Thriving in Intersectionality

Hosted by Dr. Lola Adeyemo

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Aug 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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August 16, 202640 min

EP 139: From Best-Kept Secret to Trusted Voice with Kelly Schuknecht

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Kelly Schuknecht —marketing strategist, author, podcast host, and founder of Two Mile High Marketing—for a conversation about what it really takes to become a trusted voice without losing yourself in the process. Kelly shares how years of working behind the scenes in marketing eventually led her to build a business helping entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders move from being the industry's "best-kept secret" to becoming recognized authorities. Along the way, she reflects on the career transition that changed everything, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why authentic visibility is less about self-promotion and more about serving others. Together, they explore how our experiences shape our confidence, why many experts remain invisible despite years of experience, and how personal branding becomes most powerful when it reflects who you truly are. In this episode, you'll learn: Kelly's journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship Why expertise alone isn't enough to build influence The difference between personal branding and authentic leadership How to build visibility without feeling like you're bragging The role of imposter syndrome in keeping talented professionals hidden Kelly's three pillars of thought leadership: Visibility Credibility Consistency Why your lived experiences are part of your professional authority How AI is making authentic human connection even more valuable Practical ways to begin sharing your expertise with confidence One of the biggest reminders from this conversation: The expertise you've spent years developing may be exactly what someone else needs—you simply have to let them see it. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, author, or professional ready to elevate your voice, this episode will encourage you to stop waiting for permission and start sharing your authority with confidence. About Kelly Schuknecht Kelly Schuknecht is a marketing strategist, thought leadership expert, founder of Two Mile High Marketing , author of Unlocking Your Authority X-Factor , and host of the podcasts Beyond the Bestseller and The Authority X-Factor . Through her proven framework of Visibility, Credibility, and Consistency , she helps professionals transform years of expertise into recognized authority and sustainable influence. Connect with Kelly 🌐 Website: https://www.kellyschuknecht.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyschuknecht/ 🎙️ Podcasts: Beyond the Bestseller & The Authority X-Factor 📖 Book: Unlocking Your Authority X-Factor Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

August 8, 202644 min

EP 138: When Caring Isn't Enough — Rethinking Burnout, Leadership & Workplace Culture with Ashley Gibson

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Ashley Gibson —founder of Meaning in Practice, psychotherapist, and former marketing executive—for a conversation that challenges many of the assumptions leaders make about resilience, workplace culture, and employee well-being. Before becoming a therapist, Ashley spent more than a decade leading marketing for mission-driven organizations, including serving on the original marketing team behind Hamilton . Today, she combines her executive leadership experience with clinical expertise to help organizations understand why their most committed employees are often the first to burn out. Throughout the conversation, Ashley reflects on the experiences that shaped her work—from navigating neurodivergence and single parenthood to working in high-performing, mission-driven environments where caring deeply often came at a personal cost. Her own journey became the foundation for a different way of thinking about leadership, organizational culture, and burnout. Together, they explore: Ashley's journey from Broadway marketing to psychotherapy and organizational consulting How identity, neurodivergence, single parenthood, and purpose have shaped her leadership philosophy Why burnout is often an organizational design issue—not simply an individual resilience problem How workplace culture teaches employees how to treat themselves The gap between organizational intentions and employees' lived experiences What leaders miss when they assume employees "just don't care" Why sustainable leadership begins with healthy boundaries—not endless sacrifice Rather than asking people to become more resilient, Ashley invites leaders to ask a different question: What if the system—not the people—is what needs to change? Whether you're a leader, HR professional, ERG leader, or someone trying to build a meaningful career without losing yourself along the way, this conversation is an invitation to rethink how our own experiences shape the way we lead—and how healthier workplaces begin by designing systems that allow people to thrive, not just endure. Guest Ashley Gibson, M.Ed., MFA, NCC, LRC is the founder of Meaning in Practice , a psychotherapist, organizational advisor, and speaker specializing in structural burnout, organizational culture, and workforce sustainability. Drawing on over 13 years of executive leadership experience and her clinical work in trauma therapy, Ashley helps organizations identify the hidden patterns that drive burnout, turnover, and workplace exhaustion before they become organizational crises. Connect with Ashley 🌐 Meaning in Practice https://www.meaninginpractice.com 📝 Substack: Meaning in Practice *** Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

