Use Your Power or Lose It: The Career Move That Separates Leaders From Everyone Else

podcast April 5, 2025

S9: E6

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.

Restructure Your Environment – Align yourself with people who support your vision. Build allies and move strategically.

Signal Strength and Take Action – Power is about perception. Show up boldly and unapologetically—even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Your Challenge This Week: Identify one area in your work life where you’ve been playing small—and make one bold move to shift that dynamic. Whether it’s speaking up, negotiating, or stepping into leadership, use your power.

Resources & Next Steps:

Seven Rules of Power Book by Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer – If you want to buy this book you can get it here. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Download Your Free Guide – Get the worksheet for this episode to help you use your power without hesitation. Click here.

Live Q&A Session – Listeners who download the guide will get exclusive access to a live Q&A with Felicia to discuss this episode’s strategies.

Career Consulting with Felicia – Facing challenges at work? Book a career strategy session to get personalized strategies for navigating your career.

Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com.