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Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for Empowerment
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for Empowerment
The Lunch with Leaders podcast helps women in STEM lead with authenticity and growth, create impact, and expand their influence. Hosted by Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a TEDx speaker and leadership strategist, it features weekly conversations with innovators and trailblazers who share stories, strategies, and mindsets to empower women in STEM. The show focuses on amplifying visibility, influence, and impact, inviting listeners to join a global movement of bold leadership.
Episodes
Shruti Rustagi: Mindset Matters on How to Lead, Thrive, and Maximize Your Career - 073
In this inspirational episode of "Lunch with Leaders," Shruti Rustagi, leadership development expert and author of "Fearless Productivity," joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to discuss the mindset and strategies required for women in STEM to thrive as leaders.Key topics include overcoming the middle management trap, embracing fearless productivity, the importance of self-defined
Uma Subramanian: How to Build Influence, Authority, and Lasting Impact in STEM Leadership - 072
This episode of "Lunch with Leaders" with Uma Subramanian and Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores how professionals—especially women in STEM—can bridge the perception gap to become visible and sought-after leaders. Uma Subramanian shares actionable frameworks for building influence, communicating value, and developing a powerful leadership reputation.Key topics include the SOAR framework,
Peter Snell: Compounding Success; How Faith & Objectivity Shape Powerful Leaders - 071
In this powerful episode, faith-driven business leader Peter Snell shares actionable leadership strategies rooted in objectivity, biblical principles, and authentic mentorship. Listeners learn how to overcome fear of failure, transform anxiety into gratitude, make high-stakes decisions, and build sustainable business models—especially in the oil and gas industry.Whether you're leading a team,
Marc Pitman: Leadership Lessons on The Surprising Gift of Doubt - 070
In this empowering leadership podcast, Marc & Adaeze sit down with Mark Pittman, founder of Concord Leadership Group and author of "The Surprising Gift of Doubt." They discuss redefining success, overcoming impostor syndrome, embracing self-doubt as a tool for growth, and the challenges—and privileges—of leadership.Listeners dive into actionable frameworks like the Four Quadrants of
Celebrating August: Closing the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity for Women in STEM - 069
African Women in STEM founder Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya reflects on August as Black Business Month, celebrating successes and outlining opportunities for women in STEM. Key programs highlighted include Women in STEM AI Roundtables, the new Restore Wellness Program, and the upcoming Ascension Conference in Atlanta. This podcast garners top 5% global ranking, offers networking, mentorship, and a
Mahir Laul: Beyond Resumes + How AI Is Transforming Hiring with Velric’s CEO - 068
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya welcomes Mahir Laul, founder and CEO of Velric, to explore future-proof leadership, hiring transformation, and adaptability in the era of AI.Mahir shares how embracing flexibility, valuing people over place, and focusing on skills (not just credentials) empower both candidates and companies.The conversation reveals actionable hiring tips, the value of continuous upskilli
Carlotta Berry, PhD: From Robotics to Representation + Empowering Diversity in STEM - 067
Explore how Carlotta Berry, PhD, a pioneering Black woman professor in electrical and computer engineering, transforms STEM education and visibility through her leadership, advocacy, and creativity.In this inspiring conversation with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, discover the origins of "Black in Engineering" and "Black in Robotics," strategic insights for combating AI bias, and a
From Invisible to Indispensable: Mastering Organizational Power in Your Career - 066
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya leadership strategist and founder of African Women in STEM, dismantles the myth that hard work alone leads to promotions.She reveals the hidden mechanisms behind career advancement—why timing, personal branding, visibility, and strategic relationships matter more than annual performance reviews.Packed with real career stories, actio
Stephanie Georges: The Power of Dignity; Supporting Women Through Life’s Transitions - 065
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya hosts Stephanie Georges, a veteran strategist and founder of the Meraki Dignity Project. They dive into women’s unique challenges during career and life transitions—touching on everything from workplace expectations, caregiving, and identity shifts to the need for dignity, intentionality, and safe, inclusive tech.The conversation explores how AI and data models marginaliz
Dr. Wanjiru Golly, PhD: The Power of Cultural Synergy - 064
