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 exhausted despite working tirelessly. She challenges the long-held belief that hard work alone leads to success, arguing that for women in STEM, this advice often leads to burnout and disappointment. The episode highlights the crucial distinction between performance and positioning, explaining that while performance gets you in the door, it’s strategic positioning that allows you to rise t...
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 exhausted despite working tirelessly.
She challenges the long-held belief that hard work alone leads to success, arguing that for women in STEM, this advice often leads to burnout and disappointment.
The episode highlights the crucial distinction between performance and positioning, explaining that while performance gets you in the door, it’s strategic positioning that allows you to rise through the ranks.
Adaeze shares a powerful story of a client who, despite going above and beyond in her work, was passed over for a VP role because she was so focused on executing that she wasn’t visible in the conversations that mattered.
The episode serves as a wake-up call, urging listeners to recognize when the career game has shifted from “checkers to chess” and to develop the skills needed to play to win.
It's a call to action for women to stop blaming themselves for a system not designed for their success and to start building the strategic relationships and visibility that will truly move the needle in their careers.
She closes with a practical challenge: check your calendar for meetings with people who can impact your career.
Key Takeaways:
Performance vs. Positioning: Performance gets you noticed, but strategic positioning gets you promoted. At senior levels, who knows you and what they think of you is as important as the quality of your work.
The Hard Work Trap: For women in STEM, simply working harder is often a failing strategy that leads to exhaustion and being overlooked.
Visibility is Key: You can be the best at what you do, but if the right people don’t see you, your efforts won’t be rewarded. You must be present in the conversations that matter.
The Game Changes: The strategies that got you to the mid-point of your career are not the same ones that will get you to the top. Recognize when the game has shifted and adapt your approach.
Memorable Quotes:
"Performance gets you in the door, but it’s positioning that gets you to rise through the ranks." [00:00]
"You need to realize when the game has changed from checkers to chess and you need to brush up on the skills so that you can play to win." [06:37]
"The most capable women I know are also the most exhausted and that’s because they’ve been pouring extraordinary energy into a strategy that does not work." [08:21]
Timestamps:
[01:24] The Sunday evening dread and the myth of hard work.
[03:43] The critical difference between performance and positioning.
[03:53] A client’s story: why being the best isn’t always enough.
[06:49] Actionable steps to increase your visibility.
[08:39] The Leadership Edge Diagnostic: a tool for clarity.
FAQs:
Why isn’t hard work enough for women in STEM? The system is often not structured for their success, and they have to work much harder for the same recognition. At senior levels, visibility and relationships become more important than just performance.
What is the difference between performance and positioning? Performance is about the quality of your work. Positioning is about your visibility and influence with the people who make decisions.
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
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