August 2, 202644 min

EP 137: Humanity First — AI, Leadership & the Future of Work with Stephanie Sylvestre

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with technologist, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and Avatar Buddy co-founder Stephanie Sylvestre for a conversation that goes far beyond artificial intelligence. Growing up in Belize, Stephanie imagined one day returning home to help build her country's future. But when an unexpected political shift changed those plans, she found herself on a different path—one that led from corporate technology leadership to entrepreneurship, community impact, and ultimately building AI solutions designed to empower people rather than replace them. Along the way, her experiences across cultures, industries, and communities shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in one belief: technology should always serve humanity. Together, Dr. Lola and Stephanie explore how our identities, lived experiences, and values influence the way we approach innovation, leadership, and the future of work. They discuss why the most valuable skills in the age of AI are still deeply human, how organizations can embrace emerging technologies responsibly, and why curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking will remain essential as workplaces continue to evolve. This conversation isn't simply about AI. It's about the people who build it, the values that guide it, and the humanity that must remain at its center. In This Episode, We Discuss Stephanie's journey from Belize to technology leadership How identity and lived experience shape innovation The role of AI in transforming—not replacing—the workplace Why human skills matter more than ever in the age of AI Responsible AI and the importance of human oversight Resourcefulness, creativity, and critical thinking as future-ready skills Building technology that amplifies people instead of replacing them How AI can expand access, opportunity, and social impact Leading organizations through technological change Practical advice for professionals preparing for the future of work About the Guest Stephanie Sylvestre is a technologist, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and Co-Founder of Avatar Buddy , an AI company helping organizations eliminate bottlenecks—not people—through human-centered artificial intelligence. With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning technology, operations, nonprofit leadership, and innovation, Stephanie has held executive roles with organizations including The Children's Trust , Burger King , Subway , Hewlett-Packard , and Avatar Buddy . Today, she helps leaders and organizations embrace AI responsibly while ensuring people remain at the center of innovation. Learn more about Stephanie and her work: 🌐 https://avatarbuddy.ai Reflection Question As technology continues to evolve, what uniquely human quality do you believe will always remain essential to great leadership? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

July 27, 202636 min

EP 136: Rewriting Your Story — From Approval to Self-Loyalty with Lauretta Zucchetti

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with speaker, author, former Apple and Xerox sales executive, and transformational coach Lauretta Zucchetti for a deeply personal conversation about identity, self-worth, resilience, and the courage to rewrite the stories we've inherited about ourselves. Growing up in Italy, Lauretta learned early how family dynamics, cultural expectations, and childhood experiences quietly shape the way we see ourselves. As an immigrant who later built an extraordinary corporate career in the United States—including becoming one of Xerox's top sales representatives and working with Apple Computer International—she discovered that external success does not always heal internal wounds. Together, Dr. Lola and Lauretta explore how early conditioning influences our confidence, relationships, leadership, and career choices. They discuss the hidden pursuit of approval, rebuilding after profound personal loss, and the lifelong journey of choosing authenticity over expectation. This conversation isn't simply about reinvention. It's about finding the courage to stop living someone else's story and becoming the author of your own. In This Episode, We Discuss Growing up in Italy and navigating traditional gender expectations Building a successful career as an immigrant in the United States Rising through Xerox and Apple Computer International How childhood conditioning shapes adult decisions The difference between seeking approval and practicing self-loyalty Rebuilding after adversity and personal loss Confidence, authenticity, and leading from alignment Why success without self-worth can still feel empty Breaking inherited patterns and limiting beliefs Choosing a future that reflects who you truly are About the Guest Lauretta Zucchetti is an international speaker, author, transformational coach, and former sales leader with Xerox and Apple Computer International . Drawing on her background in international business, transpersonal psychology, and lived experience, she helps women break free from limiting beliefs, reclaim their self-worth, and create lives aligned with who they truly are. After rebuilding her life through extraordinary personal and professional challenges, Lauretta now speaks and coaches globally on authenticity, resilience, self-loyalty, and personal transformation. Her work encourages women to stop earning their right to belong and instead embrace the life they are meant to live. Learn more about Lauretta and her work: 🌐 https://laurettazucchetti.com Connect with Lauretta on LinkedIn Reflection Question Where in your life are you still seeking approval when what you really need is self-loyalty? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

