Thriving in Intersectionality

What if the "wrong" career moves are actually the right ones? And what happens when a physician decides the traditional path isn't enough? For Dr. Meklit Workneh, the answer to these questions was a journey that took her from Ethiopia to Stanford, through public health fieldwork, FDA regulatory medicine, and ultimately to leading AI-integrated clinical trials at Moderna.

Her story proves that curiosity, courage, and strategic career pivots can transform not just your own trajectory—but also advance global health innovation. From arriving solo in California at 17 to becoming a triple board-certified physician pioneering the intersection of artificial intelligence and clinical development, Dr. Workneh's path offers practical insights for anyone ready to create their own career rather than follow someone else's blueprint.

Dr. Workneh brings a unique perspective shaped by multiple intersections:

As she puts it: "I've always been that person where I'm going to find all the things I like doing and bring them all together and find a way to do it."

Early Life in East Africa: Born in Ethiopia during the communist era, experienced family relocation to Kenya during political upheaval, and returned to Ethiopia for high school education.

Bold Educational Move: At 17, made the independent decision to attend Stanford University, arriving solo in California—a culture shock that required significant adaptation and resilience.

Strategic Academic Path: Studied biology at Stanford, then pursued an MPH at Yale focused on public health, worked in field research in Ethiopia before medical school.

Medical Training Excellence: Earned MD from UCSF, completed internal medicine residency and infectious diseases/microbiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins.

Government Service: Joined the FDA's Division of Infectious Diseases, working on neglected tropical diseases, antibiotic resistance, and the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Industry Leadership:  Transitioned to Moderna as Senior Director of Clinical Development, pioneering AI integration in infectious disease clinical trials.

Maintain Curiosity Above All: "I think it always helps to maintain a degree of curiosity, no matter what you do, and just keep learning. Keep exploring. You never know the opportunities that your curiosity will open up."

Think Holistically About Life Design: Consider how your career choices align with your personal goals, including family, lifestyle, and values. "I wanted to have children, to get married, all of those things were important to me….so thinking about how do I merge all of these things."

Create Your Own Specialization: Don't be limited by traditional career tracks. "I was always exploring all these interests…like Africa, public health, infectious disease... And I'm just gonna take a bunch of things and just merge them together."

Seek Information Through Relationships: "I just really try to keep an open mind. You know, went to things that were sort of outside my comfort zone and I talked to a lot of people... let me see what they're doing and sort of keep a very open mind."

Embrace the Non-Linear Path: "I didn't even know this was a career path when I started out... it wasn't necessarily a well-crafted plan to end up exactly where I am now. But, you know, I'm very happy with where I am now."

Dr. Meklit Workneh is a Senior Director of Clinical Development in Infectious Diseases at Moderna Therapeutics, where she leads teams designing clinical trials and developing strategies that bring life-saving vaccines and therapeutics to patients worldwide. She is triple board-certified in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and pathology (microbiology) with over 15 years of experience bridging clinical medicine and research.

Her groundbreaking work at the intersection of AI and clinical development recently gained national recognition through Moderna's partnership with OpenAI, showcasing how intelligent technology can accelerate the path from discovery to treatment. Before joining industry, she served at the FDA's Division of Infectious Diseases, working on neglected tropical diseases, antibiotic resistance, and COVID-19 initiatives.

Dr. Workneh holds a BA from Stanford University, an MPH from Yale School of Public Health, and an MD from University of California, San Francisco. She completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in infectious diseases and microbiology at Johns Hopkins.

LinkedIn: Dr. Meklit Workneh
Expertise: Clinical Trial Design, AI in Healthcare, Biotech Leadership, Infectious Disease Medicine

Collaboration Interest: Advancing diversity in clinical trials and global health innovation

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQI Mindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What happens when a 16-year career break becomes the foundation for a more purposeful professional life? Priya Venkatesan's story challenges everything we think we know about linear career paths and proves that "starting over" can actually mean starting stronger.

From computer science in India to business systems analysis at UC Davis, Priya's journey through immigration, visa restrictions, motherhood, and career re-entry offers practical insights for anyone navigating non-traditional career paths—especially immigrant professionals rebuilding their careers in new countries.

Priya Venkatesan is a Business Systems Analyst at UC Davis, where she champions process improvement and employee development. With a background spanning finance, education, and technology, she brings expertise as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Scrum Master, and Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach.

After returning to the workforce following a 16-year career break, Priya now empowers others on similar journeys by sharing resources and guidance. At UC Davis, she revitalizes the Lean Community of Practice, facilitates Yellow Belt trainings, and designs engaging e-learning tools that make process improvement accessible and impactful. A passionate public speaker, Priya frequently presents at conferences on topics ranging from process improvement to Ikigai, where she shares her knowledge of purpose and fulfillment.

