Thriving in Intersectionality

Dr. Lola Adeyemo
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Thriving in Intersectionality is a leadership podcast exploring how identity, lived experience, and culture shape the way we lead, work, and build impact. Hosted by Dr. Lola Adeyemo — leadership strategist, researcher, and founder of EQImindset and Immigrants in Corporate — the show features thoughtful conversations with executives, founders, scholars, and changemakers navigating leadership at the intersections of identity and influence. Through interviews and solo reflections, each episode examines how leaders make decisions, build belonging, navigate complexity, and grow their careers while shaping more human, inclusive workplaces. Listeners gain practical insight, real-world leadership stories, and research-informed perspectives on culture, power, and professional growth. If you care about leading with intention, building cultures where people thrive, and understanding how lived experience informs leadership — this podcast is for you.

  1. EP 117: From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader with Limor Bergman Gross

    2D AGO

    EP 117: From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader with Limor Bergman Gross

    What does it take to move from technical expert to strategic leader — especially in industries where leadership paths are not always clearly defined? In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo welcomes Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry and host of the podcast From a Woman to a Leader. Limor shares her leadership journey across continents, reflecting on the transition from hands-on engineering work to managing teams and eventually stepping into strategic leadership roles. Along the way, she discusses how identity, culture, and life experiences shaped her decisions — including navigating her career as a woman in tech, relocating internationally, and balancing leadership growth with motherhood. Together, Dr. Lola and Limor explore the identity shifts that often accompany career advancement, why many high performers struggle when transitioning into leadership roles, and how professionals can become more intentional about designing their careers. This conversation offers practical insight for professionals navigating leadership growth while managing the complex intersections of identity, ambition, and workplace culture. In This Episode • The leadership transition from technical expert to people leader • How intersectional identity shapes leadership experiences in tech • Navigating career growth as a woman in a male-dominated industry • The impact of motherhood and personal life on leadership decisions • Why intentional career planning matters earlier than we think • The difference between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship • Why asking questions and seeking feedback accelerates growth • How managers can better support diverse career paths on their teams About Our Guest Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. She has led engineering organizations across continents, scaled global teams, and guided professionals through the shift from technical execution to strategic leadership. She is also the host of the podcast From a Woman to a Leader, where she shares real leadership journeys and practical frameworks that help women in tech grow into executive impact. Today, Limor coaches ambitious women in technology into leadership roles and speaks globally on leadership development, visibility, influence, and career growth. Connect with Limor Bergman Gross Podcast From a Woman to a Leader https://limorbergman.com/podcast  Website https://limorbergman.com  LinkedInLimor Bergman Gross About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, speaker, and founder of EQImindset and the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc. Through her work, she partners with organizations to design inclusive workplace communities and leadership ecosystems that strengthen belonging, engagement, and organizational performance. Her podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores the real experiences of professionals navigating leadership through layered identities, including immigrants, women, first-generation professionals, and other underrepresented leaders. Resources & Community Immigrants in Corporate https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org  EQImindset /Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Resources https://www.eqimindset.com  Listen & Share If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps others discover these conversations and continue building workplaces where everyone can thrive. 🎧 Listen and reflect: What leadership shift might your career be asking you to make next?

    38 min
  2. EP 116: Whole Human Leadership – Power, Identity, and the Path to the C-Suite

