What happens when you try to quit but your boss refuses to accept your resignation? Dana L Cox shares how that pivotal conversation transformed her from an administrative assistant crying every day to a Fortune 500 global executive—and why she eventually ended up "crispy" from burnout anyway. In this raw conversation, Dana breaks down the hidden "cultural success tax" Black women pay in corporate America, reveals the signs of burnout we dismiss until it's too late, and shares her radical reset framework for reclaiming your life. If you've ever felt like success came at too high a cost, this episode will give you permission to redefine what "having it all" actually means.

What happens when you land your dream job at Apple, only to realize comfort zones have expiration dates? In this episode, I sit down with communications strategist Fana Yohannes, who shares how she went from being an early listener of this podcast to revolutionizing social media at Apple and Instagram—and eventually walking away from it all to build something on her own terms. We're unpacking the invisible excellence trap, why having a sponsor matters more than a mentor, and how to know when it's time to Switch, Pivot, or Quit® (even when everyone thinks you're crazy for leaving). Plus, Fana drops truth bombs about AI, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why being "delusional" might be the secret to her success.

Fana's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fyohannes/ 

What does it take to leave a 15-year career in tech at companies like Google and leap into the beauty industry? Kara Brothers, former President of StarFace (those iconic star-shaped pimple patches), opens up about her journey from feeling like she wasn't thriving in corporate America to scaling a startup from $5 million to $100 million in revenue. In this raw conversation, she shares the truth about navigating career uncertainty, building self-worth outside of performance reviews, and why the traditional definition of success might be keeping you boxed in. If you've been waiting for permission to pivot, this is your sign.

I'm breaking down something I call "the playing small tax," and trust me, it's costing you way more than you think. We're talking about the hidden price of hiding your gifts: the opportunities you don't take, the ideas you keep to yourself, and the people who miss out when you stay quiet. I'll walk you through the four devastating ways this tax shows up in your life and career, plus I'm giving you a simple audit to help you see exactly what playing small has been costing you. It's time to stop treating your gifts like private possessions and start sharing them with the people who need them most.

https://www.ahyianaangel.com/

Ever catch yourself shrinking down your ideas, dimming your expertise, or staying quiet when you know you have the answer? In this episode, we talk about the game-changing difference between adapting your communication style and abandoning your authentic self, and why making yourself smaller isn't professionalism, it's self-sabotage. Discover the Authenticity Calibration framework that helps you show up fully without apologizing for your brilliance, plus get a powerful challenge that will help you start expanding to lead this week. Your gifts can't impact people who need them if they can't see them, so stop hiding.

https://www.ahyianaangel.com/

Feeling that pit in your stomach every Sunday night? You're not alone. But what if those Sunday Scaries aren't something to push through, but a message to decode? In this episode, I'm sharing the three critical things your weekend anxiety is trying to tell you about your career alignment, and why the people you admire most don't experience Sunday dread. Plus, we're talking about a simple 10-minute exercise that will help you turn that anxiety into your personal GPS for creating work that actually excites you.

https://www.ahyianaangel.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@AHYIANA

What if the thing that feels safest right now is actually the biggest risk to your future?

In this episode, I'm discussing why your comfort zone has an expiration date and sharing the three warning signs that indicate you're heading toward irrelevance instead of growth. Discover the "Controlled Discomfort" strategy that helped me transition from NBA publicist to podcast entrepreneur, and learn how small weekly expansions can prevent you from becoming obsolete in a rapidly changing world. Plus, get this week's Edge Expansion Exercise to start reclaiming your momentum today! 

How many decisions are you not making because you're waiting for someone else to say it's okay? In this episode, I'm getting real about the three years I spent waiting to write a book—even though I was already qualified, already capable, and already writing. The only thing missing? My own permission.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The three phrases that keep high-achievers stuck in permission-seeking mode
• Why the authority you're seeking has to come from you
• The Internal Authority Audit: three powerful questions that reveal what you really want
• A simple permission practice you can do this week to stop waiting and start moving

If you've been waiting for the "right time," the "right credentials," or the "right person" to give you the green light—this episode is your wake-up call.

You can also check out the Switch, Pivot or Quit podcast content on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@AHYIANA

What if your biggest strength is sabotaging your career? In this eye-opening episode, we dig into how being exceptional at supporting others can trap you in career invisibility. Drawing from my own experience, I'm uncovering the hidden cost of "invisible excellence." You'll discover:

• The 3 warning signs you're caught in the invisible excellence trap (hint: if you're always the "go-to" for execution but never innovation, this is for you)
• Why your wins feel communal but your losses feel personal—and what this reveals about your career trajectory
• The "strategic visibility" framework that transforms how you talk about your contributions without sounding arrogant
• A simple documentation practice that builds evidence of your impact
• The Visibility Audit Challenge: a concrete way to make your value seen this week

Perfect for: High-achievers who are tired of being the best-kept secret at work, natural supporters ready to step into the spotlight, and anyone who's ever felt invisible despite being indispensable. Stop hiding your gifts from the people who need them most. Your 7-minute transformation starts now. Episode Length: 7 minutes | Part of Seven Minutes Sunday series

In this transformative final episode of the season, global CEO coach and author Sabina Nawaz shares her journey from Microsoft software engineer to executive leadership expert, offering practical strategies for career transitions and authentic leadership.
Discover the power of "blank space" - intentional quiet time that can unlock career clarity and creative solutions. Sabina reveals how pressure can either corrupt your leadership or fuel innovation, and why many successful women fall into the "sole provider trap" that leads to burnout.