July 19, 202646 min

EP 135: Coming Home to Yourself — Identity, Rest & Reclaiming Your Voice with Delia Saenz Skinner

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with educator, researcher, and founder of Working with Delia , Delia Saenz Skinner , for a deeply personal conversation about identity, belonging, education, and what it means to come home to yourself after years of learning to survive. The conversation begins where every episode of Thriving in Intersectionality begins—with identity. Delia reflects on the intersecting experiences that have shaped her life as a woman, daughter, teen mother, formerly undocumented immigrant, educator, and community leader. She shares how those identities influenced not only the opportunities available to her, but also how she learned to see herself and navigate systems that often required her to hide parts of who she was. From arriving in the United States without speaking English to spending nine years completing community college while raising her daughter, Delia's story is one of persistence, purpose, and profound transformation. Today, through her consulting practice Working with Delia , she helps educators, leaders, and mission-driven organizations reconnect with themselves through rest-centered leadership, embodied practices, and sustainable ways of serving others. This conversation isn't simply about overcoming adversity. It's about remembering who you were before the world told you who you needed to become. In This Episode, We Discuss Growing up between cultures and identities Navigating education as a formerly undocumented student Becoming a mother while pursuing higher education The hidden cost of constantly proving yourself Why belonging sometimes requires unlearning Rest-centered leadership and sustainable impact Working with educators, youth, and mission-driven organizations The difference between surviving systems and reclaiming yourself Why rest is not quitting—it is regeneration Creating workplaces and communities where people can thrive About the Guest Delia Saenz Skinner is an educator, researcher, program strategist, and founder of Working with Delia , a rest-centered facilitation and consulting practice supporting educators, innovators, and community-based leaders engaged in high-impact, mission-driven work. Drawing from more than a decade of experience across K–12 education, higher education, community organizations, research, and leadership, Delia designs restorative professional learning experiences that help individuals and organizations reconnect with their wisdom, sustainability, and purpose. She currently serves as a Program Manager, Teacher, and Community Education Manager at UC San Diego Extended Studies while continuing to build Working with Delia. Learn more: 🌐 www.workingwithdelia.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliasanezskinner/ Reflection Question What part of yourself have you had to hide in order to belong—and what would it look like to reclaim it? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

July 13, 202643 min

EP 134: Beyond What We See — Identity, Psychological Safety & the Power of Being Heard