In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Wanjiru Golly, PhD, founder of Cultural Synergy Solutions, joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to explore cultural synergy, identity, and leadership.Discover how invisible identities—such as socioeconomic background—shape success, why women in STEM often downplay achievements, and strategies for leveraging your full identity as a strength. Learn actionable steps
Annelies Richmond: From Burnout to Breathwork / Thriving in Leadership - 063
In this episode, globally respected breathwork teacher Annelies Richmond shares her journey from professional ballerina battling burnout to international meditation and leadership trainer. She discusses the science and power behind breathwork practices like SKY Breath Meditation and Ujjayi breathing to help women in STEM and professionals handle chronic stress, boost career resilience, and reclaim
The Story They Tell: Transforming How Decision Makers See You - 062
In this empowering solo episode of "Podcast," Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya tackles the critical issue of perception versus reality for women in STEM, especially women of color and Black women. She explores how decision-makers’ biased or incomplete stories about you can stall your career, regardless of your hard work and results.Through personal anecdotes, research insights, and actionable
Anatola Araba: Imagination as Innovation & World Building for the Future - 061
Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya discusses with Anatola Araba exploring how imagination and storytelling drive innovation, especially for women in STEM. Several points were raised, including the necessity of integrating creativity and technical skills, building hopeful narratives, and using frameworks like DREAM (Designing Regenerative, Equitable, Abundant Models) to reimagine the future. The episode fea
Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland: The United Shades of STEM - Empowering All Capable Human Potential - 060
Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya hosts Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland, a leader with 25+ years in STEM, known for her advocacy, mentorship, and history preservation. The conversation explores how engineering and process improvement principles help solve personal and professional challenges. Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarland defines her role as a contemporary griot, stressing why legacy and storytelling matter—es
Million Dollar Mistakes: The Hidden Math Behind Career Stagnation - 059
This episode of Launching Leaders with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya targets women in STEM experiencing pay and promotion gaps.Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya uses powerful math and real-life examples to highlight the compounding financial losses of underpayment and delayed promotions. The episode provides step-by-step guidance to calculate your personal career cost, emphasizes taking intentional action, an
Nikki Barua: How to Lead Hybrid Human-AI Teams - 058
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya interviews Nikki Barua, an award-winning entrepreneur and AI transformation expert. Nikki dismantles the myth of the linear career path, arguing that in the AI age, the corporate ladder has been replaced by a molecular, agile structure. She introduces the "People Squared" movement and the FlipFactor diagnostic, which helps profe
The 3 Pillars of Career Advancement: Visibility, Sponsorship, Positioning - 057
In this solo episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya delivers a wake-up call about the cost of "passive patience" in career advancement. She dismantles the myth that keeping your head down leads to success. Adaeze explains how waiting and procrastination widen the career gap, especially for women in STEM facing systemic hurdles like the "broken rung" and s
Bradley Hunt: The Difference Between Managing and Leading - 056
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with Bradley Hunt, an executive coach and co-founder of The Why Group. They explore the distinction between management (assigned from above) and leadership (earned from below). Bradley shares insights on true succession planning, using a U.S. military command as a benchmark.He also champions The Leadership Challenge as
The High Cost of Passive Hope - 055
Passive hope, career burnout, women in STEM leadership, autoimmune disease in women, career advancement, Restore Workshop, African Women in STEM, self-awareness.In this solo episode of Launch with Leaders, host Resources tackles the dangerous cost of "passive hope."She dismantles the myth that putting your head down and working h
Dr. Anokhi Kapasi: Building Your Whole Life Scoreboard as Moms in STEM - 054
Women in STEM, working moms, career-life integration, forced choice trap, STEM retention, biomedical careers, whole life scoreboard, Anokhi Kapasi, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, CLIP.In this episode of Launch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with Dr. Anokhi Kapasi Sullivan, a biomedical consultant and founder of Solve for Mom. Together, they dismantle the "forced choi
When Your Body Forces You to Stop: A Burnout Story - 053
