When Your Black Manager Becomes the Problem

S9 Ep 17

When your manager is Black but still toxic, how do you protect yourself without losing your mind — or your job?

In this episode, Felicia shares the cautionary tale of “Sherry,” a high-performing Black woman stuck under a micromanaging, insecure Black manager who didn’t choose her — and made her pay for it.

From bogus feedback to HR gaslighting, this Client Chronicle breaks down exactly how to document workplace harassment, push back with policy, and stay ten steps ahead when your boss is quietly trying to push you out. If you’ve ever been told to “show more strategic thought leadership” with no real support, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

1. When your manager didn’t choose you, it changes everything.
If your new boss didn’t hire you, they may carry resentment or biases that impact your working relationship. Acknowledge this dynamic early, and take intentional steps to build trust—or protect yourself accordingly.

2. “Strategic thought leadership” is often a smokescreen.
Vague feedback like “we need to see more strategic thinking” is often code for “we don’t want to promote you”—especially when no real stretch assignments are offered. Call the bluff by asking for project opportunities that allow strategy to be demonstrated.

3. Know your policy before you push back.
When Sherry’s micromanaging manager demanded access to her calendar, she didn’t start a fight—she checked the handbook. Ask HR policy questions without naming names. Protect yourself while staying professional.

4. Documentation isn’t petty—it’s power.
By keeping receipts and documenting harassment patterns, Sherry turned herself from a target into a liability for her manager. Her paper trail made it impossible for HR to ignore what was happening.

5. Be the professional—let them show their ass.
Sherry stayed calm, followed protocol, and held the line. Her boss played herself. When ego enters the chat, don’t match energy. Match receipts, policy, and poise.

Resources & Next Steps:

FMLA Leave & Retaliation Tracker – Protect your job before and after leave. Document retaliation, track every move, and get paid if they play dirty.
Career Coaching with Felicia – Book a personalized strategy session to navigate your career.
Listener Letters – Send your questions to ask@trillmba.com
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Follow @TrillMBAshow – Stay updated on Instagram and LinkedIn

Until next time, keep it trill!