What do you do when no one else in the company or the meeting looks like you? We asked entrepreneurs and creatives from across industries and geographies to share their experiences and advice.

Livi Southard

First things first: Student mentality. Never drop your student mentality and your passion to learn. As long as you are willing to learn and WANT to learn you will always be putting forth the best work you can do. My other advice is, really stand your ground. I have been on many sets where I was the only Femme presenting crew member, or the only lgbtq+ person there. Never think that because you are different that your work is valued any less. I’ve always believed that being different and standing out gives you an advantage that other people don’t have: Read More>>

Sion Kwak

When I first introduced my Korean-inspired style in the U.S., I aimed to create works that reflected my unique interpretation and color palette. At first, I was concerned about how my style would be received in a new environment. However, from the very beginning, many people appreciated the stories, meanings, and emotions I wanted to convey, showing great interest in my work. Read More>>

Ivy James

Being the only one in the room that looks like me is something I’ve experienced almost constantly. I am always the youngest person in any professional setting and usually one of- if not the only female there as well. I’ve learned I have to hold myself to a different standard, always striving to act professionally and on my best behavior. I show up on time, ready to work and most of all PREPARED. Whether it be showing up to a writing session with lyrics, melodies, and ideas ready to go… or with an already warmed up voice on a long recording day. Being prepared is my number one. Read More>>

Josefa Shields

I learned being successful by paying attention to my surroundings, learning from mistakes, and taking note on what works for me as a person and as a business owner. I look through the cracks on what ever it is I’m trying to accomplish. Self reflection works for me as well because I can go back and think what has work for me to become successful. Read More>>

Yuanhao Zhang

Being the only one in the room has taught me to focus on my craft and let my work speak for itself. Growing up in a small town on the east coast of China, where the film industry wasn’t a thing, the internet became my gateway to cinema. I spent most time with myself in my bedroom researching and experimenting. YouTube allowed me to explore and learn about filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and cinematography, which fueled my passion. Honestly I was just having fun at the time.  Read More>>

Beth Hilbing

As an executive woman in leadership in many different companies and roles and techology I have been the only female in the room on many occasions and it present unique challenges. Drawing from personal experiences, I have learned several key strategies to thrive in such situations:

Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Leverage the distinct viewpoints that come from your background. Your insights can enrich discussions and lead to innovative solutions. Read More>>

Linda Du

For most of my life, I’ve been the only one in the room who looked like me—whether as a Chinese person growing up in Europe or as a woman in male-dominated fields. At primary school in the UK, I was the only Chinese student. Later, at Cambridge University, I was the only woman in my year studying engineering at my residential college. Read More>>

Scott Bleu Studios

As co-founders of Scott Bleu Studios, Paula Scott Muniz and Bleu Pablo make it a point to be confident and assertive, understanding that being the only ones in the room who look like them can be both a challenge and an opportunity. They have learned to navigate these spaces by leaning into their authenticity and recognizing the value of their perspectives. Read More>>

Renny Goh

Asian representation in mainstream music has grown, but it’s still uncommon to see someone like me—a Singaporean Chinese—in this industry. I don’t see that as a limitation; instead, I focus on what I bring to the table—my unique background, perspective, and approach to music.

Professionalism always comes first—being reliable, respectful, and delivering quality work. I don’t fixate on blending in or standing out; I let my work speak for itself. Adding value is what matters, and my background allows me to contribute in meaningful ways. I take the time to understand an artist’s influences, their story, and the meaning behind their music, ensuring cultural elements are represented authentically and intentionally. Read More>>

Kangel Quynh

As a Vietnamese-American woman who immigrated to the U.S. when I was just 4 years old, I’ve always had to navigate spaces where I didn’t always see someone who looked like me in. As a small business owner, I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and use it as my strength. I’ve always believed that authenticity is key. Being blonde and wearing a lot of pink may set me apart in the room, but it’s also a reflection of who I truly am—someone who’s unapologetically herself, and who’s proud of being a woman. Read More>>

