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

In this episode, Lola interviews Summie Yeung, a Life & Career Transition Coach, dedicated to empowering multicultural people in English-speaking countries to break free from traditional career paths and cultural expectations.

In this episode, they explore:

• The challenges and identity shifts of being an Asian immigrant in the UK.
• Embracing a "third culture" as a blend of her Hong Kong roots and British experiences.
• The challenges of belonging and confidence in professional spaces as an immigrant.
• How to view one's career as an exploratory journey rather than a fixed path.
• A unique three-step coaching method for multicultural individuals facing career transitions.
• The complexities of grief and loss that come with being an immigrant, especially when loved ones are far away.

Podcast Episode Feedback

Connect with Summie:

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

Website: https://www.summieyeung.com

Free Worksheet:https://www.summieyeung.com/gift

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

In this episode, Lola interviews Staci Reidinger, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Cause San Diego and the President of Reidinger Public Relations. She is an award-winning Public Relations, Marketing Communications, and Nonprofit Leadership professional and a 24-year U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran.

Throughout her career, Staci has dedicated time to public service by providing pro bono support to nonprofits, advocating for military veterans, mentoring youth and trying to reduce homelessness. She has a B.A. in English and Education from the University of Colorado Boulder, an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing from Capella University and an M.A. in Communications from San Diego State University.

Staci previously served on the PRSA San Diego and Imperial Counties Board of Directors and now serves as Cause San Diego's Executive Director, an Adjunct Professor at SDSU, President of Reidinger Public Relations, HomeAid San Diego's Past President and Navy Marine Corps PROUD Foundation's Communication's Director.

In this episode, they explore:

• Perseverance through balancing motherhood, education, and military service and the lessons learned along the way
• The role of mentorship, how it can propel your career forward, and the importance of giving back to those around you.
• How serving in Afghanistan for 13 months shifted her perspective on life in the U.S.
• Transitioning from a military career to leading public relations at UPS and the importance of embracing the change in career.
• Stacey’s philanthropic journey with Cause San Diego and her vision for a socially conscious future.
• Practical advice for navigating career twists and turns with resilience and an open mindset.
• The power of saying "yes" to opportunities and why it’s important for growth.

Don’t forget to check out the details for Cause San Diego happening on October 23rd and use the discount code "CAUSECONF10OFF" for 10% off registration!

https://www.causesandiego.org/

PODCAST Episode Feedback

If you are ready to join a community of immigrant professionals just like you, be sure to join our membership:

https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

Connect with Staci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cause-san-diego

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

In this episode, Lola talks about her experience with networking and strategies to make networking easier, including:

• Reframing networking as building community rather than job hunting.
• The importance of researching events, speakers, and attendees before networking.
• Finding a "networking buddy" for support and accountability.
• How to treat networking as a skill to be developed over time.

PODCAST Episode Feedback

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

More about Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast:

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.

For more information and additional resources, please visit www.immigrantsincorporate.org and www.eqimindset.com

In this episode, Lola speaks with Mamta Jain Valderrama, born in Memphis, TN, and raised in southern California. She is the youngest of three and her parents are immigrants. She grew up in a duality - navigating her American identity and her Asian-Indian background. Mamta and her sister are identical twins (Mamta is 11 minutes younger. It counts!), Society around her constantly bundled her and her twin into one identity. Mamta was eager to cultivate her own sense of self so at her first opportunity, she moved to the East Coast while her family stayed in California.

From a young age through early adulthood, Mamta's father told her she wouldn’t amount to much. The upside of an otherwise painful childhood was that it fueled her ambition. Not to disprove her father, but to validate her value to herself. Traveling to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia in her 20s and 30s gave her a lot of confidence. Earning promotions at work and making decisions helped her believe in herself.

It took Mamta a long time to be comfortable in her own skin. Once she got there, her career accelerated, and she took on more and more responsibility as a global operations leader. She has turned around two companies (1 startup and 1 nonprofit) and scaled three companies (1 Fortune 500, 1 tech startup, 1 nonprofit). She wrote a bestselling book and toured across America. The most common feedback is “I stayed up all night reading. I couldn’t put it down.” Rewarding and humbling. She is married to a man who encourages their daughter. Her past direct reports say they want to follow her wherever she goes next.

In this episode, we explore into:

• How a non-linear career journey, from journalism to healthcare sales and operations, pursuing an MBA, and writing a novel during a career break.
• Embracing being "the only" in professional settings, owning unique perspectives, and building and maintaining professional relationships.
• What workplace improvements shifted the dynamic for immigrant professionals and allowed for more people to step into and own who they are.
• Using practical tools like CRM software and LinkedIn for managing professional relationships and personal branding.
• Combining intentional networking, balancing assertiveness in self-advocacy, and LinkedIn strategy to grow your career.

If you are ready to join a community of immigrant professionals just like you, be sure to join our membership:

https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

Connect with Mamta:

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

Website: https://www.mamtavalderrama.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

More about Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast:

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.

For more information and additional resources, please visit www.immigrantsincorporate.org and www.eqimindset.com

In this episode, Lola speaks with Setche Kwamu-Nana, a seasoned DEI and racial equity consultant and trainer with over 15 years of experience working across industries and communities.

She has held impactful roles at leading organizations such as Caterpillar Inc. and Intuit Inc., as well as various nonprofits and community-based organizations. An immigrant from Cameroon with a background in engineering, Setche brings a unique perspective to her work.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Understanding how our identities are made up of multiple facets, and how some aspects of who we are become more salient in different contexts and phases of life.
• How different identity categories, such as race, nationality, socioeconomic status, and even personal interests, play a role in shaping experiences and opportunities.
• The shift in identity salience after moving from Cameroon to the U.S., where blackness became a more dominant part of personal identity.
• A unique career transition from studying chemical engineering to a successful role in DEI work and lessons learned through growing in these roles.
• The importance of following passions and finding purpose in your career.
• The vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion work in reshaping organizational cultures.

If you are ready to join a community of immigrant professionals just like you, be sure to join our membership (special pricing is available until September 2, 2024):

https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

Connect with Setche:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/setche-kwamu-nana/
Website: www.Setche.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

In this episode, host Lola Adeyemo explores the concept of community and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. Reflecting on her experiences in Nigeria and the U.S., Lola discusses the importance of intentionally building and engaging with communities that meet specific needs.

She shares insights on:

• Creating effective communities
• The challenges immigrant professionals face in corporate America
• The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering a sense of belonging

If you are ready to join a community of immigrant professionals just like you, be sure to join our membership (special pricing is available until November , 2024):

https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

PODCAST Episode Feedback

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

More about Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast:

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.

For more information and additional resources, please visit www.immigrantsincorporate.org and www.eqimindset.com

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

Sign up for the membership: https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/become-a-member

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

More about Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast:

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.

For more information and additional resources, please visit www.immigrantsincorporate.org and www.eqimindset.com