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with integrative physician, leadership advisor, and founder of The Mind Re-Mapping Company, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne , for a thoughtful conversation about identity, psychological safety, trauma-informed communication, and what it means to truly create environments where people feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. The conversation begins with an important reminder: Intersectionality includes many identities we don't immediately see. From neurodiversity and trauma experiences to generation, parenthood, education, and professional journeys, our lived experiences shape the way we communicate, lead, and move through the world. Drawing from more than two decades of experience in medicine, coaching, neuroscience, and leadership development, Dr. Maiysha shares how understanding the brain, behavior, and our communication filters can help individuals and organizations build trust, repair relationships, and create psychologically safe workplaces. Together, Dr. Lola and Dr. Maiysha explore how our stories shape us, why emotional intelligence is an essential leadership skill, and how community and vulnerability can become powerful tools for personal and organizational transformation. This conversation isn't only about communication. It's about understanding the invisible experiences people bring into every room—and what becomes possible when people feel safe enough to be fully human. In This Episode, We Discuss: The visible and invisible layers of intersectionality Neurodiversity, trauma, and identity How our lived experiences shape communication and leadership Why psychological safety matters for individuals and organizations The connection between emotional intelligence and trust Understanding communication through the lens of the brain Why emotions are data—not distractions The importance of vulnerability and modeling humanity as a leader Building communities of belonging in the workplace How to lean into your differences as superpowers About the Guest Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, MD , is an Integrative Physician, Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Founder of The Mind Re-Mapping Company . Specializing in psychological safety and trauma-informed communication, she helps organizations create environments where employees feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. Drawing on expertise in medicine, neuroscience, coaching, and communication, Dr. Maiysha helps leaders and teams understand how stress, trauma, and unconscious patterns influence relationships, trust, and workplace culture. She is the creator of the R.E.M.A.P.™ Framework , author of The Wellness Blueprint , co-author of Conscious Anti-Racism , TEDx speaker, and host of the Behind Beliefs, Behaviors & The Brain Podcast . Learn more about her work: 🌐 https://mindremappingacademy.com Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha/ Reflection Question What invisible parts of your identity have most shaped the way you communicate, lead, and connect with others? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

July 6, 202653 min

EP 133: Leading from Within — How Identity Shapes Leadership and Organizational Culture

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with leadership consultants, podcast hosts, and co-founders of ASQ Empowerment, Dr. Jessie Ferreira and Omar Ferreira , for a thoughtful conversation about identity, leadership, organizational culture, and the experiences that shape the way we lead. The conversation begins where every episode of Thriving in Intersectionality begins—with intersectionality itself. Rather than viewing identity through a single lens, Jessie and Omar reflect on the many visible and invisible experiences that have influenced their leadership journeys. From immigration and cultural identity to childhood experiences, family, service, education, and personal transformation, they explore how leadership is formed long before someone receives a title. Together, they discuss why sustainable leadership begins with self-awareness, how our internal patterns shape the cultures we create, and why understanding ourselves may be the most important leadership work we ever do. This conversation is about more than organizational culture. It's about becoming the kind of leader who can build cultures where people—and organizations—can truly thrive. In This Episode, We Discuss: What intersectionality reveals about leadership and identity How childhood experiences shape the leaders we become Immigration, culture, and the power of lived experience Why leadership begins long before a leadership title The connection between personal growth and organizational culture Moving from reactive leadership to intentional leadership Building trust, relationships, and psychologically healthy workplaces Why self-awareness is foundational to effective leadership The power of pausing before reacting Viewing leadership as an ongoing process of growth rather than a destination About the Guests Dr. Jessie Ferreira and Omar Ferreira are the co-founders of ASQ Empowerment and creators of the Fractal Coherence Methodology , a leadership framework grounded in one central belief: Leadership that begins within is the only kind that lasts. Drawing on decades of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and systems thinking, they help leaders and organizations strengthen culture by first understanding the internal patterns that shape how people lead. Learn more about their work and leadership resources: https://asqempowerment.com Reflection Question How have your own life experiences shaped the way you lead—and what part of your story are you still learning to understand? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