Early Career in India: Priya earned her Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science, working as a trainer at computer institutes during the Y2K boom and later as a project analyst at ICICI Bank in Hyderabad.

Immigration and Visa Challenges: Marriage brought relocation to California on an H4 dependent visa—which didn't allow her to work. This experience highlights a reality many immigrants face: having qualifications but legal barriers to employment.

The 16-Year Break: What started as a visa restriction evolved into full-time parenting and family management. Priya emphasizes this wasn't lost time—it was skill-building time, just in different areas.

Re-entry Strategy: Personal challenges motivated her return to work. Rather than jumping back into her old field, she took time to reflect, reskill, and discover new passions in business analysis and process improvement.

Use This Time to Reflect: "This is the time to think about: do you want to get back into the same career path you were before? Take time to reflect on where your passions lie and learn something new if you want to reskill yourself."

Recognize Your Transferable Skills: Organizing school events, managing family schedules, coordinating with other parents—these aren't just "mom duties," they're project management, communication, and strategic operations skills.

Don't Self-Reject: "Women usually don't apply if they don't match 100% of requirements. Even if you have 50-60% match in a job description, go and apply. Don't self-reject. You never know who comes knocking."

Start Where You Are: Priya's first job back was part-time proctoring online exams. "I felt like I failed miserably the first day—all my colleagues were young college kids who could do everything fast. But I learned on the job. No job is inferior to another job."

Priya's career pivot illustrates how skills transfer across industries:

"I realized through volunteering at my kids' schools that I enjoyed organizing, communicating with other parents, and putting together events. I love to act as a liaison between technology and business—that's where business analysis comes in."

Her current role combines presentation, training, instructional design, and process improvement—skills she developed through years of community involvement and natural strengths.

Address the Inner Critic: "Don't think 'I'm so old, I cannot do this.' Never. Every job you do is a learning experience."

Embrace Learning: At UC Davis, Priya says, "I'm not working here, I'm actually studying here" because of the continuous learning opportunities in higher education.

Volunteer for Growth: She chairs committees and serves on employee resource groups as volunteer opportunities that develop leadership skills and visibility.

Organizations:

Learning Platforms (special benefits access available through the non-profit Immigrants in Corporate- become a member):

LinkedIn: Priya Venkatesan
Expertise: Career Re-entry Consultation, CliftonStrengths Coaching, Ikigai Research
Focus: Process Improvement, Business Analysis, Professional Development

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQI Mindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

Want to Get Involved?

Are you an HR, Culture, or DEI Leader? Email [email protected] to Get Your Workplace Community Employee Resource Groups (ERGs / BRGs) Launched, Leveraged, and Thriving!

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What do you do when you realize you don't want to be "a cog in a very big machine"? For Dr. Maggie Marcus, the answer was a career pivot that led from the CIA to the classroom to leading a family foundation—all while raising bilingual children and teaching the next generation of educators.

Her journey proves that seemingly "winding" career paths often have invisible threads connecting every experience, creating unique expertise that serves communities in powerful ways.

Dr. Margaret "Maggie" Marcus is the Executive Director of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation, a private foundation that focuses on education initiatives of multilingual learners, but also supports organizations in women's health, immigration, and the arts.

Maggie began her teaching career in Puerto Rico, where she taught ninth grade Title I Spanish, then Elementary English. After several transitions, she went back to education as a bilingual teacher for DC Public Schools. She earned her doctorate in Applied Linguistics and Language Education in 2020, and has been in her current role since 2022.

In addition to this role, she teaches in the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park, and is a fellow at The Century Foundation.

Maggie brings a unique perspective shaped by multiple intersections:

As she puts it: "I have this intersectionality between being a person of an English-speaking background, but really connecting to a lot of Latin culture."

From Teaching to Intelligence: After teaching in Puerto Rico, Maggie worked briefly in medical sales before earning her Master's in International Relations at Tufts Fletcher School. The CIA recruited her as an economic analyst, where her bilingual skills and economic background proved invaluable.

Back to the Classroom: Frustrated with bureaucracy, she returned to teaching as a second-grade bilingual educator in DC Public Schools, then became a literacy coach for Spanish-speaking teachers.

Academic Credentials: While working and raising young children, she pursued her doctorate to gain expertise and credibility in bilingual education—a field she was passionate about but hadn't entered through traditional pathways.

