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 121: From Workplace Trauma to Reinvention — Identity, Power & Navigating Career Pivots with Natalie Holder

    2H AGO

    EP 121: From Workplace Trauma to Reinvention — Identity, Power & Navigating Career Pivots with Natalie Holder

    In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Natalie Holder—employment lawyer, executive coach, and founder of QUEST Employment Initiatives—to explore how workplace experiences, identity, and power dynamics shape the way we navigate and lead in our careers. Natalie shares her journey as a first-generation professional, a Caribbean African American woman, and a legal expert who has worked across employment law, HR compliance, and diversity leadership. Through her story, we unpack how early career experiences—including moments of exclusion, misalignment, and workplace trauma—can influence not just career decisions, but how individuals see themselves within systems. This conversation moves beyond surface-level career advice and into the deeper reality of what many professionals experience but don’t always name—how workplace environments can leave lasting impacts, and what it takes to move from survival to intentional reinvention. Together, we explore how individuals can navigate these moments with more clarity, build support systems that extend beyond traditional mentorship, and make career decisions that align with both identity and long-term impact. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode • How intersectionality shapes leadership, adaptability, and workplace navigation • Natalie’s journey into employment law and how she found her niche in workplace advocacy • The difference between workplace stress and workplace trauma—and why it matters • How early career experiences can shape confidence, self-perception, and decision-making • Why leaving a role doesn’t always break the pattern—and what to address first • The concept of a “Personal Board of Directors” and how to build one • Key indicators of broken workplace cultures that professionals should recognize early • Practical ways to navigate misalignment, career pivots, and workplace challenges • How to approach career decisions with intention—whether staying, leaving, or pivoting 👤 About the Guest Natalie Holder is an employment lawyer and executive coach who helps professionals navigate workplace trauma and transition toward more aligned and impactful careers. She is the founder of QUEST Employment Initiatives, where she combines legal expertise, HR insight, and leadership coaching to support both individuals and organizations. With experience spanning employment law, Chief Diversity Officer roles, and global HR compliance, Natalie brings a unique perspective on how workplace systems function—and how individuals can navigate them more effectively. 🌍 Resources Mentioned 🔗 Strategic Pivot Assessment (Free Tool): A quick 5-question assessment designed to help professionals evaluate their readiness for a career pivot and gain clarity on next steps.   🎙️ About the Podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through conversations and reflections,host Dr. Lola Adeyemo highlights the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that help professionals not just navigate—but thrive. Each episode invites leaders to define intersectionality in their own words and reflect on how their layered identities shape how they lead, grow, and make decisions. ⭐ If This Episode Resonated • Share it with a colleague or leader • Leave a review to help others discover the podcast • Explore more conversations on leadership, identity, and belonging

    41 min
  2. EP 120: Unapologetically You — Identity, Leadership, and Career Decisions with Sabrina Parsons

    MAR 28

    EP 120: Unapologetically You — Identity, Leadership, and Career Decisions with Sabrina Parsons

    In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Sabrina Parsons to explore how leadership is shaped through identity, lived experience, and the moments that challenge how we see ourselves in the workplace. Sabrina shares her journey from growing up between Mexico and the United States to leading as CEO of Palo Alto Software, reflecting on how her bicultural identity shaped her sense of belonging, voice, and leadership over time. Navigating spaces where her identity was often misunderstood, she learned to move from questioning where she fit… to owning who she is without apology. Through her story, we explore the intersection of identity, career decision-making, and leadership development—and how pivotal moments, like choosing discomfort or rejecting expected paths, can redefine the trajectory of a career. This conversation offers a deeper look at how leadership is not only built through experience, but through how we interpret the environments we move through—and the choices we make within them. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How bicultural identity shapes belonging, voice, and leadership The experience of navigating spaces where identity is not immediately visible The shift from questioning identity to owning it unapologetically Sabrina’s “elevator moment” and how it changed her career path Why career paths are often shaped by decisions that don’t make sense at the time The importance of relationships and human connection in career growth Why showing up consistently is often more important than perfection How risk-taking early in your career can shape long-term success The evolving expectations of leadership across generations Navigating leadership as a working parent without compromising your values About the Guest Sabrina Parsons is the CEO of Palo Alto Software, where she has helped millions of entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. She also serves as Chair of the Oregon Growth Board, contributing to statewide economic strategy. Born in Mexico City and raised between cultures, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to leadership shaped by her bicultural identity, experience as a woman in tech, and journey as a working parent. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations build with intention, clarity, and purpose. About the Podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through conversations and reflections, Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that shape how professionals navigate, lead, and build impact within organizations. Each episode invites leaders to define intersectionality in their own words—and reflect on how their layered identities influence how they show up in their work. If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Check out Dr. Lolas reflective deep dive on Substack ⭐ Leave a review to help others discover the show ⭐ Share with a colleague or follow for more conversations on leadership, identity, and workplace culture

