EP 120: Unapologetically You — Identity, Leadership, and Career Decisions with Sabrina Parsons

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Sabrina Parsons to explore how leadership is shaped through identity, lived experience, and the moments that challenge how we see ourselves in the workplace.

Sabrina shares her journey from growing up between Mexico and the United States to leading as CEO of Palo Alto Software, reflecting on how her bicultural identity shaped her sense of belonging, voice, and leadership over time. Navigating spaces where her identity was often misunderstood, she learned to move from questioning where she fit… to owning who she is without apology.

Through her story, we explore the intersection of identity, career decision-making, and leadership development—and how pivotal moments, like choosing discomfort or rejecting expected paths, can redefine the trajectory of a career.

This conversation offers a deeper look at how leadership is not only built through experience, but through how we interpret the environments we move through—and the choices we make within them.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How bicultural identity shapes belonging, voice, and leadership

• The experience of navigating spaces where identity is not immediately visible

• The shift from questioning identity to owning it unapologetically

• Sabrina’s “elevator moment” and how it changed her career path

• Why career paths are often shaped by decisions that don’t make sense at the time

• The importance of relationships and human connection in career growth

• Why showing up consistently is often more important than perfection

• How risk-taking early in your career can shape long-term success

• The evolving expectations of leadership across generations

• Navigating leadership as a working parent without compromising your values

About the Guest

Sabrina Parsons is the CEO of Palo Alto Software, where she has helped millions of entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses. She also serves as Chair of the Oregon Growth Board, contributing to statewide economic strategy.

Born in Mexico City and raised between cultures, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to leadership shaped by her bicultural identity, experience as a woman in tech, and journey as a working parent. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations build with intention, clarity, and purpose.

About the Podcast

Thriving in Intersectionality explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today’s workplace.

Through conversations and reflections, Dr. Lola Adeyemo uncovers the insights, challenges, and leadership lessons that shape how professionals navigate, lead, and build impact within organizations.

Each episode invites leaders to define intersectionality in their own words—and reflect on how their layered identities influence how they show up in their work.

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