Philanthropic Leadership: Four years ago, she stepped into leading her family's foundation, navigating both family dynamics and professional responsibilities while shaping educational initiatives.

Take International Risks Early: "Now is the time to live somewhere else. College is a safe time to be in another place when you don't have the same life commitments you might have as you get older."

Build Relationships Over Transactions: Her brief medical sales experience taught her that "we're always selling something, but the relationships piece is key"—a lesson she applies across education and philanthropy.

Seek Mentors and Models: "Navigate and think through who's in your life that you admire or that you might want to replicate. Make those connections—formal and informal mentors help you navigate decisions."

Embrace the Winding Path: What seemed like career pivots actually created unique expertise. Her economics background, international experience, and bilingual skills converged to make her uniquely qualified for her current roles.

Get Credentials When Needed: "Having had such a winding career path, I really wanted the credential to give me expertise in the field because I didn't go through traditional teacher, school admin, coach, leader paths."

Currently wearing three professional hats—foundation executive, university professor, and think tank fellow—Maggie demonstrates how diverse roles can complement each other when they're aligned with your values and expertise.

Her foundation work focuses on multilingual learners, her teaching keeps her connected to classroom realities, and her research informs policy discussions—creating a powerful cycle of impact.

Website: Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation 
LinkedIn: Margaret Marcus, Ph.D.
Foundation Focus: Education initiatives for multilingual learners, women's health, immigration, and the arts
Collaboration Interest: Looking to collaborate with other funders in the bilingual education space

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQI Mindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

Want to Get Involved?

Are you an HR, Culture, or DEI Leader? Email [email protected] to Get Your Workplace Community Employee Resource Groups (ERGs / BRGs) Launched, Leveraged, and Thriving!

Essential listening for professionals navigating career pivots, educators and philanthropists, bilingual professionals, and anyone seeking to turn a "winding path" into purposeful impact.

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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What happens when personal loss becomes the catalyst for finding your voice? For Simone W. Johnson-Smith, a personal loss in 2021 ended six years of procrastination and launched a movement that now reaches over 100 countries.

From Jamaican immigrant to U.S. diplomat to award-winning author and podcast host, Simone's story is about recognizing the psychological realities of living between cultures and empowering others to thrive in that beautiful, complex space.

Simone W. Johnson-Smith is a global voice and cultural bridge-builder. With over two decades of experience navigating immigration systems and international transitions, she is a former U.S. diplomat turned award-winning author, certified coach, and podcast host. She is the visionary behind The Immigrant Experience in America podcast and The Bridge Concepts.

Her mission is to help Third Culture Persons and immigrants not only adjust but thrive, embracing their identity while bridging the gap between cultures. She is the author of "Decoding America" and creator of the Thrive Abroad framework.

Simone's career began in retail when she arrived in the U.S. in 1998. A chance encounter at the layaway counter led to banking, teaching her that integrity and how you treat people can open unexpected doors.

That role evolved into investment banking, but she couldn't see herself there for 20 years. Instead, she became one of 20 people selected out of 600 applicants for a fellowship that led to the Department of State as a diplomat.

From 2015 to a personal loss in 2021, she had been procrastinating about her true passion—being scared to put her voice and story out there. That loss changed everything, and by summer 2021, she was working on The Immigrant Experience in America podcast, which launched in January 2022 and now streams globally with over 180 episodes.

Simone addresses critical issues mainstream conversations often miss, revealing the depth of challenges that Third Culture professionals face:

Culture Shock goes beyond adjustment—research shows symptoms can range from mild depression to fatal self-harm, making this a serious mental health concern that requires attention and support.

Cultural Homelessness occurs when adapting to survive in a new country means you no longer fit into your home country either. This creates a painful in-between space where you feel like you don't belong anywhere.

Financial Vulnerability affects many immigrants who lack financial literacy about their new country's systems, making them targets for predatory financial companies and credit schemes.

Simone's journey offers valuable lessons for professionals at any stage, particularly those navigating cultural transitions:

Always Be Ready for the Next Opportunity: Her move from retail to banking happened because someone noticed how she handled customers. Professional presence and integrity matter in every interaction, as you never know who's watching or what doors might open.

Don't Get Comfortable in Stagnation: When she couldn't see herself in the same building for 20 years, she made a bold move. Recognize when you're trading growth for security, and be willing to take calculated risks for advancement.

Leverage Your Unique Background: Her international experience and cultural perspective became assets in diplomacy. Your diverse background isn't a limitation—it's a competitive advantage that brings value to organizations.

Build While You're Employed: Simone demonstrates how to pursue passion projects while maintaining financial stability. The key is finding something that genuinely motivates you beyond just exchanging time for money.