Burnout in women, women in STEM wellness, high-achieving women, chronic illness, self-care for leaders, Tree of Life methodology, Restore Workshop, African Women in STEM.In this deeply personal solo episode of Launch with Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya shares her own two-year burnout and health crisis to open a critical conversation about the silent epidemic affecting women in STEM and l
Ncazelo Ncube-Milo: A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Trauma and Narrative Healing
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya interviews psychologist Ncazelo Ncube-Milo.Internationally recognized for her culturally sensitive trauma work, Ncazelo discusses the global impact of the Tree of Life methodology, now used in 30+ countries.The conversation explores narrative healing, the power of storytelling in recovery, and how reclaiming cultural identit
Season 1 Finale: 50 Episodes of Leading Boldly - 051
In this Season 1 finale of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya synthesizes 50 episodes of leadership insights for women in STEM. As a leadership strategist and founder of African Women in STEM, Adaeze outlines five essential career shifts: Performance to Positioning, Expert to Leader, Proving to Conviction, Isolation to Connection, and Hesitation to AI Fluency. This episode serve
DeeDee Fisher: STEM Leadership | From Tension to Intentional Communication - 050
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with leadership expert DeeDee Fisher to unpack the CPL Framework.As a TEDx speaker and leadership strategist, Adaeze guides a conversation focused on Compassion, Process, and Learning to help leaders in STEM amplify their visibility and influence.The discussion centers on emotional intelligence in 2026, offering prac
Future-Proof Your STEM Career: The AI Advantage for Women - 049
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a leadership strategist, addresses the persistent promotion gap for women in STEM, particularly in 2026. She argues that while AI’s rapid evolution threatens to widen this disparity, strategically embracing AI is crucial for career advancement.Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya introduces a four-part framework: auditing AI usage, mastering one AI tool, making AI-driven impact vi
Marsha Evans, LPC-S: How to Lead in STEM Without Losing Your Hair or Your Sleep - 048
High-achieving women in STEM are burning out because they are honoring invisible childhood "contracts" that reward overwork, but true leadership requires reconnecting with the body to rip up those old agreements and build a sustainable identity.In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya (TEDx speaker and leadership strategist) sits down with Marsha Evans LPC-S,
The High Cost of Moving Goalposts: Leadership Challenges for Women in STEM - 047
In this solo reflection, In this solo reflection, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya addresses promotion burnout—a pervasive phenomenon where high-achieving women, especially in STEM, become disillusioned with career advancement due to systemic barriers, repeated goalpost-shifting, and lack of equitable recognition. Drawing from real stories, recent research, and personal experience, she debunks the myth o
Erin Treacy: Practical Advice and Strategies for New Managers - 046
This episode with Erin Treacy and Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya is for high-achieving professionals, leaders, and especially women in STEM who want to:Break away from burnout and over-responsibilityCultivate more effective, people-first leadership stylesNavigate generational dynamics at workHelp teams thrive through better communication and boundariesIt’s valuable for new and seasoned leaders, busine
The Broken Rung: Visibility and Support for Women in STEM - 045
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores the systemic barriers that prevent women in STEM from advancing into leadership roles. Citing the 2025 McKinsey Women in the Workplace report, she highlights the "broken rung", a critical missed first step to management where only 93% of women (and 74% of women of color) are promoted for every 100 men. Adaeze actively disputes the report's suggestio
Rich Belsky: Humanity in Leadership and Bridging the Entrepreneurial Isolation Gap
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya speaks with Rich Belsky, a five-time founder and executive coach, about the unspoken crisis of loneliness in entrepreneurship.They challenge the toxic "wartime CEO" mythology that forces leaders to hide their struggles to appease investors and teams. Rich highlights that 65% of startups fail within five years due to "h
Breaking the AI Double Standard for Women in STEM - 043
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya addresses the double standard women in STEM face when adopting AI. While AI has the potential to be a great equalizer, research shows that women are penalized and judged as less competent for using the same AI tools that earn men praise. Adaeze encourages listeners to stop second-guessing themselves and instead use strategic framing to control the narrative. By tracking
Christelle Mombo-Zigah: Bridging the Gap, AI Governance and Cultural Representation - 042
