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What happens when the career you've always dreamed of no longer fits the life you're trying to build?
In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and host of the Build Better Teams podcast.
Shannon shares her journey from a 16-year career in television production to entrepreneurship, business ownership, team facilitation, and coaching women through career transitions. Together, they explore how our identities evolve through different seasons of life and how those changes often require us to rethink what success, leadership, and fulfillment look like.
The conversation begins through the lens of intersectionality, examining how roles such as daughter, first-generation college graduate, television producer, entrepreneur, leader, and mother have shaped Shannon's career decisions and leadership approach.
They also explore the importance of human connection in today's technology-driven workplace, why meaningful collaboration matters more than ever, and how creative approaches like LEGO® Serious Play help teams communicate, solve problems, and build stronger relationships.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that careers do not have to follow a single path. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities emerge when we allow ourselves to pivot.
In This Episode, We Discuss:How identity and life transitions influence career decisionsMoving from television production to entrepreneurshipThe role of motherhood in redefining success and prioritiesWhy career paths are rarely linearLessons learned from building and selling a successful businessHuman connection in an increasingly digital workplaceThe power of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learningBuilding stronger teams through communication and trustLEGO® Serious Play and its impact on leadership developmentAdvice for professionals considering a career transitionWhy there doesn't have to be only one path to successAbout the GuestShannon Russell is a Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in LEGO® Serious Play methodology, founder of Build Better Teams Consulting, and host of the Build Better Teams podcast.
She works with organizations to strengthen communication, improve collaboration, and facilitate strategic planning through hands-on, human-centered experiences. Shannon is also the founder of Second Act Success®, where she coaches women navigating career transitions and entrepreneurship.
Her background includes 16 years as a television producer in New York and Los Angeles, building and selling a successful franchise business, authoring Start Your Second Act, and helping leaders and teams move forward with clarity, creativity, and confidence.
About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, and changemakers, Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the stories, challenges, and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.
If This Episode Resonated• Share it with someone considering a career pivot or transition
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Reflection QuestionWhat part of your story might be preparing you for a future opportunity you haven't considered yet?
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Amy Lenius for a conversation about identity, self-worth, personal growth, and the many layers that shape how we define success.
Amy shares how the different roles she has held throughout her life—from daughter, partner, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and leader—have influenced how she sees herself and the work she does today. Together, Lola and Amy explore how our identities evolve across different seasons of life and how those experiences shape our leadership, career decisions, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Throughout the conversation, Amy reflects on her journey through chronic illness, healing, personal development, and coaching. She shares how those experiences challenged her assumptions about achievement and ultimately led her to redefine success from the inside out.
A central theme in this episode is the courage to let go of what is merely "good" in order to create space for something more aligned.
Because sometimes the next level of growth is not about becoming someone new.
It's about reconnecting with who you already are.
In This Episode, We Discuss:The many identities and roles we carry throughout lifeHow lived experiences shape our definition of successChronic illness, healing, and personal transformationWhy self-worth and self-belief matter in personal growthEntrepreneurship, leadership, and building an aligned lifeLetting go of identities that no longer serve usThe connection between habits, consistency, and fulfillmentHow personal growth evolves through different life seasonsDefining success beyond external achievementCreating a life that reflects your values instead of expectationsAbout the GuestAmy Lenius is the Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, Professional Speaker, Event Coordinator, MC, and a Next Level Certified Personal Development & Success Coach.
She helps individuals define success from the inside out by focusing on self-worth, self-belief, consistency, and personal alignment. Through coaching, speaking, and leadership development, Amy helps people reconnect with themselves, build sustainable growth, and create lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic.
About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through reflective conversations and personal storytelling, Dr. Lola Adeyemo highlights the journeys of professionals navigating layered identities while creating meaningful impact in their careers, communities, and lives.
If This Episode Resonated• Share it with a colleague, friend, or leader navigating change or transition
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Reflection QuestionWhat definition of success are you currently living by—and did you choose it yourself?
