EP 115: Unburnable Ambition — An Immigrant Leader’s Perspective on Burnout, Tech & Sustainable Success

What does ambition look like when you’re navigating identity, immigration, and leadership — all at once?

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with award-winning author, tech leader, and podcast host Sheekha Singh to explore immigrant ambition, women in tech, burnout, and redefining success beyond hustle culture.

Born and raised in India, educated in the United States, and now based in Canada, Sheekha brings a global immigrant lens to leadership and high performance.

She is the author of:

• Unburnable Ambition — a practical, reflective guide for overachievers who want to win without burning out.

• The IT Girl — winner of the 2021 Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award (Gold) in Technology/Engineering.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The immigrant perspective on burnout
• Cultural expectations and pressure to succeed
• Women in tech and representation gaps
• H1B transitions and cross-border leadership journeys
• Why overcompensating leads to exhaustion
• How to advocate for yourself without playing the victim
• Boundaries as a leadership skill

Sheekha’s core belief:
Ambition doesn’t have to cost you your peace.

If you are an immigrant professional, a first-generation leader, a woman in tech, or someone navigating layered identities in the workplace, this episode will resonate.

🔗 Connect with Shika Singh

Podcast: Rise and Tell with Shika
Books: The IT Girl and Unburnable Ambition
Website: shikasingh.com

🔗 Connect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlolaadeyemo/
Website: Www.Drlola-Adeyemo.com

Belonging isn’t just a bonus — it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth.