Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for Empowerment

Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya | Authentic Influencer for Women Empowerment Experts
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The Lunch with Leaders podcast helps women in STEM lead with authenticity and growth, create impact, & expand their influence. Hosted by Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, & Founder. Each week, Adaeze sits down with innovators, trailblazers, & leaders who are changing cultures and redefining leadership. Together, they share the stories, strategies, & mindsets that empower women in STEM to amplify their visibility, influence, and impact. If you are ready to lead boldly, elevate your influence, and join a global movement, this is your invitation… would you accept?

  1. 1D AGO

    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 of mentorship and sponsorship, the art of setting boundaries, and the creation of psychologically safe work environments where individuals can thrive. Co-author in Chronicles of Women in White Coats - 4th edition | Buy Book Available on Amazon Key Takeaways Embrace the Journey of Self-Discovery: Your true calling isn't always a predetermined path. It can be a continuous journey of evolution and rediscovery.Lead with Authenticity: Authentic leadership is about showing up as your genuine self. This builds trust, fosters connection, and creates a more comfortable and productive environment for everyone.Asking for Help is a Strength: Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness. It also provides an opportunity for others to share their expertise.The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship: Mentorship provides guidance, while sponsorship actively advocates for your career advancement. Both are invaluable for professional growth.Set Boundaries for Well-being: Setting boundaries is not selfish; it's essential for your well-being and long-term effectiveness. It allows you to show up as your best self in all aspects of your life.Cultivate Psychological Safety: Leaders have a responsibility to create an environment where team members feel seen, heard, and valued. This psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams. Memorable Quotes "The best leaders develop other leaders and create spaces for others to be heard." - Dr. Kim Nichols "Asking for help is a sign of strength, actually, it's not a sign of weakness." - Dr. Kim Nichols "Logic can sometimes keep you exactly where you are instead of where you want to be." - Dr. Kim Nichols FAQs Q: How can I find my true calling? A: Dr. Nichols suggests that finding your true calling is a process of self-reflection and can change over time. It's about understanding your values and what truly fulfills you, rather than conforming to external expectations. Q: What is authentic leadership? A: Authentic leadership is about leading as your true self. It involves being genuine, transparent, and comfortable in your own skin, which in turn inspires trust and authenticity in others. Q: How can I overcome the fear of asking for help? A: Reframe asking for help as a sign of strength. It shows that you are self-aware and open to learning. It also empowers others by allowing them to contribute their skills and knowledge. Timestamps [03:39] Dr. Kim Nichols on discovering her true calling.[07:51] The importance of embracing imperfection and being a lifelong learner.[13:09] Defining and practicing authentic leadership.[16:34] The distinction between mentorship and sponsorship.[23:05] A powerful framework for setting boundaries without guilt.[26:23] How to foster psychological safety in the workplace.[38:55] Dr. Nichols' advice for those who feel stuck and want to move forward. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/level-up-with-drkimn/ Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564571362046 Website: https://www.levelupwithdrkimn.com/ Email: krnichols1@yahoo.com

    42 min

  2. 3D AGO

    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 introduces the complete truth: while no one is coming to save you, many people are willing to help you. Through compelling statistics and real-world examples, Adaeze demonstrates that career success is never a solo journey. She reveals that only 1-2% of jobs come from job boards, while 85% are filled through networking, and 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. Drawing parallels from team sports and individual athletics, she illustrates how even the most successful people rely on networks, coaches, and support systems to reach their goals. This episode is a wake-up call for high-achieving women who have internalized the belief that they must figure everything out alone. Adaeze provides practical insights on building genuine relationships, creating access and proximity to decision-makers, and positioning yourself strategically for opportunities. She emphasizes that relationships, proximity, and access matter more than productivity alone, and encourages listeners to shift from working in isolation to building intentional connections that can open doors and accelerate career growth. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What does Adaeze mean by "no one is coming to save you, but many are willing to help"? A: Adaeze explains that while you shouldn't wait for someone to rescue your career, many people are genuinely willing to support you. The key is to place yourself in the right environments, communicate what you're doing and why, and make it easy for others to see how they can help you. It's about shifting from isolation to strategic connection. Q: How can I start building the right network if I've been working in isolation? A: Start by having coffee chats with decision-makers, sharing your career goals with skip-level managers, and getting involved in conversations where strategy is discussed (not just task execution). Join communities like African Women in STEM where you can connect with like-minded professionals who understand your unique experience. Timestamps 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:56 - The "No One Is Coming to Save You" Mindset 01:56 - The Identity of Self-Reliance 03:04 - The Limits of Solo Success 04:26 - The Incomplete Phrase Revealed 05:11 - Asking for Help Is a Strength 06:03 - The Team Sport Analogy 07:11 - The Job Market Reality 08:11 - Relationships Matter More Than Productivity 09:07 - Critical Questions for Self-Assessment 10:19 - The Need for Centered Spaces 11:04 - Event Announcement 12:23 - Closing Remarks Target Audience •African women working in STEM fields •Mid-career professionals feeling stuck despite high productivity •Women who have internalized the "figure it out alone" mindset •Professionals seeking to transition from effort-based to strategy-based career growth •Anyone interested in building strategic professional relationships Episode Themes •Career Development & Strategy •Professional Networking •Leadership for Women in STEM •Overcoming Isolation in the Workplace •Diversity & Inclusion in STEM •Personal Branding & Visibility •Mentorship & Sponsorship Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Decision-Level Advisory Application | Fill this Form >>

    13 min

  3. 6D AGO

    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 intelligence. Tamiko discusses her unique approach using short stories and children's books to teach empathy in organizational settings, allowing leaders to see themselves through fictional characters and identify blind spots. She emphasizes the importance of listening more than speaking, being vulnerable about struggles, and creating cultures where people feel safe to say "I'm not okay." The conversation explores leading during difficult times, the danger of pouring from an empty cup, and why rest is resistance. Tamiko shares personal experiences of being in food lines while professionally dressed, highlighting how she brings lived experience to her advocacy work. Her legacy goal is clear: ensure people don't lose sight of why they started their work and create spaces where those closest to the work are heard, valued, and supported. Key Episode Timestamps [00:00] Introduction & Opening Quote [01:40] Guest Introduction - Tamiko Nettles [04:05] What Led to Advocacy Work [09:55] Working with Organizations That Lack Empathy [14:49] Using Children's Books to Teach Empathy [18:40] Leading When You Don't Feel Like Leading [23:39] The Empty Cup Analogy [33:24] Defining Success & Legacy [37:37] Tamiko's Legacy Vision [42:20] Message to Women Leaders [49:00] Current Projects & Where to Find Tamiko [50:25] Closing & Call to Action Key Takeaways 1. Empathy Cannot Be Easily Taught - It requires intentional practice and creative approaches like storytelling to help leaders develop this critical skill. 2. Vulnerability Is Leadership Strength - Leaders who share their struggles give permission for others to do the same, creating healthier team cultures. 3. Listen, Then Respond - Hearing feedback isn't enough; leaders must act on what they hear or explain why they can't. 4. Rest Is Not Optional - Burnout prevents leaders from fulfilling their purpose. Taking breaks models healthy behavior for teams. 5. See People Beyond Titles - Understanding what people experience outside their roles creates more effective, compassionate leadership. 6. Define Success for Yourself First - Write down your vision before others influence it with their limitations or expectations. FAQs Q: What led Tamiko to advocacy work? A: Her natural empathy and ability to observe what people aren't saying. She notices when individuals are overlooked, overwhelmed, or disconnected, and works to find solutions and resources to support them. Q: How does she teach empathy in organizations that don't prioritize it? A: Through short stories and children's books that allow leaders to see workplace dynamics through fictional characters, making it easier to identify issues in their own teams without defensiveness. Q: What's her advice for leading when you're exhausted? A: Be vulnerable and honest with your team. Share when you need a moment, take breaks without guilt, and model the behavior you want to see. This gives others permission to care for themselves too. Q: What does she want her legacy to be? A: For people to never lose sight of why they started their work, to create empathetic organizational cultures, and to ensure those closest to the work are heard and supported. Q: Where can people connect with Tamiko? A: Find her at @LetGoBeGreat on all platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Visit www.letgo-begreat.com for her books, journals, and team resources.

    52 min

  4. FEB 6

    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: From Solver to Framers: Your value shifts from solving problems to framing them strategically. Context is more valuable than execution. From Output to Influence: Success is measured by your ability to influence outcomes and empower others, not by your personal task output. Advocacy over Activity: Your work doesn't speak for itself. Who speaks for you (advocacy) becomes more critical than the work you do. Trust is the Top Priority: As shown in a client crisis story, the leader who protects the relationship and manages trust wins over the one who just fixes the technical issue. Why You Feel Stuck: Positive performance reviews don't mean you're promotion-ready. Decision-makers are silently evaluating your ability to "read the room," set direction in ambiguity, and handle political dynamics—skills rarely on a review form. The key takeaway: If the goalposts seem to have moved, they have. This isn't a failure; it's a signal to evolve. Stop waiting for instructions. Start setting the direction, framing strategic problems, and building the advocacy that unlocks senior leadership. Episode Timestamps (00:00 - 01:01) Adaeze introduces the Launch Your Leaders podcast, framing this as a solo masterclass on unwritten promotion rules. (01:01 - 01:57) She opens with two critical questions: “If you were gone for a week, what stops?”and “Do you wait for instructions or set direction?” These frame the core problem. (01:57 - 04:53) Adaeze explains the critical shift: hard work stops being a differentiator. High-performers, especially women in STEM, are often trapped in a responsive mode, waiting for clarity instead of proactively framing problems. (04:53 - 06:06) A pivotal client crisis story illustrates the new rules. The professional who secured the promotion wasn’t the fastest technical solver, but the one who prioritized managing the client relationship and protecting trust. (06:06 - 09:41) The episode urges aligning effort with strategic impact. Decision-makers watch how you interpret situations, not just if you can solve them. They value leaders who “read the room, not just run the play.” (09:41 - 11:37) This explains the performance review disconnect. You’re told you’re doing great, yet passed over for promotion. Why? Because at senior levels, context-setting is more valuable than execution. (11:37 - 13:07) The defining trait of a senior leader is the ability to frame problems to empower others. If the goalposts feel like they’ve moved, you’re right. It’s not a personal failure—it’s a signal to evolve your operating model. Bottom Line: The skills that get you promoted to management (technical expertise, execution) are not the skills that get you to senior leadership (strategic framing, influence, advocacy). You must shift from solving assigned problems to defining what’s important. (13:07 - End) Adaeze concludes with a call to be deliberate in designing your career moves. Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Decision-Level Advisory Application | Fill this Form >>

    13 min

  5. FEB 3

    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 learning, talent management, and executive coaching. She has held pivotal roles from sales manager to VP of talent management and understands the corporate complexities that can hinder authentic growth. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Ranieka specializes in guiding organizations through transformational change by leveraging the power of narrative. She is also a certified yoga instructor who integrates mindfulness and emotional regulation practices into her leadership work. Ranieka shares her Negotiator’s Mindset Framework—built on Clarity, Courage, and Consistency—and reframes negotiation as a daily practice that goes far beyond salary talks. She reveals how generational beliefs can limit growth, why emotional regulation starts with the breath, and how to know when to leave a job vs. when to stay. Listeners will walk away with practical tools to: Identify and rewrite limiting stories Set boundaries without guilt Use breath and grounding to think clearly Build a legacy through intentional impact Perfect for leaders, coaches, and anyone ready to lead more authentically and negotiate for what they truly deserve. Follow Ranieka Weston on Social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raniekaweston/ Website: https://www.yournexthought.com Email: ranieka@yournxthought.com Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    44 min

  6. JAN 30

    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 Sarah Host Adaeze introduces the episode as a practical reflection for leadership and career growth.Sarah’s story: A high-performing professional passed over for promotion three times, despite dedication. Her manager once dismissed her request for promotion without a raise, reflecting a common experience for women in STEM.[02:00-03:13] – The Pattern of Career Stagnation High-performing women often reach a point where effort no longer yields career returns—not due to underperformance, but because “the rules have changed” without clear communication.Core thesis: Being useful is not the same as being impactful. Optimizing for usefulness will not advance your career.[03:13-05:28] – Root Cause: Misalignment & The Trap of Usefulness Stagnation is a misalignment problem: The system rewards impact, but many are trained to optimize for usefulness (e.g., work hard, be reliable, solve problems).Early career success with this formula leads to becoming “the fixer”—a role that serves the organization but not your advancement.At a certain level, competence is assumed. Usefulness stops being a differentiator and becomes a trap, leaving professionals “over-leveraged and under-positioned.”[05:28-06:06] – What Impact Actually Looks Like Impact is not what you do, but what changes because of what you do. It includes:Connecting work to organizational priorities and outcomes.Making decisions that move initiatives forward.Reducing ambiguity so others can execute confidently.[06:06-07:43] – The Wrong Hill Problem Many professionals “climb the wrong hill” by doubling down on strategies that no longer work.The key question: “What am I optimizing for?”—usefulness or impact?[07:43-09:24] – Call to Action & Closing Questioning your approach already puts you ahead. Taking intentional action helps design the career you want.Adaeze invites listeners to work with her (application in show notes) and emphasizes: “You’re ready for your work to create more impact—that is leadership.” Key Takeaways Usefulness ≠ Impact. Being reliable and productive (useful) differs from creating change and shaping priorities (impact).The old career formula stops working. Hard work and excellence matter early on, but impact becomes the differentiator later.Stagnation is a misalignment problem, not a capability issue. The system rewards impact; many optimize for usefulness.Avoid the “fixer” trap. Serving as the go-to problem-solver often benefits the organization, not your career progression.Impact creates change. Focus on outcomes, decisions that advance initiatives, and reducing ambiguity for others.Ask: “What am I optimizing for?” Shift from “How can I do more?” to aligning with impact-driven goals.Awareness is leverage. Recognizing the misalignment lets you course-correct intentionally.Don’t climb the wrong hill. If current strategies aren’t working, change the formula instead of doubling down.Design your career intentionally. Advancement requires strategic positioning, not just hard work.Leadership is about impact. Transition from executing tasks to creating influence through strategic decisions. Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Decision-Level Advisory Application | Fill this Form >>

