Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organizational development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lola Adeyemo, Founder and CEO of EQImindset, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an Employee Resource Group (ERG) expert and an advocate for Immigrant Inclusion in the corporate workplace. I work with corporate organizations that are serious about DEI to personalize the impact for their employees through inclusive communities where underrepresented employees can truly belong and thrive. My company, EQImindset, partners with DEI leaders, HR, and Talent leaders to start and optimize their ERGs regardless of where they are on their journey. I also have non-profit immigrants in corporate inc., where I focus on an often excluded population in the corporate DEI conversations, Immigrants.
Tell us about yourself
My experiences motivate me. Prior to venturing fully into entrepreneurship, I worked in the corporate space across multiple global organizations. Employee Resource Groups were a huge part of my career in these spaces, but I was still struck by how little organizations invested in and supported these groups. I started as an ERG member, took on a leadership role, and have also worked as a part of corporate DEI and with data. I am inspired by ERG leaders every day, but I saw little to no focus on ERGs.
Many "DEI" consultants say I also "know" about ERGs, but I didn't see many businesses/consultants focused primarily on ERGs who have actually been part of ERGs. I am not a DEI consultant, I am an ERG Expert and Immigrant Advocate, and this drives the opportunities that I accept and the initiatives I run - impacting ERGs at every stage and building inclusion for immigrant professionals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The paid opportunities I have had and the organizations and ERGs I have gotten to impact have been great but starting and growing the community of cross-company employee resource groups (ERGs) has been amazing. Connecting and empowering the corporate intrapreneurs who go above and beyond in their companies has been a win-win!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The unknown. As someone moving from a full-time corporate platform where your paycheck is constant, it's scary being in an entrepreneurial space where you have to balance the passion with the bills/fixed cost.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Unique You, Unique Journey - start where you are.
- Don't be afraid to evolve. Re-evaluate your offer as you speak to your target clients and make changes.
- Some things are worth investing in if it aligns with your focus for that season.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eqimindset.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lola.adeyemo1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eqimindset/
https://www.instagram.com/immigrantsincorporate/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EqiMindset
https://twitter.com/Lola_DEI_Author
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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