Welcome to the very first episode of The Climb, a podcast designed to empower women of color in their career journeys. I am Felicia Smith, your host, and I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

In this episode, I introduce myself and share my own career experiences spanning over 17 years. I reflect on the challenges I faced and the lack of guidance and mentorship from women of color executives. This led me to create this podcast as a platform to share insights and strategies for women of color to thrive and excel in their careers.

Throughout the series, we will delve into various topics such as work-life balance, knowing when it's time to move on, and navigating the political landscape of the workforce. We will also feature interviews with accomplished women of color executives to inspire and motivate our listeners.

Join us every Wednesday, starting June 19th, as we empower women of color to climb higher and thrive. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Join The Climb to continue the conversation and get ready to ascend with The Climb podcast.

I am excited to embark on this journey with you, and I hope that together, we can break barriers and reach new heights in our careers. Thank you for tuning in, and let's start climbing!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Climb podcast! I am Felicia Smith, your host and the founder of The Climb, a platform dedicated to empowering women of color in their journey towards leadership roles. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of the pitfalls of solely relying on your work as your ticket to success.

I kick off the episode by sharing my personal motivation behind creating this podcast - the lack of real and relevant conversations about how women of color navigate the workforce successfully. I address the common question of why women of color should aspire to leadership roles and emphasize the importance of their unique perspectives and contributions in executive positions.

We then dive into the main topic of the episode - the danger of thinking your work alone will lead to promotions and managerial positions. Drawing from a case study published in the Harvard Business Review, we explore the story of Sarah, a high-performing employee who kept getting passed over for promotions due to a lack of personal connections with her colleagues.

I introduce the concept of political capital, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, likability, and technical competency in the workplace. I stress the significance of measured connections and authenticity in fostering genuine relationships that can propel one's career forward.

In the segment "Another Rung Mended Inclined," we discuss the broken rung phenomenon hindering women of color from climbing the corporate ladder. By practicing measured connections and showcasing authenticity, individuals can mend these broken rungs and pave the way for career advancement.

I conclude the episode by highlighting the power of connection and the necessity of mastering political capital to achieve leadership positions. I express my passion for addressing these critical issues and tease upcoming episodes that will delve deeper into unspoken rules and strategies for success.

Join me, Felicia Smith, on this enlightening journey as we navigate the complexities of the workplace and empower women of color to ascend to leadership roles. Thank you for tuning in to The Climb podcast - see you next time!

It's Felicia Smith, your host of The Climb Podcast. In this episode, we delved into the taboo topic of knowing when it's time to leave a job or stay put. We explored the signs that indicate you may have overstayed your welcome in a particular role.

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to The Climb Podcast
• 00:02:23 - Somebody Should Have Told Me
• 00:07:20 - Truth Is: Signs You've Stayed Too Long in a Job
• 00:11:08 - Sponsorship Message: The Climb Incorporated
• 00:12:04 - Signs You've Stayed Too Long: Toxic Work Environment
• 00:20:36 - The Broken Rung: Insights for Career Advancement

We kicked off the episode by discussing the discomfort of transitioning from a job you love to progress in your career. I shared personal experiences of leaving assignments I adored because I knew it was time to move on for growth and new opportunities. It's tough to leave a comfortable space, but sometimes it's necessary for personal and professional development.

Moving on, we highlighted key indicators that suggest you may have stayed too long in a job. We discussed the importance of recognizing toxic work environments, feeling underutilized or underappreciated, compromising your values, lacking growth opportunities, and desiring a different experience for personal and professional growth.

In the segment "Truth Is," we emphasized the importance of not following money but rather following your passion, skills, and talents. Trusting your gut instinct and being open to pivoting if needed were also key takeaways to navigate career transitions effectively.

We also touched on the concept of the "broken rung" in the corporate ladder for women of color and provided insights to mend this barrier, encouraging listeners to trust their instincts and pursue opportunities aligned with their values and aspirations.

As we wrapped up the episode, I urged listeners to reflect on their current career situation and assess if they are in an environment where they can thrive. It's essential to trust your intuition and seek opportunities that align with your passion and skills to continue climbing towards your career goals.

Join me next week as we continue exploring unspoken rules and essential insights to propel your career forward. Keep climbing and thriving, sis. See you in the next episode!

