Thriving in Intersectionality

Lola Adeyemo

Welcome to the “Thriving in Intersectionality” podcast. A podcast created to help you learn from professionals in the workplace who have multiple intersectional identities; from ethnic minorities, veterans transitioning into the workforce, individuals with disabilities, parents, and so many more. Hosted by Lola Adeyemo, who is the CEO of EQI Mindset and the founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc, her mission is to work with organizations to build more inclusive workplaces. This podcast was built to amplify the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate workplace and to give insights and guidance so people can move past their “barriers” and advance in their professional careers. Through interviews and solo episodes, Lola will examine this global world of work. We hope that you can learn a thing or two from our guests, who have a range of experiences and stories to share. Join Lola as we meet new people who are successfully navigating the corporate space.

  1. EP 107: Beyond Titles and Uniforms: The Layers of Leadership with Chris Thorne

    1D AGO

    EP 107: Beyond Titles and Uniforms: The Layers of Leadership with Chris Thorne

    In honor of Veterans Month, this episode celebrates service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership through a conversation that transcends military, corporate, and nonprofit spaces. Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Chris Thorne, a U.S. Navy veteran turned business and community leader, to explore what leadership looks like beyond the uniform. Chris shares powerful lessons from his 30-year military career and his journey into executive leadership as CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber. Together, they unpack the layers of identity, resilience, and community that shape purposeful leadership today. This conversation reminds us that every leader carries more than a title—they carry stories, intersections, and lived experiences that inform how they serve others. In This Episode, You'll Hear: ✅ How military service shapes purpose and leadership in civilian life Chris reveals why he joined at 17, what kept him serving for three decades, and how those experiences translate into building thriving business communities. ✅ The power of community in building connection and legacy Hear Chris's profound perspective: "Life is a terminal disease. Immortality is having a positive impact on others that grows long after you're gone—whether anyone remembers your name or not." ✅ Why intersectionality matters in leadership and belonging From growing up in Arizona to becoming a Navy Corpsman running with Marines, Chris breaks down how we're all "blankets made of different fibers"—and why understanding that depth in others changes everything. ✅ Chris's transition from service to civic and business impactThe real story of transition—from stepping out of the Navy to leading HR consulting, standing up the Gary Sinise Foundation's San Diego presence, and becoming a chamber CEO. ✅ Advice for emerging professionals on self-belief and finding their place at the table "I am so incredibly impressed with this next generation. You deserve to be in that room. You deserve your seat at that table. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." ✅ The Chili Philosophy Why Chris's signature slow-cooked, blazing-hot chili is the perfect metaphor for patient, intentional leadership. About the Guest Chris Thorne is the CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber and a retired U.S. Navy veteran. Named 2024 CEO of the Year for Business Nonprofit and recognized among San Diego's 500 Most Influential People for four consecutive years, Chris leads with a deep commitment to service, strategy, and community impact. 🔗 [North San Diego Business Chamber]🔗 [Connect with Chris on LinkedIn] About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, speaker, and CEO of EQImindset, where she helps organizations build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change. 🌍 Learn more: www.lolaspeaker.com💬 Connect with Lola on LinkedIn: [Dr. Lola Adeyemo] Want to Go Deeper? Follow Dr. Lola on Substack, where she explores key concepts from each episode and invites reflections and community engagement! Join the Conversation For HR & DEI Leaders: Need employee resource group(ERG) or business resource group support? Connect with Dr. Lola on LinkedIn for strategy, storytelling, and inclusive workplace community building. For Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals: Join our free community at www.immigrantsincorporate.org for career support, networking, and resources with peers who understand your journey. Your story matters. Keep thriving in your intersections. Dr. Lola Adeyemo.

    45 min
  2. EP 106: Belonging Beyond Borders: Immigrant Stories of Courage & Reinvention

