Thriving in Intersectionality

By: Lola Adeyemo
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to the “Thriving in Intersectionality” podcast. A podcast created to help you learn from professionals in the workplace who have multiple intersectional identities; from ethnic minorities, veterans transitioning into the workforce, individuals with disabilities, parents, and so many more. Hosted by Lola Adeyemo, who is the CEO of EQI Mindset and the founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc, her mission is to work with organizations to build more inclusive workplaces. This podcast was built to amplify the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate workplace and to give insights and guidance so people can move past their “barriers” and advance in their professional careers. Through interviews and solo episodes, Lola will examine this global world of work. We hope that you can learn a thing or two from our guests, who have a range of experiences and stories to share. Join Lola as we meet new people who are successfully navigating the corporate space.
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Episodes
  • Redefining Success for Professionals with Intersectional Identities with Lola Adeyemo

    Redefining Success for Professionals with Intersectional Identities with Lola Adeyemo
    Jan 23 2025

    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 measuring success beyond traditional metrics and offers strategies for implementing these measures in daily work life.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to recognize and address the hidden costs of traditional corporate success, including code-switching and communication challenges
    • A three-part framework for creating personalized success metrics:
      • Cultural integration metrics
      • Community impact indicators
      • Personal wellness measures
    • Practical strategies for setting boundaries and protecting your time
    • Methods for building strategic alliances and long-term professional relationships
    • Tips for creating and maintaining effective support systems through mentorship and peer networks

    Redefining Success: A Guide for Professionals with Intersectional Identities

    In a recent episode of "Thriving in Intersectionality," host Lola Adeyemo explores how professionals with multiple minority identities can navigate career success while maintaining authenticity. Drawing from a mentoring conversation with a senior director, she addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals balancing cultural values with corporate expectations.

    The Hidden Costs of Traditional Success

    Corporate success often comes with unseen challenges for professionals with intersectional identities. Daily code-switching, managing different communication styles, and translating experiences for colleagues who don't share similar backgrounds can be mentally exhausting. The pressure to conform to Western workplace norms while staying true to cultural values creates an additional layer of complexity in career advancement.

    Creating Meaningful Success Metrics

    Adeyemo introduces three key areas for measuring success beyond traditional corporate benchmarks. First, cultural integration metrics help assess how well your role aligns with your values and ability to bring authentic perspectives to decision-making. Second, community impact indicators measure how effectively you're lifting others while climbing the corporate ladder. Third, personal wellness measures ensure you're maintaining cultural connections and energy for community engagement outside work.

    Practical Strategies for Implementation

    The podcast offers actionable steps for integrating these success metrics into daily work life. These include leading meetings that encourage diverse perspectives, documenting impacts in both traditional and cultural terms, and setting clear boundaries. Adeyemo emphasizes the importance of being "protective of your yeses" and building strategic alliances for long-term career growth. She also highlights the value of finding or creating support systems through mentorship, coaching, and peer networks.

    Moving Forward

    The episode concludes by encouraging professionals to think holistically about career planning. Rather than focusing solely on traditional career goals, Adeyemo advocates for incorporating life goals and personal values into success metrics. This comprehensive approach helps maintain energy and excitement about career growth while staying authentic to one's cultural identity.

    We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform or connect on Linkedin.

    Connect with Lola Adeyemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/

    Apply to be on the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast: shorturl.at/dnyEO

    Want to Stay Connected to the Immigrants in the Corporate Community?

    Join the FREE Membership: https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

    Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428192995622965

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsincorporate/



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    23 mins
  • Embracing Your Intersections: Advice from Global HR Leader Gianna Driver

