Welcome back to the second half of our conversation with Michelle Odemwingie! Today we dive a little deeper into Michelle’s career journey and what she has learned from being CEO of Achievement Network (ANet). We kick things off by hearing from Michelle about why authenticity has been integral to her success as a CEO. She describes how being honest about her process at work has helped her be a supportive leader, who invites collaboration, and why it’s such an enriching alternative to micromanaging your team. Hear how her experience as Chief of Staff at the same company benefited her as a CEO, particularly because of the depth of her personal relationships within the company. Later we unpack what it means to be a recovering perfectionist and the importance of embracing the fact that you can’t be good at everything. Michelle also reflects on the loss of her grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has taught her about grief and how to spend the short amount of time you have on earth. We wrap things up by discussing the toxicity of constant availability at work and what Michelle has been doing to bring more balance to her life. Be sure to tune in for the life-affirming conversation on life, work, relationships, and finding balance!

Key Points From This Episode:

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Michelle Odemwingie!

The biggest lesson Michelle has learned as a CEO: authenticity is priceless.

A breakdown of Michelle’s approach as a supportive leader who invites collaboration.

How serving as Chief of Staff has informed Michelle’s work as a CEO.

How losing her grandmother made Michelle take stock of how she spends her time.

Michelle’s current definition of success: it’s not a destination, but how you experience life. 

The challenge of balancing everything in your life as a recovering perfectionist.

The idea that grief is love unexpressed and how Michelle is choosing to honor her grandmother.

The toxicity of being available all the time and how Michelle is combatting it in her life.

The role of leadership in changing a culture of overwork and burnout.

Why Michelle encourages her team members to prioritize rest and take half days.

Michelle’s love of cooking and the recipes she made for Ashley.

Why Michelle is appreciative of Gen Z and her thoughts on what it means to be a good ancestor.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Michelle Odemwingie on LinkedIn
Achievement Network
Teach for America
Ashley Menzies Babatunde
Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram