Thriving in Intersectionality

Hosted by Dr. Lola Adeyemo

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Jun 2026

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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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June 13, 202640 min

EP 130: Beyond the Label — Dyslexia, Potential & Thriving Differently with Russell Van Brocklen

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, dyslexia educator, researcher, and advocate, for a conversation about learning differences, identity, confidence, and human potential.The conversation begins with a reminder that intersectionality extends beyond the identities we immediately see. Learning differences, educational experiences, and the systems that shape opportunity also influence how people move through the world, develop confidence, and see themselves.Russell shares his personal journey growing up with dyslexia, navigating educational systems that often underestimated his abilities, and facing years of frustration, labels, and barriers. Despite being told what he could not achieve, Russell went on to develop innovative approaches to supporting students with dyslexia and helping families access tools that build confidence and academic success.Together, Dr. Lola and Russell explore how learning differences impact identity, the importance of looking beyond traditional definitions of intelligence, and the role that schools, families, and communities play in helping people reach their full potential.This conversation is not just about dyslexia.It's about what happens when we focus on people's strengths instead of their struggles.In This Episode, We Discuss:Understanding dyslexia beyond common misconceptionsHow learning differences shape identity and confidenceNavigating educational systems that were not designed for every learnerThe relationship between labels and human potentialRussell's personal journey from struggling student to dyslexia educatorWhy intelligence and learning style are not the same thingSupporting students through strengths-based approachesThe role of parents, educators, and communities in student successCreating more accessible pathways to learningBuilding confidence through accomplishment and belongingAbout the GuestRussell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia educator, researcher, and advocate who helps students and families overcome academic barriers through innovative learning approaches. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, he develops accessible strategies that help students with dyslexia strengthen reading, writing, and academic confidence while focusing on their strengths and long-term potential.Learn more about his work at Dyslexia Classes.Reflection QuestionWhat assumptions might we be making about someone's potential based solely on the way they learn, communicate, or process information?Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

June 6, 202643 min

EP 129: Building What's Next — Career Pivots, Leadership & Reinvention with Shannon Russell

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 decisions Moving from television production to entrepreneurship The role of motherhood in redefining success and priorities Why career paths are rarely linear Lessons learned from building and selling a successful business Human connection in an increasingly digital workplace The power of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning Building stronger teams through communication and trust LEGO® Serious Play and its impact on leadership development Advice for professionals considering a career transition Why there doesn't have to be only one path to success About the Guest Shannon 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 Podcast Thriving 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 • Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast • Join the conversation through the Substack deep-dive reflection accompanying this episode Reflection Question What part of your story might be preparing you for a future opportunity you haven't considered yet? Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

June 1, 202643 min

EP 128: Letting Go of Good for Great — Career Growth, Identity & Success with Amy Lenius

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 life How lived experiences shape our definition of success Chronic illness, healing, and personal transformation Why self-worth and self-belief matter in personal growth Entrepreneurship, leadership, and building an aligned life Letting go of identities that no longer serve us The connection between habits, consistency, and fulfillment How personal growth evolves through different life seasons Defining success beyond external achievement Creating a life that reflects your values instead of expectations About the Guest Amy 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 Podcast Thriving 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 • Leave a review to help others discover the show • Continue the conversation through the Substack deep-dive reflection accompanying this episode Reflection Question What definition of success are you currently living by—and did you choose it yourself? Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

May 23, 202643 min

EP 127: Invisible Layers — Identity, Leadership & The Weight Women Carry with Nicole Johnston

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 realities Invisible identities and navigating hearing loss in professional spaces Why “mental load” creates invisible exhaustion for women The difference between promotable and non-promotable work How invisible expectations shape burnout and leadership perception Why women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored The importance of sponsorship in career advancement Recognizing bias in workplace systems and leadership structures Practical ways to push back against hidden labor expectations Building healthier, more inclusive leadership cultures About the Guest Nicole 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 Podcast Thriving 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. If This Episode Resonated • Share it with a colleague or leader • Leave a review to help others discover the show • Continue the reflection in the Substack deep-dive version of this episode Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

May 11, 202642 min

EP 126: Culture Lives in Biology — Presence, Pressure, and Leadership with Hanna Curman

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 Episode How family history, entrepreneurship, and creativity shaped Hanna’s leadership lens What it feels like to be an outsider in a male-dominated corporate environment Why survival mode shows up so often in workplace culture The connection between nervous system regulation and leadership behavior Why culture is not just strategy—but biology in action How trust, values, and presence shape leadership impact Why leaders often carry shame, guilt, and pressure beneath the surface A simple breathing reset for leaders who feel overwhelmed or reactive How Hanna’s lived experiences continue to shape her coaching and consulting work About the Guest Hanna 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 Podcast Thriving 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 • Leave a review to help others discover the show • Continue the reflection on Substack for a deeper dive Interested in being a guest? Please fill out your details, and we will reach out if there is a fit. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

May 2, 202645 min

EP 125: Doing More Isn’t the Answer — Rethinking Leadership, Burnout & Capacity with Rachel Edmondson Clark

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. It’s about how well you can continue to show up." 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode How early life experiences shape emotional awareness and leadership The connection between high performance, people-pleasing, and burnout What happens when leaders ignore their internal signals The difference between capability (skills) and capacity (energy + resilience) Why pushing through works—until it doesn’t The role of nervous system awareness in leadership How small daily practices impact long-term performance What leaders can do to create cultures where people feel energized and supported How the way people feel at work directly impacts performance and culture 👤 About the Guest 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 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 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 • Leave a review to help others discover the show • Continue the reflection on Substack for a deeper dive Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

April 27, 202643 min

EP 124: From “I’m Not Enough” to Curiosity — Identity, Belief Systems & Leadership with Yosi Kossowsky

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 Episode How early labels and belief systems shape leadership identity The intersection of technical expertise and people leadership Why knowledge alone doesn’t translate into behavior change The role of curiosity in leadership and communication How assumptions impact workplace relationships and conflict Insights from working across global teams and cultures Why “what if I’m wrong?” is a powerful leadership practice The difference between knowing something and embodying it 👤 About the Guest Yosi 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 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 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 dive Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

April 17, 202635 min

EP 123: Respect Isn’t Universal — Code Switching, Identity & Leadership with Dr. Julie Pham

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 Episode The difference between refugee and broader immigrant experiences “Push vs. pull” factors and how they shape identity and opportunity How code-switching can function as strategic communication Why success should be defined by how it feels—not just how it looks The importance of asking for help in career growth Managing energy vs. managing time Why respect is experienced differently across identities and cultures 👤 About the Guest Julie 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 Podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace—helping professionals move from navigating systems to shaping them. ⭐ If This Episode Resonated • Share with a colleague • Leave a review • Continue the reflection on Substack — where I share a deeper perspective on this conversation Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

April 12, 202642 min

EP 122: Beyond What You See — Disability, Identity, and Redefining Human Potential with Daniel Hodges

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. 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. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How disability—both visible and invisible—shapes lived experience and leadership The role of socioeconomic background in access to education and opportunity Why many workplace barriers are rooted in bias and inaccessibility—not ability The gap between how people are perceived and what they are actually capable of What it means to navigate systems that were not designed with you in mind How pain, adversity, and lived experience can evolve into purpose-driven leadership Why accessibility is not separate from inclusion—but central to it The importance of moving from awareness to action in building inclusive systems About the Guest 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 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 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 More Learn 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 ⭐ Leave a review to help others discover the show ⭐ Reflect on how your own intersections shape how you experience the workplace Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

April 4, 202640 min

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 Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.