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Nicole Johnston for a thoughtful conversation on her intersections and key insights on invisible labor, workplace expectations, leadership, and the hidden experiences that shape how women navigate work and life.
Nicole shares how growing up with two educator parents—working at opposite ends of the educational spectrum—shaped her understanding of difference, support, and human potential early in life. She also reflects on navigating the workplace with hearing loss in one ear, and how invisible identities often influence professional experiences in ways people may never fully see.
Together, Lola and Nicole explore the concept of the “mental load” and the invisible work expectations that women disproportionately carry at home and at work. From emotional labor and non-promotable tasks to organizational bias and sponsorship, this conversation unpacks how high-performing professionals can become exhausted even as they are overlooked for leadership opportunities.
Nicole also shares insights from her book, Slightly Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About But Don’t, and offers practical strategies for recognizing hidden labor, setting boundaries, and building stronger sponsorship relationships within organizations.
In This Episode, We Discuss:Growing up between different educational and social realitiesInvisible identities and navigating hearing loss in professional spacesWhy “mental load” creates invisible exhaustion for womenThe difference between promotable and non-promotable workHow invisible expectations shape burnout and leadership perceptionWhy women are often over-mentored but under-sponsoredThe importance of sponsorship in career advancementRecognizing bias in workplace systems and leadership structuresPractical ways to push back against hidden labor expectationsBuilding healthier, more inclusive leadership culturesAbout the GuestNicole Johnston is a former global sales and marketing executive with more than 30 years of experience leading within major organizations across international markets. Today, she works in executive coaching and leadership development, helping professionals navigate leadership, visibility, communication, and organizational growth. She is also the author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About But Don’t.
About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through reflective conversations and personal storytelling, Dr. Lola Adeyemo highlights the experiences of professionals navigating layered identities across corporate, entrepreneurial, and leadership spaces.
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Hanna Curman to explore how identity, lived experience, biology, and leadership intersect—especially under pressure.
Hanna shares how her own journey was shaped by family history, entrepreneurship, creativity, motherhood, and years of working in male-dominated corporate environments. She reflects on what it meant to feel like an outsider, the cost of trying to fit into systems that were not built around her natural way of thinking, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today.
Through this conversation, we learn more about her intersections and leadership journey, and we also explore a bit of Hanna’s work—BrainShift, nervous system regulation, and the idea that culture is not just strategy—it is biology in action.
A central theme in this episode is presence under pressure.
What happens when leaders operate from survival mode?
How does pressure shape communication, decision-making, and culture?
And what becomes possible when leaders learn to notice their own internal signals before reacting?Hanna offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about performance or strategy. It is also about presence, self-awareness, trust, and the ability to lead from a regulated place.
What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow family history, entrepreneurship, and creativity shaped Hanna’s leadership lensWhat it feels like to be an outsider in a male-dominated corporate environmentWhy survival mode shows up so often in workplace cultureThe connection between nervous system regulation and leadership behaviorWhy culture is not just strategy—but biology in actionHow trust, values, and presence shape leadership impactWhy leaders often carry shame, guilt, and pressure beneath the surfaceA simple breathing reset for leaders who feel overwhelmed or reactiveHow Hanna’s lived experiences continue to shape her coaching and consulting workAbout the GuestHanna Curman is an international speaker, founder of BrainShift, certified in brain-based coaching, and an author on leadership and mental health. Her work helps leaders and organizations understand how pressure, nervous system regulation, and behavior shape transformation, culture, and sustainable performance. Connect with her on LinkedIn HERE.
About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through thoughtful conversations, Dr. Lola Adeyemo invites leaders to reflect on how their layered identities shape how they navigate, lead, and create impact. Connect with her on LinkedIn HERE.
If This Episode Resonated• Share it with a colleague or leader
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Rachel Edmondson Clark to explore how identity, lived experience, and internal patterns shape how we lead—especially under pressure.