Recognize Systemic Challenges Early: It took her over a decade to identify workplace discrimination and microaggressions. Learning to name and address these challenges sooner helps you navigate them more effectively rather than internalizing the impact.

Recognize Your Interview Power: Rather than approaching job interviews as a beggar, remember that you bring value to the table. Evaluate whether you'll have psychological safety in that workplace.

Prepare Beyond Excitement: Take time to educate yourself about the real challenges of living in a new culture, not just the opportunities.

Build Community Early: Isolation can compound adjustment challenges. Finding your community is essential for both professional and personal success.

Understand Systemic Challenges: It can take years to recognize and name experiences of discrimination and microaggressions. Being aware helps you respond rather than internalize.

Simone demonstrates the reality of building a purpose-driven business while maintaining full-time employment. She emphasizes that traditional employment alone won't create financial freedom, but when you find something that genuinely pushes you out of bed, the passion sustains the extra effort required.

Her approach shows how immigrants often need to be pragmatic about financial stability while still pursuing their deeper calling to make an impact.

Website: thebridgeconcepts.org
Podcast: The Immigrant Experience in America
Book: "Decoding America"

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

Want to Get Involved?

Are you an HR, Culture, or DEI Leader? Email [email protected] to Get Your Workplace Community Employee Resource Groups (ERGs / BRGs) Launched, Leveraged, and Thriving!

This episode is essent

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

A solo episode with a twist featuring the voices of Dr. Christina Padilla, Summie Yeung, and Horatio Morgan

What if the most powerful diversity and inclusion tool in your workplace isn't a training manual or policy document, but something as simple as food? In this special solo episode with a unique blend format, Dr. Lola Adeyemo explores the stories we tell through food, the bridges we build through flavor, and why the simple question "What would you share?" reveals so much more than what's on our plates.

Over the past few years, Dr. Lola has been asking guests a signature question about sharing meals with coworkers. Today, she brings together three powerful responses that showcase how food connects us to memory, nostalgia, cultural pride, and belonging. Through the voices of previous guests, we journey through kitchens around the world and discover the deeper meanings behind our favorite dishes.

Dr. Christina Padilla - First-generation Mexican American professional "Anytime you'd walk into her house, especially around lunchtime, she would have four huge dishes on her stove top... Mexican food is all the same - beans, tortilla, cheese and toppings - yet infinite."

Summie Yeung - Asian immigrant in the UK "It's a commodity now in the UK because they're very expensive, you have to source them." - Speaking about moon cakes and the economics of nostalgia

Horatio Morgan - Jamaican-born immigrant to the United States "My absolute favorite is curry goat... it's spicy, it has some salty but it's just balanced." - Delivered with unapologetic confidence

Food becomes a luxury when you're far from home. From expensive imports to specialty stores, maintaining cultural connections through food requires investment - and reveals the premium we pay for belonging.

How our favorite dishes serve as approachable, generous bridges between cultures in professional spaces. Food becomes a diplomatic way to break ice and engage meaningfully with colleagues.

The complex layers of sharing cultural food in the workplace - from "lunch that smells funny" to code-switching cuisine explanations. The courage it takes to share authentic flavors and the barriers we break one bite at a time.

Nigerian Jollof - specifically her mother's outdoor cooking for large events, complete with family gathered around open fires, laughing and cooking as community. The aroma, the specific blend of ingredients, and the joy of feeding people together.

Try Before You Judge - Trying doesn't always mean tasting. Ask questions: "What are you eating? Is that traditional? How is that made?" Use curiosity to learn about cultures and backgrounds through food stories.

Share with Confidence - If you have a dish that holds significance, share it boldly. Use food as a way for colleagues to know more about you without being intrusive.

Create Food-Inclusive Policies - Design celebrations that accommodate everyone and encourage cultural food sharing with storytelling opportunities.

Intentional Team Building - Use food as cultural education and authentic relationship building. Remember that different cultures exist within the same country too.

Food is never just about food. When someone shares their cultural dish with you - whether it's unfamiliar spices or festival traditions - they're offering more than a meal. They're inviting you into their story, their kitchen, their background, and their identity.

🎧 After you listen, share your food story!
What would you bring to the workplace table?
Use #FoodStory and Tag @ImmigrantsInCorporate, @EQIMindset, or @DrLolaAdeyemo to join the conversation.

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is CEO of EQI Mindset, founder of Immigrants Incorporate Inc., author, speaker, and workplace inclusion strategist. She works with organizations to build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change.

