Tolulope Oke's journey is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and backing yourself when the world tells you to settle.

From being the only Black woman at Cambridge's oldest college to becoming a Global Head of Inclusion at Amazon and now CEO of The Inclusive Experience Group, Tolu shares the raw truth about what it takes to lead while Black in corporate spaces that weren't built for you.

This conversation unpacks the real cost of excellence, why imposter syndrome is a scam designed to keep women doubting themselves, and how she learned to negotiate like a white man while staying true to her purpose. Tonulope opens up about the cycles of burnout, the disillusionment with DEI work, and why she still chooses to do this work despite everything.

🎙 In this episode:

• Growing up as a quadruplet and finding identity outside of being "one of four"

• The moment at Cambridge when she was referred to as "that Black girl" - and what she did about it

• Why your 70% might be someone else's 100% - and the dangerous trap that creates

• Walking away from roles on principle and demanding 40-50% pay rises

• The hidden cost of leading while Black: from self-abandonment to mental health

• Why "grateful for crumbs" mentality stops you from getting your bread

• How chaos creates opportunity to set order in the DEI space

💡 Key insights:

"Life is a game based on how many cards you have in your hand. Some people are born with more cards, others with a full deck."

"Imposter syndrome is a scam to keep women doubting themselves."

"What would a white man do? Do that, but proceed with caution."

"You're learning a new job and the job is learning you - give yourself grace."

Connect with Tonulope Okay

• The Inclusive Experience Group

• LinkedIn

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