From Setback to CEO & Building a Transferable Digital Business


Episode Description

The Lunch with Leaders podcast helps women in STEM lead with authenticity and growth, create impact, & expand their influence. Hosted by Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, & Founder. Each week, Adaeze sits down with innovators, trailblazers, & leaders who are changing cultures and redefining leadership. Together, they share the stories, strategies, & mindsets that empower women in STEM to amplify their visibility, influence, and impact. If you are ready to lead boldly, elevate your influence, and join a global movement, this is your invitation… would you accept?

Who Is This For?

This episode is for:

  • Women in STEM, innovators, founders, and early-stage business owners
  • Leaders navigating rapid business/tech growth or transitions
  • Anyone responsible for protecting digital assets or building a transferable business
  • Entrepreneurs interested in building scalable, resilient companies (not just quick wins)
  • Startups, small businesses, and those dealing with employee/vendor turnover
  • Paige’s Life-Changing Diagnosis & Pivot to Tech: Paige Weiss shares her struggle with epilepsy, losing independence, and forcing a career pivot—from architecture to self-taught web design and entrepreneurship.

Key Moments & Timestamps

  • On the Realities of Starting From Scratch (00:06:00 – 00:06:52):
    Paige Wiese reflects on “rock bottom,” hustling for clients, and embracing “nothing to lose.”
  • Building a Team Around Strengths (00:08:00 – 00:11:19):
    “I want you in a place you’re going to thrive”—Paige Wiese describes leadership through supporting team members in their strengths.
  • Letting Go of Control (00:15:42 – 00:18:16):
    Critical insight for leaders: when and how to delegate, stop micromanaging, and trust processes/QA over personal style.
  • The Cost and Chaos of Digital Assets (00:20:15 – 00:23:21):
    Why digital asset management is no longer an afterthought; the risks of poor handovers, lost access, and vendor lock-in.
  • Consequences of Not Owning Your Digital Footprint (00:32:03 – 00:34:57):
    Real-world stakes when assets and access fail during deals, transitions, or rapid growth.
  • Legacy, Vision & Staying True to Your Goals (00:42:51 – 00:44:48):
    Paige Wiese on the importance of knowing your passion and definition of success, and tuning out distractions.

FAQs

Q: Why is digital asset management important for founders?

A: Paige Wiese explains that lost access, unclear ownership, and vendor lock-in can halt business operations for months during transitions, leading to lost revenue and failed deals (00:20:15).

Q: How do you know when to delegate or hire?

A: Identify tasks that drain your energy or cause procrastination; as soon as possible, hire or outsource those areas to focus on your strengths (00:08:00).

Q: What are the risks of using AI tools or outsourced talent without oversight?

A: If you don’t verify account ownership and asset transferability, you risk losing everything after a contract ends or employee leaves (00:27:03).

Q: How do I start protecting my digital assets?

A: Use platforms like Assetto, track all logins/ownership, and download asset checklists (00:45:19).