Resources:

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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

From a $3,500 investment to an eight-figure tech company—all without VC funding. Neelima Parasker's story spans 25 years in corporate tech before making the leap to entrepreneurship at age 40+. This isn't just a business success story—it's a masterclass in career evolution, strategic risk-taking, and turning industry frustrations into innovative solutions.

Neelima Parasker is the Founder, President, and CEO of SnapIT Solutions®, an innovative technology company delivering IT services, software product development, and inclusive tech workforce training. With a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Computer Science, Neelima brings over 25 years of experience in the high-tech industry.

Neelima created SnapIT's proprietary SPRNT® model, which develops and deploys tech talent from unconventional communities through certified training programs across 10 states (expanding to all 50 by 2030). Her approach combines education with real-world apprenticeships, addressing the tech talent shortage by training brilliant people who never considered technology careers.

In July 2023, she was nominated by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to serve as a Regent on the Kansas Board of Regents. Her visionary leadership has earned numerous accolades, including Enterprising Women of the Year and Women Who Mean Business by Kansas City Business Journal. She is also co-founder of Lotus TMS, Inc, a trucking management software company.

Neelima's career path defied expectations at every turn. Born in India, she came to America for her Master's in Computer Science and decided to build her career here instead of returning home.

Her corporate journey took her through 15 years at major tech companies, where she learned a crucial lesson: "I was very inquisitive about what's happening, and I would always let whoever is managing my work know that I'm done with this work. I need more." This hunger for growth and learning became her career superpower.

The transition from employee to entrepreneur came gradually: "People around me kept saying 'you gotta get out of there and start your own.' I'm like, why? I'm happy in my job." But eventually, her drive for innovation and impact outgrew the corporate structure.

One of the most honest parts of the conversation was Neelima's comparison of corporate life versus entrepreneurship: "Corporate job gives you flexibility. You could spend a lot more time on things you want to do after work. You can go on vacation and not worry about it because there are people to back you up."

But entrepreneurship? "You're a parent—even if you walk out the door, you're still responsible." She learned this the hard way, working 2-3 AM every night in the early days until her body couldn't keep up.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is strategic: master your core service first. "Because of my 15 years in the corporate world, when I got into entrepreneurship, I knew what I was bringing to the table for the client. I just needed to know the ropes of how to go about it."

On Real vs. Fake Experience "You can have 10 years of experience on paper, but if you've done the same thing for one year 10 times, then you only have one year of experience."

On Corporate vs. Entrepreneurship "Being an entrepreneur is like being a parent—even when you walk out the door, you're still responsible. Corporate life is like babysitting someone else's baby—when you walk out, you're done."

On Breaking Limiting Beliefs "Someone said, 'You've done so great even though you immigrated and have an accent.' Those are limiting beliefs. I've never thought about that. If I can talk and another person can understand, there's no barrier."

On Smart Business Funding "Your clients are your investors if they're ready to pay for what you bring. Don't run to an investor the second you have a brilliant idea."

On Learning What Can't Be Taken Away "There is no IP on what you can learn. They can't IP your brain."

On Corporate Career Growth "I was very inquisitive about what's happening, and I would always let whoever is managing my work know that I'm done with this work. I need more. You gotta make sure you are the product—your experience counts."

On Setting Entrepreneurial Boundaries "I had to learn to set boundaries for myself. I would work until 2-3 AM, then wake up at 6 AM and start again. Even though I love what I do, doesn't mean my body can catch up with my spirit. You gotta be more mindful about taking care of your health."

Neelima embodies her philosophy: "I've never wanted to box myself because it doesn't make sense. Intersectionality equals out of the box. We are defined by what is inward, inside, within us—not by how society looks at us."

As an Indian immigrant, engineer, entrepreneur, mother, and workforce development champion, she brings multiple perspectives to solving complex problems. Her refusal to choose just one identity became her business superpower.

Website: https://snapit.solutions
LinkedIn: Neelima Parasker
Also Co-founder: Lotus TMS, Inc. (trucking management software)

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset, an Employee Resource Group consulting firm, and founder of the 501c3 nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

This Podcast episode is essential listening for anyone feeling stuck in conventional career paths, scientists considering entrepreneurship, or professionals seeking to align their work with authentic purpose.

Want to Get Involved?

Apply to be on the podcast: Application Link

Join Immigrants in Corporate Non-Profit Community: Membership |

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What does it take to completely reimagine your career in a new country? Dr. Ekaette Joseph-Isang proves that it's never too late to bloom where you're planted—even when that means leaving medicine behind to become a transformation coach.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Ekaette shares her remarkable journey from practicing internal medicine in Nigeria to becoming a sought-after growth and transformation consultant in the US. Her story challenges every assumption about "safe" career paths and demonstrates how embracing your intersectional identity can become your greatest professional asset.

Dr. Ekaette Joseph-Isang is a healthcare executive and a growth and transformation consultant supporting individuals and organizations that are looking to embrace innovative growth paths. Her expertise in self-improvement and professional development has her curating training programs that are often described as "the most life-changing training" that the participants have had. A physician by training, an entrepreneur by passion, and a teacher by calling, she is highly sought after for her transformation coaching programs.

In her book "No Late Bloomers" coming out this August, she details the story of her midlife pivot when she immigrated to the US, and how she transmuted situations that could have been described as midlife crises to periods of transformation and elevation. Known for her life-changing program, the A.C.T.I.O.N Pathway, she uses the acronym ACTION to teach her clients how 6 bold moves could lead them to live up to their maximum potential.

Dr. Ekaette is also the founder of RiteBridge Consultants, specializing in Clinical Documentation Integrity, Risk Adjustment Solutions, and Value-based Care strategy for healthcare organizations.

Dr. Ekaette's identity spans multiple powerful intersections that inform her approach to transformation:

As she puts it: "All of these things come together to make me who I am. In that intersectionality, I have to balance my time, my responsibilities, and make sure no aspect of me gets left behind."

Dr. Ekaette provides rare insight into practicing medicine in Nigeria, where the doctor-to-patient ratio means physicians wear multiple hats. "As an internal medicine physician, I would be in the emergency room, I would man the emergency room, I would do minor procedures, stabilize patients, and also be the educationist," she explains.

The resource constraints meant developing exceptional diagnostic skills: "We understood signs and symptoms through what we call the IPPA way—inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Half the time, we made diagnoses without the help of equipment. It really sharpened our diagnostic acumen."

Dr. Ekaette's transition from clinical practice to healthcare policy began with a professor's challenge: "One of you should go do policy, because the reason doctors are suffering is because the policy makers are not clinical people." This sparked her move into healthcare administration and eventually her immigration to the US.

Upon arriving in America, instead of pursuing residency again, she discovered the CDC's Applied Public Health Informatics Fellowship during the transition to electronic health records. This became her entry point into the intersection of healthcare, technology, and policy.

Dr. Ekaette's signature framework provides a roadmap for career transitions and personal growth:

A - Analysis: "Analyze where you are in your career. Think of everything you've done—all your degrees, experiences, skills. Put it all down."

C - Clarity: "Gain clarity about who you are, your perspective, your natural inclinations, what you love to do. This is about self-awareness."

T - Transitioning: "Take training. Add technology. You must know the technological tools relevant to your field and in general."

I - Integration: "Bring it all together—your personality, your career, your training—so you can give yourself a name and say 'This is who I am.'"

O - Ownership: "Begin to tell your story through your resume, your pitch, your LinkedIn, your social media. Only you can tell that story."

N - Niching: "Define your unique space. Ten people may have the same degrees, but we're all different. Find what makes you uniquely valuable."

When asked about sharing a cultural dish with coworkers, Dr. Ekaette chose Ukang Ikong—a traditional Ibibio plantain porridge from her native Akwa Ibom State, made with half-ripe plantains and seafood proteins. "It's super unique. No other person cooks it," she says with pride about her tribe's culinary heritage.

Website: www.ritebridge.com
LinkedIn: Dr. Ekaette Joseph-Isang
Program Offer: The A.C.T.I.O.N. Pathway coaching program with a worksheet available for podcast listeners (connect with Dr Ekaette for details).

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset, an Employee Resource Group consulting firm, and founder of the 501c3 nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What happens when cutting-edge neuroscience meets precision engineering in the pursuit of human optimization? You get a revolutionary approach to health that's changing how high-performers think about their bodies and brains.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lola Adeyemo chats with Dr. Gina D'Andrea-Penna and Gil Acevedo, co-founders of Nexus Fitness, who are bringing scientific rigor to the fitness industry. Their unique backgrounds—shaped by neurodiversity, immigration, health challenges, and athletic transformation—have led them to create a holistic coaching platform specifically designed for STEM professionals who demand evidence-based solutions.

Gina D'Andrea-Penna is a neuroscientist and fitness coach who co-founded Nexus Fitness. During her PhD, she studied how health and lifestyle choices shape the brain, uncovering the powerful, cumulative impact of our daily habits on how we think, feel, and show up in the world. That research—alongside her own health and fitness journey—inspired her to launch a coaching business with her husband, Gil. Gina is passionate about helping others live more intentional, meaningful, and fulfilling lives, and she believes fitness is the foundation for doing exactly that.

