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Dr. Victoria Mattingly on Navigating Career, Identity, and Inclusion from the Inside Out

Two organizational psychologists walk into a bar in Portland, 2008.

The bartender? Dr. Victoria Mattingly—though she didn't have the "Dr." yet.

Fresh out of college during the Great Recession, she was pouring drinks to fund volunteer research work. That chance encounter became the pivot point of an extraordinary career—from serving drinks to earning a PhD, from corporate burnout to building her own consulting firm, from studying workplace inclusion to living it as a working mother, cancer survivor, mental health advocate, and alopecia warrior.

This conversation is for anyone navigating career uncertainty, trying to network authentically, or wondering how personal experiences can become professional assets.

The Intersectional Advantage

Dr. Mattingly's unique perspective comes from:

  • Working mother balancing executive leadership with family life
  • Cancer survivor bringing lived experience to workplace wellness
  • Mental health advocate who openly discusses her own burnout and lessons from the journey
  • Person with alopecia navigating visible differences in professional settings
  • Descendant of Polish immigrants navigated family name change
  • Bridge-builder between academic research and real-world organizational change

"Depending on the context, I can either be the ally and leverage my privilege, or be the partner and work with allies."

The Journey: From Bar to Boardroom

The Recession Years: Graduated 2008 into economic crisis. No jobs for psychology majors. Bartended at Portland's fanciest establishment to fund volunteer research—a detour that proved strategic.

The Career Catalyst: Two organizational psychologists at her bar connected her to a research lab. This taught her networking isn't about collecting contacts—it's about leveraging networks to fill gaps.

Building Expertise: PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Years in corporate consulting. Published author. Her latest book is "Act Like an Ally / Work with an Ally."

The Breaking Point: Burned out as an organizational psychologist. "I had to practice what I preach."

The Pivot: Founded Mattingly Solutions to create sustainable, human-centered consulting aligned with her values.

Key Insights

  • Strategic Networking is About Gaps, Not Contacts: "It's about leveraging each other's networks to fill the gaps that presently exist."
  • Cold Outreach Works When Done Right: Dr. V hired someone who posted a detailed cover letter in her website's contact form. The key? Genuine research and demonstrating value.
  • Your Detours Are Your Differentiators: That bartending job taught skills the traditional route never would.
  • Know Your Privilege AND Your Marginalization: "I can leverage my privilege as an ally, or work with allies where I experience marginalization. Both require different skills."
  • Bring Your Whole Self (Strategically): Personal experiences can become professional assets when shared authentically.
  • Burnout is Information, Not Failure: "The gap between what I knew intellectually and what I was living became my new mission."
  • Make Them Look Good: "People share their most valuable asset—their network. I had to deliver and make them look good for believing in me."

About Guest Dr. Victoria Mattingly

Organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and CEO of Mattingly Solutions. PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with 15+ years helping organizations build inclusive workplaces. Author of "Act Like an Ally / Work with an Ally" and co-author of "Inclusalytics: How DEI Leaders Use Data to Drive Their Work."

Connect with Dr. V

About the Host

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is an ERG strategist, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to building workplaces where people with layered identities can thrive. As CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc., she partners with HR, DEI, and business leaders to move inclusion from intention into impact through strategy, storytelling, and systems change. A Nigerian-born immigrant and mom, Lola blends research, real-world experience, and heart. On Thriving in Intersectionality, she spotlights voices and tools that help leaders—and everyday professionals—create meaningful, measurable belonging.

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