In this powerful episode, I sit down with Michele Forbes, VP of Talent Acquisition, to discuss the devastating physical impact toxic workplaces have on Black women's bodies. From chest pains and migraines to panic attacks and depression, we share our raw experiences of how workplace racism and microaggressions literally make us sick.Michele opens up about a soul-crushing performance review where her manager told her there was "nothing" she did right, the gaslighting that followed, and how it affected her confidence for years. We dive deep into the "broken rung theory" - why Black women struggle most with getting that first promotion - and discuss what happens when DEI disappears and we're left to advocate for ourselves.Key Topics Discussed:💔 Physical symptoms of workplace stress (chest pains, migraines, panic attacks)🪜 The "broken rung theory" and promotion challenges for Black women🌀 Gaslighting and confidence erosion in toxic work environments🗣️ Why advocating for yourself often backfires🎭 The false security of DEI and what happens when it's gone🧠 Finding therapy and healing from workplace trauma🔄 When to pivot, leave, or create your own path📚 Book recommendations for professional growthMichele's Career Journey: Intern → AAE → AE → HR Assistant → HR Generalist → Recruiter → Senior Recruiter → Manager → Director → VPThis isn't just about workplace politics - it's about survival, health, and reclaiming our power. If you've ever felt your body responding to workplace stress, this episode is for you.📚 RESOURCES MENTIONEDBooks: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, "The Four Agreements" by Miguel RuizConnect with Michele Forbes on LinkedIn🎯 COFFEE NO CREAM MISSIONSharing the real experiences of Black women in business to help us cope, heal, and thrive. You're not alone in this journey.Like❤️, Subscribe & Share if this resonated with you. Help another Black woman feel less alone by sharing this episode.Facebook Community InstagramTikTok📺 CHAPTERS(00:00) - Cold Open: "She looked at me and said NO"(02:09) - Welcome & Introduction to Coffee No Cream(07:19) - Meet Michelle Forbes: From Advertising to VP(08:34) - Coffee No Cream Moment: The Devastating Performance Review(12:25) - Recognizing Racial Bias in Workplace Treatment(14:34) - The Broken Rung Theory: Why First Promotions Are Hardest(17:58) - Gaslighting & Confidence Erosion: "You Used to Be So Confident"(21:21) - Physical Symptoms: When Stress Lives in Your Body(26:35) - Working Hard But Never Getting Credit(28:13) - Advocating for Yourself: Mission Impossible?(33:28) - DEI's False Security & The Wild Wild West(35:12) - Social Media as the Only Recourse(37:11) - Health at 50: Learning to Manage Stress & Anxiety(40:12) - The Cycle: Leave, Find New Job, Repeat(42:08) - Therapy & Healing: Finding Your Real Life(46:51) - Bad Relationship Energy: Chasing Companies That Don't Want You(50:41) - Creating Your Own Path vs. Corporate America(52:22) - Advice for Young Black Women Entering the Workforce(58:28) - Connect with Michele & Final Thoughts