How being CEO for the day changed me. Annick Atougbe. Don't Let The Smile Fool You. Ep01
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 LifeIf 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.
South Africa