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

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 Leadership, learn the importance of self-awareness, pausing, and building systems that support authentic, human-centered leadership.Featuring insights for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, and anyone leading or aspiring to lead, this episode is a go-to resource for building resilient, genuine leaders.Key Moments & TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Bio: 00:00Surprising Your Younger Self: Value evolution, open arms leadership 02:27Consistency Without Ossification: Lifelong growth, embracing change 03:56Privilege and Risk-Taking: Failure, cultural context of risk, privilege in leadership 05:01Defining Success for Yourself: Moving past the “hamster wheel” mentality 09:39Leadership, Doubt, and Authenticity: The surprising gift of doubt 15:37Organizational Structures and Humanity: Systems not built for humans, roots in inequity 19:00Quadrant 3 Leadership: The four quadrants; the journey from imitation to unique self-leadership 22:10On Coaching and Leadership Transition: Self-awareness, impostor syndrome, fake it till you make it 26:23Navigating Crisis as a Leader: Values as the internal compass during the pandemic 31:41The Power of Pausing: Reflection, resolving burnout, and self-renewal 36:15Aligning Work and Passion: Building teams, knowing your limits, and delegating for growth 41:26Legacy and the Definition of Success: Letting leaders be human, defining “done” 45:24Practical Tips for Leaders: Scrum, retrospectives, boundaries for strategic thinking 48:22Resources and Mark’s Work: How to connect, further resources 49:58Who Is This For?This episode is for leaders, aspiring leaders, professionals in transition, entrepreneurs, nonprofit managers, and anyone seeking growth in their careers or personal leadership. It resonates particularly with those questioning traditional definitions of success, dealing with self-doubt, navigating risk, and striving for authentic leadership.FAQsQ: Who is Mark Pittman?A: Founder of Concord Leadership Group, executive coach, speaker, and author of “The Surprising Gift of Doubt.”Q: What is the "gift of doubt?"A: Doubt, often seen as weakness, can trigger self-discovery, deeper authenticity, and stronger leadership when embraced and explored.Q: How do most people define success—and how can you redefine it?A: Many chase external markers, but real success is defined internally and should evolve with your values and life stage.Q: What are the Four Quadrants of Leadership?A: A framework: Imitating others Fixing yourself Discovering your uniqueness Leading with confidence and authenticityQ: How can leaders handle feeling overwhelmed or like imposters?A: By pausing, seeking peer/community support, and reframing “impostor syndrome” as a sign of authenticity.Action StepsPause and Reflect: Schedule regular “pause” moments (even 10–15 min) each week for self-checks.Redefine Success: Clearly define what “enough” and “done” look like for you.Embrace Doubt: Write down questions or feelings of doubt and explore what they reveal about your growth.Build a Supportive Community: Seek or create peer groups for honest, nonjudgmental feedback.Delegate and Collaborate: Identify your dislikes and seek partnerships to fill those gaps.Leverage Resources: Visit concordleadershipgroup.com/leader & fundraisingcoach.com for free tools.Connect with Mark:Reach out on LinkedIn (Mark Pittman) for guidance or collaboration.https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitmanhttps://www.instagram.com/marcpitmanhttps://www.threads.net/@marcpitman https://facebook.com/marcapitman https://concordleadershipgroup.com

