Trill MBA Show - The Career Management Podcast for Black Women

Use Your Power or Lose It: The Career Move That Separates Leaders From Everyone Else
Use Your Power or Lose It: The Career Move That Separates Leaders From Everyone Else
In this episode of the Trill MBA Show, Felicia breaks down Rule #6 from Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book Seven Rules of Power: Use Your Power.
Let’s be honest—many of us have been taught that power is dangerous or reserved for “those people at the top.” But Felicia is here to shift your mindset. You’ve worked hard, built influence, and learned how to play the game… now it’s time to make power moves.
Power isn’t something you hoard—it’s something you use. And if you don’t use it? You lose it.
Felicia shares why hesitation is your biggest enemy, how to act quickly and strategically, and what real-world leaders (from Lyndon B. Johnson to Rekaya Adams) can teach us about stepping into power. If you’ve ever been told to “wait your turn,” this episode will remind you that your turn is now.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:Power Unused Is Power Lost – If you’re waiting for the perfect time to use your influence, you’re already falling behind. Don’t play small.
Act Fast and Decisively – New leaders have a window of time to move before resistance builds. Use that “honeymoon” period to your advantage.