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

On Lunch With Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Mercy explore the Four Cs of Opportunity: clarity, connection, collaboration, and continuation. They explain how women can prepare for networking, communicate what they need, offer value generously, follow up intentionally, and stop treating self-reliance as the only path to success. The conversation covers career pivots, entrepreneurship, mentors, sponsors, funding, warm outreach, and the cultural pressure placed on women—especially Black women—to carry everything alone.The episode also previews Herscension 2026 in Atlanta, a conference designed to connect ambitious women with coaches, mentors, clients, sponsors, and funding opportunities.Visit our website (https://herscension.com) to join the powerful networking conference.WHO THIS IS FOR?Women professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, founders, job seekers, career pivoters, and ambitious leaders who want stronger networks, mentors, sponsors, clients, funding, collaborations, or support. It is especially relevant to women tired of doing everything alone, feeling pressure to appear “strong,” or building in spaces where they lack a ready-made community.KEY MOMENTS00:27 — Your next opportunity may begin with one relationship, not another application or cold email.01:59 — The Four Cs of Opportunity are introduced.02:50 — Clarity: know who you are, where you are going, and what you need before networking.08:03 — How to prepare for the conference and use NuConnect to find aligned people.09:39 — Connect: research attendees, start conversations, and make networking less awkward.14:52 — Collaborate: approach relationships as a give-and-take, not a transaction.18:34 — Active listening helps you discover simple ways to be useful.20:38 — Continue: follow up, nurture relationships, and build beyond the event.27:35 — Why a warm network can outperform relying only on online applications or cold outreach.34:55 — Asking for help and using funding or support does not diminish your ambition.42:53 — Advancement and leadership often require other people’s advocacy and support.44:21 — The purpose of Herscension: women working together to create real opportunities.ACTION STEPSWrite down the one outcome you want next: a role, client, sponsor, mentor, funding, or collaboration.Identify five people who could help—and five ways you could help them.Research their work and send a specific, useful message instead of a generic pitch.Use LinkedIn or NuConnect to begin conversations before an event.During the conversation, listen for needs and offer one resource, introduction, or insight.Follow up within 48 hours and schedule a next step. Stop waiting until you need help to build relationships.FAQSWhat are the Four Cs?Clarity, connection, collaboration, and continuation.Why does clarity matter?People cannot help if they do not know what you need. Clear goals make it easier to identify aligned people and ask directly.How can I collaborate well?Listen actively, look for what the other person needs, and offer something useful—even a resource, introduction, recommendation, or thoughtful comment.What should happen after an event?Follow up promptly, schedule the conversation, keep notes, and nurture the relationship before you need something.Who is Herscension for? Women professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and ambitious builders seeking community and opportunity.Where is Herscension 2026?Atlanta, Georgia, November 14–15, 2026. Details and tickets: herscension.com.

On Lunch With Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya speaks with Esosa Edosomwan, founder of Staying Ageless Coaching and Ask Umi, about women’s hormonal health, fibroids, culturally relevant nutrition, holistic care, faith, and health-tech innovation. Esosa explains how her nutrition practice evolved into an AI-enabled platform designed to make personalized hormone-health education more accessible. The conversation also explores courageous leadership, mission-driven entrepreneurship, and giving women greater agency over their health. This episode is educational and not a substitute for individualized medical care.Who is this for?Women—especially women of color—who feel dismissed in healthcare, are navigating fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, painful or irregular periods, fertility concerns, perimenopause, or menopause; health-conscious listeners seeking culturally relevant nutrition; and founders or professionals building mission-led businesses with faith and courage.Key Moments00:00 — Why removing fibroids may not address the underlying hormonal imbalance, in Esosa’s view.03:42 — From nutritionist to a “girlfriend experience” in healthcare: empathy, responsiveness, and longer consultations.10:46 — The client stories that led Esosa to focus on fibroids and women’s hormonal health.13:41 — Why Umi is being built to deliver Esosa’s protocols at scale, with cultural diets in mind.15:59 — Diet as a manner of living—not a one-size-fits-all plan.18:42 — Womb Wellness, informed questions, and understanding your options.24:18 — Building health tech outside the traditional system and the challenge of creating a HIPAA-compliant platform.29:40 — Faith, conviction, and pursuing a mission despite pushback.35:44 — Leadership as taking responsibility for the space you already occupy.40:42 — Esosa’s vision: widespread women’s-health education and holistic care as a frontline approach.Action PointsWrite down your symptoms, cycle patterns, family history, medications, and questions before your next appointment.Ask what may be causing a symptom—not only how to suppress it—and seek a second opinion when appropriate.Build meals and habits around your culture, health goals, and long-term sustainability.Learn the difference between normal and concerning symptoms, and seek qualified care promptly.Identify the space you already lead, clarify your mission, and take one visible action this week.Follow Esosa’s work, explore Ask Umi, and leave a review if this conversation helped.FAQSWhat is Ask Umi?Ask Umi is Esosa’s hormone-health assistant, designed to make personalized guidance and education more accessible: askumi.com.Who is Esosa Edosomwan?She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, board-certified coach, author, and founder of Staying Ageless Coaching, known online as The Raw Girl. Learn more at TheRawGirl.com.Why does cultural diet matter?Esosa says food is tied to identity and emotion, so sustainable guidance should respect cultural foods rather than impose a cookie-cutter plan.Is this medical advice?No. Use the episode to inform questions for a qualified healthcare professional, especially before changing medication or treatment.Where can I follow Esosa?Founder, STAYING AGELESS INC.Website: https://www.askumi.com/ Nutritionist Website: www.therawgirl.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/therawgirl Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRawGirl

Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya interviews Avy Leghziel, an executive coach specializing in helping leaders steer through chaos and global transitions.They discuss the illusion of preparation, the true impact of technology on work, why most corporate training fails, and how organizations and individuals can better adapt to constant change through action-based learning and intentional reflection.Avy Leghziel shares practical strategies for embracing uncertainty and driving generative growth for both teams and organizations.Who Is This For?This episode is for leaders, executives, team managers, and professionals, especially women in STEM and those working across cultures, who want to navigate chaos, lead through change, and optimize their impact in dynamic environments.It’s also relevant for HR, L&D practitioners, and anyone facing technological or organizational transformation.Key Moments & TimestampsIntroduction & Guest Background: Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya introduces Avy Leghziel, highlights his global career, work with chaos, and impact on leaders (00:00:41–00:02:22)Culture & Chaos: Avi Lexil discusses cultural similarities between Italy and Brazil, and the influence of chaos on work styles (00:02:52–00:07:25)Globalization & Technology: The rise of global work, expectations created by technology, and the persistent friction in remote collaboration (00:07:25–00:12:56)AI, Layoffs, and Experimentation: Navigating AI-driven changes, layoffs, and why organizations often stumble in transformation (00:13:08–00:18:34)Illusion of Preparation: Overpreparation, ineffective corporate training, and learning by solving real-world problems (00:20:15–00:24:52)Effective Organizational Learning: Action-oriented, cost-effective strategies for real skills development (00:26:21–00:31:02)Embracing Change and Reflection: The need for diverse thinking, intentional reflection, and learning from experience (00:35:57–00:40:24)Avy’s Approach & Legacy: Modular, adaptable strategies for chaos & leadership, and fostering generative work environments (00:41:12–00:46:48)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Q: Who is Avy Leghziel?A: Avy Leghziel is an executive coach and consultant helping leaders navigate chaos, especially during transitions in global organizations.Q: What is the 'illusion of preparation'?A: It's the belief that more training or preparation will lead to better performance, when in reality, learning happens best through real problem-solving and action (00:21:24–00:24:52).Q: How should organizations adapt to rapid change and AI-driven disruption?A: By experimenting before downsizing, identifying what processes AI can optimize, and fostering employee initiative in reimagining workflows (00:15:09–00:18:34).Q: What’s the best way for leaders to develop capable teams?A: Move away from passive training. Instead, immerse people in real-world challenges, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary problem-solving (00:26:21–00:31:02).Q: Where can I connect with Avi Lexil?A: Through his website avyleg.com or his Substack newsletter, Masters of Babel (00:48:02).Action StepsFor Leaders & Professionals:Embrace Experimentation: Pilot AI or process improvements before making drastic changes (00:15:09).Prioritize Real-World Learning: Solve actual problems rather than relying solely on training modules (00:21:24).Encourage Reflection: Set aside regular time to reflect on recent challenges and articulate learnings (00:39:21).Foster Diversity in Teams: Expose teams to ideas outside their industry to spark creative solutions (00:36:54).For Organizations:Streamline onboarding to cover only essentials; prioritize learning by doing.Build systems for junior and senior staff to discuss real company challenges.Use tech-enabled but human-centered approaches to problem-solving and team development.Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/avyleg/ https://www.avyleg.com

In this “Lunch with Leaders” episode, Paige Wiese —founder/CEO of Tree Ring Digital —discusses her journey from architect to award-winning digital agency owner after a life-changing epilepsy diagnosis. With host Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya, they explore resilient leadership, digital asset security, business transitions, and building businesses ready for growth, exit, or succession. Key themes include asset management pitfalls, adapting to tech change, letting go as a founder, and creating legacies aligned with personal vision.Who Is This For?This episode is for:Women in STEM, innovators, founders, and early-stage business ownersLeaders navigating rapid business/tech growth or transitionsAnyone responsible for protecting digital assets or building a transferable businessEntrepreneurs interested in building scalable, resilient companies (not just quick wins)Startups, small businesses, and those dealing with employee/vendor turnoverPaige’s Life-Changing Diagnosis & Pivot to Tech: Paige Weiss shares her struggle with epilepsy, losing independence, and forcing a career pivot—from architecture to self-taught web design and entrepreneurship.Key Moments & TimestampsOn the Realities of Starting From Scratch 00:06:00 - 00:06:52: Paige Wiese reflects on “rock bottom,” hustling for clients, and embracing “nothing to lose.”Building a Team Around Strengths 00:08:00 - 00:11:19: “I want you in a place you’re going to thrive”—Paige Wiese describes leadership through supporting team members in their strengths.Letting Go of Control 00:15:42 - 00:18:16: Critical insight for leaders: when and how to delegate, stop micromanaging, and trust processes/QA over personal style.The Cost and Chaos of Digital Assets 00:20:15 - 00:23:21: Why digital asset management is no longer an afterthought; the risks of poor handovers, lost access, and vendor lock-in.Consequences of Not Owning Your Digital Footprint 00:32:03 - 00:34:57: Real-world stakes when assets and access fail during deals, transitions, or rapid growth.Legacy, Vision & Staying True to Your Goals 00:42:51 - 00:44:48: Paige Wiese on the importance of knowing your passion and definition of success, and tuning out distractions.FAQsQ: Why is digital asset management important for founders?A: Paige Wiese explains that lost access, unclear ownership, and vendor lock-in can halt business operations for months during transitions, leading to lost revenue and failed deals 00:20:15.Q: How do you know when to delegate or hire?A: Identify tasks that drain your energy or cause procrastination; as soon as possible, hire or outsource those areas to focus on your strengths 00:08:00.Q: What are the risks of using AI tools or outsourced talent without oversight?A: If you don’t verify account ownership and asset transferability, you risk losing everything after a contract ends or employee leaves 00:27:03.Q: How do I start protecting my digital assets?A: Use platforms like Assetto, track all logins/ownership, and download asset checklists (https://www.treeringdigital.com/checklist/) 00:45:19.Action Steps For Individuals/Founders and Teams/Leaders:Audit your digital assets: Who owns each one? Where are the logins?Download and use Paige Wiese’s digital asset checklist from treringdigital.com 00:45:19.Begin documenting processes for each platform/tool.If you delegate, allow team members to learn and get feedback from clients—not just you 00:18:16.Align your business growth with your personal definition of success 00:44:48.Foster a culture where team members can grow and move toward tasks they enjoy 00:08:41.Follow Paige Wiese OnlineWebsite: treeringdigital.com/lwlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreeRingDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeringdigital/Tree Ring Digital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treeringdigital/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treeringdigital

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 success, and actionable frameworks for shifting from expert to impactful leader.Who Is This For?This episode is ideal for women in STEM fields—particularly those at the mid-career or middle management level—who want to maximize their impact, transition into leadership roles, and redefine success on their own terms. It’s also highly relevant to corporate professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in leadership development, productivity, and personal growth.Key MomentsMindset Shift for Leaders:Shruti Rustagi explains the importance of shifting your mindset from proving your worth to knowing you belong at the table 00:00:00, 00:13:47.Maximizing Life, Not Just Career:Shruti Rustagi shares her philosophy of living a full, explored life rather than pursuing just one single path 00:03:28.Global Experience:The impact of living and working on three continents—India, Dubai, North America—on adaptability and learning 00:05:06.Biggest Middle Management Challenges:The transition from expert to leader—letting go of doing everything, becoming a delegator, and adopting a broad perspective 00:11:24, 00:12:30.Key Strategies for New Leaders:Focus on mindset, network-building, spending time talking to people, and learning the art of ruthless prioritization 00:13:40, 00:17:01.Fearless Productivity:The role of fear in driving overwork and perfectionism, and the importance of redefining productivity as effectiveness 00:20:02.Defining Success & The SAAF Framework:Success shouldn’t always mean climbing; use the SAAF (Skills, Aspiration, Alignment, Fit) framework to clarify your goals 00:24:38.Timestamps00:00:00 Mindset shift for new leaders00:03:28 Why maximize life and career?00:05:06 Lessons from global moves00:11:24 Challenges moving from expert to leader00:13:47 Mindset and networking strategies00:17:01 Ruthless prioritization explained00:20:02 Fear’s role in productivity and perfectionism00:24:38 The SAAF framework for defining successFAQsQ: What is the #1 thing new leaders in STEM must do?A: Shift their mindset from proving their worth to knowing they belong at the leadership table 00:00:00, 00:13:47.Q: How do you stop doing everything yourself as a leader?A: Focus on delegation, network within the organization, and spend proportionally more time talking and collaborating 00:14:26.Q: What causes burnout among high-achievers?A: Fear—of not belonging, disappointing others, or not being perfect—often drives overwork and burnout. Redefining success and productivity helps 00:20:02.Q: How can I define success for myself?A: Use the SAAF framework: clarify the Skills, Aspirations, Alignment with your values, and Fit with your life stage 00:24:38.Action StepsShift Your Mindset:Embrace the idea that you belong in leadership and release the need to constantly prove your worth.Prioritize Ruthlessly:Identify the critical 20% of work that delivers 80% of the value, and focus your effort there 00:17:01.Build Networks:Spend significant time engaging your peers and teams to broaden your perspective and influence 00:14:42.Adopt the Infinite Game Approach:Redefine your career and life as a journey, not a competition 00:22:49.Clarify Success with SAAF:Determine what skills, aspirations, values, and lifestyle fits matter to you at this career stage 00:24:38.Connect with Shruti Online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutirustagi/Website: https://shrutirustagi.com/Book: https://shrutirustagi.com/fearless-productivity/