    MAR 2

    EP 116: Whole Human Leadership – Power, Identity, and the Path to the C-Suite

    What does it take to lead at the highest levels — without losing yourself in the process? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Victoria Pelletier — corporate executive, board director, author, and public speaker — to explore what it truly means to lead as your whole self. Nicknamed the “Turnaround Queen” and “CEO Whisperer,” Victoria has spent more than two decades driving business transformation, leading global teams, and navigating the path to the C-suite. But behind the titles is a deeply human story of resilience, identity, and intentional growth. Victoria shares how her lived experiences — growing up in the child welfare system, overcoming early trauma, rising to executive leadership at 24, and navigating her identity as a queer leader and parent — shaped her leadership philosophy. Together, Lola and Victoria unpack: How childhood adversity can shape executive resilience The pressure of being the only woman — and the youngest — in the room Why armor might help you rise… but vulnerability helps you lead The evolution from “Iron Maiden” leadership to whole human leadership  How inclusive leadership drives performance — not the other way around Why board service matters and how to think about building a portfolio career This episode challenges the outdated belief that strength and empathy are mutually exclusive. Whole human leadership isn’t soft.It’s strategic.It’s sustainable.And it’s the future of leadership. About Victoria Pelletier Victoria Pelletier is a 20+ year corporate executive, board director, bestselling author, and professional public speaker. She has served as COO at 24, President at 35, and CEO at 41. She is the author of The Power of Whole Human Leadership and Influence Unleashed, and is passionate about helping organizations transform culture, leadership, and growth. Connect with Victoria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/ Connect with Host Dr. Lola Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a speaker, consultant, and founder of EQI Mindset and Immigrants in Corporate. She partners with organizations to build cultures of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and inclusive workplace communities. Dr. Lola's Website: www.drlola-adeyemo.com   Dr Lola's Linkedin

    35 min
  3. EP 115: Unburnable Ambition — An Immigrant Leader’s Perspective on Burnout, Tech & Sustainable Success

    FEB 23

    EP 115: Unburnable Ambition — An Immigrant Leader’s Perspective on Burnout, Tech & Sustainable Success

    What does ambition look like when you’re navigating identity, immigration, and leadership — all at once? In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with award-winning author, tech leader, and podcast host Sheekha Singh to explore immigrant ambition, women in tech, burnout, and redefining success beyond hustle culture. Born and raised in India, educated in the United States, and now based in Canada, Sheekha brings a global immigrant lens to leadership and high performance. She is the author of: Unburnable Ambition — a practical, reflective guide for overachievers who want to win without burning out. The IT Girl — winner of the 2021 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award (Gold) in Technology/Engineering. In this conversation, we explore: • The immigrant perspective on burnout • Cultural expectations and pressure to succeed • Women in tech and representation gaps • H1B transitions and cross-border leadership journeys • Why overcompensating leads to exhaustion • How to advocate for yourself without playing the victim • Boundaries as a leadership skill Sheekha’s core belief: Ambition doesn’t have to cost you your peace. If you are an immigrant professional, a first-generation leader, a woman in tech, or someone navigating layered identities in the workplace, this episode will resonate. 🔗 Connect with Shika Singh Podcast: Rise and Tell with Shika Books: The IT Girl and Unburnable Ambition Website: shikasingh.com 🔗 Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/Website: Www.Drlola-Adeyemo.com Belonging isn’t just a bonus — it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth.

    34 min
  4. EP 114: Resilience and People-First Leadership with Oksana Lukash

    FEB 16

    EP 114: Resilience and People-First Leadership with Oksana Lukash

    In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Oksana Lukash, Chief People Officer, business owner, and leadership advisor with more than 20 years of experience helping teams scale, navigate chaos, and build cultures where people can thrive. Oksana shares her powerful journey as an immigrant who grew up during the fall of the Soviet Union, spent formative years separated from her mother, and later rebuilt her life in the United States. She also speaks candidly about becoming a teen mom, navigating divorce and blended family life, and how those lived experiences shaped her approach to leadership. Together, Lola and Oksana explore what it means to lead with humanity, build cultures that last, and grow your career through value — not just time in role. In This Episode, We Discuss: Oksana’s immigration story and how resilience shaped her leadership style Becoming a teen mom and navigating career growth simultaneously The pivotal manager who gave her a chance — and why mentorship matters Why career growth is about impact and value, not tenure How to build your voice beyond your employer’s brand Treating people the way they need to be treated Why culture is difficult to replicate — and why it matters more than ever Practical advice for professionals looking to advance in today’s workplace About Our Guest Oksana Lukash is a Chief People Officer, business owner, and leadership advisor who’s spent 20+ years helping teams scale, survive chaos, and actually enjoy working together. She blends strategy with psychology, candor with compassion, and believes culture is the only real competitive advantage. When she’s not building high-performing teams, she’s challenging leaders to think bigger, speak up, and stop settling for mediocrity. Connect with Oksana Website: https://oksanalukash.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksusha45/Business: People, Culture, You, LLC Connect with Lola Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQI Mindset and founder of Immigrants in Corporate. She partners with organizations to build cultures of belonging through ERGs, strategy, and storytelling. Website: https://www.drlola-adeyemo.comCommunity: https://www.immigrantsincorporate.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/ 🎧 Want to take a deeper dive and engage? Listen now and reflect via Substack.  What lessons from your journey are shaping how you lead today?

    44 min
  5. EP 113: Learn Back, Lead Forward: The Leadership Lessons Hidden in your Career Journey

    FEB 6

    EP 113: Learn Back, Lead Forward: The Leadership Lessons Hidden in your Career Journey

    What if leadership isn’t about constantly pushing forward — but about pausing long enough to reflect? In this solo episode, Dr. Lola Adeyemo shares a simple framework that has shaped how she thinks about growth, career pivots, and impact: Learn back. Lead forward. Drawing on conversations with past guests and her own journey across science, consulting, and workplace inclusion strategy, Lola explores how the strongest leaders don’t just accumulate experience — they make meaning from it. Through three powerful stories, you’ll hear how curiosity, values alignment, and community responsibility shape sustainable leadership. If you’re entering a new season, considering a pivot, or rethinking what leadership looks like for you, this episode will help you move forward with intention. In this episode, we explore: Why reflection is a leadership skill How non-linear careers often lead to the greatest impact The difference between achievement and alignment Why leadership eventually becomes service to others 3 practical ways to design your next chapter intentionally Guests & conversations referenced Dr. Meklit Workneh From Ethiopia to Stanford to Moderna, Meklit shares how curiosity and courageous pivots shaped her path into biotech leadership and AI-driven clinical trials. 🎧 Listen: Dr.Workneh's Episode Link   Funmi Onamusi A people-first executive leader who models how values alignment — not title chasing — creates sustainable, integrated leadership.  🎧 Listen: Funmi's Episode Link   Ukeme Awakessien Jeter Engineer, lawyer, and mayor, Ukeme shares how belonging and representation inspired her to move from personal success to civic impact. 🎧 Listen: Mayor Ukeme's Episode Link   3 Takeaways to apply this week Audit the beliefs you’re still carrying Lead from integration — your lived experience is an asset Build community intentionally — leadership isn’t solo work Connect with Lola Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a speaker, consultant, and founder of EQI Mindset and Immigrants in Corporate, helping organizations build cultures of belonging through ERGs and workplace community strategy. Website: www.drlola-adeyemo.com  LinkedIn: @drlolaadeyemo

    17 min
  6. EP 112: Creating Psychological Safety: Leadership, Feedback & Thriving Across Intersections with Karen Jones

    JAN 26

    EP 112: Creating Psychological Safety: Leadership, Feedback & Thriving Across Intersections with Karen Jones