June 29, 202655 min

EP 132: Authentic Leadership Starts Within — Identity, Confidence & Leading with Courage with Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality , Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with leadership researcher, executive coach, and bestselling author Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard for a conversation about identity, authenticity, confidence, and what it truly means to lead from the inside out. The conversation begins with an honest reflection on intersectionality itself. Elizabeth shares why she has a complicated relationship with labels and how years of personal growth helped her move beyond defining herself by roles and expectations. Together, she and Dr. Lola explore how our lived experiences—including culture, family, career, adversity, and personal history—shape the leaders we become. Drawing on decades of experience across healthcare, education, neuroscience, and leadership development, Elizabeth explains why so many capable leaders continue to struggle with self-doubt despite their accomplishments. She introduces the BE → DO → HAVE framework, discusses the hidden patterns that keep leaders stuck, and shares practical ways individuals and organizations can build cultures grounded in authenticity, psychological safety, and courageous leadership. Whether you're an emerging leader, an experienced executive, or someone navigating personal and professional growth, this conversation offers practical tools for leading with greater confidence and self-awareness. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why intersectionality is about more than visible identities Moving beyond labels and discovering your authentic self How childhood experiences and limiting beliefs shape leadership The connection between neuroscience, self-awareness, and confidence Why capable leaders often struggle with self-doubt The BE → DO → HAVE framework for authentic leadership Creating psychologically safe workplaces where people can thrive How leaders can recognize and interrupt unhelpful behavioral patterns Why coaching accelerates personal and professional growth Practical ways organizations can build cultures of trust, courage, and belonging About the Guest Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, researcher, and Authentic Leadership coach based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), she is the Co-Founder and Director of WALT Institute and co-author of The Authentic Leadership Playbook . Her work combines neuroscience, leadership research, and positive psychology to help leaders close the gap between capability and confidence while building healthier, more effective workplace cultures. Learn more about Elizabeth's work, leadership resources, and coaching through the links in the show notes. Reflection Question What roles or labels have you carried for years—and how might they be shaping the way you lead today? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

June 20, 202651 min

EP 131: Capability Is Not Enough — Visibility, Identity & Opportunity with Vas Ramakrishnan

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with entrepreneur, immigration strategist, technologist, and human rights advocate Vas Ramakrishnan for a conversation about identity, visibility, opportunity, and navigating systems that were not always designed with everyone in mind. The conversation begins with an exploration of intersectionality through Vas's own lived experience. As an immigrant, entrepreneur, technologist, advocate, and neurodivergent professional, Vas shares how his layered identities have shaped the way he approaches leadership, innovation, and service. Born in Madurai, India, Vas reflects on his journey from engineering and technology to entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and immigration advocacy. Along the way, he discusses the challenges of adapting to new environments, building credibility, and creating opportunities while navigating unfamiliar systems. One theme emerges throughout the conversation: Capability alone is not always enough. Many talented professionals believe hard work will naturally lead to recognition and opportunity. Yet success often requires understanding systems, building visibility, telling your story effectively, and learning how to position your contributions so they can be recognized. Together, Dr. Lola and Vas explore what it means to build a future across borders, navigate uncertainty, and create pathways for others to thrive. This conversation is not simply about immigration. It is about identity, belonging, visibility, and the human desire to contribute, grow, and be recognized for our potential. In This Episode, We Discuss: • How immigrant identity shapes leadership and perspective • Navigating multiple identities across cultures and professional environments • Neurodivergence, adaptability, and personal growth • Growing up in India and building a life and career in the United States • Entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose-driven work • Why visibility matters alongside competence • The hidden challenges many immigrant professionals face • Understanding systems and creating opportunities within them • The connection between advocacy, technology, and human dignity • Practical advice for professionals navigating career growth and uncertainty About the Guest Vasanthan (Vas) Ramakrishnan is an entrepreneur, immigration consultant, technologist, and human rights advocate. He is the founder of Ascend HSI Advisory Partners, an immigration advisory firm focused on employment-based immigration pathways. He is also the founder of the Feminist Pen Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, innovation, and social impact. His work spans technology, child safety, immigration strategy, and human rights initiatives across multiple countries. Reflection Question Where in your life or career have you assumed that hard work alone would be enough—and what additional skills, relationships, or visibility ultimately helped create new opportunities? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

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 misconceptions How learning differences shape identity and confidence Navigating educational systems that were not designed for every learner The relationship between labels and human potential Russell's personal journey from struggling student to dyslexia educator Why intelligence and learning style are not the same thing Supporting students through strengths-based approaches The role of parents, educators, and communities in student success Creating more accessible pathways to learning Building confidence through accomplishment and belonging About the Guest Russell 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 Question What assumptions might we be making about someone's potential based solely on the way they learn, communicate, or process information? Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thank 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.org Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn. Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.