So let me share something that still makes me smile a little, even if at the time it felt like a disaster. Back in 2013, I was convinced I had nailed my role and was ready to jump to the next big title. I met with the regional CEO, proudly listed all my achievements, and expected instant approval to move on. Instead, she told me something that stuck—tenure matters. I rolled my eyes then, but it turned out to be the lesson that saved my career more than once.In this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, I talk honestly about chasing titles, the reality behind ambition, and how critical tenure and depth of experience can be as you climb the leadership ladder. When is the right time to make a move? What happens when the company’s pace doesn’t match your own? I’ll give you real stories, including the time an impulsive jump nearly derailed my trajectory, and how it taught me to see my time in every role as an investment—something to enrich and stretch me beyond just my functional expertise.Here’s what else you’ll get in this episode:Why understanding the business beyond your role (not just your own function) makes you more valuableHow to spot the difference between ambition and rash decisionsQuestions to ask before making any career move: Are your values aligned? Is the new company truly a good fit or just a shinier title?Lessons from my own ups and downs—what happens when you leave for emotional reasons, and how to recover when things don’t go as plannedSo if you’ve ever felt restless in your career, wanted to jump ship for that next step, or wondered if sticking it out might level you up in the long run, this one’s for you. The smile might look steady, but trust me—there’s a whole lot of learning happening underneath.Key moments and chapters:00:00 Welcome and setting the stage—Ambition versus Tenure01:32 The truth about feeling ready for the next move02:39 When everything goes wrong—Lessons from adversity04:24 The value of staying longer and deepening your experience06:24 Going beyond your function and stretching your skills07:57 Navigating ambition when your organization doesn’t move fast enough09:46 A leap of faith vs. a leap of risk—How emotional decisions impact your career12:48 The risk of chasing titles at the expense of fit13:59 How to ask the right questions before taking a new job14:48 Lessons about tenure, preparing for your next move, and why every role matters15:35 Episode close—Share your own career jumps and learningsIf you’ve made a move that didn’t work out or if you’re wondering whether to stay or go, I’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment with your experience and don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk about leadership, ambition, and what’s really behind the smile.Connect with Uche:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

Ever walked away from a conversation with your boss thinking, “That did not go the way I expected”? In this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, I share one of my biggest scars as a leader: the unintentions that can wreck a conversation, especially when it comes to salary increases and pay raises.

Let me take you back to a moment years ago. A member of my team asked for a salary increase, citing personal circumstances. As a manager, I thought I was being helpful and coaching them on how to present their case, but my feedback landed in a completely different way. What started out as a pay discussion quickly escalated into a lesson on empathy, misunderstandings, and the facts-driven nature of compensation in organizations.

The truth is, asking for a raise is rarely as simple as it sounds. Emotions run high, but the business side is all about data, performance, and value. A successful salary negotiation requires a different approach—one that is not about how you feel but about what you’ve delivered.

In this episode, I unpack the key takeaways for both employees and leaders on navigating pay conversations. I talk through the importance of courage, empathy, and the pitfalls of unintentional miscommunication. And I lay out a practical, honest path for anyone preparing for the “can I have a raise?” conversation.

Here’s what you’ll get:

What really happens during salary discussions between employees and managers

How emotions can muddy the waters and derail good intentions

Why evidence and performance matter more than personal circumstances

A story of misunderstanding, escalation, and the fallout from unintentions

How leaders can show empathy without compromising fairness or clarity

Actionable advice for preparing to negotiate your salary and handling rejection

Ways to ensure every conversation leaves both sides respected, valued, and clear on next steps

Whether you’re climbing the leadership ladder or just building the courage to ask for better compensation, this episode is packed with honest insight and practical advice. No matter how heavy the conversation gets, keep smiling.

Key moments and chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Don't Let the Smile Fool You: The story behind salary negotiations

00:41 The most difficult conversations as a manager: pay raises and emotions at play

01:44 Perspectives on salary discussions: employee emotions vs business facts

03:07 How to approach a pay raise request: Coaching feedback and misunderstandings

04:10 Miscommunication: What “let’s talk later” really means

04:56 Emotional fallout and escalation: When intentions get lost in translation

06:27 The aftermath: Scarred but learning, clearing up unintentions

08:27 Preparation is everything: Facts vs emotions in salary negotiations

10:50 Empathy in leadership: Treating the conversation with respect

11:53 Making sure the result—raise or not—feels fair and constructive

12:55 Key takeaways for both employees and leaders

13:52 Closing remarks: Sharing your own experiences and keeping that smile

Subscribe and share your stories in the comments. How did your salary negotiation go? What have you learned about good intentions and tough conversations in the workplace? Let’s talk about what’s really beneath the smile.

