Trill MBA Show

Desk Politics EXPLAINED: Why Your Seat at Work Matters

S9:18
In this client chronicles episode, Felicia unpacks a corporate case study that’s all too familiar: a smart, hardworking Black woman lands the job she thought would launch her career — only to discover she’s been strategically sidelined.
This episode is a masterclass in spotting quiet career sabotage, especially for high-achieving Black women navigating overwhelmingly white spaces.

How to Survive a Toxic Boss: Tara’s Story of Strategic Career Moves

S9 Ep 16
In this throwback episode, Felicia shares the true story of Tara — an ambitious Black woman navigating a toxic boss, an insecure manager, and a messy workplace power structure. Through sharp strategy and smart relationship-building, Tara not only survives her bad manager but makes bold career moves that protect her peace and position her for long-term success.

This Ain’t It: Reclaiming Identity After Workplace Burnout with Lisa Hurley Pt. 1

S9 Ep 14

This Ain’t It: Reclaiming Identity After Workplace Burnout with Lisa Hurley Pt. 1

Have you ever looked around at your job, your life, and thought, “This ain’t it”?

In this deeply personal and energizing conversation, Felicia sits down with author, activist, and Reiki Master Lisa Hurley to talk about her new book, Space to Exhale — a guide to healing from the inside out after the grind of corporate life has worn you down.

Lisa shares her own journey of identity loss, job trauma, and spiritual exhaustion — and how she found her way back to joy, softness, and sovereignty. From navigating layoffs and toxic managers to redefining self-worth outside of titles and roles, this episode is a must-listen for every Black woman trying to hold it together in systems designed to tear us down.

If you’re tired of holding your breath at work, wondering how you even got here, this conversation is your reminder to pause, breathe, and begin again — on your own terms.

In this episode, we unpack:

  • Why your job title is not your identity
  • How burnout disconnects you from your purpose
  • The pressure to “make your parents proud” — and at what cost
  • The emotional toll of constantly code-switching
  • What it means to love yourself through the unraveling
  • How to reclaim your voice, body, and energy after surviving toxic workplaces

Plus: Felicia shares how corporate gaslighting and PIPs shaped her own journey, and why she stopped smiling through the pain. And Lisa? Let’s just say she’s got a fairy wand, a tutu, and some radical truth to sprinkle on your spirit.

This is part one of a two-part series with Lisa Hurley. Make sure to catch Part 2 dropping next week.

Resources & Next Steps:

Click Here to Order Space to Exhale

Want a free copy of Lisa Hurley’s powerful new book, Space to Exhale?

🎁 We’re giving away 5 copies — but to enter, you’ll need to listen to Part 2 of this conversation (dropping June 22, 2025) for the full instructions and giveaway question. 📬 Hint: You’ll be asked to reflect on how you’re making space to breathe in your own life. First 5 thoughtful responses win. Deadline to enter is Sunday, June 29, 2025.

💼 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 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! 🎙️✨

How to Network Relentlessly (Without Feeling Fake)

S9: E5
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.

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

S9: E2
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.

Holiday Rewind: Tips From An MBA Rock Star

Holiday Rewind S3:Ep 50

Regardless if you have listened to S3: Episode 39 or not, you gotta check out all the nuggets my mentee dropped in this episode.  As 2019 is coming to an end, take time out to listen and take notes as you prep for an awesome 2020!  

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