In this episode, we feature Dr. Tracy Henry ((17) Dr. Tracy H. | LinkedIn), the Chief Financial Officer at the Congressional Budget Office. Dr. Henry shares her inspiring career journey, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Dr. Henry's career trajectory began with aspirations to be an auditor for the IRS, but her path led her to diverse roles in the federal government and the private sector. Despite facing the challenge of minimal training early in her career, Dr. Henry's natural leadership abilities propelled her to lead teams and excel in various financial roles.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Henry emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining integrity in leadership positions. She highlights the significance of being assertive while distinguishing between assertiveness and aggression, especially as a woman of color in leadership.

One of the key takeaways from Dr. Henry's journey is the advice to never miss an opportunity to be quiet and listen. By emphasizing the value of listening and observing before speaking, Dr. Henry underscores the importance of thoughtful communication and strategic decision-making in leadership roles.

As the episode concludes, Dr. Henry leaves listeners with a powerful message about legacy and the significance of being true to oneself in the pursuit of leadership. Her insights on navigating challenges, maintaining authenticity, and making impactful decisions serve as valuable guidance for women of color aspiring to climb the corporate ladder.

Join us on the CLIMB Podcast as we continue to empower women of color in their leadership journeys. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and empowering conversations. Keep climbing and thriving, sis!

• Introduction to Dr. Tracy Henry: 00:01:29-00:03:04
• Dr. Tracy Henry's Career Journey: 00:04:31-00:06:03
• Transition to Federal Government: 00:06:03-00:08:02
• Becoming the CFO: 00:08:02-00:11:01
• Expectations of Executive Role: 00:11:41-00:12:22
• Readiness for Leadership: 00:12:49-00:14:05
• Impact of Sponsorship: 00:14:47-00:15:46
• Staying Grounded as a Leader: 00:17:42-00:18:49
• Sacrifices and Trade-offs: 00:19:02-00:20:47
• Challenges as a Woman of Color: 00:23:08-00:25:51
• Advice for Younger Self: 00:28:12-00:28:23
• Rung Mending - Be Yourself: 00:29:50-00:30:12
• Rung Mending - Opportunity to Be Quiet: 00:32:27-00:33:50
• Closing Remarks: 00:34:10-00:34:21

00:00:00 - Introduction to the CLIMB podcast

00:02:28 - Somebody should have told me: Tokenism in the workplace

00:07:59 - White women as the anchor of diversity

00:10:05 - Truth Is: Diversity without inclusion

00:15:08 - Advice for navigating a scenario where you are the diversity

00:18:02 - Discussion on belonging in the workplace

00:22:44 - Mending the broken rung for women of color

00:29:24 - Conclusion and how to reach out to Ama, the inclusion lady

Listeners are encouraged to Connect with Ama on Instagram @That_inclusionlady, LinkedIn: (21) Ama ('That Inclusion Lady') Agyapong | LinkedIn , Website: Inclusion Enterprises for more resources on diversity and inclusion.

Welcome to the latest episode of the CLIMB podcast, where we delve into empowering women of color in their pursuit of leadership roles. In this episode, we tackle the complex topic of "Diversity Without Inclusion" with the help of our expert guest, Ama, also known as the Inclusion Lady.

The episode kicks off with a discussion on tokenism in the workplace, where Ama shares her personal experiences of being viewed as a token rather than valued for her true contributions. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by women of color in leadership positions and the importance of recognizing and leveraging one's lived experiences to add value in the workplace.

Moving on to the topic of white women being perceived as the anchor of diversity, Ama sheds light on the privilege and shared culture that often make white women the more comfortable choice for diversity in predominantly white male environments. The discussion highlights the need to address the lack of representation of Black and Latino women in leadership roles to truly foster diversity and inclusion.

The episode continues with a deep dive into the concept of belonging, emphasizing the importance of creating a space where individuals can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment. Ama stresses the need for organizations to embrace diversity beyond surface-level representation and truly value the multifaceted identities of their employees.

In the final segment, Ama shares valuable insights on how women of color can navigate the challenges of the workplace and continue to climb the career ladder. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's superpower, sharing accomplishments confidently, requesting mentorship, and building relationships through relatability.

Listeners are encouraged to Connect with Ama on Instagram @That_inclusionlady, LinkedIn: (21) Ama ('That Inclusion Lady') Agyapong | LinkedIn , Website: Inclusion Enterprises for more resources on diversity and inclusion.