Rachel shares a deeply personal journey, from growing up observing human behavior in her mother’s salon to quickly rising through corporate leadership roles—and eventually experiencing burnout that forced her to pause and rethink how she was showing up in her work and life.
Through this conversation, we explore how intersectionality shows up not only in visible identities but also in internal drivers like high standards, people-pleasing, and the pressure to perform.
A central theme in this episode is the distinction between capability and capacity.
Many leaders focus on building skills and doing more—but often overlook the importance of restoring energy, recognizing internal signals, and creating the conditions for sustainable leadership.
Rachel offers a powerful reframe:
"Sustainable leadership isn’t just about what you can do.
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow early life experiences shape emotional awareness and leadershipThe connection between high performance, people-pleasing, and burnoutWhat happens when leaders ignore their internal signalsThe difference between capability (skills) and capacity (energy + resilience)Why pushing through works—until it doesn’tThe role of nervous system awareness in leadershipHow small daily practices impact long-term performanceWhat leaders can do to create cultures where people feel energized and supportedHow the way people feel at work directly impacts performance and culture👤 About the Guest
It’s about how well you can continue to show up."Rachel Edmondson Clark is a UK-based executive coach, facilitator, and founder of Elevar, a leadership development consultancy focused on sustainable high performance that serves people, performance, and the planet.
With over two decades of experience, her work sits at the intersection of energy, identity, and behavior—helping leaders understand how their nervous system, lived experience, and internal narratives shape their leadership.
🎙️ About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace.
Through conversations and reflections, Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights and leadership lessons that help professionals not just survive—but truly thrive.
Each episode invites leaders to reflect on how their layered identities shape how they navigate, lead, and build impact within organizations.
⭐ If This Episode Resonated• Share with a colleague or leader
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Yosi Kossowsky to explore how identity, lived experience, and internal belief systems shape how we lead.
Yosi shares a deeply personal journey—one shaped by early experiences of being labeled as “not enough,” navigating limiting beliefs, and ultimately transforming those experiences into a foundation for curiosity and growth.
Through this conversation, we explore how intersectionality extends beyond visible identity—into the internal narratives we carry about ourselves, our capabilities, and what we believe is possible.
From his early career in technology to executive leadership roles and eventually into coaching, Yosi’s journey highlights how technical expertise, emotional awareness, and behavioral understanding intersect to shape leadership.
A central theme in this episode is curiosity.
What happens when we shift from assuming we understand—to questioning what we might be missing?
This conversation challenges leaders to rethink how assumptions, communication styles, and cultural differences influence workplace dynamics—and how greater awareness can transform how we lead.
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow early labels and belief systems shape leadership identityThe intersection of technical expertise and people leadershipWhy knowledge alone doesn’t translate into behavior changeThe role of curiosity in leadership and communicationHow assumptions impact workplace relationships and conflictInsights from working across global teams and culturesWhy “what if I’m wrong?” is a powerful leadership practiceThe difference between knowing something and embodying it👤 About the GuestYosi Kossowsky is a seasoned executive coach with over 18 years of experience, complemented by more than 30 years in executive leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Talent Management.
He specializes in leadership development, personal growth, and effective communication, integrating neuroscience and organizational development principles to help leaders navigate complex challenges, build high-performing teams, and drive meaningful change.
🎙️ About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace.
Through conversations and reflections, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that help professionals not just survive—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• Share with a colleague or leader
• Leave a review to help others discover the show
• Continue the reflection on Substack for a deeper diveSend us Fan Mail
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Dr. Julie Pham to explore how identity, lived experience, and leadership are shaped across cultures, systems, and personal history.
Julie shares her journey as a Vietnamese-born refugee raised in the United States, and how that experience continues to shape how she understands belonging, communication, and opportunity in the workplace.
Through her story, we explore the intersection of refugee identity, culture, and leadership—and how these layers influence the way professionals navigate environments that are not always designed with them in mind.