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 upskilling, and how AI isn’t eliminating jobs but changing the rules for finding and keeping work. Listeners—especially women in STEM and career changers—will gain inspiration, practical job-seeking strategies, and the mindset needed for success in fast-evolving industries.This episode is designed for:Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) seeking guidance on leadership, career advancement, and breaking barriers.Job seekers and professionals navigating modern hiring systems, especially those impacted by AI-driven changes.Recruiters and hiring managers wanting to improve hiring, retention, and diversity practices.Entrepreneurs, tech founders, and business leaders interested in sustainable business building and adapting to the rapid pace of innovation.Anyone interested in leadership, adaptability, and future-of-work conversations.Timestamps00:01:07: Adaeze introduces the mission: empowering women in STEM for leadership.00:05:01: Mahir on adaptability, global citizenship, and finding belonging beyond physical spaces.00:10:56: Mahir discusses misconceptions about startups and the hidden realities behind building a sustainable business.00:17:44: Mahir explains why flexibility and multiple revenue streams matter, especially with AI disruption.00:21:29: Adaeze and Mahir dissect what’s broken in traditional hiring and why Velric exists.00:29:35: Mahir clarifies that AI shifts jobs rather than eliminates them, urging listeners to focus on value creation.00:32:34: Debate on the relevance of degrees versus microcredentialing and adaptation in today’s job market.00:43:03: Tangible career advice: why authenticity and personal outreach matter in getting hired.00:47:06: Action step: Do proactive cold outreach and expect low response rates—but persevere!Q: Who is Mahir Laul?A: Mahir Laul is the founder and CEO of Velric, an AI-driven hiring intelligence platform.Q: What does Velric do?A: Velric helps organizations hire based on job-specific, merit-based assessments rather than resumes, focusing on proof of skills and critical thinking.Q: How is AI affecting the hiring process?A: AI is streamlining hiring but can introduce bias or overlook talent; Velric addresses these by ensuring decisions are based on proven ability, not background.Q: How can job seekers stand out today?A: By being authentic, avoiding mass AI applications, personally reaching out to recruiters, and following up with cold calls.Q: Is a degree still valuable?A: Mahir Laul argues that skills, adaptability, and micro-credentialing are increasingly more important than traditional degrees for most roles.For Adaeze:Share this episode and invite feedback from women in STEM communities.Highlight actionable tips in the AWI STEM newsletter (42:04).Use this conversation as a springboard for future topics like micro-credentialing or authentic career-building.For Mahir:Continue organizing networking and hiring events to foster connections (49:12).Encourage authentic outreach—respond to DMs from listeners and connect at events.Share more insights on adaptability and up-skilling on LinkedIn and at Velric events.For Listeners:Take a proactive approach to job applications: personalize outreach, be authentic, and don’t rely on AI mass applications (43:03).Commit to continuous learning: explore micro-credentialing, up-skilling, and adaptability strategies (32:34).Attend Velric’s events or similar networking opportunities for real-world connections (49:12).

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, actionable advice, and a free Leadership Edge diagnostic tool, this episode is a must-listen for women in STEM and anyone aiming to break through to leadership.Who is This For?This episode is for ambitious professionals—especially women in STEM—who want to understand how career advancement and promotions really happen within organizations.Adaeze speaks directly to those seeking to move from mid-career to leadership roles, who may feel “stuck” or believe hard work alone should guarantee recognition and advancement.If you want to build strategic influence, visibility, and a powerful personal brand at work, this is for you.FAQsQ: Is hard work enough to get promoted?A: No. According to Adaeze, while hard work is foundational, promotions often depend on visibility, relationships, and personal branding—most decisions happen informally, before formal reviews.Q: When are promotion and raise decisions really made?A: Decisions are made long before official performance reviews, often during budget planning or in informal conversations months (or years) in advance.Q: What’s the PIE Formula?A: PIE stands for Performance (10%), Influence, and Exposure (90%). The biggest career results come from building influence and exposure, not just doing great work.Q: How can I assess my own leadership visibility and influence?A: Take the free Leadership Edge diagnostic tool at link.africanwomeninstem.com/leadership.Key Moments & TimestampsIntro & Purpose00:00:00: Adaeze introduces the show and reflects on her own journey The Performance Review Trap00:02:13: Realization that promotions are not based on annual performance reviews Timing of Promotion Decisions00:04:51: Explains how budget season impacts promotion/raise outcomes The Myth of Meritocracy00:08:01: Challenging the idea that working hard equates to advancement How Advancement Really Works00:11:16: The real promotion decisions happen informally, long before jobs are posted Invisible Conversations & Informal Power00:12:57: Promotion is decided in side conversations, not official meetings The Role of Personal Brand & Relationships00:17:26: Why trust and relationships, not just performance, get you shortlisted PIE Formula & Actionable Strategy00:21:02: The PIE (Performance, Influence, Exposure) formula for success Leadership Edge Diagnostic Tool Offer00:23:40: Go take the free diagnostic to identify your leadership gaps Outro & Call to Action00:25:01: Direct listeners to leave a review and connectLeadership Edge Diagnostic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a Strategy Call with ⁠⁠Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow African Women in STEM on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the African Women in STEM Membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the African Women in STEM Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEDX Talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