Don't Let The Smile Fool You

Uche Ofodile
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS

Behind every confident leader is a story you don’t see. Don’t Let the Smile Fool You with Uche Ofodile goes beyond titles and polished moments to unpack the real emotions, decisions, and lessons that come with leadership.

  1. 1D AGO

    The CEO Who Closed Her Laptop. CEO of The Day. Odia Okoumassoun. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP19

    So let me share a story. What does it really mean to be the CEO of the Day, and what does it take to step up, let go of what is expected, and lead with authenticity—even when you feel nervous? In this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, Uche sits down with Odia Okoumassoun, the very first CEO of the Day. Odia gets candid about the pressures of preparing a presentation and the surprising choice she made just minutes before her biggest career moment. Instead of following the crowd, she decided to shut her laptop, trust her instincts, and present herself exactly as she was, nerves and all. This vulnerability and honesty became the real start of her leadership journey. Uche and Odia talk openly about the self-doubt that creeps in when you’re selected for a pioneering role, what it feels like to walk into a room full of executives as the youngest or least experienced, and the impact of finding your own voice. Odia’s story highlights the importance of authenticity over polish, the value of peer support, and why being true to yourself is sometimes the boldest leadership move you can make. We also cover the behind-the-scenes process of being selected for the CEO of the Day program, how performance review meetings can stretch you, and the visibility and career shifts that come when you take your moment to lead—even just for one day. If you want to hear about real women's leadership, the challenges of being seen and heard, and how one bold step can shift your career, this episode is for you. The journey doesn't end with the chair—Uche teases what's to come in Part 2 as Odia explores what happens when the cameras stop rolling and you must lead for real. Key moments and chapters: 00:00 Odia's bold decision before her presentation: choosing authenticity over a polished PowerPoint 01:42 Introduction to Odia and the CEO of the Day program's origins 03:00 Odia's first reaction and doubts about the program 05:20 The selection process and why Odia chose a speech over slides 06:57 The power of preparation and peer advice before the panel 07:32 How it felt to make it to the final selection and the emotional moment of getting chosen 09:12 What it's really like to be CEO for a day, including the performance review meeting 12:34 Odia's insights on building confidence with senior leaders 13:32 The special treatment: drivers, cameras, and the welcome at work 15:01 How CEO of the Day made leadership dreams feel real 15:27 What visibility in the workplace really looks like years later 16:28 The unexpected LinkedIn connection and public recognition 17:51 What's coming next in Part 2—challenges, visibility, and leading with impact If you are inspired by stories of real leadership, young women stepping up, and what it truly means to find your confidence, subscribe to Don't Let the Smile Fool You. Share this with a young leader in your life or get your company involved in the CEO of the Day journey. For more content and upcoming episodes, make sure you’re subscribed and stay tuned for Part 2. Connect with Odia Okoumassoun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odia-okoumassoun/ Connect with Uche Ofodile: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodile TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    18 min

  2. FEB 3

    The Detour You Didn’t Ask For. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP18

    Your career probably won’t change in the way you expect. Forget the idea of a straight-line promotion. From sudden decisions to unexpected detours, this episode unpacks why the real shifts often arrive from moments you didn’t plan for—and what you can actually do when that happens.Let me share a few stories. Years ago, I took a job where I was promised a certain structure, only to have everything change and find myself reporting to someone else. I was upset, frustrated and confused. But that pivot, that detour, ended up putting me exactly where I needed to be, as Chief Marketing Officer. Detours aren’t always setbacks; sometimes they are redirections to something better.I talk about my friend who was moved out of her role without any feedback—forced into a new area just to make her quit. Instead, she leaned in, learned fast, delivered, and walked into a much bigger opportunity. Anger and disappointment can be powerful fuel for growth if you know how to redirect.The episode digs into the realities of workplace changes that feel unfair, destabilizing, or simply bewildering. We talk about having doors shut on you, doors never even opening, and why comfort from friends and family—while well-intentioned—is not a strategy. I lay out what you can actually do: Instead of chasing closed doors, put your energy into things you can control. Build new skills. Prepare for your next step. Strengthen your internal readiness, and don’t let setbacks keep you stuck.Key topics include how to deal with workplace detours, handling disappointment, why career paths are never straight lines, using frustration as motivation, and actively shaping your own redirection.Here are the chapters for easy listening:00:00 When your career takes an unexpected detour00:43 The illusion of straight-line career progress01:17 The reality of unfair career shifts01:31 Personal story: How an unwanted change led to a CMO role04:56 The structure changes again and the real promotion arrives06:02 Why some setbacks lead to exactly what you need06:27 Story of a friend pushed out but landing higher07:52 How to respond to forced redirection08:45 Let disappointment expand you09:33 Mentoring and dealing with closed doors10:15 Don’t chase the door—redirect your energy11:25 Building new skills and readiness for the next step12:40 Comfort isn’t a strategy: Take action after disappointment13:46 Detours mean you move differently, not sit still14:45 What to ask yourself after a setback15:03 Actively build your redirection15:50 Wrap up and next stepsIf you’re facing a setback at work or dealing with unexpected career changes, this episode is packed with practical advice and real stories about leadership and redirection. Listen in, share it with someone who needs support, and use every detour to build your next move.Subscribe for new conversations on growth, leadership, and navigating the paths nobody tells you about.Connect with Uche Ofodile:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    16 min

  3. JAN 20

    Don't call me resilient. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP17

    Download our Resilience Reality Check Diagnostic Tool: https://smile-collective.kit.com/1e4240019d So let’s talk about resilience. We all love stories of grit, strength, and coming through tough times with a smile, but here’s the truth I wish someone had told me years ago: not all resilience is good resilience. In this episode of Don’t Let the Smile Fool You, I share the real story behind what happened when my boss praised my “resilience”—and how I realized that surviving something that should have broken me wasn’t a reason to celebrate.Have you ever wondered when resilience turns from healthy strength to unhealthy survival? I break down the difference between genuine resilience and performative resilience, and how easy it is for workplaces to slip into cultures that glorify exhaustion instead of genuine excellence.I talk about my own experience working in a high-pressure environment, suffering silently, and almost breaking under relentless stress—all while being praised for showing up and “enduring.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re applauded more for surviving pain than for actual performance, this episode is for you.This video is all about the real cost of bad resilience: how pretending everything is normal, not setting boundaries, and rewarding suffering leads to burnt out teams and organizations that lose their best people. I explain how leaders unintentionally build cultures where exhaustion equals excellence, and why it’s so important to recognize the signs of toxic resilience—like employees proudly going years without vacation or working tirelessly on weekends.You'll hear tips on how to identify unhealthy patterns, how managers and leaders can set a better tone, and what tools every employee should use to protect their well-being. I also share why rest is not weakness and how building personal infrastructure—like boundaries and support systems—can help everyone thrive rather than just survive.If you’re ready to rethink what resilience means in the workplace and in your own life, this conversation will give you practical steps to stop glorifying suffering and start supporting sustainable success.Chapters:00:00 The praise that didn’t feel so great 02:05 When resilience becomes survival, not strength 03:34 Life in a high-pressure work environment—behind the smile 05:20 Adapting to dysfunction and teaching pain as proof of performance 08:06 How toxic work cultures start—working late, weekends, and vacations 10:21 Performative resilience and its long-term costs 12:32 Leadership’s role in toxic resilience: setting the tone for culture 13:16 The shocking labor and email story—when boundaries disappear 15:12 How managers can support healthy boundaries and rest 17:51 Real leadership—spotting the signs of bad resilience 19:12 Tools to identify and stop bad resilience patterns 20:01 Rest is not weakness—protect your well-being 21:46 Organizations: Building a culture of healthy boundaries and sustainable performance 22:34 What “good” resilience actually looks like 24:28 Don’t confuse exhaustion with excellenceFor more insights, stories, and real talk about resilience, boundaries, and building healthy cultures, subscribe to Don’t Let the Smile Fool You and join the conversation. Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your experiences with #dontcallmeresilient.Connect with Uche Ofodile:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    27 min