    In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo is joined by Karen Jones, a seasoned leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant and the founder of Sacred Leadership Solutions, for a grounded and deeply human conversation about what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Karen brings more than 15 years of experience across Fortune 500 organizations including American Express, Sara Lee, U.S. Cellular, and Ulta Beauty, with a career rooted at the intersection of leadership development, change, and organizational effectiveness. She is also an executive leader at NextUp, a nonprofit dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders. Together, Lola and Karen explore leadership not as theory, but as lived practice — examining how feedback, identity, privilege, and psychological safety shape the way people experience work. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How Karen understands intersectionality through her lived experience as a Black woman leader in corporate America Why psychological safety is foundational — especially when conversations get complex or uncomfortable What giving and receiving feedback looks like when development is the real goal How privilege and identity influence access, perception, and opportunity at work Why networking and influence matter more than ever for career growth What professionals should focus on now as the future of work continues to evolve How leaders can develop talent while building cultures that actually work in practice — not just on paper Karen also shares powerful personal stories that illuminate how leadership, privilege, and humanity intersect in ways that no framework alone can explain. This is a thoughtful and practical episode for leaders, HR and DEI professionals, and anyone navigating their career while carrying layered identities — with insights you can apply immediately this year and beyond. About Our Guest Karen Jones is the founder of Sacred Leadership Solutions and a leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant with more than 15 years of experience designing and delivering learning and development experiences that produce sustainable outcomes. She is known for creating psychologically safe environments where people can grow, learn, and lead authentically. Karen currently serves as an executive leader at NextUp, a nonprofit focused on advancing women and building inclusive leadership pipelines. 🔗 Learn more about NextUp: https://www.nextupisnow.org  🔗 Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jones-36785b18  🎙️ Connect with the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a leadership strategist, speaker, and CEO of EQImindset, partnering with organizations to build inclusive cultures through ERG strategy, leadership development, and belonging-centered systems. She is the creator and host of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast, where she amplifies the voices of leaders navigating layered identities in today’s workplace. 🔗 Explore all podcast episodes & resources: https://www.DrLola-Adeyemo.com/podcast  🔗 Connect with Lola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/  For Leaders & Organizations If this conversation resonates and you're looking to strengthen leadership development, ERG strategy, or inclusive culture within your organization, explore Dr. Lola’s consulting and workshops through EQImindset. 🔗 https://www.eqimindset.com

    37 min
  7. EP 111: Finding Your Authentic Voice: Communication, Culture & Career Pivots with Funke Olufon

    JAN 17

    EP 111: Finding Your Authentic Voice: Communication, Culture & Career Pivots with Funke Olufon

    Your voice isn’t just sound — it’s strategy. In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Olufunke Olufon — communications strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of IWA Consulting — for a rich conversation on purpose-driven communication, leadership presence, and navigating career pivots without shrinking who you are. Olufunke’s career spans some of the world’s most influential institutions — from directing executive communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to serving as a spokesperson at the World Bank, to leading transformation-era communications at EY. Across industries and continents, her work has helped translate complex ideas into narratives that move people to action. Together, Lola and Olufunke explore what it means to show up with layered identity in corporate America, how culture shapes leadership, why relationships are career currency, and how the Yoruba concept of “IWA” (character) becomes a powerful lens for brand, reputation, and credibility. This episode is for anyone navigating reinvention — especially professionals who want to communicate with clarity, lead with confidence, and align their voice with their purpose. In This Episode, You’ll Hear What intersectionality means in real life — and why it matters at work The experience of navigating corporate America as a Nigerian woman Why culture and language shape how we lead, communicate, and take risks Olufunke’s nonlinear career pivot from chemical engineering to international relations How to know when it’s time to pivot (and stop waiting for permission) Why clarity is a career advantage — not a luxury The power of relationships as “career currency” (the human way) IWA (character) and why reputation is simply character revealed The cultural connection question: why Funke brings Nigerian jollof rice to work About the Guest Olufunke “Funke” Olufon is a communications strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of IWA Consulting, where she helps mission-driven leaders and organizations find, refine, and amplify their authentic voice. Her work spans global communications, executive positioning, and narrative strategy across major institutions including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and EY. About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, author, speaker, and CEO of EQImindset, and founder of Immigrants in Corporate Inc. She helps organizations build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change. Connect + Next Steps For HR & DEI Leaders (ERG/BRG strategy support, workshops, or fractional partnership): 📩 Lola@EQImindset.com For Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals:Join the free community: www.immigrantsincorporate.org Go deeper on Substack (extended reflections + community): Connect with Funke / IWA Consulting: Website: www.iwaconsults.com Keywords Intersectionality, workplace inclusion, communication strategy, leadership, cultural background, career pivots, authentic voice, Yoruba culture, corporate America, storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, relationships, entrepreneurial journey, IWA Consulting.

    41 min
  8. EP 110 : From Uniform to Purpose: A Dual Military Couple’s Journey Into Wellness, Reinvention & NutFrusion

    11/29/2025

    EP 110 : From Uniform to Purpose: A Dual Military Couple’s Journey Into Wellness, Reinvention & NutFrusion

    In this final Veteran & Military Family Appreciation Month spotlight, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Tahnohn and Sherry Hayes — a dual-military couple, proud parents, and the founders of NutFrusion, a San Diego–based handcrafted snack company rooted in resilience, clean ingredients, and purpose. Their story spans deployments, parenthood, medical transition, entrepreneurship, and faith — offering a raw, inspiring look into what it means to rebuild after service and create a business grounded in health, community, and lived experience. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: The Intersections That Shape Them From race, culture, faith, service, and parenthood to caregiving and entrepreneurship — how identity has guided every chapter of their lives. Military Life as a Dual-Service Family Navigating deployments, relocations, raising three children, and finding stability in community support networks. Rebuilding After Medical Retirement How Tahnohn’s MS diagnosis shifted everything — identity, purpose, and the path forward. The Origin Story of NutFrusion Born from necessity: clean-ingredient trail mixes and fruit chips created to support health during a major life transition. Entrepreneurship with Purpose How they’ve built NutFrusion into a beloved local brand while balancing full careers, teaching, parenting, and community leadership. Advice for Young Professionals Community-building, understanding your strengths, embracing pivots, asking for help, and leading with authenticity. Meet the Guests Tahnohn Hayes – U.S. Navy Veteran & Founder, NutFrusion A Navy veteran whose career was cut short by a sudden MS diagnosis, Tahnohn rebuilt his life one decision at a time, ultimately founding NutFrusion — a handcrafted snack company focused on flavor, clean ingredients, and wellness. Through entrepreneurship, he reclaimed purpose, control, and a mission to serve others through nourishing food. Sherry Hayes – U.S. Navy Veteran, UCSD Lecturer & Operations Leader Sherry served 21 years in the Navy, advancing from Hospital Corpsman to Environmental Health Officer, with assignments across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Today she is a Continuing Lecturer at UCSD Rady School of Management, a project management & public health expert, and the operations backbone of NutFrusion. Her certifications include PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, CPH, and she is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Support Their Veteran-Owned Business NutFrusion – Handcrafted Trail Mixes & Fruit Chips Website: https://www.nutfrusion.com Instagram: @nutfrusion Facebook: NutFrusion LinkedIn (Sherry): https://www.linkedin.com/in/servewithexcellence 📘 Featured Resource: Military Shoppers Guide Tahnohn and Sherry are featured in the 2025 Military Shoppers Guide, a curated collection of veteran-owned businesses, gift ideas, and resources designed to support military families and entrepreneurs. 👉 Download the 2025 Military Shoppers Guide (PDF) About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is an Inclusive Workplace Strategist, author, and CEO of EQImindset. She helps organizations build communities of belonging through ERG/BRG strategy, leadership development, and storytelling. Connect with Dr. Lola on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. ✨ Your intersections are powerful. Your story matters. Keep thriving. — Dr. Lola Adeyemo

    39 min
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Thriving in Intersectionality is a leadership podcast exploring how identity, lived experience, and culture shape the way we lead, work, and build impact. Hosted by Dr. Lola Adeyemo — leadership strategist, researcher, and founder of EQImindset and Immigrants in Corporate — the show features thoughtful conversations with executives, founders, scholars, and changemakers navigating leadership at the intersections of identity and influence. Through interviews and solo reflections, each episode examines how leaders make decisions, build belonging, navigate complexity, and grow their careers while shaping more human, inclusive workplaces. Listeners gain practical insight, real-world leadership stories, and research-informed perspectives on culture, power, and professional growth. If you care about leading with intention, building cultures where people thrive, and understanding how lived experience informs leadership — this podcast is for you.

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