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya hosts Christelle Mombo-Zigah, a global tech leader and AI founder, to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural identity. Christelle shares how experiencing "digital colorism"—where AI collaboration tools erased her natural hair and AI headshot generators lightened her skin—propelled her from an AI user to an AI builder. She discusses co-f
Why are Women Adopting AI at Lower Rates than Men? - 041
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores the critical gender gap in Generative AI adoption. Citing research from Harvard Business School and the World Economic Forum, she reveals that women are adopting AI at 25% lower rates than men and hold only 26% of global AI-related jobs, despite facing higher risks of job automation. Adaeze unpacks the reasons behind this hesitation, such as concerns over AI eth
Dwain Robinson: Bridging the Gap in Special Education - 040
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya speaks with Dwain Robinson, a senior software engineer and founder of GoalBridge. Dwain shares his journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming a tech leader.He discusses how his experience as a father to an autistic son inspired him to build GoalBridge—a platform designed to improve communication between parents and educators. Dwain emphasizes using technolog
The 10% Rule: Why Hard Work Alone Won't Get You Promoted in Leadership - 039
In this solo episode of Launch It Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya challenges the deeply ingrained belief that talking about your work is arrogant or boastful. She explains that relying solely on hard work and hoping it speaks for itself is a flawed strategy, as actual productivity only accounts for about 10% of career success. Adaeze encourages women in STEM to reframe "self-promotio
Michelle Hamilton: Human-First Leadership in AI Adoption (Building Influence and Impact) - 038
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with Michelle Hamilton, an AI adoption strategist and the new head of AI adoption and change management at AnswerRocket.Michelle discusses the critical gap between corporate AI investments and actual workforce adoption, advocating for a "human-first" approach. She shares practical tips for overcoming AI intimidation, such as naming your AI and using vo
The Comfort Trap: How Being "Too Valuable" Can Stall Your Leadership and Career Growth - 037
In this solo reflection episode of Launch It Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores a common challenge faced by high-performing women in STEM: career stagnation despite exceptional work.Who is this for?For senior women in STEM, high-achievers, and professionals who feel stuck in their current roles despite excellent performance. Valuable for those looking to transition from technical ex
Dr. Mia Edgerton-Fulton: Building Influence in Biotech and The NeuroPlex Blueprint for Empowering Scholars - 036
Dr. Mia Edgerton-Fulton, a biomedical scientist, educator, and entrepreneur, joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to discuss her multifaceted career. Dr. Mia shares how she bridges the gap between complex research and real-world impact through her biotech venture, NeuroPlex, and her mentorship initiative, Scholarly Scouts.Who is this for?For women in STEM, aspiring biotech founders, graduate stude
The Confidence Myth: Rethinking Leadership Mindset and Influence for Women in STEM - 035
In this solo reflection episode of Launch It Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya tackles one of the most frustrating and overused pieces of feedback given to women in leadership: "Be more confident."Who is this for?This episode is for mid-career to senior women in STEM (Director, VP level, and above) tired of receiving vague feedback like "be more confident."It is for
Oluchi Ikechi-D'Amico: The Soft Skills Advantage for Women Leaders / Rising to the C-Suite with Influence - 034
Key Takeaways:Oluchi Ikechi-D'Amico, a former senior partner at EY Parthenon and Accenture, joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to share her journey from corporate powerhouse to the founder of Fully Bossed, a leadership development and AI transformation advisory.Memorable Quotes with Timestamps:[00:00] "What's your story? I say it every single time. What's your story? And I get blank
Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor: A Crisis Communication & Personal Branding Masterclass - 033
Who is this for?This episode is for leaders at all levels, especially women in STEM, who want to elevate their impact through powerful communication. If you manage a diverse team, need to build trust, or want to craft a personal brand that reflects your true value, this conversation with corporate communications expert Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor is packed with actionable insights.SummaryIn this spec
Stop Over-Explaining & Start Leading with Conviction: Embrace a Leadership Mindset - 032
Stop Over-Explaining & Start Leading with Conviction - Embrace a Leadership MindsetWho is this for?This episode is for experienced women in STEM—directors, VPs, and senior leaders—who find themselves stuck in the "expert" box. If you consistently get feedback that you're not quite "ready" for the next level, or you notice that you over-explain your work while others wit
Dr. Lola Adeyemo: Thriving in Intersectionality; Leadership and Influence for Women in STEM - 031
