232: Owning Your Identity in the Workplace with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya

Your identity is your power—but too often, we’re told to mold ourselves to fit into expectations that don’t align with who we truly are. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink yourself or compromise your values to succeed, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m talking with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, TEDx speaker and founder of African Women in STEM, about the importance of owning your identity, redefining success on your terms, and stepping into your full potential. Adaeze shares her journey of navigating the corporate world as a Nigerian woman, the turning point that made her rethink everything, and how she reclaimed her confidence and clarity.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to stop playing small—this is it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why trying to “fit in” can actually hold you back in your career
• The power of embracing your cultural identity in leadership and innovation
• Why high-achieving women need to ask for help more often
• Simple ways to take up space unapologetically and own who you are

MEET ADAEZE ILOEJE-UDEOGALANYA:

Adaeze is a TEDx speaker, engineer, and advocate for women in STEM. As the founder of African Women in STEM, she’s dedicated to empowering women globally in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With two decades of experience in the energy sector and a track record of managing projects worth over half a billion dollars, she’s a powerhouse leader who is redefining what success looks like.

Her IGNITE Leadership Development Program helps women in STEM create careers that align with their values and maximize their potential. She’s also passionate about cultural inclusion and community building, challenging professionals to step into their full selves in both work and life.

Resources from this episode

The Gutsy Collective: A powerful blend of on-demand learning, live coaching, and unwavering support to help you get unstuck, gain clarity, and create real, lasting change.

Your Leadership Readiness Checklist: A powerful tool to ensure every aspect of your career is aligned for leadership success. This checklist will help you identify gaps, clarify your strengths, and position yourself for your next big move.

A Complimentary Leadership Strategy Audit: A personalized 1:1 session where we will assess your current career trajectory, identify key opportunities for growth, and craft a strategy to fast-track your path to leadership

Connect with LauraAura

Facebook  |  TikTok  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  Web

Connect with Adaeze

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  Web