In this empowering solo episode of "Podcast," Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya tackles the critical issue of perception versus reality for women in STEM, especially women of color and Black women. She explores how decision-makers’ biased or incomplete stories about you can stall your career, regardless of your hard work and results.
Through personal anecdotes, research insights, and actionable advice, this episode offers strategies for taking control of your professional narrative, making your value visible to leaders, and moving into roles and recognition you deserve.
Listeners are challenged to investigate and influence how decision-makers view them. Don’t miss the introduction to the free Leadership Edge Diagnostic—designed to help you understand how you’re perceived and bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Timestamps
00:00:01: Setting the stage—who decides your next career move?
00:01:34: The narrative gap and its disproportionate effect on women of color
00:04:03: Consequences of unchallenged perceptions
00:05:09: Real-life problem solver, real-life career stall
00:08:02: Burnout and stalled advancement backed by research
00:09:40: Value finally revealed—after being let go
00:10:09: Practical strategies to own your narrative
00:10:54: This week’s action step
00:12:08: Free diagnostic tool for self-awareness
FAQs
Q: Who should listen to this episode?
A: Women in STEM, especially those feeling overlooked for promotions; anyone seeking to influence how they’re seen at work.
Q: What is the main takeaway?
A: Your career is often shaped more by how others perceive you than by your actual work—so you must actively manage your professional narrative.
Q: What is the Leadership Ed Diagnostic?
A: A free, quick tool designed to assess how you’re seen across five leadership dimensions and pinpoint narrative gaps.
Q: Is self-promotion necessary?
A: Adeze Iloyeje udo Galanya reframes this as an expression of leadership—making your impact visible for decision-makers.
Q: How can I start changing my narrative at work?
A: Begin by identifying what key decision-makers know and say about you, then intentionally shape and update their perceptions.
Action Steps
Identify Decision Makers: Pinpoint at least one (or a few) people with influence over your career.
Assess the Story: Investigate what they actually know and say about you—not just what you assume.
Reflect & Gap Analysis: Ask yourself if this is the narrative you want.
Strategic Visibility: Find ways to make your leadership potential obvious and your impact known.
Take the Leadership Ed Diagnostic: Use the free tool to understand and address perception gaps.
Act on Insights: Let what you learn guide the next moves in your career visibility and narrative.
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