    Embracing Your Intersections: Advice from Global HR Leader Gianna Driver
    Jan 17 2025
    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 intersectional identity and how it evolves over time - The importance of vulnerability and creating inclusive spaces to embrace one's full self - Advice for early-to-mid career professionals on overcoming fears, building community, and cultivating self-awareness - Perspectives on embracing the future of work through continuous learning and a positive mindset Embracing Your Intersections: Advice from Global HR Leader Gianna Driver As the corporate environment continues to evolve, the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership come to the forefront. For this episode of Immigrants in Corporate podcast, our host Lola Adeyemo speaks with Gianna Driver, a recognized Global HR industry speaker and leader, who has carved out an impressive career path that exemplifies the power of embracing one's unique identity and experiences. We dive into Gianna's journey, exploring the intersections that define her and the invaluable lessons she has to share with aspiring professionals. Finding Your Path in HR Gianna's career journey is a testament to embracing your unique identity and allowing opportunities to find you. As she explains to podcast host, Lola, she didn't set out to work in HR, but her natural inclination towards people-focused roles led her there organically. Starting in corporate insurance, Gianna discovered her passion for the various facets of human resources from hiring and onboarding to performance management and learning and development as she naturally gravitated towards these people-focused roles while working at a small startup. What's remarkable about Gianna's story is how she didn't let preconceived notions about HR hold her back. Instead, she leaned into her strengths and interests, allowing her career to unfold in a way that aligned with her values and skills. This adaptability and openness to new possibilities is a lesson for any early-to-mid career professional navigating their path. Navigating Intersectionality When discussing the concept of intersectionality with Lola, Gianna demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how our multiple identities shape our experiences. As a Filipina-American woman from a lower socioeconomic background, Gianna recognizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing the various facets that make up her identity, including being a mother. She notes how these intersections can evolve over time, and how it's crucial to remain open-minded and reflective about the ways in which our identities inform our perspectives and experiences. Gianna's willingness to share her own journey with intersectionality is a powerful example of the value in being vulnerable and transparent. By highlighting the complexities of her identity, she not only helps others see themselves reflected in her story but also demonstrates the importance of creating spaces where people can fully embrace all aspects of who they are, even if certain identities may not be immediately at the forefront Advice for Aspiring Professionals Drawing on her own experiences, Gianna offers invaluable advice for early-to-mid career professionals, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, reminding us that the fear of failure often stifles more dreams than failure itself. Gianna encourages taking calculated risks and leaps of faith, as the journey itself is filled with valuable learning opportunities, regardless of the outcome. Gianna also underscores the significance of building a supportive community and actively seeking out mentors and allies. She acknowledges that navigating predominantly white, male-dominated spaces can be challenging, but stresses the importance of finding safe havens where one can be their authentic self and be seen and accepted in their fullness, including their imperfections. Embracing the Future of Work As Gianna looks towards the future of the workplace, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentionality. She encourages professionals to take the time to reflect on their strengths, passions, and natural inclinations, and then proactively seek out opportunities that align with these qualities, while also remaining open-minded and adaptable. By embracing our intersections, cultivating self-awareness, and building supportive communities, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling career journey. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform or connect on Linkedin. Connect with Gianna Driver: https://www.linkedin.com/in...
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    31 mins
  • Navigating Identity, Culture, and Career Transitions with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi

    Navigating Identity, Culture, and Career Transitions with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi
    Oct 31 2024

    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 TEDx talk, she highlights ways to build a powerful network of supporters and become an inspiring mirror for others.

    Key highlights of the episode include:

    • Exploring how the layers of intersectionality, from heritage to professional identity, shape one’s journey as an individual navigating multiple identities.
    • Reflecting on the dualities of identity and balancing cultural heritage with an American upbringing.
    • Unpacking the diverse immigrant experience and how varying generational backgrounds influence personal identity and values.
    • Highlighting the process of transitioning from traditional career paths like medicine to fields such as consulting and biotech, and how cultural expectations can shape professional choices.
    • Emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge when making career decisions and exploring strategies for following passions authentically.
    • Addressing the challenges of career path "analysis paralysis" and the value of making pivots that align with one’s evolving goals and values.
    • Offering advice for early-career professionals on finding clarity, pursuing passion, and leveraging networking as key career-building resources.
    • Discussing how diverse career experiences can be integrated into a cohesive and purposeful path.
    • Exploring the concept of “flow” and how discovering passion can transform work into a fulfilling, energizing journey.
    • Reinforcing the importance of mentorship, giving back, and finding ways to extend impact beyond immediate networks.

    Listen to Sheila's recent TEDxtalk : https://youtu.be/2DpDx6T3-X4?si=hRoLJ6-XtnPvSBQJ

    Connect with Shelia:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md/

    Website: sheilagujrathimd.com

    Connect with Lola:

    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428192995622965

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsincorporate/

    Apply to be on the podcast: shorturl.at/dnyEO

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    45 mins

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