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S9 Ep 9
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 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! 🎙️✨
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I’m Scared of Success: One Black Woman’s Journey From the Bottom of the Film Industry with Vonti McRae
S3:Ep 17
In this episode, writer Vonti McRae shares how her career journey in the film industry prompted her to share her truth.
In March of 2019, published by the WomensENews website, Vonti authored an article originally titled I’m Scared Shitless of Success now titled I’m Scared of Success. Vonti’s article described the Trillest emotions held by black women in corporate America….. fear, courage, self-doubt, confidence, not belonging, resiliency and open the world to a real look at the multifaceted world of the black woman corporate warrior. Like Vonti, many of us come from very humble beginnings and we continue to work hard to achieve the highest levels of success.When I read this article, I immediately emailed Vonti and asked her to be a guest on the show…. because I have questions.
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A FARE Update: Change and Growth
S6: Ep 31
In this episode, Felicia gets candid about the pains of change and growth. -
Mastering Career Transitions & Thriving in Tech with Leshawnda Larkin
S8: Ep 9
In this episode, Felicia is joined by Leshawnda Larkin, a seasoned marketing executive who shares her journey transitioning from CPG to tech. They discuss the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the potential future advancements in technology. Leshawnda emphasizes the significance of self-confidence, continuous learning, and the value of leaning on your support system in navigating the challenges of corporate world.