Learn actionable techniques for managing workplace pressure, getting honest feedback as a leader, and staying authentic while meeting business needs. Whether you're considering a career pivot, struggling with leadership challenges, or seeking more fulfillment in your professional life, this episode provides concrete tools for transformation.
Key topics include executive coaching strategies, women in leadership, career development, workplace authenticity, feedback culture, and finding purpose in your professional journey. Perfect for aspiring leaders, current managers, and anyone navigating career transitions in today's competitive workplace.

Guest: Sabina Nawaz, author of "You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need," former Microsoft executive, and faculty member at Northwestern and Drexel universities. https://sabinanawaz.com/

Takeaways:
Deciding to work at Microsoft was a pivotal moment.
Quiet time can lead to significant insights.
Pressure can corrupt leadership behavior.
Finding joy in work is essential for fulfillment.
Authenticity in leadership is multifaceted.
Managing pressure is crucial for effective leadership.
Successful transitions require self-awareness and assessment.
Building a supportive network is vital for women in leadership.
Feedback quality is determined by the questions asked.
Success is about spending time wisely and fulfilling personal values.

Chapters:
00:00 The Importance of Blank Space
03:43 Facing Fears and Embracing Quiet Time
06:23 The Shift from Titles to Fulfillment
09:09 Managing Pressure and Power Dynamics
11:07 Authenticity in Leadership
13:59 Women in Leadership: Balancing Roles and Values
18:11 Navigating Authenticity in Leadership
19:21 Understanding Productive vs. Harmful Pressure
24:43 Career Transitions: Finding Fulfillment
28:11 Building Supportive Networks in Leadership
32:25 Common Leadership Pitfalls
33:59 Defining Personal Success
35:12 Transformative Feedback and Growth
39:17 Introduction to Transformation and Change
40:15 Insights from a Leadership Expert
41:32 Anticipating a Powerful Conversation
41:53 Introduction to the Influencer's Impact
41:54 Exploring the Reach of Articles

This week I'm chatting with Paige Mariah about her transformative career journey. Paige shares her experience moving from Chicago to London for grad school, building a successful career as a full-time content creator abroad, and her recent transition back to corporate America working for Kellogg. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing change despite fear, and finding work-life balance after experiencing the freedom of self-employment. This conversation explores the reality behind social media's highlight reel, the importance of patience during major life transitions, and the empowering message that it's okay to pivot your career at any age. Paige's authentic perspective offers valuable insights on finding your path and honoring what's best for you at different stages of life.

Paige's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeMariah

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:19 Transitioning to Another Country
04:41 Returning to the United States
06:13 Dealing with Social Perception
09:07 The Importance of Patience
13:30 Self-Work and Personal Growth
19:00 Transitioning to Corporate
19:56 Transitioning to a Corporate Job
22:05 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
23:22 The Value of Working with a Team
25:18 Balancing Work and Life
28:53 Talking About Money with Friends
32:31 Returning to a 9-to-5 Job After Being Self-Employed
33:24 Pivoting and Changing in Your Career

Takeaways

• Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
• It's important to block out the noise of others' opinions and focus on your own goals and desires.
• Comparing yourself to others online can be detrimental to your own journey.
• Patience is crucial when navigating transitions and building a stable foundation.
• Self-work, such as therapy and journaling, can help in personal growth and adapting to change.
• Humans are adaptable by nature and can find new solutions and paths in life.
• Transitioning from a non-traditional career to corporate can be challenging, but with time and adjustment, it can lead to stability and growth. Transitioning to a new job, especially in a different industry, can be challenging and overwhelming, but it's important to remind yourself of your value and the unique perspective you bring.
• Imposter syndrome is common, but it's crucial to remember that you were chosen for your role for a reason. Show yourself grace and trust in your abilities.
• Working with a team and having a manager can provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for growth that may not be available when working for yourself.
• Finding a balance between work and life is essential. Speak up for yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being.
• Having open conversations about money with friends can provide valuable insights and help you advocate for fair compensation.
• Returning to a 9-to-5 job after being self-employed is a valid choice. It's important to do what's best for you at any given moment and not be influenced by societal expectations.
• It's okay to pivot and change in your career, regardless of your age. Your needs and desires may evolve over time, and it's important to prioritize your own growth and happiness.