Are you exhausted from constantly trying to prove your worth at work? In this deeply personal episode, I share my raw, unfiltered journey from toxic corporate environments to building a successful six-figure business - and the costly mistakes I made along the way.

✅ How to recognize when you're "swimming upstream" in the wrong environment✅ The difference between proving yourself vs. building for yourself✅ Why I went bankrupt (and how to avoid my mistakes)✅ Practical steps to transition out of toxic work situations✅ How to document your wins and build confidence

Timestamps if you're short on time:

(00:00) The harsh reality: Bankruptcy, foreclosure, and throwing money at problems(04:30) My background: From St. Louis to advertising dreams(08:45) College years: Building the "perfect" resume(12:20) First job reality check: Microaggressions and termination(15:40) Neiman Marcus: When prestige isn't enough(18:30) The big agency: 700 people, one Black woman on professional track(22:15) Toxic dynamics: Sitting in my car crying(26:45) Christmas morning breakdown: Finding Joyce Meyer(30:20) The clothing line: Forcing the wrong business model(35:50) Moving to California: The "proving myself" trap continues(42:10) Success that felt like failure: Vanessa Williams & high-end clients(45:30) Rock bottom: Filing bankruptcy and losing my condo(48:20) The dream that changed everything: I Need A Black Hairstylist(52:40) Building The Rebel Geek: Finally in my lane(58:15) The Toyota vs. Lexus moment: Why I started this podcast(61:30) PRACTICAL ADVICE SECTION: Finding support systems and therapy(63:45) The CYA journal method(65:20) Building your emergency fund(67:10) Documenting achievements(68:50) Creating your Plan A-Z journal

• Stop forcing yourself into spaces that don't fit
• Document everything - both problems AND achievements
• Money in the bank = confidence in negotiations
• Creative outlets reduce anxiety and open opportunities
• Your background connects in ways you can't imagine

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Resource Mentioned:

"Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer

This episode is for you if you're

• feeling stuck in a toxic work environment,
• constantly trying to prove yourself, or
• ready to transition to something that actually fits who you are.

Content Warning: Discussion of workplace discrimination, financial hardship, and toxic work environments.

#BlackWomenInBusiness #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #ToxicWorkplace #CoffeeNoCream #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessOwner

What You'll Learn:📍 CHAPTERS:💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔗 CONNECT WITH ME:📝 MENTIONED RESOURCES: