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.
FAQs
Q: 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 & Timestamps
Intro & Purpose
00:00:00: Adaeze introduces the show and reflects on her own journey
The Performance Review Trap
00:02:13: Realization that promotions are not based on annual performance reviews
Timing of Promotion Decisions
00:04:51: Explains how budget season impacts promotion/raise outcomes
The Myth of Meritocracy
00:08:01: Challenging the idea that working hard equates to advancement
How Advancement Really Works
00:11:16: The real promotion decisions happen informally, long before jobs are posted
Invisible Conversations & Informal Power
00:12:57: Promotion is decided in side conversations, not official meetings
The Role of Personal Brand & Relationships
00:17:26: Why trust and relationships, not just performance, get you shortlisted
PIE Formula & Actionable Strategy
00:21:02: The PIE (Performance, Influence, Exposure) formula for success
Leadership Edge Diagnostic Tool Offer
00:23:40: Go take the free diagnostic to identify your leadership gaps
Outro & Call to Action
00:25:01: Direct listeners to leave a review and connect
Leadership Edge Diagnostic
Book a Strategy Call with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya
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