Connect with Uche Ofodile:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodile

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

Here’s a little truth from the top. For many ambitious women, climbing the leadership ladder is more than chasing a title or a pay raise. In this episode of “Don’t Let the Smile Fool You,” we dive beneath the surface with Lucy Quist, trailblazing CEO and advocate for women’s leadership, as she opens up about what really happens when you get to the top.

So here’s the story. You work hard, you plan, you sacrifice, and everyone’s proud of your successes. But what happens when you hit your career peak and realize something’s missing? Is it enough to have a great job on paper, or do you want your journey to matter—to create significance and real impact beyond yourself?

Lucy takes us through the breaking point when she stepped away from her CEO role and set out to reinvent herself. Whether you’re a woman in a high-powered job, wrestling with fear, or questioning your next move, you’ll find insights that speak to your reality. We explore the hidden costs of leadership—family dynamics, health, and the pressure to always move forward. We also get practical on financial freedom, building support systems, the power of intentional planning, and how faith plays a role (but isn’t the only answer).

This conversation isn’t just theory. Lucy shares her own lessons: why emotion doesn’t work at the negotiating table, how to manage fear, the importance of strategy in every area of your life—not just your career—and why community matters. We unpack the founding of the Executive Women Network and the Bold New Normal, and what it truly takes for women to support women at the highest level.

Thinking about making a pivot, struggling with imposter syndrome, or striving for significance in your work? This episode gives you practical advice and honest stories so you don’t have to pretend everything is perfect under that smile. It’s time to reframe success, take control, and show up for yourself and others.

00:00 Welcome: What’s beneath the smile in leadership?

01:05 What significance means beyond success

04:34 Why ambitious women walk away from senior roles

06:09 Reinvention: How Lucy spent her year out

10:14 Managing fear and finding joy again

14:15 The role of financial freedom in career choices

18:43 Practical steps when you can’t quit yet

20:31 The importance (and limits) of faith in making changes

25:43 Impact of leadership on marriage, family, and self

33:26 Navigating partner expectations as your career grows

36:43 Why outsourcing is essential—not a failure

38:12 Building a strategy for your life, not just your career

39:22 Executive Women Network: Closing the women’s support gap

47:09 The Bold New Normal: From book to movement

52:33 Parting advice for current and next generation leaders

If you’re facing career crossroads, feeling pressure to keep it all together, or want to build a life of significance, this episode is for you. Take notes—not just for your job, but for your whole life.

Connect with Lucy Quist:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-quist-123556/

Website: www.lucyquist.com

Connect with Uche:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodile

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodile

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

So let me tell you this. Lucy Quist always knew she wanted to be a CEO. She worked hard, broke barriers, and finally made it to the top. But when she got there, the reality wasn’t what she imagined. Instead of celebration, she found resistance, constant relitigation of her place, and the weight of proving herself every single day.In this conversation, Lucy shares the lessons behind that journey. How she prepares when stepping into a new organization. Why defining success early makes all the difference. And what it really means to evolve as a leader while still staying true to yourself.We talk about the myths of authenticity, the pressure of being the first, and what happens when high performance still leaves you feeling broken. And we get to the big moment: the decision to step away and start again.If you’ve ever chased a dream role, only to find it came with more cost than reward, Lucy’s story will resonate. This is about ambition, resilience, and the courage to rewrite what success really means.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Lucy Quist and the Bold New Normal02:20 Entering new organizations – mindset and game plan05:34 Defining success in different leadership contexts07:10 Evolving as a leader and balancing authenticity14:30 Becoming a CEO – bold decisions and reality checks18:41 Cultural resistance and building belief in teams21:03 Gender bias and the cost of proving yourself28:14 Why leaders must prepare for the next role, not just the current one33:20 Executive fatigue and women feeling broken at the top37:25 Lucy’s turning point – stepping away from the CEO role38:28 Closing reflections and preview of part twoConnect with Lucy Quist:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-quist-123556/Website: www.lucyquist.comConnect with Uche:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

