EP 116: Whole Human Leadership – Power, Identity, and the Path to the C-Suite

What does it take to lead at the highest levels — without losing yourself in the process? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Victoria Pelletier — corporate executive, board director, author, and public speaker — to explore what it truly means to lead as your whole self. Nicknamed the “Turnaround Queen” and “CEO Whisperer,” Victoria has spent more than two decades driving business transformation, leading global teams, and navigating the path to the C-suite. But behind the titles is a deeply human story of resilience, identity, and intentional growth. Victoria shares how her lived experiences — growing up in the child welfare system, overcoming early trauma, rising to executive leadership at 24, and navigating her identity as a queer leader and parent — shaped her leadership philosophy. Together, Lola and Victoria unpack: How childhood adversity can shape executive resilience The pressure of being the only woman — and the youngest — in the room Why armor might help you rise… but vulnerability helps you lead The evolution from “Iron Maiden” leadership to whole human leadership  How inclusive leadership drives performance — not the other way around Why board service matters and how to think about building a portfolio career This episode challenges the outdated belief that strength and empathy are mutually exclusive. Whole human leadership isn’t soft.It’s strategic.It’s sustainable.And it’s the future of leadership. About Victoria Pelletier Victoria Pelletier is a 20+ year corporate executive, board director, bestselling author, and professional public speaker. She has served as COO at 24, President at 35, and CEO at 41. She is the author of The Power of Whole Human Leadership and Influence Unleashed, and is passionate about helping organizations transform culture, leadership, and growth. Connect with Victoria:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/ Connect with Host Dr. Lola Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a speaker, consultant, and founder of EQI Mindset and Immigrants in Corporate. She partners with organizations to build cultures of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and inclusive workplace communities. Dr. Lola's Website: www.drlola-adeyemo.com   Dr Lola's Linkedin      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.