    NOV 1

    EP 106: Belonging Beyond Borders: Immigrant Stories of Courage & Reinvention

    Episode Description To close out Global Diversity Month, Thriving in Intersectionality presents a special storytelling episode — three powerful stories of courage, transition, and belonging shared live during the “Belonging Beyond Borders” virtual event on October 29, 2025, hosted by Immigrants in Corporate Inc. In this reflective and inspiring episode, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo brings together voices from around the world whose immigrant journeys redefine what it means to succeed, to belong, and to be seen. Through stories of reinvention, purpose, and resilience, these storytellers remind us that belonging is not something we wait to find — it’s something we build together. This conversation is a tapestry of humanity — honest, layered, and full of hope — and a fitting close to Global Diversity Month. What You’ll Hear 🌍 Redefining Success Beyond Immigrant Expectations How Ambition, Family, and Cultural Pressures Intersect for Global Professionals. 💫 Courage in Transition Stories of starting over, navigating identity, and pursuing growth in unfamiliar spaces. 💖 Owning Your Worth The power of self-acceptance and belonging without needing to prove your value. 🤝 Community as Catalyst Why shared stories are essential to building inclusive workplaces and societies. About Our Storytellers ✨ Bami Iroko — Redefining Success Beyond Immigrant Pressures A marketing and communications strategist, talent manager, and creative consultant, Bami helps brands and artists tell impactful stories that connect across cultures. Her work bridges marketing, entertainment, and technology, championing inclusive innovation and responsible AI. Bami’s story explores the invisible expectations placed on immigrant professionals — and the liberation of defining success on your own terms. Her new book, “All In: Choosing Faith over Fear,” is available now on Amazon.  🔗 Connect with BAMI IROKO on LinkedIn:  📘 Link to her book.  ✨ Joe Kyaw Kyaw Htin — Courage in Transition A globally experienced chartered accountant from Myanmar, Joe has led internal audit and finance teams across Asia and the U.S. His story reflects the resilience of rebuilding a career abroad and the quiet strength that comes from choosing growth over comfort. 🔗 Connect with Joe Kayw Kyaw Htin on LinkedIn ✨ Raneen Rheem — The Power of Self-Worth As CEO of RISE (Refugee Immigrant Student Embassy), Raneen empowers refugee and immigrant youth to lead with confidence and purpose. A student of Political Science and Human Rights at the University of Iowa, she reminds us that belonging begins when we stop trying to prove our value — and start embracing it. 🔗 Connect with Raneen Rheem on LinkedIn About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc. She helps organizations move inclusion from intention to impact through strategy, storytelling, and workplace communities. A scientist-turned-ERG strategist, speaker, and author, Lola is passionate about amplifying the voices of leaders and professionals navigating layered identities at work. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Lola Adeyemo on Linkedin   Join the Conversation If today’s episode resonated with you: ⭐ Please rate and review the podcast to help others discover these stories. 📲 Share your takeaways and tag us on LinkedIn @ThrivinginIntersectionality podcast 🌍 Immigrant and first-gen professionals: Join our free community at www.immigrantsincorporate.org for career support, networking, resources, and to be a part of our monthly events. Keep thriving in your intersections — your story matters.

    38 min
  3. EP 105: Recalibrate, Don't Retreat: Dr. Lola Adeyemo on the Quiet Strength of Beginning Again

    OCT 18

    EP 105: Recalibrate, Don't Retreat: Dr. Lola Adeyemo on the Quiet Strength of Beginning Again

    In this honest and inspiring solo episode, Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo explores the power of recalibration — the intentional act of learning, realigning, and moving forward after the moments that didn’t go as planned. From canceled contracts to failed partnerships and unexpected career pivots, Dr. Lola opens up about her own experiences with “false starts” and how they’ve shaped her leadership, courage, and clarity. She reminds us that fear and foresight can often feel the same — but one holds you back, while the other prepares you to begin again. Through storytelling and reflection, Dr. Lola offers three powerful anchors to guide you through transitions in your business, career, or advocacy journey: 1️⃣ Learn, don’t linger — take the lessons, not the limits.2️⃣ Filter, don’t freeze — refine your focus without losing your fire.3️⃣ Move with clarity, not fear — let experience strengthen your confidence. This episode is a reminder that every false start is proof of courage — not failure. You’re not behind; you’re aligning. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Connect with Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn Explore ERG & BRG Resources at www.EQImindset.com Join the Immigrants in Corporate Community: Join us HERE Read deeper reflections on Substack: Intersections by Lola 💬 Stay Connected If this message resonates, share your reflections on LinkedIn and tag @Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast.  And don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe — your support helps others discover these stories of courage and belonging. Keep thriving in your intersections — and remember, recalibration is not retreat. 💙

    30 min
  4. EP 104: Breaking the Silence: Dr. Manna Semby on Career Transitions, Perimenopause, and Thriving in Midlife

    OCT 10

    EP 104: Breaking the Silence: Dr. Manna Semby on Career Transitions, Perimenopause, and Thriving in Midlife

    🎧 From Boardrooms to Brain Health  She climbed the ranks on Wall Street. Then she left it all behind to become a doctor. Dr. Manna Semby has a lot to say about reinvention, resilience, and thriving in midlife. In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo speaks with Dr. Manna Semby, founder of Aruna Personalized Medicine, functional medicine doctor, and former Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Drawing on her own journey from finance to healthcare, Dr. Manna shares how career pivots, layered identities, and health all intersect to shape how we lead and thrive. We explore how leaders can protect their cognitive edge through transitions, why decision-making style is a hidden superpower, and how organizations can reframe midlife health as a performance and equity strategy—not a taboo. This conversation is about more than perimenopause or career change—it’s about the courage to design work and life that honor all of who you are. What You’ll Learn 🧠 Protecting Cognitive Edge How the brain–hormone–metabolism axis shapes leadership energy, focus, and resilience. 🔄 Career Reinvention Why Dr. Manna left a VP role at Goldman Sachs to pursue medicine—and what it takes to pivot with purpose. 💡 Decision-Making as a Superpower How knowing your decision-making style can transform both career moves and life satisfaction. 🌍 Intersectionality in Action How immigrant identity, motherhood, caregiving, and corporate experience inform her practice and advocacy. 🏢 Workplace Change Why ERGs and HR leaders must create brain- and menopause-ready cultures to retain talent and sustain performance. About Our Guest Dr. Manna Semby, ND, MSCP, IFMCP is a functional medicine doctor and founder of Aruna Personalized Medicine. Formerly a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, she brings an insider’s perspective to the health needs of career women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Her Aruna Method targets the brain–hormone–metabolism axis to protect cognitive edge, metabolic resilience, and long-term vitality. Today she partners with corporations to deliver executive education and implement menopause-supportive policies that strengthen retention, performance, and culture. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Manna: Website: arunamed.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/manna-semby  Instagram: @drmannasemby  Brain Health Quiz: arunamed.com/brainquiz  Video: Brain Clarity & Renewal Program  About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc. She helps organizations move inclusion from intention to impact through strategy, storytelling, and workplace communities. A scientist-turned-ERG strategist, speaker, and author, Lola is passionate about amplifying voices at the intersections of identity and work. Join the Conversation If today’s episode resonated with you: ⭐ Please rate and review the podcast to help others discover it. 📲 Share your takeaways and tag us on LinkedIn. 🌍 Immigrant and first-gen professionals: Join our free community at immigrantsincorporate.org  for career support, networking, and resources. Keep thriving in your intersections—your story matters.

    35 min
  5. EP 103: From Excellence to Impact: Celeste Warren on Authentic Leadership and Equity

    SEP 28

    EP 103: From Excellence to Impact: Celeste Warren on Authentic Leadership and Equity

    "Two truths can coexist: you can be proud of your career and ready for something new." In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lola Adeyemo chats with Celeste Warren—founder of Celeste Warren Consulting and co-founder of Destination STEM—to explore what it really means to lead with authenticity and create lasting change. Celeste brings her full self to leadership: Black woman, mother, wife, aunt, caregiver, and entrepreneur. These intersecting identities aren't just who she is—they're how she leads, informing her belief that inclusive leadership isn't performative theater. It's about practical, repeatable acts of equity that meet people exactly where they are. The Moment That Changed Everything Sometimes one moment of visibility can reshape an entire trajectory. Celeste shares how a single national presentation became a key catalyst that transformed her career path, proving that excellence paired with strategic exposure creates opportunities that "heads-down" work alone cannot. Her journey spans 28+ years at Merck, and originated from journalism roots to becoming Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Now, through her consulting practice and new book The Truth About Equity, she's translating decades of wisdom into actionable guidance for the next generation of leaders. What You'll Discover The Exposure EquationWhy preparation without visibility limits your potential, and how to strategically position yourself for career-defining moments. Building Careers on Learning, Not TitlesHow choosing roles for skills and stretch over status creates compound leadership readiness that serves you for decades. Equity, DemystifiedClear, practical language for what equity actually is—and what it isn't—cutting through today's polarized debates with actionable everyday practices. ERGs as Talent AcceleratorsWhy Employee Resource Group leadership often provides more management experience and cross-functional visibility than traditional org charts. Influence Without AuthorityPractical moves for individual contributors to shape culture without waiting for permission or the perfect job title. Inclusive Leadership at ScaleHow senior roles don't make the work easier—just different—and why aligning diverse teams around shared purpose is both art and science. The Intersectional Advantage Celeste's leadership philosophy is inextricably linked to her lived experience. As she puts it, "We're not one identity. We're the cross-section of what's seen and unseen—life experiences that shape how we lead." Her path from reporter to global DEI leader to entrepreneur demonstrates how diverse experiences compound into unique leadership strengths: Journalism foundations taught her to ask better questions and tell clearer stories HR expertise across training, labor relations, and transformation built deep business acumen Manufacturing experience where she created learning strategies that upskilled workforces without layoffs Global D&I leadership that scaled inclusion across a multinational enterprise Entrepreneurship now channeling all of this wisdom into consulting, speaking, and education Who Does This Episode Serve? Whether you're an early-career professional learning to navigate corporate spaces, an ERG leader looking to maximize impact, or an Executive working to move inclusion from intention to measurable results—this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance. About Our Guest: Celeste Warren Founder, Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC - Connect on Linkedin Former VP & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Merck Author of How to Be a Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador and The Truth About Equity Co-Founder, Destination STEM (supporting students of color in STEM) Internationally recognized for DEI leadership, including 2024 Chief Diversity Officer of the Year by the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Above all, she's a relentless believer in people and the power of authentic leadership. About the Host: Dr. Lola Adeyemo An inclusive workplace advocate. She is the CEO of EQImindset (an ERG/BRG consulting firm) and the founder of Immigrants in Corporate Inc. A scientist-turned-ERG strategist, author, and speaker who helps organizations move inclusion from intention to measurable impact through strategy, storytelling, and workplace communities. Connect with Dr. Lola Adeyemo on Linkedin. Get Involved HR/Culture/DEI leaders: Email Lola@EQImindset.com to launch and scale ERGs that drive real business outcomes or to guest on the podcast. Join our community for immigrant & first-gen professionals