  4. JAN 6

    Am I the drama? Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP16

    Download the Drama Reduction Guide: https://smile-collective.kit.com/9a618e43da Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, Am I the drama? Maybe you’ve been called too direct or too intimidating, or perhaps it’s your presence that sets off reactions even when you don’t mean it. This episode of Don’t Let the Smile Fool You dives deep into the three types of drama we might find ourselves in: unaware drama, misunderstood drama, and self-imposed drama. Inspired by Cardi B’s album and a personal journey with workplace interactions, Uche shares honest stories and advice on how to reflect, own your impact, and stop shrinking yourself for others’ comfort.Maybe you’re carrying drama that isn’t yours, maybe you’re being misread—and maybe sometimes, it actually is you. Through relatable workplace tales, feedback from bosses, and moments of self-reflection, Uche lays out why your intentions don’t always match your impact, and what to do when feedback keeps coming your way. If you’ve felt self-doubt after meetings, replayed every word in your mind, or apologized when it wasn’t needed, this episode is your guide to building confidence and learning how to give better context rather than dimming your power.From the importance of infrastructure—having honest mirrors and anchors around you—to practical tips on keeping your proof list and watching your language, this episode is your permission to stop apologizing for your strengths. The drama isn’t always what it seems. Find out how to reflect, adapt, and move forward instead of getting stuck.Key topics include: – What does it mean to be the drama in a team setting – The difference between intention vs impact – How feedback and self-reflection help you grow – Giving context to your presence and style without shrinking yourself – Strategies for overcoming self-imposed doubtWhether you’ve faced misunderstood drama over your body language, been singled out for your confidence, or replayed meetings in your mind, Don’t Let the Smile Fool You has you covered. Uche closes with advice on how awareness and clarity help you move from being the drama to being human—fully, confidently, and without apology.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Am I the Drama? Featuring Cardi B and relatable workplace moments01:00 Story 1: Unaware Drama—Intentions vs Impact and feedback cycles04:20 The Importance of Honest Feedback and Infrastructure05:15 Story 2: Misunderstood Drama—Presence, body language, and workplace perceptions08:19 Shrinking Yourself for Others—When toning it down backfires09:45 The Role of Honest Mirrors in Finding Confidence10:21 Owning Your Expressiveness—Giving context to avoid being misread11:09 Story 3: Self-Imposed Drama—The replay cycle and apologizing for your existence12:36 Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt—Proof list and watching your language13:40 Building Infrastructure and Anchors for Confidence14:19 What if you’re all three? Accepting the spectrum of drama and ways forward15:54 The Power of Reflection—Knowing if it’s your drama or someone else’s16:35 Closing Thoughts: Clarity and being human beats being liked or feared17:21 Am I the Drama Reflection Guide—Resources and next stepsDon’t forget to subscribe and keep smiling—even when the drama comes your way. Connect with Uche Ofodile:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    18 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Exhausted - Now What? Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP15

