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

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 after a life-changing epilepsy diagnosis. With host Adaeze Iloeje-Udogalanya, they explore resilient leadership, digital asset security, business transitions, and building businesses ready for growth, exit, or succession. Key themes include asset management pitfalls, adapting to tech change, letting go as a founder, and creating legacies aligned with personal vision. Who Is This For? This episode is for: Women in STEM, innovators, founders, and early-stage business owners Leaders navigating rapid business/tech growth or transitions Anyone responsible for protecting digital assets or building a transferable business Entrepreneurs interested in building scalable, resilient companies (not just quick wins) Startups, small businesses, and those dealing with employee/vendor turnover Paige’s Life-Changing Diagnosis & Pivot to Tech: Paige Weiss shares her struggle with epilepsy, losing independence, and forcing a career pivot—from architecture to self-taught web design and entrepreneurship. Key Moments & Timestamps On the Realities of Starting From Scratch 00:06:00 - 00:06:52: Paige Wiese reflects on “rock bottom,” hustling for clients, and embracing “nothing to lose.” Building a Team Around Strengths 00:08:00 - 00:11:19: “I want you in a place you’re going to thrive”—Paige Wiese describes leadership through supporting team members in their strengths. Letting Go of Control 00:15:42 - 00:18:16: Critical insight for leaders: when and how to delegate, stop micromanaging, and trust processes/QA over personal style. The Cost and Chaos of Digital Assets 00:20:15 - 00:23:21: Why digital asset management is no longer an afterthought; the risks of poor handovers, lost access, and vendor lock-in. Consequences of Not Owning Your Digital Footprint 00:32:03 - 00:34:57: Real-world stakes when assets and access fail during deals, transitions, or rapid growth. Legacy, Vision & Staying True to Your Goals 00:42:51 - 00:44:48: Paige Wiese on the importance of knowing your passion and definition of success, and tuning out distractions. FAQs Q: Why is digital asset management important for founders? A: Paige Wiese explains that lost access, unclear ownership, and vendor lock-in can halt business operations for months during transitions, leading to lost revenue and failed deals 00:20:15. Q: How do you know when to delegate or hire? A: Identify tasks that drain your energy or cause procrastination; as soon as possible, hire or outsource those areas to focus on your strengths 00:08:00. Q: What are the risks of using AI tools or outsourced talent without oversight? A: If you don’t verify account ownership and asset transferability, you risk losing everything after a contract ends or employee leaves 00:27:03. Q: How do I start protecting my digital assets? A: Use platforms like Assetto, track all logins/ownership, and download asset checklists (https://www.treeringdigital.com/checklist/) 00:45:19. Action Steps For Individuals/Founders and Teams/Leaders: Audit your digital assets: Who owns each one? Where are the logins? Download and use Paige Wiese’s digital asset checklist from treringdigital.com 00:45:19. Begin documenting processes for each platform/tool. If you delegate, allow team members to learn and get feedback from clients—not just you 00:18:16. Align your business growth with your personal definition of success 00:44:48. Foster a culture where team members can grow and move toward tasks they enjoy 00:08:41. Follow Paige Wiese Online Website: treeringdigital.com/lwl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreeRingDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeringdigital/ Tree Ring Digital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treeringdigital/posts/?feedView=all YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treeringdigital

In this inspirational episode of "Lunch with Leaders," Shruti Rustagi, leadership development expert and author of "Fearless Productivity," joins Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya to discuss the mindset and strategies required for women in STEM to thrive as leaders. Key topics include overcoming the middle management trap, embracing fearless productivity, the importance of self-defined success, and actionable frameworks for shifting from expert to impactful leader. Who Is This For? This episode is ideal for women in STEM fields—particularly those at the mid-career or middle management level—who want to maximize their impact, transition into leadership roles, and redefine success on their own terms. It’s also highly relevant to corporate professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in leadership development, productivity, and personal growth. Key Moments Mindset Shift for Leaders: Shruti Rustagi explains the importance of shifting your mindset from proving your worth to knowing you belong at the table 00:00:00, 00:13:47. Maximizing Life, Not Just Career: Shruti Rustagi shares her philosophy of living a full, explored life rather than pursuing just one single path 00:03:28. Global Experience: The impact of living and working on three continents—India, Dubai, North America—on adaptability and learning 00:05:06. Biggest Middle Management Challenges: The transition from expert to leader—letting go of doing everything, becoming a delegator, and adopting a broad perspective 00:11:24, 00:12:30. Key Strategies for New Leaders: Focus on mindset, network-building, spending time talking to people, and learning the art of ruthless prioritization 00:13:40, 00:17:01. Fearless Productivity: The role of fear in driving overwork and perfectionism, and the importance of redefining productivity as effectiveness 00:20:02. Defining Success & The SAAF Framework: Success shouldn’t always mean climbing; use the SAAF (Skills, Aspiration, Alignment, Fit) framework to clarify your goals 00:24:38. Timestamps 00:00:00 Mindset shift for new leaders 00:03:28 Why maximize life and career? 00:05:06 Lessons from global moves 00:11:24 Challenges moving from expert to leader 00:13:47 Mindset and networking strategies 00:17:01 Ruthless prioritization explained 00:20:02 Fear’s role in productivity and perfectionism 00:24:38 The SAAF framework for defining success FAQs Q: What is the #1 thing new leaders in STEM must do? A: Shift their mindset from proving their worth to knowing they belong at the leadership table 00:00:00, 00:13:47. Q: How do you stop doing everything yourself as a leader? A: Focus on delegation, network within the organization, and spend proportionally more time talking and collaborating 00:14:26. Q: What causes burnout among high-achievers? A: Fear—of not belonging, disappointing others, or not being perfect—often drives overwork and burnout. Redefining success and productivity helps 00:20:02. Q: How can I define success for myself? A: Use the SAAF framework: clarify the Skills, Aspirations, Alignment with your values, and Fit with your life stage 00:24:38. Action Steps Shift Your Mindset: Embrace the idea that you belong in leadership and release the need to constantly prove your worth. Prioritize Ruthlessly: Identify the critical 20% of work that delivers 80% of the value, and focus your effort there 00:17:01. Build Networks: Spend significant time engaging your peers and teams to broaden your perspective and influence 00:14:42. Adopt the Infinite Game Approach: Redefine your career and life as a journey, not a competition 00:22:49. Clarify Success with SAAF: Determine what skills, aspirations, values, and lifestyle fits matter to you at this career stage 00:24:38. Connect with Shruti Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutirustagi/ Website: https://shrutirustagi.com/ Book: https://shrutirustagi.com/fearless-productivity/