    47 min
  6. EP 102: Dr. Victoria Mattingly on Navigating Career, Identity, and Inclusion from the Inside Out

    SEP 21

    EP 102: Dr. Victoria Mattingly on Navigating Career, Identity, and Inclusion from the Inside Out

    Two organizational psychologists walk into a bar in Portland, 2008. The bartender? Dr. Victoria Mattingly—though she didn't have the "Dr." yet. Fresh out of college during the Great Recession, she was pouring drinks to fund volunteer research work. That chance encounter became the pivot point of an extraordinary career—from serving drinks to earning a PhD, from corporate burnout to building her own consulting firm, from studying workplace inclusion to living it as a working mother, cancer survivor, mental health advocate, and alopecia warrior. This conversation is for anyone navigating career uncertainty, trying to network authentically, or wondering how personal experiences can become professional assets. The Intersectional Advantage Dr. Mattingly's unique perspective comes from: Working mother balancing executive leadership with family life Cancer survivor bringing lived experience to workplace wellness Mental health advocate who openly discusses her own burnout and lessons from the journey Person with alopecia navigating visible differences in professional settings Descendant of Polish immigrants navigated family name change Bridge-builder between academic research and real-world organizational change "Depending on the context, I can either be the ally and leverage my privilege, or be the partner and work with allies." The Journey: From Bar to Boardroom The Recession Years: Graduated 2008 into economic crisis. No jobs for psychology majors. Bartended at Portland's fanciest establishment to fund volunteer research—a detour that proved strategic. The Career Catalyst: Two organizational psychologists at her bar connected her to a research lab. This taught her networking isn't about collecting contacts—it's about leveraging networks to fill gaps. Building Expertise: PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Years in corporate consulting. Published author. Her latest book is "Act Like an Ally / Work with an Ally." The Breaking Point: Burned out as an organizational psychologist. "I had to practice what I preach." The Pivot: Founded Mattingly Solutions to create sustainable, human-centered consulting aligned with her values. Key Insights Strategic Networking is About Gaps, Not Contacts: "It's about leveraging each other's networks to fill the gaps that presently exist." Cold Outreach Works When Done Right: Dr. V hired someone who posted a detailed cover letter in her website's contact form. The key? Genuine research and demonstrating value. Your Detours Are Your Differentiators: That bartending job taught skills the traditional route never would. Know Your Privilege AND Your Marginalization: "I can leverage my privilege as an ally, or work with allies where I experience marginalization. Both require different skills." Bring Your Whole Self (Strategically): Personal experiences can become professional assets when shared authentically. Burnout is Information, Not Failure: "The gap between what I knew intellectually and what I was living became my new mission." Make Them Look Good: "People share their most valuable asset—their network. I had to deliver and make them look good for believing in me." About Guest Dr. Victoria Mattingly Organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and CEO of Mattingly Solutions. PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with 15+ years helping organizations build inclusive workplaces. Author of "Act Like an Ally / Work with an Ally" and co-author of "Inclusalytics: How DEI Leaders Use Data to Drive Their Work." Connect with Dr. V Website: www.mattinglysolutions.com LinkedIn: Dr. Victoria Mattingly About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is an ERG strategist, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to building workplaces where people with layered identities can thrive. As CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc., she partners with HR, DEI, and business leaders to move inclusion from intention into impact through strategy, storytelling, and systems change. A Nigerian-born immigrant and mom, Lola blends research, real-world experience, and heart. On Thriving in Intersectionality, she spotlights voices and tools that help leaders—and everyday professionals—create meaningful, measurable belonging. Want to Get Involved? Apply to be on the podcast: [Application Link] Join Immigrants in Corporate Community for FREE! HR/Culture/DEI Leaders: Email Lola@EQImindset.com

    41 min
  7. EP 101: From DJ to Business Growth Expert - Reading Rooms in Boardrooms and Beyond

    SEP 11

    EP 101: From DJ to Business Growth Expert - Reading Rooms in Boardrooms and Beyond

    Episode Description What happens when a DJ who started spinning tracks at 16 becomes a startup advisor, college professor, and business growth expert? He is building and developing, leveraging all of his diverse skills!. Corey Hart's journey through the "entrepreneurship spectrum" spans nightclub ownership, restaurant turnarounds, food tech innovation, and mental health scaling - all while learning to read business environments the same way he once read dance floors. In this candid conversation, Corey shares how his naturally curious, entrepreneurial spirit has led him across industries, why he believes network building is the most underutilized career strategy, and how becoming a father fundamentally shifted his approach from people-pleasing to purpose-driven decision-making. From his 11-year college journey as a first-generation graduate to his current role scaling digital behavioral health solutions, Corey offers hard-won insights for anyone navigating career transitions or feeling stuck in their professional journey. What You'll Learn 🎧 How DJ Skills Translate to Business Success Reading the room: from dance floors to boardrooms Building energy and community across different environments How he leverages his philosophy on bringing people together 📈 The Entrepreneurship Spectrum Approach How natural curiosity drives career evolution Navigating the blessing and curse of entrepreneurial blood When to embrace distraction vs. when to focus 🔗 Network Building That Actually Works Why most people confuse connections with relationships How he teaches college students from “the most important connection you haven't made yet" approach How to leverage your network authentically without feeling transactional 🎯 From Burnout to Purpose-Driven Growth Recognizing when success isn't fulfilling: "I felt very empty" Learning to say yes only to projects that serve others Setting boundaries as a reformed people-pleaser 🚀 Career Navigation Strategies Why your network probably knows what would make you happy better than you do Practical advice for people feeling stuck in corporate roles or considering entrepreneurial pivots The importance of giving yourself permission to want more, regardless of your current path About Corey Hart Corey Hart is a connector, builder, and educator working at the intersection of growth, wellness, and innovation. He serves as Senior Director of Business Growth at Mentavi Health, scaling digital behavioral health solutions, and as a business professor at Grand Valley State University, teaching real-world skills like executive functioning, emotional intelligence, and values-driven leadership. As Chapter Director of Startup Grind Grand Rapids (part of a global organization with 5.5 million members), Corey advises startups globally and designs experiences that spark genuine connection. His calendar is open for anyone feeling stuck in their career or entrepreneurial journey. When he's not building businesses or teaching, you can find him DJing, chasing tennis matches around the globe, or learning executive functioning skills from his daughter. Connect with Corey LinkedIn: [Connect for career and entrepreneurship conversations] Startup Grind Grand Rapids: A Global startup community actively educating, inspiring, and connecting more than 4,500,000 entrepreneurs in over 700 chapters About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space. Want to Get Involved? If you are a leader with a story to share - apply to be on the podcast: Application Link Join Immigrants in Corporate Non-Profit Community for FREE! Are you an HR, Culture, or DEI Leader? Email Lola@EQImindset.com to Get Your Workplace Community Employee Resource Groups (ERGs / BRGs) Launched, Leveraged, and Thriving!