    Year-End Exhaustion is Real – Here’s How I’m Resetting for 2025 Let’s talk about why everyone you know (including you) is so tired at the end of the year. In this honest and refreshing episode of "Don't Let the Smile Fool You," I share what I’ve been hearing from every single conversation lately: exhaustion, fatigue, and the looming hope that somehow the holidays or January 1 will make it all better. Why do we assume that a new year is a magical reset button? Is the tiredness just about working hard, or is there something deeper? I open up about rejecting the usual new year resolutions talk, confessing that I have never kept a resolution in my life and why I don’t believe January suddenly transforms us. Instead, I share a simple but powerful exercise: what is one piece of mental baggage you can choose to leave behind right now? What can you intentionally declare "undone" instead of carrying it into 2025? We talk about the real reasons for end-of-year exhaustion—overcompensating, always saying yes, lacking support, and trying to hold everything together alone. I tell you why building personal "infrastructure" (like leaning on family, friends, coaching, therapy, or simple rest) matters so much more than making grand resolutions. In this episode, I also reveal the story behind launching this podcast and how making the deliberate choice to inject more joy into my life helped reset me—without waiting for a calendar date. There’s no motivational pep talk or quick fixes here, just honest reflection on how to strengthen your support systems, inject joy on your terms, and let go of exhaustion as a badge of honor. Key themes and keywords covered include: end of year fatigue, exhaustion, mental baggage, new year resolutions, letting go, support systems, leadership infrastructure, family, rest, injecting joy, sustainable living, saying no, and intentional choices. Find out why you don’t have to keep carrying it all alone, and how you can craft a more joyful, supported, and sustainable 2025—without waiting for January 1. Timestamps: 00:00 Year-end exhaustion is everywhere 01:09 Why I skip resolutions (and what I do instead) 03:17 Letting go of mental baggage – the "undone" practice 05:02 Making room for joy and the birth of this podcast 07:04 What actually causes all this fatigue? 09:12 The real cost of doing too much and invisible labor 10:22 Building your unique support infrastructure 12:04 Small (not dramatic) ways to create rest and support 13:22 Why exhaustion is not a badge of honor If this episode speaks to you, please subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments. What will you choose to leave behind in 2025? How are you injecting more joy into your own life?

    15 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Why leaders over-talk - and how to stop it. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP14

    Have you ever been in one of those meetings where a simple question turns into a history lesson, a TED Talk, or unnecessary drama? In this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, we are diving deep into the very real problem of over talking—why we do it, how it affects our credibility, and, most importantly, how to stop. Uche walks us through her own experience with over talking and the uncomfortable feeling of silence in a meeting. She shares the kinds of over talkers we all know: The Historian, The TED Talker, The Confessor, The Rambler, and even the Accidental Volunteer who ends up with more assignments than they bargained for. This episode is a practical workshop on leadership, the power of silence, and the discipline required to use your voice effectively. We break down how over talking can dilute your message, expose you to unnecessary scrutiny, and accidentally create more problems for yourself at work. On the brighter side, Uche gives clear strategies for mastering meetings, from self-editing tips to her go-to framework: short, sharp, clear—SSC. Whether you struggle with staying on message, fear dead air, or just want to present yourself as more confident and credible in any professional setting, these lessons are for you. The episode is packed with stories, real-world tactics, and a generous dose of humor about the do’s and don’ts of meetings and professional communication. Key moments in this episode: 00:00 The problem with over talking and leadership in meetings 01:08 Why it’s hard to stop rambling, and the internal struggle to be concise 02:22 The link between over talking, insecurity, and drama 04:34 Uche’s own confession and the moment she realized she said too much 05:52 Surviving uncomfortable silence—why it triggers us and what to do 07:17 Reasons why people over talk (it’s not always ego) 08:01 Why clarity and confidence go hand-in-hand 09:00 Characters of over talking: The Historian, The TED Talker, The Confessor, The Rambler 12:31 The pain of watching a leader over talk in a review meeting 13:15 Leadership lessons from Uche’s early career 15:11 Why self-editing is strategy, not just courtesy 15:59 Uche’s best tips to manage your message and land your point 18:04 The SSC rule: Short, Sharp, and Clear 19:03 Landing gear: what to do when you’re rambling in real-time 20:11 Final thoughts—discipline, confidence, and saying less If you’ve ever wished you could say less and be heard more, this episode is your go-to guide. Share with a friend who needs it, or use these tips at your next meeting and watch your influence grow. Connect with Uche Ofodile: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodile TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    21 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    How to Exit a Job the Right Way. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP13