This episode of "Lunch with Leaders" with Uma Subramanian and Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores how professionals—especially women in STEM—can bridge the perception gap to become visible and sought-after leaders. Uma Subramanian shares actionable frameworks for building influence, communicating value, and developing a powerful leadership reputation. Key topics include the SOAR framework, overcoming self-doubt, leveraging failure, and building supportive networks to maximize career impact. Connect with Uma Subramanian Online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-subramanian-limitless https://thelimitlessleaders.com Who Is This For? This episode is primarily for professional women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), especially those in mid-career and senior leadership roles who feel overlooked, undervalued, or are seeking greater visibility and impact at work. About 30% of listeners are men, so the insights are useful for all ambitious professionals aiming to close the "perception gap" and become sought-after leaders. Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00:00: Uma Subramanian shares her background and journey of self-intentional growth. 00:02:20: Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya introduces the goal of the podcast and Uma Subramanian's leadership journey. 00:03:10: The motivation behind founding Limitless Leaders. 00:04:26: Identifying the perception gap in organizations. 00:07:39: Deep dive: what is the perception gap and why it matters for career advancement. 00:08:28: Uma Subramanian shares a formative Microsoft story about misattribution of credit and learning to "own the narrative." 00:16:13: What it means to be a “sought-after leader.” 00:18:19: The difference between great and sought-after leaders. 00:24:03: Introduction to the SOAR framework (Strategic Impact, Outstanding Communication, Authority, Relationship Mastery). 00:29:00: The importance of inner work, belief, and resilience in leadership. 00:33:38: The concept of a "trusted circle" as vital support for leaders. 00:39:43: Normalizing, reframing, and responding to failure. 00:46:29: Long-term impact: What Uma Subramanian hopes listeners achieve. 00:47:27: Where to find Uma Subramanian and her book. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What is the perception gap? A: The gap between the value you truly create and what others see, understand, and trust about your leadership (08:02). Q: Why do women in STEM struggle with visibility and advancement? A: Many are in the minority, often misunderstood or overlooked, and may not communicate their value clearly at work (14:49). Q: What is the SOAR framework? A: Strategic Impact, Outstanding Communication, Authority/Personal Brand, and Relationship Mastery (24:03). Q: How do I become a sought-after leader? A: By thinking beyond your role, building cross-organizational relationships, clear value communication, and developing self-belief and resilience (18:19, 24:19). Q: How should leaders approach failure? A: Normalize and reframe failure as data or feedback, and seek support from a trusted circle (39:43, 34:25). Action Steps Assess Your Perception Gap: Reflect on whether your contributions and reputation match—seek feedback (08:17). Speak for Your Work: Ensure your value is actively communicated, not just assumed (10:44). Expand Relationships: Intentionally build networks and trusted circles for support and advocacy (20:41; 34:25). Develop Your SOAR Skills: Focus on strategic thinking, communication, personal branding, and influence (24:03). Embrace Failure as Feedback: When setbacks occur, reframe them as learning opportunities and seek guidance (40:49). Clarify Your Vision: Define what you truly want in your leadership journey (42:40). Get the Book: Read “The Sought After Leader” for frameworks and practical exercises (47:39); connect with Uma Subramanian on LinkedIn for continued support.