    35 min
  8. EPISODE 100 with Dr. Lola Adeyemo: Reflecting on A Journey of Stories, Growth, and Belonging

    SEP 4

    EPISODE 100 with Dr. Lola Adeyemo: Reflecting on A Journey of Stories, Growth, and Belonging

    A milestone celebration and heartfelt reflection on 100 episodes of authentic storytelling Episode Overview What started as a simple mission to capture immigrant workplace and career stories in August 2022 has blossomed into something far more profound. Join Dr. Lola Adeyemo as she reflects on the incredible journey from "Immigrants in Corporate" to "Thriving in Intersectionality" – a transformation that mirrors the deeper truth she discovered: our careers and sense of belonging are shaped by the beautiful complexity of our intersecting identities. This milestone episode is a love letter to every guest who trusted their story, every listener who found connection, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling in professional spaces. Key Moments & Reflections The Evolution: From Simple Stories to Deep Purpose August 2022: First podcast episode recorded, originally focused on the immigrant professional's workplace experiences and a follow-up to Dr. Lola's Book research conversations. September 2022: Dr. Lola's TEDx talk "Belonging is Not About Fitting In" shaped the podcast's direction January 2024: Rebranded to "Thriving in Intersectionality" to reflect the broader truth emerging from conversations and named after Dr. Lola's book Thriving in Intersectionality The realization: It's not just about immigrants – it's about the power of intersectional identities in professional growth Personal Lessons: Discovering the Storyteller Within Owning the Role of Storyteller: Dr. Lola shares how this podcast journey helped her embrace storytelling as her core identity – not just recording conversations, but crafting narratives that bridge gaps, clarify concepts, and bring people along for the journey. Sharpening Advocacy Skills: Every published episode became an act of advocacy, amplifying voices that deserve boardroom representation but don't always get it. This wasn't just content creation – it was purposeful amplification of underrepresented perspectives. Mastering the Craft: From outsourcing everything to loving the technical details – listening deeply, drawing out themes, crafting titles that capture the essence of each guest's wisdom. Community Lessons: The Wisdom in Our Intersections Identity as Bridge, Not Just Barrier: The most powerful revelation – our layered identities bring perspective, resilience, and creativity. They're not obstacles to overcome but tools for thriving. Community Accelerates Careers: A common thread among guests – breakthrough moments happen when we stop walking alone and find our people, our advocates, our spaces of belonging. Leadership Grows Everywhere: From C-suite executives to early-career ERG leaders, the spectrum of guests revealed that leadership isn't about titles – it's about stepping up with courage and creating belonging for others. Standout Insights "Stories don't just shape the listener. They shape the storyteller too." "Leadership grows in unexpected places... without a title, with a title, in different spaces, you can play different roles." "Identity could also be a bridge, a really important, much needed bridge when it comes to growing and advancing in the workplace." Looking Ahead: The Next 100 Episodes Dr. Lola's vision continues to expand – more diverse voices, deeper career lessons, and ongoing proof that belonging isn't about fitting in, it's about showing up fully as yourself and finding community in that authenticity. Your Voice Matters #ThrivinginIntersectionality Question for Reflection: What's the most important career lesson your layered identity has taught you? Dr. Lola wants to hear from you – your story could inspire someone who shares your intersection. Connect & Continue the Conversation HR & DEI Leaders: Connect on LinkedIn for employee resource group and inclusive culture resources Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals: Join the free community at immigrantsincorporate.org Everyone: Tag the podcast on LinkedIn or connect directly to keep the conversation going. Use the hashtag #ThrivinginIntersectionality Podcast Stats Milestone: 100 episodes strong Format: Solo episodes, guest conversations, dual guest discussions Scope: Guests across multiple sectors and intersections Mission: Amplifying unheard, underrepresented voices in corporate spaces "Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters." - Dr. Lola Adeyemo Rate & Review to help others discover these vital conversations about belonging, identity, and professional growth. Host: Dr. Lola Adeyemo, CEO of EQI Mindset, Founder of Immigrants in Corporate Inc., Author, Speaker, and Workplace Inclusion Strategist

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the “Thriving in Intersectionality” podcast. A podcast created to help you learn from professionals in the workplace who have multiple intersectional identities; from ethnic minorities, veterans transitioning into the workforce, individuals with disabilities, parents, and so many more. Hosted by Lola Adeyemo, who is the CEO of EQI Mindset and the founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc, her mission is to work with organizations to build more inclusive workplaces. This podcast was built to amplify the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate workplace and to give insights and guidance so people can move past their “barriers” and advance in their professional careers. Through interviews and solo episodes, Lola will examine this global world of work. We hope that you can learn a thing or two from our guests, who have a range of experiences and stories to share. Join Lola as we meet new people who are successfully navigating the corporate space.