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

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

By: Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya | Authentic Influencer for Women Empowerment Experts
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 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 boldly, elevate your influence, and join a global movement, this is your invitation… would you accept?Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya | Authentic Influencer for Women Empowerment Experts Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Natasha Henry: Tackling Uterine Fibroids and Advancing Women's Leadership in Health Equity with Myocurrent - 023

    Natasha Henry: Tackling Uterine Fibroids and Advancing Women's Leadership in Health Equity with Myocurrent - 023
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya talks with Natasha Henry, founder of the health tech company Myocurrent, about her journey from patient to pioneer. Natasha shares the harrowing personal health crisis that led her to pivot her career and dedicate her life to solving systemic issues in women's health. For years, her debilitating symptoms from uterine fibroids were dismissed by doctors as "normal," culminating in a terrifying collapse and hospitalization with a critically low hemoglobin level of 2.4. This traumatic experience became the catalyst for Myocurrent, a patent-pending, AI-powered solution integrating neuroscience to help women manage their conditions by translating complex patient data into an interpretable format.The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership and success. Natasha challenges traditional models of leadership, arguing that true leadership is about service. The discussion also explores the broader societal issues at play, from the historical dismissal of women's pain to the fact that uterine fibroids are a global issue affecting women of all races, a topic from Natasha's upcoming book. Natasha also speaks on the importance of self-awareness and finding your voice, and how intentional mentorship, not saviorism, is the key to meaningful professional relationships. This episode is a call to action for listeners to become advocates for their own health and support women-led innovation.Key Takeaways:Personal Crisis as a Catalyst: Natasha's life-threatening experience with uterine fibroids and the repeated dismissal of her pain by the medical system directly inspired her to create Myocurrent.The Power of the Patient-Researcher: By refusing to be sidelined and taking ownership of her health journey, Natasha embodies the "patient-researcher" ethos, using her lived experience to drive innovation.Leadership is Service: True leadership is not about command and control but about service, a quality Natasha argues women inherently possess.Intentional Mentorship Over Saviorism: Effective mentorship is a two-way street. Know what you need, offer value in return, and be intentional about who you invest time with.Memorable Quotes:"I think this objective about leadership that leadership is served. And if women, by default, we know how to serve... You have to stop modeling the men you see. You have to lead in your own way." [26:33]"Because something hasn't been done doesn't mean you can't do it, right?" [21:48]"I think when it comes to owning your power, it's getting to know who you are. Outside of what the world calls you..." [38:36]Timestamps:[04:39] Natasha shares the personal health crisis that led to the founding of Myocurrent.[08:43] The moment of validation after years of dismissal by the medical system.[16:35] The mission of Myocurrent: integrating neuroscience and AI for women's health.[31:29] Natasha discusses her upcoming book on the history of women's pain being dismissed.[37:57] Advice for women on owning their power and being curious.FAQs:What is Myocurrent? A health tech company developing a patent-pending AI solution that uses neuroscience to help individuals manage uterine fibroids.Are fibroids only a Black women's issue? No. In the episode, Natasha clarifies that her research shows it is a global issue affecting women of all races.Connect with Natasha:Guest: Natasha Henry, Founder of MyocurrentSocial: linkedin.com/in/natashahenryCompany: linkedin.com/company/myocurrentEmail: natashahenry@nyu.edu
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    47 mins
  • Owning Your Authority: How Senior Women in STEM Can Break Through Social Conditioning and Lead with Confidence | Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya - 022

    Owning Your Authority: How Senior Women in STEM Can Break Through Social Conditioning and Lead with Confidence | Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya - 022
    Feb 26 2026

    In this powerful solo episode of the Lunch with Leaders podcast, host Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya⁠, a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and founder of African Women in STEM, delivers a deeply personal reflection on one of the most overlooked barriers to career advancement for senior women in STEM and corporate leadership: social conditioning.

    Adaeze uses this solo episode as a one-on-one conversation with her audience, creating an intimate space to explore a topic that many women recognize but rarely name.

    The episode opens with a scenario that will feel painfully familiar to many listeners. You are in the room, the room you worked over a decade to earn a seat in. Someone asks for your recommendation. You know the answer. But instead of stating it with clarity and conviction, you hesitate.

    You second-guess yourself. You mumble something vague, and the moment passes. Then someone else speaks up, the room nods in agreement, and everyone moves on. Everyone except you, because you know you just lost another opportunity to demonstrate your value.

