Navigated to 119: How to Lead When You’re “THE ONLY”

119: How to Lead When You’re “THE ONLY”

August 14
20 mins

Episode Description

Being “the only” in the room, the only woman, the only woman of color, the youngest person, the only one who thinks differently can be both an honor and a heavy responsibility. In this episode, I share how to navigate that experience while still earning respect, making an impact, and opening doors for others to join you at the table.

You’ll hear:

  • My personal journey of being “the only” from being born, my childhood to adulthood
  • The tug-of-war blending in with honoring yourself
  • 6 proven strategies to lead confidently as “the only” without burning bridges or betraying yourself.
  • How to be discerning about when to stay quiet, how to identify the right people to build relationships with and why you should take up space
  • Why your presence in the room isn’t just about you, it’s about representing voices that aren’t there yet.

Whether you’re leading a corporate team, running your own business, or navigating high-stakes rooms, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to not just survive as “the only,” but to thrive and influence change.

Where We Can Connect:
Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Check out our 314 client reviews
Follow the Podcast on Apple
Follow the Podcast on Spotify
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

See all episodes

Never lose your place, on any device

Create a free account to sync, back up, and get personal recommendations.