Gil Acevedo is a Staff Software Engineer at Qualcomm and the co-founder of Nexus Fitness. With a background in Computer Science and a lifelong drive to grow stronger—physically, mentally, and professionally—Gil brings both technical precision and grit to everything he does. He's passionate about fitness, building tools that help people thrive, and creating impact through entrepreneurship. Whether he's writing code, lifting weights, or helping build a business alongside his wife, Gina, Gil is fueled by curiosity, discipline, and a vision for what's possible.

Growing up with an older sister with Down syndrome, Gina became a Special Olympics volunteer and unified partner, exposing her to the incredible resilience of people with disabilities. Her childhood was further shaped by her mother's work teaching ESL and her father's position at Gallaudet University, creating a household rich with diverse perspectives and cultures.

The intersection of being a young woman with celiac disease proved particularly formative. When doctors dismissed her symptoms as an eating disorder, she learned a crucial lesson: "Just because somebody's a medical professional doesn't mean they know what's best for you—you know your body the best." This experience would later inform her approach to personalized health coaching.

As a Mexican-American who immigrated back to the US at age 13, Gil understands the challenge of starting over in a new culture while maintaining cultural identity. His athletic career in track and cross-country came to an abrupt end with a permanent hamstring avulsion injury in high school—a setback that became a setup for discovering strength training and personal development.

Growing up in an immigrant household where his parents took demanding labor jobs that eventually harmed their health, Gil witnessed firsthand the cost of neglecting wellness. "When you don't have your health, that's all you want," he reflects, explaining the driving force behind his commitment to helping others prioritize their wellbeing.

Both founders experienced pivotal moments where personal health challenges became catalysts for helping others at scale. Gina's transition from long-distance running (and the injuries that ended that chapter) to strength training paralleled her academic shift from studying consciousness to investigating how daily habits shape brain function.

Gil's evolution from a shy teenager affected by bullying to a confident engineer demonstrates the transformative power of physical fitness: "Once I went to the gym and saw my body transforming, that enabled me to feel more confident—and that translates to showing up in the workplace, feeling confident to speak up and share your ideas."

What sets Nexus Fitness apart is their evidence-based understanding of the mind-body connection. As Gina explains from her research: "Your physical health and your day-to-day choices fundamentally shape how the brain works. You are not going to perform at your best at work if one of these pieces is falling apart."

Their holistic approach recognizes that true optimization requires attention to:

Gil addresses a common challenge in immigrant communities: "Growing up, we don't think about going to the gym if there's nothing wrong with you that the doctor asks you to work on. We see our parents work and work and work—there's no time for preventative care."

Gina highlights a critical insight: "The modern world has created an environment where it's so easy to make the unhealthy choice. We go for the path of least resistance, but we've created a situation where the path of least resistance is actually ruining our health in the long run."

Both founders emphasize how physical strength translates to professional confidence. Gil shares: "Everything is connected—work on yourself more than you work on anything else. How you show up physically affects how you perform mentally and professionally."

Their approach prioritizes individual needs over popular fitness trends: "Everyone is different—what works for one person may not work for another. You need to study your body and understand how you respond to different approaches."

Drawing from Gina's neuroscience background and Gil's engineering precision, Nexus Fitness focuses on creating systems that work within the constraints of demanding careers. They understand that STEM professionals need evidence-based approaches that fit into packed schedules and high-stress environments.

Their coaching methodology combines behavioral science with practical implementation, recognizing that knowledge without application is worthless. As Gil puts it: "The meaning you bring to things is what makes them powerful—whether it's your work, your health habits, or how you interact with the world."

Essential listening for STEM professionals seeking evidence-based wellness strategies, immigrants navigating cultural expectation

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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

What does it really mean to take a risk in your career? Dr. Stanley Lewis, founder and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, discovered that staying in a "safe" job was actually the riskiest move of all. His mentor's profound insight - "You risk never knowing what could be" - changed everything.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Lewis shares his evolution from practicing physician to biotech entrepreneur, driven by a desire to help populations of patients rather than individuals one at a time. From developing the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for HIV treatment to founding his own company focused on revolutionary cancer therapy, his journey demonstrates what happens when you align your career with your true purpose.

Dr. Stanley Lewis is the founder and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a targeted lytic peptide platform for treating cancer. Prior to founding A28 Therapeutics, he served as Chief Medical Officer at TaiMed Biologics, where he led the team that developed Trogarzo - the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for treating drug-resistant HIV disease.

