Episode 13: Play Nice or Play Smart: Navigating Power Dynamics At Work

Play Nice or Play Smart? How Women Can Navigate Office Politics & Power Dynamics with Karen Ashton Sterling

Struggling with office politics, feeling overlooked in meetings, or dealing with workplace power dynamics that seem unfair? This episode gives women—especially black women navigating corporate culture—the practical strategies to get seen, heard, valued, and promoted. If you’ve ever said: “I know I’m good… why don’t they see it?” This is your episode. 

🔎 What This Episode Will Help You With • How to navigate office politics without losing yourself • How women can increase visibility and influence at work • How to get heard in meetings • How to handle unconscious bias with emotional intelligence • How to identify hidden power dynamics • How to position yourself for promotions and leadership roles • Career strategies for women in corporate America • How to stop shrinking and show up with confidence 

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Welcome & Why Office Politics Matter

01:42 – Karen’s Journey: Healthcare to Pharma Leadership

04:10 – Understanding Power Dynamics in the Workplace

06:58 – When Communication Styles Clash

09:15 – Learning to “Play Nice” and “Play Smart”

11:43 – When Miscommunication Lands You in HR

13:20 – Reading the Room & Spotting Key Influencers

15:48 – When Someone Repeats Your Idea and Gets Credit

18:07 – How to Get Heard Without Being Labeled “Aggressive”

20:52 – Managing Unconscious Bias in Real Time

23:11 – Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Reactivity

25:46 – Strategic Visibility: Getting the Right Eyes on Your Work

28:04 – How Women Can Navigate Corporate Politics

30:19 – Mentorship, Sponsors & Your Career Roadmap

35:12 – What to Do When You’re Ready to Quit

39:24 – Karen’s Final Message: “You Are More Than Enough.”

🧠 High-Value Insights

•How to balance authenticity with workplace strategy

• How to spot office politics before they hit you

• How to manage being talked over or dismissed

• How to step into rooms with confidence

• The smart way to handle workplace conflict

• How to get your ideas recognized—without confrontation

• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership

• Why shrinking back keeps you invisible

• How to navigate bias and still thrive

✨ Power Quotes “Communication is a two-way street. You’re responsible for what you say and for how it lands.” – Coach Katina

“You don’t have to be loud to be heard — but you must be willing to speak.” – Karen Ashton Sterling

“Sometimes the room is political, but you can still be powerful.” – Coach Katina “Don’t shrink. Don’t doubt. You are more than enough.” – Karen Ashton Sterling

If This Episode Speaks to You… Tap LIKE so more women in leadership can find powerful conversations like this. Hit SUBSCRIBE to grow with a community of women who are ready to soar.

✈️ Work With Coach Katina Leadership coaching for women who are ready for visibility, confidence, and promotion:

👉🏾 https://katinachristmasrobertson.com/ 

🎯 Ready to grow your influence, navigate politics with confidence, and soar in your career? Hit SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications for weekly empowerment.