s Time to Go – Staying in a toxic environment too long can break you. Protect your peace, your power, and your future.

Resources & Next Steps:

Career Fast-Track System – Felicia’s training session to help you create your promotion plan using the P.I.E. model

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 [email protected].

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!

In this episode of The Trill MBA Show, Felicia is joined by marketing executive and leadership strategist Breana Jones to break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in the workplace: power.

Let’s be honest—corporate America wasn’t designed with Black women in mind. So how do we navigate it, win in it, and still protect our peace? It starts with understanding that power isn’t evil—it’s a tool. And knowing how to use it without burning out or getting fired? That’s the real flex.

Breana and Felicia get into what it means to break the rules strategically, how to stop performing for a system that doesn’t reward merit, and why playing nice isn’t the move if you want visibility, influence, and long-term security. They talk personal branding (not cosplay), networking with intention, and creating a power plan tailored to your strengths, your values, and your real-life constraints.

This episode is equal parts strategy session and soul check, with Breana dropping gems on how to lead with purpose, protect your peace, and still get your coin.

Power Is a Tool, Not a Personality – Stop equating power with ego or evil. Use it as a strategic asset to create security, freedom, and options in your career.

Do Less, Win More – Working harder isn’t the answer. Visibility, alignment, and relationships matter more than overdelivering behind the scenes.

Personal Brand ≠ Corporate Cosplay – Building your “brand” isn’t about changing your wardrobe or mimicking the execs. It’s about owning your story and controlling your narrative.

Break the Rules… Strategically – You can’t play this game like everyone else. Figure out how to bend the rules in a way that works for you—as a Black woman, as a leader, as a whole human.

No Power = No Stability – You can be the most competent employee in the room and still get laid off. This episode will help you flip the script.

Breana Jones is a seasoned marketing executive and leadership strategist with 20+ years of experience bridging brand and performance across Fortune 500s, start-ups, and mission-driven organizations. Known for her clarity, candor, and commitment to building high-performing teams, Breana helps leaders turn insight into impact.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Breana Jones

Books: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please support the show by using the links below.

Access the Seven Rules of Power Free Worksheets
Career Fast-Track System – Felicia’s training session to help you create your promotion plan using the P.I.E. model
The Underachieving Overachiever – Breana’s upcoming book project and newsletter (coming soon)

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.)

Access Free Resources – Get the worksheets and guides based on episodes of the show to help you create your strategic career plan. Click here.

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 [email protected].

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!

In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia wraps up the 7 Rules of Power series with Rule #7 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Once You Gain Power, Whatever You Did to Get It Will Be Forgotten, Forgiven, or Both.

Getting power is one thing—but keeping it? That’s where the real career management begins. In this power-packed finale, Felicia breaks down what it takes to sustain success, defend your position, and show up with unshakable leadership and influence.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to constantly prove yourself—or worried about what happens after you finally level up—this episode gives you the real game. Because once you have power, you become a target. Felicia arms you with the strategies to stay grounded, strategic, and protected.

This episode is especially important for Black women navigating workplace politics, juggling professional growth, and trying to hold their position without burning out. You’ve worked too hard to lose your footing—now it’s time to build your empire, not just your résumé.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Success Alone Doesn’t Keep You Safe – The moment you rise, someone’s plotting your fall. You have to consistently show value, deliver results, and build a strong personal brand like your career depends on it—because it does.

Your Narrative Is Your Armor – You can’t control people, but you can control the story they hear. Be proactive about your reputation. It’s not about being liked—it’s about being respected and remembered.

Build Your Power Posse – Your networking game keeps you in power. Identify your personal board of directors and power crew who will challenge, support, and uplift you through every season of your career.

Reevaluate and Reinvest – Sustaining success means regular self-audits. Set quarterly check-ins to refine your career strategy, grow your network, and keep your edge in this game.

Your Challenge This Week: Create your long-term plan for power. List your next 3 power moves, identify 3 trusted allies to join your personal board, and reflect on how your career management approach is helping you maintain—not just gain—power.

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 keep your power without hesitation. 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 [email protected].

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!

Use Your Power or Lose It: The Career Move That Separates Leaders From Everyone Else

In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia breaks down Rule #6 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Use Your Power.

Let’s be honest—many of us have been taught that power is dangerous or reserved for “those people at the top.” But Felicia is here to shift your mindset. You’ve worked hard, built influence, and learned how to play the game… now it’s time to make power moves.

Power isn’t something you hoard—it’s something you use. And if you don’t use it? You lose it.

Felicia shares why hesitation is your biggest enemy, how to act quickly and strategically, and what real-world leaders (from Lyndon B. Johnson to Rekaya Adams) can teach us about stepping into power. If you’ve ever been told to “wait your turn,” this episode will remind you that your turn is now.

Power Unused Is Power Lost – If you’re waiting for the perfect time to use your influence, you’re already falling behind. Don’t play small.

Act Fast and Decisively – New leaders have a window of time to move before resistance builds. Use that “honeymoon” period to your advantage.

Restructure Your Environment – Align yourself with people who support your vision. Build allies and move strategically.

Signal Strength and Take Action – Power is about perception. Show up boldly and unapologetically—even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Your Challenge This Week: Identify one area in your work life where you’ve been playing small—and make one bold move to shift that dynamic. Whether it’s speaking up, negotiating, or stepping into leadership, use your power.

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 use your power without hesitation. 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 [email protected].

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!

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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!

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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!

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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!

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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!