“Sometimes you have to jump before you get pushed.” — Dr. Felicia White
In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast (S2.E10), I sat down with Dr. Felicia White, Director of Operations at Askar Management Group. We didn’t just talk about climbing the corporate ladder; we talked about the emotional and psychological toll of staying true to yourself while you do it.
Felicia shares the raw details of a pivotal “performance review from hell” that changed her career trajectory, and why she now leads with a philosophy of being intentionally “unconventional.”
The Three Pillars of (Un)conventional Leadership
During our deep dive, Felicia outlined the personal framework that has allowed her to navigate high-level roles in the hospitality industry with her integrity intact:
✅ (Un)apologetic: Stop saying sorry for the things you cannot—and should not—control.
✅ (Un)compromising: How to protect your team’s values and flexibility in rigid corporate structures.
✅ (Un)adaptable: Why the greatest threat to your career isn’t failure, but “fitting in” until you become invisible.
If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much” for a room, or if you’re currently facing a career crossroads, this conversation is your roadmap for moving through change with grace.
Listen to the Episode
You can listen directly on Substack, or find us on your favorite platform: [Listen on Spotify] | [Watch on YouTube] | [Listen on Apple Podcasts]
Timestamps for the curious:
00:00 – Why High-Level Leaders Stop Asking Permission (Intro)
04:30 – The (Un)apologetic Mindset: Stop saying sorry
09:25 – Redefining Executive Presence: The best version of YOU
31:04 – The Performance Review: “No one knows who you are”
47:00 – Career Pivots: Trusting the journey through the (un)known
01:07:17 – The danger of being “too comfortable” in your role
01:14:30 – Ask Dr. Alison The Tin Man: The secret meaning behind the bow tie
Join the Conversation
💬 Community Question: Have you ever been told you were “too much” or “not the right fit” in a professional setting? How did you handle that feedback—did you shrink, or did you lean in?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your story of resilience.
Leave a comment
About the Guest
Dr. Felicia White is the Director of Operations for Askar Management Group and a powerhouse in the hospitality leadership space. She is a sought-after expert in Front Line Leadership Development and serves on boards for CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) and Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL).
Connect with Felicia on LinkedIn
About the Host
Dr. Alison Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of Unconvention, a transformation-first firm for elite leaders. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, she provides Executive Coaching to CxOs and founders globally.
Website: unconventionllc.com
LinkedIn: Alison L. Schmidt, PhD
👉 WATCH NEXT: Once you’ve mastered your career mindset, take a deeper journey into your personality with our deep dive into your astrology blueprint.
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