Who is this for?This episode is for leaders, HR professionals, and women in STEM who want to build inclusive workplace cultures. If you are a multi-layered professional, an immigrant, or someone passionate about creating spaces where everyone can thrive, Dr. Lola provides the strategic insights you need.SummaryIn this insightful Women’s History Month conversation,Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya is jo
Dr. Nikki Harris: Authentic Leadership, Overcoming Guilt & Charging Your Worth | Actionable Marketing Tactics - 030
Who is this for?This episode is for ambitious women leaders, especially those in STEM, who are navigating the complexities of leadership, family, and entrepreneurship. If you struggle with guilt, undercharging for your expertise, or feeling like you have to compartmentalize your life to succeed, Dr. Nikki Harris offers a powerful and integrated alternative.SummaryIn this powerful Women’s History M
Unlocking Your Career Potential: From Expert to Leader with Essential Leadership Strategies - 029
Who is this episode for?This episode is for high-achieving women in STEM who feel stuck in their careers despite their deep technical expertise. If you’ve ever been passed over for a promotion you deserved, felt like your hard work isn’t paying off, or wondered why less qualified colleagues are moving up faster, this episode will provide the clarity and strategic shift you need.Summary:In this sol
Niouma Semega: Environmental Justice and Leadership for Empowering the Next Generation - 028
This podcast delves into Niouma's personal story, from her childhood in Mauritania to her current PhD studies in environmental health at Boston University.Her experiences as a Black woman in STEM, often being the only one in the room, fueled her passion to create change.The Mission of Semega Change: Niouma founded Semega Change to address the underrepresentation of women of color in STEM. The
Winning the Career Game: Building Influence and Leadership for Women in STEM with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya - 027
In this solo episode of Launch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya tackles a critical issue facing many women in STEM: the feeling of being stuck and exhausted despite working tirelessly. She challenges the long-held belief that hard work alone leads to success, arguing that for women in STEM, this advice often leads to burnout and disappointment. The episode highlights the crucial distin
Courtney Quarterman: Architecting Influence; Building Leadership Legacy in STEM and AI Education - 026
Courtney Quarterman, a 20-year veteran in STEM education, PhD candidate in data science, and founder of the Sister Circle Collaborative, joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to discuss leadership, legacy, and navigating AI as a woman of color in STEM.Memorable Quotes with Timestamps:[05:10] "I really understood that strategic partnerships were key for workforce development."[09:12] "AI
The Hidden Scorecard: Building Influence for Women Leaders Who Get Passed Over - 025
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya tackles a frustrating paradox for high-achieving women in STEM: why do they get passed over for leadership roles despite exceptional performance? She reveals that the very habits that build expertise—being thorough, showing your work, and letting data lead—can signal a lack of leadership to senior executives. They aren’t evaluating your expertise; they assume it. Instea
Chioma Aso: Systems Thinking for Building Influence and High-Performing Leadership Teams - 024
In this episode, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya talks with Chioma Aso, a systems engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit STEAM Divas. Chioma shares her unique perspective on how our diverse backgrounds, including cultural knowledge, are invaluable assets in the world of technology and AI!She introduces the concept of "systems thinking"—a holistic approach to problem-solving that
Natasha Henry: Tackling Uterine Fibroids and Advancing Women's Leadership in Health Equity with Myocurrent - 023
In this episode, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya talks with Natasha Henry, founder of the health tech company Myocurrent, about her journey from patient to pioneer. Natasha shares the harrowing personal health crisis that led her to pivot her career and dedicate her life to solving systemic issues in women's health. For years, her debilitating symptoms from uterine fibroids were dismissed by doctors as
Owning Your Authority: How Senior Women in STEM Can Break Through Social Conditioning and Lead with Confidence - 022
In this powerful solo episode of the Lunch with Leaders podcast, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and founder of African Women in STEM, delivers a deeply personal reflection on one of the most overlooked barriers to career advancement for senior women in STEM and corporate leadership: social conditioning. Adaeze uses this solo episode as a one-on-one conversa
Charis Loveland: Navigating Career Transitions and Building AI Influence in STEM - 021
This episode of "Lunch with Leaders" features a compelling conversation between host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Charis Loveland, an expert at the intersection of emotional intelligence (EQ) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They delve into the critical importance of a human-centered approach to technology, navigating career transitions in the age of AI, and the power of emotional i