This conversation also introduces a powerful shift in how we think about migration through the lens of “push and pull” factors, offering a deeper understanding of how and why people move—and how those experiences show up in the workplace.
Julie also reframes code-switching as strategic communication, and shares insights from her work on the “Seven Forms of Respect,” highlighting how respect is not universally defined—but shaped by lived experience.
🎧 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe difference between refugee and broader immigrant experiences“Push vs. pull” factors and how they shape identity and opportunityHow code-switching can function as strategic communicationWhy success should be defined by how it feels—not just how it looksThe importance of asking for help in career growthManaging energy vs. managing timeWhy respect is experienced differently across identities and cultures👤 About the GuestJulie Pham is a Cambridge-trained social scientist, TEDx speaker, and founder of CuriosityBased. She works with organizations to build stronger workplace cultures through curiosity, communication, and a deeper understanding of respect.
Her TEDx talk: Curiosity as a Practice
Video Resource: 15-min overview on 7 Forms of Respect
🎙️ About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace—helping professionals move from navigating systems to shaping them.
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In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Daniel Hodges to explore how leadership is shaped through layers of identity that are often unseen—and frequently misunderstood.
Daniel shares his journey growing up with limited socioeconomic resources, navigating life as someone who is blind, and managing invisible disabilities including chronic pain and mental health challenges. Together, we unpack how these overlapping identities shaped not only how he experienced systems—but how he now works to transform them.
Through his story, we explore the intersection of disability, socioeconomic background, faith, and leadership—and how these layers influence access, opportunity, and the way people are perceived in professional spaces.
This conversation also challenges common assumptions about who experiences barriers—and how those barriers show up. What may not be visible on the surface often carries the most weight.
Daniel reflects on navigating education systems that were not designed for him, building a career despite significant access barriers, and ultimately founding the Peaces of Me Foundation to address the root causes of exclusion through community education and systems change.
At its core, this episode is not just about accessibility.
It is about how we define capability.
What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow disability—both visible and invisible—shapes lived experience and leadershipThe role of socioeconomic background in access to education and opportunityWhy many workplace barriers are rooted in bias and inaccessibility—not abilityThe gap between how people are perceived and what they are actually capable ofWhat it means to navigate systems that were not designed with you in mindHow pain, adversity, and lived experience can evolve into purpose-driven leadershipWhy accessibility is not separate from inclusion—but central to itThe importance of moving from awareness to action in building inclusive systemsAbout the Guest
How we interpret difference.
And what it truly means to create environments where people can thrive—not in spite of their identities, but through them.Daniel Hodges, JD, MHA, is a thought leader on accessibility and authentic inclusion of people with disabilities. He is the President and Co-Founder of the Peaces of Me Foundation, a nonprofit focused on transforming society through community education, professional training, and resource connection to break the stigma surrounding disabilities.
Living with multiple disabilities himself, Daniel brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his work—helping organizations build solutions that are sustainable, practical, and human-centered.
About the PodcastThriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace. Through conversations and reflections, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that help professionals not just survive—but truly thrive.
Each episode invites guests to define intersectionality in their own words and reflect on how their layered identities shape how they lead, navigate systems, and create impact.
Connect & Learn MoreLearn more about Daniel’s work: https://www.peacesofme.org/
Connect with Daniel Hodges.
If This Episode Resonated With You⭐ Share with a colleague or leader
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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
👤 About the Guest
• 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 pivotingNatalie 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):
🎙️ About the Podcast
A quick 5-question assessment designed to help professionals evaluate their readiness for a career pivot and gain clarity on next steps.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 belongingSend us Fan Mail
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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 EpisodeHow 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 GuestSabrina 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 PodcastThriving 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
Send us Fan Mail
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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 EpisodeHow immigrant identity shapes communication, confidence, and workplace navigationThe transition from observing systems to understanding human behavior within themWhy doing good work is not always enough to be seen or advancedHow voice and visibility evolve over the course of a leadership journeyThe gap between stated workplace values and lived employee experienceWhy culture is always being shaped—whether intentionally or notWhat it means to move from adapting to systems to influencing themAbout the GuestAdriana 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 PodcastThriving 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 showSend us Fan Mail
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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
Key Leadership Insight from Julia
✔ 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“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 GuestJulia 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 ConversationIf this episode resonated with you:
⭐ Follow Thriving in Intersectionality deepdive on Substack
About the Podcast
⭐ Rate and review the podcast
⭐ Share this episode with someone navigating leadership in today’s workplaceThriving 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.
