EP 115: Unburnable Ambition — An Immigrant Leader’s Perspective on Burnout, Tech & Sustainable Success

What does ambition look like when you’re navigating identity, immigration, and leadership — all at once? In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with award-winning author, tech leader, and podcast host Sheekha Singh to explore immigrant ambition, women in tech, burnout, and redefining success beyond hustle culture. Born and raised in India, educated in the United States, and now based in Canada, Sheekha brings a global immigrant lens to leadership and high performance. She is the author of: Unburnable Ambition — a practical, reflective guide for overachievers who want to win without burning out. The IT Girl — winner of the 2021 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award (Gold) in Technology/Engineering. In this conversation, we explore: • The immigrant perspective on burnout • Cultural expectations and pressure to succeed • Women in tech and representation gaps • H1B transitions and cross-border leadership journeys • Why overcompensating leads to exhaustion • How to advocate for yourself without playing the victim • Boundaries as a leadership skill Sheekha’s core belief: Ambition doesn’t have to cost you your peace. If you are an immigrant professional, a first-generation leader, a woman in tech, or someone navigating layered identities in the workplace, this episode will resonate. 🔗 Connect with Shika Singh Podcast: Rise and Tell with Shika Books: The IT Girl and Unburnable Ambition Website: shikasingh.com 🔗 Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/Website: Www.Drlola-Adeyemo.com Belonging isn’t just a bonus — it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth. 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.