What if becoming a better leader isn't about having more answers, but learning to ask better questions?

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo welcomes Mike Lynch, leadership advisor, executive coach, author, and founder of MJL Consulting Group, for a conversation about identity, curiosity, career transitions, and the experiences that shape how we lead.

Mike's journey is anything but conventional. From ski instructor and whitewater rafting guide to boarding school teacher, 25 years in corporate HR leadership, and eventually launching his own consulting practice, each chapter challenged him to learn and adapt. Living and leading internationally also helped him recognize that his version of normal wasn't necessarily everyone else's.

Together, Dr. Lola and Mike explore what it means to look beyond our own experiences, recognize the influence of identity and privilege, and move from good intentions to meaningful leadership action.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Mike's unconventional career shaped his approach to leadership.
• Why curiosity and learning agility matter during career transitions.
• What living and leading internationally taught him about culture and perspective.
• How our identities influence what we notice—and what we overlook.
• Why well-intentioned leaders sometimes stay silent during difficult workplace conversations.
• What it takes to move beyond passive allyship toward active participation.
• Why leaders must become comfortable admitting what they don't know.
• Mike's advice for professionals navigating their careers and defining success.

One takeaway:

Better leadership begins when we stop assuming our perspective is the complete picture and start asking what we might be missing.

About Mike Lynch

Mike Lynch is a leadership advisor, executive coach, and founder of MJL Consulting Group. With more than 30 years of HR and leadership experience, including executive roles at Capital One, he helps leaders build more inclusive workplace cultures. He is the author of From Ally to All-In: The Five Stages of Moving Beyond Privilege and Becoming a More Inclusive Leader.

Connect with Mike:

• LinkedIn
• MJL Consulting Group
• Free Ally to All-In Self-Assessment Guide

Connect with Dr. Lola Adeyemo

Follow Thriving in Intersectionality for conversations about identity, career journeys, workplace experiences, and leadership.

• Connect with Dr. Lola on LinkedIn
• Explore Dr. Lola's website

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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.

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