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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
About Our Guest
• 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 teamsLimor 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 GrossPodcast
From a Woman to a Leader
https://limorbergman.com/podcastWebsite
https://limorbergman.comLinkedIn
About the Host
Limor Bergman GrossDr. 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 & CommunityImmigrants in Corporate
https://www.immigrantsincorporate.orgEQImindset /Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Resources
Listen & Share
https://www.eqimindset.comIf 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:
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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 resilienceThe pressure of being the only woman — and the youngest — in the roomWhy armor might help you rise… but vulnerability helps you leadThe evolution from “Iron Maiden” leadership to whole human leadership How inclusive leadership drives performance — not the other way aroundWhy board service matters and how to think about building a portfolio careerThis episode challenges the outdated belief that strength and empathy are mutually exclusive.
Whole human leadership isn’t soft.
About Victoria Pelletier
It’s strategic.
It’s sustainable.
And it’s the future of leadership.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:
Connect with Host Dr. Lola
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/
Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/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
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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 skillSheekha’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
🔗 Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo
Books: The IT Girl and Unburnable Ambition
Website: shikasingh.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/
Website: Www.Drlola-Adeyemo.comBelonging isn’t just a bonus — it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth.
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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 styleBecoming a teen mom and navigating career growth simultaneouslyThe pivotal manager who gave her a chance — and why mentorship mattersWhy career growth is about impact and value, not tenureHow to build your voice beyond your employer’s brandTreating people the way they need to be treatedWhy culture is difficult to replicate — and why it matters more than everPractical advice for professionals looking to advance in today’s workplaceAbout Our GuestOksana 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 OksanaWebsite: https://oksanalukash.com
Connect with Lola
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksusha45/
Business: People, Culture, You, LLCDr. 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.com
Community: https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org
LinkedIn: 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?
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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 referencedDr. 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 weekAudit 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 LolaDr. 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: @drlolaadeyemoSend us Fan Mail
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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 GuestKaren 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 the Host
🔗 Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jones-36785b18Dr. 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:
For Leaders & Organizations
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/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
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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 HearWhat intersectionality means in real life — and why it matters at workThe experience of navigating corporate America as a Nigerian womanWhy culture and language shape how we lead, communicate, and take risksOlufunke’s nonlinear career pivot from chemical engineering to international relationsHow to know when it’s time to pivot (and stop waiting for permission)Why clarity is a career advantage — not a luxuryThe power of relationships as “career currency” (the human way)IWA (character) and why reputation is simply character revealedThe cultural connection question: why Funke brings Nigerian jollof rice to workAbout the GuestOlufunke “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 HostDr. 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 StepsFor HR & DEI Leaders (ERG/BRG strategy support, workshops, or fractional partnership): 📩 [email protected]
For Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals:
Join the free community: www.immigrantsincorporate.orgGo deeper on Substack (extended reflections + community):
Connect with Funke / IWA Consulting:
Website: www.iwaconsults.comKeywordsIntersectionality, 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.
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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 GuestsTahnohn 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.
Support Their Veteran-Owned Business
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.NutFrusion – Handcrafted Trail Mixes & Fruit Chips
Website: https://www.nutfrusion.com
📘 Featured Resource: Military Shoppers Guide
Instagram: @nutfrusion
Facebook: NutFrusion
LinkedIn (Sherry): https://www.linkedin.com/in/servewithexcellenceTahnohn 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 HostDr. 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
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