    41 min
  3. EP 119: From Immigrant Beginnings to Culture Strategy — Identity, Human Behavior, and Leadership with Adriana Vaccaro

    MAR 21

    EP 119: From Immigrant Beginnings to Culture Strategy — Identity, Human Behavior, and Leadership with Adriana Vaccaro

    In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Adriana Vaccaro to explore how her leadership has been shaped across identity, culture, and the systems she has navigated over time. Adriana shares her journey from Bogotá, Colombia, to U.S. corporate spaces and how those early experiences shaped how she learned to communicate, show up, and make sense of the unspoken rules of the workplace. As her career evolved, so did her perspective—moving from navigating those systems to understanding the human behavior behind them, and eventually to helping organizations think more intentionally about how culture is actually experienced. Through her story, we explore the intersection of immigrant identity, voice, and visibility, and organizational systems—and how those layers continue to shape the way she leads today. This conversation offers a closer look at how leadership is not just developed through experience - but shaped by how we interpret and respond to the environments we move through. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How immigrant identity shapes communication, confidence, and workplace navigation The transition from observing systems to understanding human behavior within them Why doing good work is not always enough to be seen or advanced How voice and visibility evolve over the course of a leadership journey The gap between stated workplace values and lived employee experience Why culture is always being shaped—whether intentionally or not What it means to move from adapting to systems to influencing them About the Guest Adriana Vaccaro is an entrepreneur and organizational culture strategist, and the Founder and CEO of Culture Redesigned. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, her work focuses on helping organizations align people, performance, and culture through a deeper understanding of human behavior and workplace systems. About the Podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through conversations and reflections, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that help professionals not just survive in the workplace but truly thrive. Each episode invites leaders to define intersectionality in their own words and reflect on how their layered identities shape how they navigate, lead, and build impact within organizations. If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Check out Dr. Lola’s reflective deep dive on Substack ⭐ Share with a colleague or leader ⭐ Leave a review to help others discover the show

    36 min
  4. EP 118: Taking Up Space — Leadership, Burnout, and the Courage to Be Visible with Julia Rock

    MAR 15

    EP 118: Taking Up Space — Leadership, Burnout, and the Courage to Be Visible with Julia Rock

    Leadership journeys are rarely linear. They are shaped by identity, experience, opportunity, and sometimes the courage to step forward when others hesitate. In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Julia C. Rock — keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and executive coach — to explore how layered identities influence leadership journeys and workplace dynamics. Julia shares how growing up as a first-generation American with Caribbean immigrant parents from Barbados, combined with her faith background and experience navigating corporate America as a Black woman, shaped how she approaches leadership, visibility, and resilience. Before becoming an entrepreneur and leadership advisor, Julia built her career in financial services and the energy industry, where she managed global teams and oversaw billions in operational responsibilities. Along the way, she discovered that leadership growth often comes from raising your hand for the assignments others avoid and learning to take up space in rooms where your voice matters. Together, Lola and Julia unpack powerful lessons about career ownership, sponsorship, burnout prevention, and the future of work. This conversation offers practical insights for professionals navigating leadership while balancing identity, ambition, and wellbeing. What You'll Learn in This Episode ✔ How immigrant upbringing and faith shaped Julia’s leadership mindset ✔ Why raising your hand for difficult assignments can accelerate your career ✔ The difference between mentors and sponsors — and why both matter ✔ Why visibility and taking up space are critical leadership skills ✔ How burnout often stems from misaligned expectations and lack of boundaries ✔ Practical strategies for advocating for yourself at work ✔ Why leadership in the future workplace requires human skills alongside technology Key Leadership Insight from Julia “You are the CEO of your career and your life. Focus on what you can control, and don’t let the obstacles you can’t control define your path.” About Our Guest Julia C. Rock is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and certified executive coach dedicated to transforming workplace dynamics and helping leaders create environments where employees can thrive. Julia has managed and scaled global teams across industries, navigating challenges like burnout, disengagement, and inequality. Her work focuses on helping leaders simplify leadership, build strong workplace cultures, and develop practical approaches that improve team performance and retention. Her personal leadership journey has empowered her to coach and mentor over 1,000 professionals and leaders in building meaningful and fulfilling careers. Connect with Julia Rock 🌐 Website: https://leaduncomplicated.com  📰 Julia’s Substack: Leadership, Uncomplicated, where she shares daily insights on practical leadership and how organizations can create environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow Thriving in Intersectionality deepdive on Substack ⭐ Rate and review the podcast ⭐ Share this episode with someone navigating leadership in today’s workplace About the Podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores the real experiences of professionals navigating the workplace with layered identities — including immigrants, first-generation professionals, working parents, veterans, and more. Through conversations and reflections, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that help professionals not just survive in the workplace — but truly thrive.

    40 min
  5. EP 117: From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader with Limor Bergman Gross

    MAR 7

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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