So let me share a story that might change how you think about leadership, confidence, and the power to surprise even yourself.Today on the Don’t Let the Smile Fool You podcast, Uche sits down with Prunelle, who went from a hesitant community manager to CEO—almost by accident, and much faster than she ever expected. Their conversation dives beneath the smile to what it really takes for young women to step into leadership, the challenges of self-doubt, and why the right community and support can make all the difference.This episode is packed with insights about the CEO of the Day program, what it means to manage people, and how a humble blood donation campaign in Benin is showing that leadership can start anywhere—even with a game, a plate of food, and a new sense of purpose.Prunelle opens up about what it was like to stand in as CEO—how daunting it felt to have everyone’s eyes on her, and how she discovered strengths she didn’t know she had. She talks about the transition from leading for just one day, to one month, to finally being unanimously voted in as CEO of her association. Through every stage, she offers real advice for young women: the importance of self-discovery, building confidence, and making lasting impact, as well as what it takes to lead with both vision and humility.If you’ve ever wondered what happens when someone sees potential in you that you haven’t even seen in yourself, this episode is for you.Chapters: 01:12 Prunelle shares her story and reactions to being noticed as a leader 04:08 Joining the association and growing with digital skills06:16 How being a community manager led to a huge opportunity 07:26 Facing the challenge of being CEO for a month—fears and triumphs 11:04 Running two big campaigns and key lessons learned about leadership 13:12 Transitioning back to her old role and the shock of being asked to lead 15:08 The moment Prunelle is unanimously voted CEO 17:10 Reflections on the rapid rise and why CEO of the Day works 19:59 How it changed her approach to decision-making and confidence 25:13 Prunelle’s advice: vision, impact, and finding your own path as a CEO 27:06 Final reflections: vision, impact, and what it really means to leadIf you’re on your own journey to leadership, or supporting someone who is, you’ll want to hear how Prunelle’s story unfolds. From playful blood donation drives to negotiating difficult decisions on the executive committee, she proves that leadership can start anywhere—and that the impact you make matters most.Connect with 1000PourSangFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/1000poursang229/Linkedin: https://bj.linkedin.com/company/1000poursangInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000poursang229/Connect with Uche:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

So let me ask you a question. Is it ever okay to cry at work? On this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, we’re digging into a topic that comes up all too often for women climbing the leadership ladder: showing emotion in the workplace. Uche sits down with Annick, our CEO of the day, who asks the question so many of us have wondered—can strong leaders, especially women, ever let their emotions show at work, or does it risk being seen as weakness?This is not your typical career advice session. Uche gets real about her own experiences, from hiding tears in her office closet to unexpectedly breaking down in front of her entire staff. She shares how her views have changed over the last ten years and unpacks why vulnerability and authenticity can actually be leadership superpowers. If you’ve ever felt pressure to always “keep it together” or questioned whether your emotions make you less effective at work, this is the conversation for you.If you’re looking for encouragement, storytelling, and practical advice on balancing professionalism with authenticity, you’re in the right place.CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: What’s Really Happening Beneath the Smile 00:31 - The Big Question: Is It Okay to Cry as a Woman in Leadership? 01:17 - Growing Up in the “Never Cry at Work” World 02:19 - Uche’s Early Beliefs Around Emotion in the Office 02:42 - The Pressure to Suppress Feelings and Hide Vulnerability 04:02 - The Turning Point: Crying in Front of the Whole Team 04:43 - Realizations on Vulnerability in Leadership 05:10 - When Is It Okay to Cry at Work? 05:50 - Responding to “You’re Being Emotional” at Work 06:13 - Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Authenticity 06:43 - Final Thoughts: Vulnerability Is Your SuperpowerConnect with Uche:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

Have you ever wondered what your leadership style is truly communicating to your team? In this episode of Don't Let the Smile Fool You, I peel back the layers on what really happens beneath the confident exterior as you take on bigger leadership responsibilities. Inspired by the film The Devil Wears Prada, we take a closer look at the difference between intention and impact, and how small behaviors can unintentionally create anxiety, fear, or confusion within a team.I share some personal stories from my own leadership journey, including a surprising revelation about what my high heels were saying to my team (hint: it wasn't just about style) and how being naturally shy was mistaken for being unfriendly. I also dive into the concept I call "unintentions" — those unintended consequences leaders create just by being themselves. You’ll hear about the role of direct communication, the importance of feedback at every level, and how seemingly small actions, like not responding to a WhatsApp message, can cause unnecessary stress.If you’re moving up the ladder, managing people, or just curious about the hidden dynamics of leadership and workplace culture, this episode is filled with real examples, self-reflection, and practical tips for becoming a more self-aware and effective leader.Chapters: 00:00 - The hidden dynamics beneath leadership smiles00:30 - What The Devil Wears Prada teaches us about leadership perceptions01:15 - The high heel test: When your team can predict your mood03:00 - When shyness gets mistaken for being unapproachable05:00 - The myth of being a ‘direct’ leader and feedback surprises07:30 - The power of nonverbal cues and the meaning of “interesting”09:00 - Unintentions: When actions have unintended organizational impacts10:15 - WhatsApp messages, anxiety, and communication gaps12:50 - Creating opportunities for honest feedback from your team14:45 - Reflection: Are you unintentionally creating fear or anxiety as a leader?15:30 - How to build a feedback culture and final thoughtsConnect with Uche Ofodile:Linkedin: https://bj.linkedin.com/in/ucheofodileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_ofodileInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucheofodile/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucheofodileofficial/

