Thriving in Intersectionality

  In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Loc Nguyen, whose remarkable journey spans multiple intersecting identities and career transitions. From arriving in the United States as a Vietnamese refugee to serving in the Air Force, experiencing corporate America, and now building a nonprofit while pursuing his doctoral studies, Loc's story exemplifies the po...

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Horatio Morgan, an AI specialist and business process improvement expert whose remarkable journey from Jamaica to the United States exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing opportunity. As an engaged member of the Immigrants in Corporate community, Horatio shares his experience navigating professio...

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Maryam Habashi, a transformational business development coach with nearly three decades of professional experiences across corporate America, sales leadershiphip roles and entrepreneurship. As the founder of INFUSE system, Maryam specializes in implementing systems that drive measurable growth for top producers, team lead...

In our latest Women's History Month episode, host Lola Adeyemo sits down with Amaka Eziuku, Managing Partner at Synesis Group. With over 14 years of experience transforming talent and operational complexity into strategic advantages, Amaka shares insights from her journey as a Nigerian immigrant in the consulting world. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How intersectional identity can b...

Conversation Highlights In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Carrie M. Sawyer, an international bestselling author, speaker, design researcher, CEO, and nonprofit founder who has dedicated her career to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. During this thought-provoking discussion, we explore career navigation from biomedical engineering...

In this enlightening episode, Lola Adeyemo sits down with Irene Valdés Wochinger, Chief of Staff at the Gates Foundation's Communications Division. From her multicultural upbringing in Puerto Rico to her pivotal Fulbright research in Mexico and current leadership role, Valdés Wochinger shares how her diverse background has shaped her approach to social impact work and professional growth. Her...

In this compelling episode of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast, host Lola Adeyemo speaks with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, who made history as the first person of color to serve as Mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Born in Nigeria and educated across multiple countries, Ukeme shares her remarkable journey from engineer to lawyer to civic leader. Her story illuminates the unique challenges and op...

At the start of a new year, many professionals reassess their career paths and goals. In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo shares insights from a recent mentoring conversation with a senior director, exploring how professionals with multiple minority identities can navigate career success while maintaining cultural authenticity. She provides practical frameworks for...

In this episode, podcast host Lola Adeyemo interviews Gianna Driver, a recognized Filipina-American Global HR leader, to explore Gianna's journey and the valuable lessons she has to share with aspiring professionals. The discussion covers a range of topics, including: - Gianna's organic path into HR and discovery of her passion for people-focused roles - Understanding the nuances of inte...

In this episode, Lola interviews Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, a seasoned biotech entrepreneur, healthcare investor, and drug developer with over 25 years of expertise in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.  Shelia has founded and led multiple biotech companies, pioneering the development and approval of transformative drugs for immunology and oncology patients. In her recently delivered transformative...

In this episode, Lola interviews Summie Yeung, a Life & Career Transition Coach, dedicated to empowering multicultural people in English-speaking countries to break free from traditional career paths and cultural expectations. In this episode, they explore: The challenges and identity shifts of being an Asian immigrant in the UK. Embracing a "third culture" as a blend of her Hong Kon...

In this episode, Lola interviews Staci Reidinger, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Cause San Diego and the President of Reidinger Public Relations.  She is an award-winning Public Relations, Marketing Communications, and Nonprofit Leadership professional and a 24-year U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran.  Throughout her career, Staci has dedicated time to public service by providing pro bono...

In this episode, Lola talks about her experience with networking and strategies to make networking easier, including: Reframing networking as building community rather than job hunting. The importance of researching events, speakers, and attendees before networking. Finding a "networking buddy" for support and accountability. How to treat networking as a skill to be developed over time....

In this episode, Lola speaks with Mamta Jain Valderrama, born in Memphis, TN, and raised in southern California. She is the youngest of three and her parents are immigrants. She grew up in a duality - navigating her American identity and her Asian-Indian background. Mamta and her sister are identical twins (Mamta is 11 minutes younger. It counts!), Society around her constantly bundled her and her...

In this episode, Lola speaks with Setche Kwamu-Nana, a seasoned DEI and racial equity consultant and trainer with over 15 years of experience working across industries and communities.  She has held impactful roles at leading organizations such as Caterpillar Inc. and Intuit Inc., as well as various nonprofits and community-based organizations. An immigrant from Cameroon with a background in engin...

In this episode, host Lola Adeyemo explores the concept of community and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. Reflecting on her experiences in Nigeria and the U.S., Lola discusses the importance of intentionally building and engaging with communities that meet specific needs.  She shares insights on:  Creating effective communities The challenges immigrant professionals face in...

In this milestone episode, Lola reflects on the journey of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast and Immigrants in Corporate Inc. non-profit. She discusses the challenges and triumphs over the past two years, shares personal experiences and insights, and outlines future goals for expanding community support and resources for immigrant professionals - including a new membership to Immigrants in...

In this episode, Lola discusses the importance and impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in corporate environments. Despite challenges like time constraints and competing priorities, ERG leadership provides valuable opportunities for career advancement, skill development, and increased visibility.  Lola also shares her personal journey with ERGs, emphasizing their role in career growth and int...

In this episode, Lola speaks with Natalie Hausia-Haugen, who has over 20 years of experience leading at the cross-section of cultural insights, strategic planning, and topline growth for Fortune 100 retailers like Target, Nike, and Amazon, as well as nonprofits in education, faith, and outdoor communities.  In this episode, we dig into: How to successfully manage a thriving career while raising a...

In this episode, Lola reflects on how you can turn your passion into a stand-alone business while still keeping your 9-5. She goes into detail about where to start, the steps you need to take to establish your business, and tips on managing a full-time job and a business.  PODCAST Episode Feedback Connect with Lola: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428192995622965   LinkedIn: https:...

In this episode, Lola speaks with Funmi Onamusi, Chief People Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a large mental health and learning disabilities trust.  Before this, Fumi was the executive director of inclusion at one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, where she was responsible for the inclusion and health inequalities agenda. She excels in her role as a leader by combining...

In this episode, Lola reflects on the evolving landscape of the workplace, emphasizing the shift from traditional hiring practices to skills-based hiring, and discusses the rise of the gig economy -  how professionals are developing new skills alongside their 9-5. Lola also digs into the importance of career development through skills mapping and how you can implement this practice into your own l...

In this episode, Lola speaks with Alicia Moody, a passionate, thoughtful, and value-driven HR leader with experience providing Strategy and HR consultation to business leaders supporting initiatives that impact and enhance organizational culture and business results.  In her current role as an HR Director, she now supports a leading Medical Device company and leads the HR function. Alicia passiona...

In this episode, Lola reflects on motherhood and discusses how being ambitious is not just defined by your career. Lola gives tips for any mom who also wishes to have a thriving career and outlines three things you need to succeed in the workplace and in motherhood. Connect with Lola: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428192995622965   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeye...

In this episode, Lola speaks with Kristina Hysler, a civil engineer focused on water quality management, where she champions the water quality consulting division for municipal and governmental clients.  With over 20 years of experience in environmental engineering and water quality consulting, Kristina is an expert in sustainable environmental solutions and regulatory compliance.  Beyond her tech...