EP 113: Learn Back, Lead Forward: The Leadership Lessons Hidden in your Career Journey

  What if leadership isn’t about constantly pushing forward — but about pausing long enough to reflect? In this solo episode, Dr. Lola Adeyemo shares a simple framework that has shaped how she thinks about growth, career pivots, and impact: Learn back. Lead forward. Drawing on conversations with past guests and her own journey across science, consulting, and workplace inclusion strategy, Lola explores how the strongest leaders don’t just accumulate experience — they make meaning from it. Through three powerful stories, you’ll hear how curiosity, values alignment, and community responsibility shape sustainable leadership. If you’re entering a new season, considering a pivot, or rethinking what leadership looks like for you, this episode will help you move forward with intention. In this episode, we explore: Why reflection is a leadership skill How non-linear careers often lead to the greatest impact The difference between achievement and alignment Why leadership eventually becomes service to others 3 practical ways to design your next chapter intentionally Guests & conversations referenced Dr. Meklit Workneh From Ethiopia to Stanford to Moderna, Meklit shares how curiosity and courageous pivots shaped her path into biotech leadership and AI-driven clinical trials. 🎧 Listen: Dr.Workneh's Episode Link   Funmi Onamusi A people-first executive leader who models how values alignment — not title chasing — creates sustainable, integrated leadership.  🎧 Listen: Funmi's Episode Link   Ukeme Awakessien Jeter Engineer, lawyer, and mayor, Ukeme shares how belonging and representation inspired her to move from personal success to civic impact. 🎧 Listen: Mayor Ukeme's Episode Link   3 Takeaways to apply this week Audit the beliefs you’re still carrying Lead from integration — your lived experience is an asset Build community intentionally — leadership isn’t solo work Connect with Lola Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a speaker, consultant, and founder of EQI Mindset and Immigrants in Corporate, helping organizations build cultures of belonging through ERGs and workplace community strategy. Website: www.drlola-adeyemo.com  LinkedIn: @drlolaadeyemo Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.