EP 113: Learn Back, Lead Forward: The Leadership Lessons Hidden in your Career Journey
Fri Feb 06 2026
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
More
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