    Adaeze traces this pattern back to its roots: social conditioning. From childhood, women are taught to be likable, to smile more, to not be too certain, and to never make anyone uncomfortable.

    These lessons are reinforced in school, at home, and especially in corporate environments where women, particularly women of color and African women in STEM, are often the only ones who look like them in the room.

    Over time, these survival strategies become deeply ingrained habits. They show up as over-explaining, apologizing before stating an opinion, polling the room for consensus before sharing a recommendation, and softening language to avoid appearing too assertive.

    Memorable Quotes

    "What got you into the room and helped you survive is now the very thing that is stopping you from getting to your next level. And no one is going to flag it for you, except me." — [06:52]

    "Every time you hold back, you're undermining your own authority to make others more comfortable and it's costing you." — [09:39]

    "This week, in your next meeting, say the thing. State the recommendation. And like I said earlier, pause. Don't explain. Don't scan people's faces for approval." — [09:52]

    "You're not unprepared, you're not unqualified, that's not it. But you've been conditioned for years to pause, to question, and ultimately to say nothing." — [01:50]

    "Say the thing. That's it. Say it. Own it. Don't overthink it. Don't hold back. Don't apologize for it." — [08:32]

    "At this level, the rules are different. Social conditioning in executive spaces is not quite correct." — [03:35]

    Connect with African Women in STEM on Social Media:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Decision-Level Advisory Application | Fill this Form >>
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    12 mins
  • Charis Loveland: Navigating Career Transitions and Building AI Influence in STEM - 021

    Charis Loveland: Navigating Career Transitions and Building AI Influence in STEM - 021
    Feb 24 2026

    This episode of "Lunch with Leaders" features a compelling conversation between host ⁠Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya⁠⁠ and Charis Loveland, an expert at the intersection of emotional intelligence (EQ) and artificial intelligence (AI).

    They delve into the critical importance of a human-centered approach to technology, navigating career transitions in the age of AI, and the power of emotional intelligence in leadership.

    Charis shares her inspiring journey from an English literature major to a leader in the AI space, offering valuable insights for women in STEM and anyone looking to thrive in our rapidly changing world.

    Episode Key Takeaways

    The Intersection of AI and EQ: AI is a powerful tool, but it must be guided by emotional intelligence to serve humanity. Leaders must prioritize human well-being and ethical considerations in the design and implementation of AI.

    Navigating Career Transitions: Life is full of "disruptive events" or "life quakes." Embracing these transitions as opportunities for growth and self-discovery is crucial. Charis shares her personal experience with layoffs and how she navigated the "messy middle" to launch her own business.

    The Power of Emotional Intelligence: EQ is a critical skill for leaders and individuals. It encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and people management. Developing EQ can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.

    Human Connection in a Digital World: In an era of increasing automation and digital communication, genuine human connection is more important than ever. Leaders should foster environments that prioritize meaningful relationships and transparent communication.

    FAQs

    1. What is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?

    AI is the application of statistical techniques to data to make predictions. EQ, on the other hand, is about understanding and managing your own emotions and the emotions of others. It consists of four quadrants: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and people management.

    2. How can we ensure AI is developed and used responsibly?

    To ensure responsible AI, we need to prioritize human rights, dignity, and well-being in the design process. This includes bias testing, transparency, and involving diverse communities in the development of AI systems.

    3. How can I navigate a career transition or a "messy middle" in my life?

    Embrace the transition as an opportunity for growth. Reflect on your values, skills, and what you want to achieve. Seek support from your community and be open to new possibilities. Remember that everyone, even experts, starts somewhere.

    Episode Timestamps

    [03:56] - Charis Loveland's career journey and the "messy middle."

    [15:33] - Defining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

    [24:35] - Rethinking value creation in the AI-driven economy.

    [38:55] - The responsibility of leaders and women in STEM in shaping the future of AI.

    [49:30] - Charis Loveland on her legacy and bringing "charisma back with charisma intelligence.

    Follow Charis Loveland on Social:

    • Charis Loveland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charisloveland/ (LinkedIn)

    • Booking link (Google Calendar appointments with Charis): https://calendar.app.google/ecgik1vFTb8GxpRB8

    • Coaching circle information page: https://mailchi.mp/7311fd8852e8/confident-connected-2026-coaching-circle (Mailchimp)

    • Chris’s substack: https://helloadversity.substack.com/

    • AI for Human Flourishing (toolkit / framework site): https://www.aiforhumanflourishing.com/ (AI For Human Flourishing)
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    54 mins
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