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/