180 Disturbing Relationship Patterns Among High-Achieving Women, with Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, MD Artwork

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Your Unapologetic Career Podcast

180 Disturbing Relationship Patterns Among High-Achieving Women, with Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, MD

April 08, 2025 • Kemi Doll

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Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional abuse and the challenges high-achieving women of color face in abusive relationships. Listener discretion is advised, and support resources are available if needed. National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233.

In this powerful episode, Kemi sits down with Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, a multi-talented cardiologist, author, and artist, to discuss the often-overlooked nuances of abusive relationships, particularly among high-achieving women of color.

Shirlene shares her personal journey through an emotionally abusive marriage, shedding light on the patterns that many successful women face. Together, they explore how societal pressures, guilt, and the desire for tenderness can make women vulnerable to manipulation and control. This candid conversation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of recognizing red flags and advocating for oneself.

Tune in as they discuss:

The Impact of Societal Expectations on Relationships
Recognizing Red Flags in Abusive Relationships
The Role of Community and Support Systems
Strategies for Empowering A Friend Who May Need It

Loved this convo? Please go find Dr. Obuobi on Twitter @shirleneobuobi and on Instagram @shirlywhirlmd to show her some love and don't forget to explore her monthly column featured in the Washington Post!

And check out her previous episode: 139 Creating Lucrative Careers Alongside Academic Medicine with Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, MD

More About Dr. Shirlene Obuobi, MD - Shirlene Obuobi, MD, is a cardiologist at the Cardiovascular Institute with a special focus on women’s heart health. Her work centers on health equity and innovative medical storytelling—leveraging narrative and graphic formats, including comics, to educate at-risk and underserved communities about cardiovascular disease. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she also completed her internship, residency, and cardiology fellowship. Beyond medicine, Dr. Obuobi channels her passion for the human heart into writing romance novels, with two published works to her name.

If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series: www.kemidoll.com/foundations.

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