    So let’s talk about something we all face in our careers: the art of leaving a job. Most people think that making a move is only about resignation letters and LinkedIn updates, but there is so much more beneath the surface. In this episode of Don’t Let the Smile Fool You, we’re diving deep into the real exit stories — why you need to own your narrative, how to manage your emotions, and the importance of leaving with grace no matter how your tenure comes to an end.I share my firsthand story about leaving a company after a year of growth and challenge, and what it taught me about detaching my identity from my job title. Whether you’re resigning, being let go, walking away quietly, or starting something completely new, this episode covers why exits matter, why being a ‘good leaver’ pays off, and why burning bridges can hurt your future far more than you think.If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your professional reputation intact, maintain key relationships, and build your confidence after a job change, you’ll find real tips here. We talk about how to pack your ‘exit bag’ — leaving bitterness behind, focusing on your accomplishments, letting go of the need for validation, and practicing your new introduction to the world.Your job is not your identity. Exiting is not failure. It’s just the next chapter. So how will you tell your story when you move forward?Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the trilogy and why it’s time to talk about exiting 01:09 Why everyone faces the exit conversation – resignation, redundancy, firing, or promotion02:11 Your job title is not your identity 03:18 The ego trip of thinking your company can't survive without you 05:02 How to let go of emotions and focus on the future 05:40 What makes a ‘good leaver’ versus a ‘bad leaver’ 06:31 The importance of leaving on good terms – and when it matters most 07:49 The rule about honesty when you’re leaving a company 08:58 Why transparency matters and how to avoid burning bridges 10:23 How to control your narrative and negotiate your exit 11:07 What to pack in your ‘exit bag’ – lessons, not bitterness 12:15 Owning your impact and holding onto valuable relationships 14:51 Dealing with redundancy, being fired, or an unplanned exit 16:31 Processing the identity shift after leaving a role 17:42 Overcoming ego and shame when changing jobs 18:27 Reminding yourself what's left after the title is gone 19:06 Writing your new introduction and moving forward with confidence 20:22 Exiting does not mean failure 20:59 How to shape your personal narrative for what comes next 21:37 Wrapping up - how to tell your own moving forward storyConnect with Uche Ofodile:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    22 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    How do you know when it's time to leave your job? Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP12

    So let me tell you a story. For years, we hear about tenure. Stay long enough to earn your stripes, but what about knowing when it’s time to leave? In this episode, I get honest about that moment—figuring out when you’re truly ready to jump, and (just as importantly) when it’s better to stay and stretch. Here’s the thing. You might find yourself restless at work. Is it boredom, or have you hit your ceiling? Maybe you’re frustrated, or maybe your body is sending you signals that you can’t ignore—like when I found myself covered in hives and losing hair from a job that just was not a fit. These physical reactions weren’t about pushing through. They were my body telling me it was time for an exit. But not every signal is a green light to walk out. Sometimes boredom just means things are quiet, and your next big stretch could be right around the corner. If you’re jumping because your colleague got promoted or your cousin became a VP, pause. Your journey is your own, and FOMO is a bad reason to make big decisions. One thing I learned is to ask yourself tough questions. Are you making this move for you, or because you’re comparing yourself to others? Is it a tough boss stretching you, or a toxic culture telling you to go? What if they offered you more money—would you still want to leave? If your values no longer fit, and you feel dread getting out of bed for work, pay attention. Alignment matters, especially in leadership. Understand your own signals—physical, emotional, and professional—before making your next move. Here are some key chapters to guide you through this episode: 00:00 Why tenure isn’t everything—and how I learned to recognize readiness 01:57 How signals show up: internal vs. external cues 03:09 Stretch vs. ceiling: the moment I knew I was ready to move on 05:11 Boredom, frustration, and restlessness—don’t misread the signs 06:28 When powering through becomes dangerous: my hives & hair loss story 09:35 Values misalignment and its impact on senior leaders 11:36 Tough boss vs. toxic boss: how to know the difference 13:30 Pressure, FOMO, and making sure your decision is truly yours 15:37 Asking yourself the key exit questions 17:23 What really calls for an exit—and how to do it right If you know someone caught in that should-I-stay-or-should-I-go limbo, share this episode. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’re first to hear part three, where we dive into how to write the story of your own exits and own your narrative. Thanks for listening to Don’t Let the Smile Fool You. Hope you keep smiling—and making moves that are truly yours. Connect with Uche Ofodile: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodile TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Behind every confident leader is a story you don’t see. Don’t Let the Smile Fool You with Uche Ofodile goes beyond titles and polished moments to unpack the real emotions, decisions, and lessons that come with leadership.

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