Stop Proving, Start Positioning: Building Influence with The Authority Code - 020
In this solo episode of "Lunch with Leaders," Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya shares a pivotal career insight: the shift from proving your worth to positioning yourself for leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a woman in STEM, she explains how the common drive to over-prepare and seek validation can paradoxically hinder career progression.Instead of constantly trying to prove you be
Dr. Kim Nichols: What if Your True Calling is a Journey, Not a Destination? | Leadership Mindset & Career Growth - 019
In this episode of "Lunch with Leaders," host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with Dr. Kim Nichols, a physician executive, speaker, and coach. Dr. Nichols shares her inspiring journey of discovering her true calling in empowering professional women to cultivate their authentic leadership presence. The conversation delves into crucial topics such as the power of authenticity, the significance
The Hidden Truth About Career Success for African Women in STEM - 018
In this powerful solo episode, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya challenges the pervasive belief that "no one is coming to save you" and reveals why this mindset is actually holding African women in STEM back from achieving their full career potential. As a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and founder of African Women in STEM, Adaeze unpacks the incomplete narrative of self-reliance and intr
Tamiko Nettles: From People-Centered Burnout to Breakthrough with Authentic Leadership - 017
In this powerful Black History Month episode, Tamiko Nettles shares her 20-year journey advocating for marginalized communities—leaders, educators, students of color, and individuals experiencing homelessness. As founder of Let Go Be Great, Tamiko reveals how she helps mission-driven leaders and teams thrive through empathy-based strategies, even in systems that don't prioritize emotional intellig
Leadership Advancement and Empowerment for Women in STEM - 016
High performers, especially women in STEM, often stall not due to lack of skill, but because they keep playing the wrong game. TEDx speaker Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explains the unwritten rule: the criteria for promotion change at the senior level.The skills that got you here—technical excellence, hard work, perfect execution—are now just the baseline. To advance, you must master the new game:Fro
Ranieka Weston: Unlock Your Leadership Potential with the Negotiator’s Mindset | Women Leadership Success Story - 015
In this powerful 42-minute conversation, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with leadership expert Ranieka Weston to explore how professionals—especially high-performers—often hold themselves back through inherited narratives, fear of visibility, and poor negotiation skills.Ranieka Weston is a seasoned leadership expert and thinking partner with over 20 years of experience across commercial
Usefulness vs. Impact in Career Advancement: Leadership Insights for Women in STEM - 014
This solo reflection addresses career stagnation among high-performing women in STEM, where hard work and reliability no longer lead to advancement. Adaeze breaks down the critical difference between being “useful” and being “impactful,” and why optimizing for usefulness traps professionals in career plateaus.Episode Summary and Timestamps[00:00-02:00] – Introduction & The Story of SarahHost A
Sesha Woodard: Significance of Authenticity and Influence as Women in STEM Leadership Fields - 013
In this episode of "Lunch with Leaders," host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with the multi-talented Sesha Woodard, a STEAM industry leader who is also a scientist, author, entrepreneur, and licensed dance master.Sesha shares her inspiring journey of merging her passions for dance and science to establish her business, "Dropping Seeds in Motion." Through her innovative approach, she utilizes
Women Leadership Career Success Story: Optimizing for Impact Over Usefulness - 012
Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's Women Leadership Career Success Story podcast episode on Optimizing for Impact Over Usefulness explores a critical career insight that many high-performing women in STEM face: the difference between being useful and being impactful. Through a compelling story and practical wisdom, Adaeze reveals why career stagnation often isn't about capability—it's about m
Nmasichi Chukwuemeka: Taking Imperfect Action and Building a Business Empire - 011
In this episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya sits down with the award-winning entrepreneur, storyteller, and community builder, Nmasichi Chukwuemeka.Nmasichi is the founder of Bertramson Inc., an ecosystem that houses Massive Brands, Tribes of History, and Bell Sisters.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in STEM and female founders of
The Excellence Trap: Escaping Performance for Positioning - 010
