EP 107: Beyond Titles and Uniforms: The Layers of Leadership with Chris Thorne

In honor of Veterans Month, this episode celebrates service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership through a conversation that transcends military, corporate, and nonprofit spaces.

Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Chris Thorne, a U.S. Navy veteran turned business and community leader, to explore what leadership looks like beyond the uniform. Chris shares powerful lessons from his 30-year military career and his journey into executive leadership as CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber.

Together, they unpack the layers of identity, resilience, and community that shape purposeful leadership today. This conversation reminds us that every leader carries more than a title—they carry stories, intersections, and lived experiences that inform how they serve others.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

✅ How military service shapes purpose and leadership in civilian life
Chris reveals why he joined at 17, what kept him serving for three decades, and how those experiences translate into building thriving business communities.

✅ The power of community in building connection and legacy
Hear Chris's profound perspective: "Life is a terminal disease. Immortality is having a positive impact on others that grows long after you're gone—whether anyone remembers your name or not."

✅ Why intersectionality matters in leadership and belonging
From growing up in Arizona to becoming a Navy Corpsman running with Marines, Chris breaks down how we're all "blankets made of different fibers"—and why understanding that depth in others changes everything.

✅ Chris's transition from service to civic and business impact
The real story of transition—from stepping out of the Navy to leading HR consulting, standing up the Gary Sinise Foundation's San Diego presence, and becoming a chamber CEO.

✅ Advice for emerging professionals on self-belief and finding their place at the table
"I am so incredibly impressed with this next generation. You deserve to be in that room. You deserve your seat at that table. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

✅ The Chili Philosophy
Why Chris's signature slow-cooked, blazing-hot chili is the perfect metaphor for patient, intentional leadership.

About the Guest

Chris Thorne is the CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber and a retired U.S. Navy veteran. Named 2024 CEO of the Year for Business Nonprofit and recognized among San Diego's 500 Most Influential People for four consecutive years, Chris leads with a deep commitment to service, strategy, and community impact.

🔗 [North San Diego Business Chamber]
🔗 [Connect with Chris on LinkedIn]

About the Host

Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, speaker, and CEO of EQImindset, where she helps organizations build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change.

🌍 Learn more: www.lolaspeaker.com
💬 Connect with Lola on LinkedIn: [Dr. Lola Adeyemo]

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Join the Conversation

For HR & DEI Leaders: Need employee resource group(ERG) or business resource group support? Connect with Dr. Lola on LinkedIn for strategy, storytelling, and inclusive workplace community building.

For Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals: Join our free community at www.immigrantsincorporate.org for career support, networking, and resources with peers who understand your journey.

Your story matters. Keep thriving in your intersections.

Dr. Lola Adeyemo.