    9 min

  7. JAN 28

    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 dance and movement to teach science to a wide range of students, from pre-K to college. The conversation delves into the significance of authenticity, the hurdles women encounter in STEM fields, the critical role of mentorship, and the profound impact of storytelling. Sesha also gives a sneak peek into her forthcoming book, "Seeds of Germination," an anthology that will feature the stories of women in STEAM. Key Takeaways Embrace All Your Talents: Don't shy away from blending your diverse passions and skills to forge a unique path.The Power of STEAM: Integrating the arts into STEM education can create a more engaging and effective learning experience.Action-Based Learning: Engaging both the mind and body in the learning process enhances memory and retention.Show Up Authentically: Be true to yourself and let your light shine without reservation.The Importance of Mentorship: Seek out individuals who can offer guidance and support throughout your personal and professional journey.Tell Your Story: Your experiences have the power to inspire and empower others, so share them.Community Over Competition: Foster collaboration with those who share your mission and purpose.Bridging the Academia-Workforce Gap: There is a pressing need to equip students with the practical skills necessary for the professional world. Episode Timestamps [01:35] - Introduction of the guest, Sesha Woodard. [03:41] - Sesha discusses how she ingeniously combined her talents in science, education, entrepreneurship, and dance. [05:14] - A deeper dive into the use of dance to teach science and its profound impact. [08:16] - A look back at the historical necessity for professionals in STEM to conceal their artistic talents. [10:00] - The discussion turns to the importance of showing up authentically in all aspects of life. [14:45] - The conversation addresses the challenges and obstacles that women often face in STEM fields. [21:05] - The vital role of mentorship and the concept of creating a personal "board of directors." [33:00] - Sesha announces her upcoming book, "Seeds of Germination." [39:08] - The importance of building a sense of community and fostering collaboration. [40:21] - An exploration of the disconnect between the academic world and the professional workforce. [52:11] - How to connect with Sesha Woodard and learn more about her work. Connect with Sesha Woodard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sesha-woodard-mpa-rqap-glp-5a340710 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsimotion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DroppingSeedsinMotion Website: www.droppingseedsinmotion.com Book: https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/SeedsOfGerminationBook Email: info@droppingseedsinmotion.com Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

    55 min

  8. JAN 23

    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 misalignment between what the system rewards and what we've been trained to optimize for. This episode is essential listening for mid-career and senior women in STEM who are experiencing career plateaus despite exceptional performance. Adaeze offers a clear framework for understanding why the "work hard and be reliable" formula that once worked may now be holding you back, and what to focus on instead to advance your career. In this episode, you'll learn: [00:56] The story of Sarah, a high-performing professional who keeps getting blindsided by opportunities going to others. [01:53] Why high-performing women in STEM often find their efforts stop producing expected returns. [02:33] The critical insight: being useful is not the same as being impactful, and optimizing for usefulness will not advance your career. [02:59] Why career stagnation is not a capability problem, it's a misalignment problem. [03:11] The formula many of us were taught: work hard, be reliable, be the one they can count on, and you'll be recognized in due time. [04:15] The turning point: when usefulness stops being a differentiator in your career. [04:37] How usefulness can become a trap, making women "over leveraged and under positioned." [04:50] What impact actually looks like: connecting work to organizational priorities, making decisions that move initiatives forward, reducing ambiguity, and shaping how critical priorities are approached. [05:35] The concept of "climbing the wrong hill" in your career. [06:09] The critical question to ask yourself: What am I optimizing for, usefulness or impact? [06:28] Why awareness is leverage, not a setback. [07:15] The call to reevaluate how you're operating your career and make necessary changes. Thank you for listening to our episode today! Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media: ⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠ ⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Decision-Level Advisory Application | Fill this Form >>

    9 min
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The Lunch with Leaders podcast helps women in STEM lead with authenticity and growth, create impact, & expand their influence. Hosted by Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, & Founder. Each week, Adaeze sits down with innovators, trailblazers, & leaders who are changing cultures and redefining leadership. Together, they share the stories, strategies, & mindsets that empower women in STEM to amplify their visibility, influence, and impact. If you are ready to lead boldly, elevate your influence, and join a global movement, this is your invitation… would you accept?

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