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/