I want to let you in on a moment from my own journey. Picture this: you’ve just been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. This should be an occasion for celebration but instead, you find yourself sitting in an executive meeting, head down, not confident, questioning whether you’re truly good enough. And it does not stop there. Doubts can come both from within and from those around you, sometimes from colleagues who bluntly tell you to “play to your strengths”—code for “you’re not good enough for this.” The voices in your head start questioning your suitability, your skills, and even your personality.We talk about how easy it is to be pulled into a spiral of imposter syndrome and self doubt, especially when performance dips or someone plants a seed of uncertainty. But as you’ll hear in this episode, there is a way forward. Preparation, constant learning, and recognizing the difference between constructive feedback and undermining comments are crucial. Preparation isn’t only a buffer against criticism; it builds the confidence that carries you through rough patches and quiets that inner critic.This episode is for anyone in leadership—or aspiring to be—who’s ever wondered if they truly belong. I share the challenges, setbacks, and, most importantly, the mindset shifts that helped me build resilience as a leader. We also discuss the role of supportive bosses, how small wins matter, and why both self doubt and external doubt need to be managed, not ignored. Whether you’re feeling “not commercial enough,” too “high maintenance,” or worried about how to bounce back from criticism, there’s something in here for you.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction – Leadership and the Realities Hidden Behind the Smile 00:33 – The Big Question: Have You Ever Felt Not Good Enough? 00:48 – How Leaders Manage Self Talk and Imposter Syndrome 01:25 – The Promotion Story: From Head of Brand to Chief Marketing Officer 03:50 – When Colleagues Cast Doubt: “Play to Your Strengths” 05:58 – Performance Dips and the Spiral of Self Doubt 07:11 – The Role of Supportive Bosses in Overcoming Doubt 08:54 – Turning Things Around: Driving Growth After Setbacks 09:46 – Preparation, Learning, and Recognizing Constructive Feedback 11:38 – Self Doubt: Why It’s Normal and How to Train It 12:36 – The Power of Small Wins and Celebrating Your Progress 13:56 – Why a Healthy Level of Doubt Matters for Leaders 1Whether you’re in your first leadership role or navigating a challenging season at the top, remember this: self doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. Use it to sharpen your preparation, celebrate your progress along the way, and surround yourself with the right support. Dive in for more stories, tips, and motivation straight from the leadership trenches.If you find this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share your experience battling self doubt in your leadership journey. Keep smiling—and don’t let that smile fool anyone, especially yourself.

Trust me, the journey is a lot lonelier and more complex than most people think, and sometimes the only way to get through it is to build strong infrastructure around yourself. I’m sharing a story from a few years ago when I faced a major work challenge - and how one conversation with a friend changed everything.

We talk about what leadership infrastructure means, why you can’t go it alone, and what it actually looks like to build your own personal ecosystem of support. I open up about the three pillars of my own leadership infrastructure: having an executive coach, committing to physical health with a trainer, and leaning on close friends who understand the pressures of leadership.

If you think leadership is just about powering through on your own, let this episode show you a different way. You’ll hear why top leaders never do it alone, how to figure out what support you truly need, and the importance of community and connection for women in leadership positions. I’d love to know: What does your leadership infrastructure look like?

Chapters/Key Moments:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:45 The Work Crisis That Changed My Perspective
01:56 The Truth About Leadership Infrastructure
02:34 Why Every Leader Needs a Safe Space
03:31 The Role of an Executive Coach in My Journey
04:24 The Value of a Fitness Trainer (and How I Stay Motivated)
05:06 Customizing Your Own Infrastructure – What Do You Need?
06:14 Mentors, Therapists, and At-Home Support Explained
07:18 How Friends Feed the Leader’s Soul
07:52 The Power of a Supportive Community
08:54 Final Thoughts and Your Turn

If you’re just starting out as a leader - or you’ve been at it for years - this episode is for you. Let’s talk about why no one should climb this ladder alone, and how building the right infrastructure makes all the difference. Drop your thoughts about leadership infrastructure in the comments. Thank you for listening.