In this powerful episode, faith-driven business leader Peter Snell shares actionable leadership strategies rooted in objectivity, biblical principles, and authentic mentorship. Listeners learn how to overcome fear of failure, transform anxiety into gratitude, make high-stakes decisions, and build sustainable business models—especially in the oil and gas industry. Whether you're leading a team, seeking personal growth, or navigating challenges in STEM or energy sectors, Peter Snell’s insights on resilient leadership, intentional rest, and leaving a meaningful legacy make this episode a must-listen. FAQs Q: Who is Peter Snell? A: Peter Snell is the founder and CEO of Petrovybe, a natural gas developer passionate about business growth, biblical stewardship, and mentoring leaders. Q: What is the main lesson about anxiety? A: Anxiety is a choice and can be managed by prayer, gratitude, and focusing on the present moment. Q: How can leaders make better decisions? A: By being objective, considering the impact on others, and taking a wise, long-term view rather than reacting to comfort or fear. Q: What sets Petrovybe apart? A: Their business model leverages compounding growth principles, strategic reinvestment, and financial discipline—seldom seen in oil & gas. Action Steps Reflect on Personal Mindsets: Assess where fear of failure or anxiety controls your decisions, replacing fear with gratitude and faith. Practice Objective Leadership: In upcoming decisions, list all stakeholders and assess the long-term impact before choosing short-term comfort. Mentor with Questions: Next time you lead, start with empowering questions instead of directives to foster individual growth. Rest Intentionally: Schedule regular breaks, allowing time for reflection and rejuvenation as modeled in the episode. Learn More About Petrovybe: Visit Petrovybe.com or connect with Peter Snell on LinkedIn or Instagram to explore collaborations or investment opportunities. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterasnell/ PetroVybe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97452844 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterasnell/ Website: https://www.petrovybe.com

In this empowering leadership podcast, Marc & Adaeze sit down with Mark Pittman, founder of Concord Leadership Group and author of "The Surprising Gift of Doubt." They discuss redefining success, overcoming impostor syndrome, embracing self-doubt as a tool for growth, and the challenges—and privileges—of leadership. Listeners dive into actionable frameworks like the Four Quadrants of Leadership, learn the importance of self-awareness, pausing, and building systems that support authentic, human-centered leadership. Featuring insights for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, and anyone leading or aspiring to lead, this episode is a go-to resource for building resilient, genuine leaders. Key Moments & Timestamps Introduction and Guest Bio: 00:00 Surprising Your Younger Self: Value evolution, open arms leadership 02:27 Consistency Without Ossification: Lifelong growth, embracing change 03:56 Privilege and Risk-Taking: Failure, cultural context of risk, privilege in leadership 05:01 Defining Success for Yourself: Moving past the “hamster wheel” mentality 09:39 Leadership, Doubt, and Authenticity: The surprising gift of doubt 15:37 Organizational Structures and Humanity: Systems not built for humans, roots in inequity 19:00 Quadrant 3 Leadership: The four quadrants; the journey from imitation to unique self-leadership 22:10 On Coaching and Leadership Transition: Self-awareness, impostor syndrome, fake it till you make it 26:23 Navigating Crisis as a Leader: Values as the internal compass during the pandemic 31:41 The Power of Pausing: Reflection, resolving burnout, and self-renewal 36:15 Aligning Work and Passion: Building teams, knowing your limits, and delegating for growth 41:26 Legacy and the Definition of Success: Letting leaders be human, defining “done” 45:24 Practical Tips for Leaders: Scrum, retrospectives, boundaries for strategic thinking 48:22 Resources and Marc’s Work: How to connect, further resources 49:58 Who Is This For? This episode is for leaders, aspiring leaders, professionals in transition, entrepreneurs, nonprofit managers, and anyone seeking growth in their careers or personal leadership. It resonates particularly with those questioning traditional definitions of success, dealing with self-doubt, navigating risk, and striving for authentic leadership. FAQs Q: Who is Marc Pittman? A: Founder of Concord Leadership Group, executive coach, speaker, and author of “The Surprising Gift of Doubt.” Q: What is the "gift of doubt?" A: Doubt, often seen as weakness, can trigger self-discovery, deeper authenticity, and stronger leadership when embraced and explored. Q: How do most people define success—and how can you redefine it? A: Many chase external markers, but real success is defined internally and should evolve with your values and life stage. Q: What are the Four Quadrants of Leadership? A: A framework: Imitating others Fixing yourself Discovering your uniqueness Leading with confidence and authenticity Q: How can leaders handle feeling overwhelmed or like imposters? A: By pausing, seeking peer/community support, and reframing “impostor syndrome” as a sign of authenticity. Action Steps Pause and Reflect: Schedule regular “pause” moments (even 10–15 min) each week for self-checks. Redefine Success: Clearly define what “enough” and “done” look like for you. Embrace Doubt: Write down questions or feelings of doubt and explore what they reveal about your growth. Build a Supportive Community: Seek or create peer groups for honest, nonjudgmental feedback. Delegate and Collaborate: Identify your dislikes and seek partnerships to fill those gaps. Leverage Resources: Visit concordleadershipgroup.com/leader & fundraisingcoach.com for free tools. Connect with Marc: Reach out on LinkedIn (Marc Pittman) for guidance or collaboration. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman https://www.instagram.com/marcpitman https://www.threads.net/@marcpitman https://facebook.com/marcapitman https://concordleadershipgroup.com