Dr. Lewis earned his Medical Degree and Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. As a Black, cisgender, heterosexual male who identifies as neurodivergent, he brings multiple intersectional perspectives to his leadership in biotechnology. He's also a dedicated mentor who actively supports the next generation of diverse scientists entering the biotech space.

One of the most powerful stories in this episode revolves around the conversation that changed Dr. Lewis's career trajectory. When he was wrestling with whether to leave academic medicine for biotech, his mentor delivered wisdom that cuts to the heart of career decision-making:

"The more risky job is to stay at the university... You risk never knowing what could be."

When Dr. Lewis protested that he was successful and on the tenure track, his mentor made an observation that stopped him cold: "You're unhappy here." The proof? "Because you're asking me this question."

That night, Dr. Lewis wrote his resignation letter. Two years later, everything he feared happened - the biotech company was acquired and he was out of a job. But he never looked back, because that "risky" decision set him on a path to develop life-changing medications.

Dr. Lewis's shift from clinical practice wasn't just a career change - it was a fundamental reimagining of how he could serve patients. "I wanted to go beyond just helping one patient at a time and be able to help populations of patients," he explains. His public health training opened his eyes to this broader impact, but it was his frustration with toxic HIV medications that provided the catalyst.

"I would ask over and over, why don't we have better medications for treating these patients?" he recalls. "And then I realized, if someone's going to make better medications for these patients, it's going to need to be me."

Throughout his career transitions and drug development work, Dr. Lewis has refined three core principles that guide both his professional and personal decisions:

Dr. Lewis offers particularly valuable advice for professionals navigating career transitions and scientists considering entrepreneurship:

On Self-Discovery: "Only you know what makes you feel good, only you know what makes you feel alive and fulfilled. That's a personal question, and it requires a very personal inventory."

On Networking and Circulation: "Preparation is to performance as circulation is to luck. The more you circulate, the more favorable things will happen to you."

For Scientists of Color in Biotech: The funding landscape relies heavily on relationships and networking. "You cannot do it alone... You really do have to get out there and get to know folks."

On Evolution Over Safety: Don't fear career transitions or the unknown. Sometimes staying in an unfulfilling situation because it seems "safe" is actually the riskiest choice you can make.

Essential listening for anyone feeling stuck in conventional career paths, scientists considering entrepreneurship, or professionals seeking to align their work with authentic purpose.

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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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.

June and July - those pivotal months right between your year's ambitious start and when we accept that the year is ramping down. That means it's time for a career pulse check! In this timely solo episode, host Lola Adeyemo guides you through a three-part mid-year assessment designed to help you evaluate where you stand professionally and what adjustments you might need to make for the second half of the year.

Whether you're an individual contributor assessing your own career trajectory or a leader evaluating your team's health, this episode provides a practical framework for honest reflection and strategic planning during this crucial transition period.

Lola starts with the most fundamental question: Do you feel genuinely valued in your workplace? This isn't just about job satisfaction—it's about whether your unique perspective and contributions are recognized and appreciated.

For Individuals:

For Leaders:

Red Flags: Constant code-switching leading to exhaustion, having your input continuously re-evaluated, feeling like you need constant validation.

Green Flags: Different perspectives are actively sought, cultural insights are valued, energy around diverse contributions.

This check focuses on whether your professional development aligns with your authentic self and intersectional identities.

Key Questions:

For Leaders: What do your promotion criteria really reward? Are you creating intentional pathways for underrepresented groups on your team?

Lola introduces the concept of "intersectionality tax"—the emotional labor required when you're constantly code-switching or adjusting to fit in.

Individual Assessment:

Leader Assessment:

Lola explains her unique perspective on timing: the first five months are your initial sprint, June-July represent the transitional period, and August kicks off your final five-month push. This middle ground offers the perfect opportunity to recalibrate without the pressure of year-end evaluations or new-year resolution energy.

The episode concludes with practical next steps and an invitation to join Lola's communities for ongoing support:

This episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Because thriving in your career isn't just about advancement—it's about sustainable growth that honors all aspects of who you are.

Rate and review this podcast wherever you listen, and share your own mid-year insights with Lola 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.

💬 Share your thoughts: Have a thought or question about this episode? Send me a Fan Mail message directly on our Buzzsprout podcast page. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.

❤️ Support the show: If these conversations bring you value, consider becoming a supporter. Your support helps keep meaningful stories, diverse perspectives, and new conversations coming.

⭐ Help others discover the podcast: Follow, share, rate, or review the show.

📬 Continue the conversation: Read my companion reflections, After the Conversation, on Substack.

🌍 For immigrant and first-generation professionals: Join our free community at Immigrants in Corporate.

Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.