In this solo episode of Lunch with Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya delivers a powerful reflection on a critical career inflection point: the moment when high performance stops leading to advancement and starts feeling like a trap. She calls this the "Excellence Trap", the paradox where being too indispensable in your current role prevents you from moving up. You become the reliable an
Achsah Jojo: Building a Future-Proof STEM Career / A Blueprint for Leading with AI and Human Skills - 009
In this insightful episode of Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya speaks with Achsah Jojo, a computer science student, researcher, and community builder. Achsah shares her transformative journey from an uninvolved freshman to a campus leader, offering a masterclass in turning curiosity into impact.The conversation delves into proactive career-building, innovating from personal exper
Power Networking: Moving Beyond Survival Mode in STEM 📚⚡️ - 008
This episode delivers a powerful dismantling of outdated career advice that keeps high-achieving women, particularly Black and African women in STEM, trapped in exhausting "survival mode." Host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya challenges the pervasive myth that hard work, humility, and expertise alone guarantee success [02:00]. She reveals this as a broken paradigm, arguing that in today’s prof
Veena Chugh: Authentic Leadership Through Mindful Living and Financial Freedom 💸 - 007
Welcome Veena Chugh, an HR leader, author, and financial strategist, to explore the intersections of authentic leadership and personal resilience. Veena shares her transition from a childhood marked by financial crisis and depression to a career focused on helping others align their money with meaning. The conversation highlights the transformative power of journaling and self-acceptance as essent
Why 'Staying the Course' is Your Most Powerful New Year's Strategy - 006
In this New Year episode, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya challenges the "New Year, New You" pressure. She argues that true power lies not in starting over, but in deepening commitment to what's already working. Explore the hidden cost of resetting momentum and the liberating strategy of focused consistency for compounding results.Core Insights: Key TakeawaysThe Momentum Trap of "
JP Dumas: Integrating Employee Satisfaction with Customer Service Strategies - 005
From Walkmans to The C-Suite: JP Dumas on CX, Leadership, and the Human Element in an AI WorldJP Dumas, a seasoned expert in customer experience (CX) and business growth, sharing his journey from a childhood salesman to a corporate leader at CX Growth Strategies.JP Dumas explains how integrating employee satisfaction with customer service strategies transforms support centers from cost burdens int
High-Achieving Women, You Have Permission to Pause! | Merry Christmas Special - 004
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Leaders!This episode challenges the cultural misconception that constant productivity defines a person's worth or leadership quality. She specifically addresses high-achieving women, urging them to deconstruct the belief that rest must be earned through exhaustion or the completion of goals. This frames intentional stillness not as a luxury, but as a critical leadership skil
Dr. Seema Handu: The Intersection of Science, Empathy, and Leadership - 003
Lunch with Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya interviews Dr. Seema Handu, a global health strategist who explores the intersection of science, empathy, and leadership. Dr. Seema Handu shares her unconventional career path, from developing global data standards for the FDA to improving maternal health systems in India. She emphasizes that true transformation in STEM requires human connection a
Redefining Leadership for Women: Why I Started Lunch With Leaders Podcast - 002
In this introductory podcast episode, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya launches a new platform dedicated to redefining leadership for women and minorities in the STEM fields. This features a blend of expert interviews and solo segments focused on career strategy, visibility, and the importance of taking immediate action. Adaeze emphasizes that leadership is not defined by corporate titles but by self-awa
The Power of Storytelling and Visibility in Professional Growth with Patrick Hart - 001
This discussion explores Patrick Hart’s career journey with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, covering his background as an Army veteran, his transition into the mobile home and healthcare technology industries, and the founding of his company, PDP Media.A key focus of the conversation is the power of storytelling and visibility in professional growth, with Hart emphasizing that modern "hustle" is about
Lunch with Leaders Podcast Trailer with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya
Welcome to Lunch with Leaders podcast with the host, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and founder of African Women in STEM, introduces the show's focus on authentic leadership and challenging traditional norms.The podcast aims to empower listeners by sharing stories and strategies from global innovators, discussing topics like visibility, courage, and navigatin
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