• 00:00:03 - Introduction to The Climb Podcast: Welcome to the CLIMB Podcast, where we are diving into taboo topics and redefining the rules for women of color leaders.
• 00:04:32 - Somebody Should Have Told Me: Breaking down the things we wish we had known in our careers that could have made our journeys a little bit easier.
• 00:07:53 - Truth Is: Discussing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth regarding standing your ground and owning your space verbally.
• 00:11:34 - Sponsorship by The Climb Incorporated: Introducing The Climb Incorporated as the sponsor for the episode.
• 00:12:40 - Professional Read Considerations: Discussing the importance of knowing when to address issues and when to let go in the workplace.
• 00:17:06 - Another Rung Mended and Climbed: Summarizing the episode and providing insights to help women of color continue climbing the corporate ladder.

Hey there, it's Felicia Smith, your host of The Climb Podcast. In this episode, we delved into the topic of "A Professional Read: How to Stand Your Ground and Own Your Space." We explored the challenges that women of color face in the workplace, particularly when dealing with difficult situations and personalities.

We started by acknowledging the importance of having crucial conversations and standing our ground. It's essential to teach others how we want to be treated and what is acceptable in the workplace. By addressing behaviors that exceed our tolerance level, we set boundaries and establish respect for ourselves.

We discussed the nuances of navigating workplace dynamics, recognizing that not every battle is worth fighting. It's crucial to discern when to address an issue and when to let it go, considering the impact on our career growth and emotional intelligence.

Furthermore, we emphasized the significance of conducting a professional read in the workplace. By communicating assertively and professionally, we can address inappropriate behavior or tone without conforming to stereotypes. Taking control of our narrative and setting expectations for how we should be treated is key to fostering a positive work environment.

Throughout the episode, we provided practical insights and strategies for women of color leaders to navigate workplace challenges and empower themselves. By embracing fruitful conflict and advocating for our boundaries, we can assert our presence and thrive in leadership roles.

Join us next week for more empowering discussions on The Climb Podcast. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at jointheclimb for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Keep climbing and thriving, sis. See you in the next episode!

Throughout the episode, Jennifer shares valuable insights and lessons learned from her career journey. She emphasizes the importance of remaining teachable, seeking feedback, and nurturing relationships with others in leadership roles. Jennifer also discusses the challenges faced by women of color in leadership positions, including tokenism and the pressure to fulfill the "Black girl magic" stereotype.

• Introduction to the CLIMB Podcast: 00:00:03-00:00:36
• Introducing Jennifer Hampton: 00:00:36-00:03:06
• Meeting Jenny at Tuskegee University: 00:03:31-00:04:24
• Jennifer's Career Journey: 00:04:52-00:06:54
• Transitioning to Leadership Roles: 00:07:05-00:09:37
• Challenges and Triumphs in Leadership: 00:09:54-00:12:57
• Work-Life Balance Discussion: 00:20:09-00:26:22
• Transition to Consulting Firm: 00:26:33-00:27:56
• Challenges Faced by Women of Color in Leadership: 00:28:47-00:30:53
• Advice to Younger Self on Leadership: 00:32:13-00:33:36
• Mending the Rungs for Leadership Growth: 00:34:04-00:36:49
• Closing Remarks and Contact Information: 00:37:08-00:38:01

00:00:00 - Introduction to The Climb Podcast

00:03:25 - Somebody Should Have Told Me

00:10:43 - Truth

00:20:42 - Another Rung Mended

We started by exploring the concept that as women of color leaders, we represent more than just ourselves. We are symbols of hope, inspiration, and transformation for others. However, we also represent competition and a threat to some individuals who may feel threatened by our presence in certain roles.

I shared a personal story of walking into a new position and facing aggressive behavior from colleagues who saw me as a threat to their authority. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding that the challenges we face are often not personal attacks but reactions to what we represent in the workplace.

In the "Somebody Should Have Told Me" segment, I discussed the various behaviors people may engage in when they see you as a threat, such as spreading rumors, excluding you from important meetings, and undermining your work. It's crucial to recognize these behaviors and not take them personally.

Moving into the "Truth" segment, I emphasized the importance of separating your personal identity from what you represent in the workplace. I shared insights on handling adversity and staying focused on your goals despite challenges.

In the final segment, "Another Rung Mended," I encouraged listeners to embrace being seen as a threat while remembering their worth beyond their rank and position. I recommended the book "The Four Agreements" for personal growth and shared the significance of staying grounded in one's identity and heritage.

Throughout the episode, the message was clear - as women of color leaders, we must navigate the complexities of being perceived as threats while staying true to ourselves and our goals. Remember, you are more than your position, and you have the strength to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Join me on this empowering journey as we continue to climb, thrive, and redefine the rules for women of color leaders. Keep climbing, sis, and I'll see you in the next episode!