Have you ever wondered what leadership really feels like behind closed doors? In this episode I open up about the leadership secrets nobody told me before I stepped into the CEO role. If you have dreams of being a leader, or if you are already leading a team, you’ll want to hear the honest truth about what no one warns you about. Here’s a spoiler: being at the top can be downright lonely.I share my own journey—from thinking I was more than ready as a confident CMO, watching my boss make it all seem effortless, to realizing just how different and isolating it actually is to carry the final responsibility. I thought I had it figured out because I was good at strategy, commercial work, and managing people. What I didn’t see was the loneliness that comes with making every tough call by yourself.It wasn’t all negative though. I talk about how I’ve coped with that isolation by building a network of friends outside my company—a support system that has kept me sane through some of the toughest times. I also share what it’s like to lead as a woman, how my less hands-on style has sometimes been mistaken for weakness, and the boundaries I had to set to earn respect without becoming a micromanager.My leadership style hasn’t stayed the same. Over the years, I’ve learned to keep growing, to hold on to my excitement for leadership even when it feels overwhelming. In this episode, you’ll hear my real stories, the lessons I’ve picked up, and the advice I wish someone had given me when I started out.Check out the chapters for a quick guide through my story:0:00 - The Reality of Leadership 0:24 - My Transition from CMO to CEO 1:01 - The Hidden Loneliness of Leadership 2:12 - How I Built My Own Support Network 2:39 - Being a Woman Leader: Boundaries and Leadership Style 3:56 - Personal Growth and Learning as a Leader 4:34 - My Final Thoughts and AdviceIf you’re curious what it really takes to lead, why leadership at the top sometimes feels so isolating, or how to set boundaries without losing yourself, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening to "Don't Let the Smile Fool You." Let’s get real about what it means to lead.

In this first episode, Uche opens up about her journey from New York to CEO roles across Africa, sharing real and sometimes unexpected stories about her path to success. Growing up as the only girl among three brothers, moving countries, and stepping into major leadership positions, Uche reveals the challenges and lessons that shaped her.This is not another “just work hard and get promoted” story. Instead, Uche discusses being underestimated because of her smile, the reality of career struggles, and why it’s so important to be honest about what it really takes to get to the top,especially as a woman navigating workplaces in both the US and Africa.Here’s what you’ll find in this episode: 00:00 - Meet Uche and her background00:24 - The pivotal letter that jumpstarted her career direction02:00 - Ambition and choosing a leadership role03:07 - From Nigeria to Ghana to CEO03:52 - Why honesty matters in career conversations04:34 - Why you shouldn’t let the smile fool you05:14 - Uche’s hopes for listeners

A few years ago, we set out to make International Women's Day more than a hashtag or a poster; we wanted to turn it into a real growth opportunity for the women in our organization. That is how CEO of the Day began. The idea? Choose a young woman in the company to literally walk in my shoes as CEO for 24 hours.

What started as a small challenge with just 7 companies has now grown to 33 companies joining in 2025. In this episode of "Don't Let the Smile Fool You," I (Uche) sit down with Annick, our 2025 CEO of the Day, and we get real about what leadership looks like when you’re thrown into the deep end for a day.

Annick holds nothing back as she takes us through her journey from nerves and self-doubt to that powerful moment when she learned she was chosen. She talks through the butterflies, the pressure, and the sudden feeling of being a role model for other women. But what surprised me was her reflection on what real leadership means: you don’t need all the answers, you just have to ask the right questions and listen, especially to your customers.

We talk about strategy, confidence, and what it’s really like to have others look up to you. There’s pressure, for sure, but as Annick says, embracing that fear and using it as fuel is what actually leads to growth. This is more than a workplace program—it’s about changing the narrative for young women leaders everywhere.

Chapters 00:00 The Origin of CEO of the Day and International Women's Day 00:50 Meet Annick: 2025 CEO of the Day 01:10 Annick's Nerve-Racking Application Process 03:37 Finding Out She Won & Facing Self-Doubt 04:44 Wings to Fly: Building Confidence 06:08 Lessons in Leadership: Asking Questions, Not Having All the Answers 07:29 Understanding Strategy: The Customer is King 08:00 Becoming a Role Model (Whether You Want It or Not) 09:09 Balancing Pressure & Inspiration as a Visible Leader 12:04 Career Aspirations: Seeing a Path to CEO 13:01 Quick Fire Questions: Surprises, Lessons & Regrets 14:49 If I Could Do It Again: Deeper Conversations with Stakeholders 15:06 The Lasting Lesson: Don't Let Doubt Lead Your Life

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a big leadership role, or if you need a nudge to chase your next opportunity, this episode is for you. Annick’s journey will remind you that confidence is often built, not born, and that mentoring, self-reflection, and learning from each other matter more than ever.

Don’t just listen, think about how you can become the CEO of your own story, even if just for a day. And as always, don’t let the smile fool you; the real growth happens in the moments no one sees.