Shows / 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, & 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…
Episodes
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentHerscension 2026: Why Women Need Networks, Sponsors, and Support to Reach the Next Level - 077
On Lunch With Leaders, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Mercy explore the Four Cs of Opportunity: clarity, connection, collaboration, and continuation. They…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentEsosa Edosomwan on Hormones, Fibroids, and Women’s Health: Beyond “Just Remove It” - 076
On Lunch With Leaders, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya speaks with Esosa Edosomwan, founder of Staying Ageless Coaching and Ask Umi, about women’s hormonal…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentAvy Leghziel: The Illusion of Preparation & the Future of Work - 075
Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya interviews Avy Leghziel, an executive coach specializing in helping leaders steer through chaos and global transitions. They discuss…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentPaige Wiese: From Setback to CEO & Building a Transferable Digital Business - 074
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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentShruti 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentUma 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentPeter 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentMarc 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentCelebrating 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentMahir 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentCarlotta 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentFrom 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentStephanie 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentAnnelies 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentAnatola 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentMillion 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentNikki 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentBradley 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentWhen 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentNcazelo 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentSeason 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDeeDee 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentFuture-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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentMarsha 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentErin 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentRich 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentBreaking 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentChristelle 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentWhy 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDwain 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentMichelle 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentOluchi 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentGinikanwa 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentStop Over-Explaining & Start Leading with Conviction: Embrace a Leadership Mindset - 032
Stop Over-Explaining & Start Leading with Conviction - Embrace a Leadership Mindset Who is this for? This episode is for experienced women in STEM—directors…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentUnlocking 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentNiouma 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentWinning 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentCourtney 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentChioma 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentNatasha 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentOwning 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentCharis 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentStop 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentDr. 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…
Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for EmpowermentThe 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…