Shamim Shoomali

I’m an artist at a tech university and often feel isolated. However, I realize everyone can feel isolated, even in familiar settings, until they discover the right way to communicate. Therefore, I remind myself to be approachable and kind because, in essence, this is the first time for all of us to navigate life. Read More>>

Michelle Mars

I immigrated to the midwest of the United States when I was five, with no knowledge of the language or culture. Growing up was, therefore, a training ground of navigating and overcoming being different. I refused to dim my connection with my culture or community despite at times experiencing judgement, bullying, or even direct xenophobia. The clothes I bought and wore from my country of origin, the food I would bring for school lunch, and quirks in my personality were all things open for derision or at the very least microaggressions. Read More>>

M.j. Pippens

It wasn’t always easy. Over time I learned that I was unique and different so I just accepted it. I had to learn it first. Then I had to accept what I learned about myself. Because I will never wake up anyone else. That’s one of my favorite sayings that I live by. I will never wake up anyone else. So I embraced every little part of me, even the parts that made me different. Eventually it did become easy. When you know who you are, nothing can really stop you from doing much in this life. As a result, walking into rooms and commanding the room became natural for me…even when I wasn’t trying.  Read More>>

Avik Pandey

Such a relevant question. My thoughts:

1. Assume that it’s a level playing field and ask yourself, “on merit alone, am I the best in this room?”.

If not, get to work. Your craft comes first. Devote yourself to it fully.

In my opinion, to focus on what’s out of my control before maximizing what IS can foster a defeatist mindset, one I’ve harbored in the past – “no matter how good I am at my job, I’ll not succeed because I’m Indian”. Debilitating, exaggerated, and a perfect way to shoot yourself in the foot. Read More>>

Caroline Haidar

Being the only one in the room has actually been an advantage. It gave me the drive to build something from the ground up—turning a simple idea into a thriving business that now generates a six-figure income. As the founder of Nasma of NY, I created a space that didn’t exist before, one that not only teaches Levantine Arabic but also preserves and celebrates Arab culture in a way that is accessible, engaging, and community-driven. Read More>>

Sarina Lora Davidson

My mother, Cindy Ramos-Davidson, has always been a force of nature—a trailblazer who shattered barriers and paved the way for others in the business community. As the longtime leader of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she dedicated her career to championing small businesses, advocating for economic empowerment, and creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she taught me, through both words and actions, that success isn’t given—it’s earned through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up. Read More>>

Cherisa Sisneros

Being true to myself and my values. Being humble in the face of fire. Not allowing the darkness to take me back. Not allowing people or situations to take me out of my character. Controlling my thoughts and emotions. Knowing that I deserve better. I have to give myself better. Love myself. No one is going to rescue me! No one is going to do the work for me. If you want to be successful you got to put in the work to be successful and be willing to take risks.  Read More>>

Weiling Pan

Being the only one in the room can be intimidating, but I’ve learned to turn it into a strength. As an immigrant and an artist, I’ve often felt like an outsider, but that perspective has shaped my creativity and made my work unique. Instead of trying to fit in, I focus on embracing what makes me different—my background, my experiences, and my artistic voice. Read More>>

Christopher Davis

Surrounding yourself with supportive people and seeking out mentors who understand your journey can also make a huge difference. Plus, finding ways to connect with others who share similar experiences, even if they’re not in the same room, can help you feel less alone. Read More>>

Keayanna Anderson

Being a Black woman, I rarely see people who look like me in many of the restaurants, bars, and events I attend, and the same goes for the content creator space in Austin. Diversity here has always been lacking, so navigating that reality has been a learning process. Over time, I’ve realized that simply showing up and taking up space is a powerful statement in itself. Read More>>

Jennifer Puig

I have learned to be effective and successful through my innate quality to “always go the extra mile” and give it my all with love and passion. I have always embraced diversity and all cultures, thanks to being born and raised in the island of Dominican Republic. My mother at a very early age, modeled appreciating the arts as a form of expression and learning, as well as to appreciate all people. Despite some of the bullying that would occur in school, my mother always taught me how to embrace all parts of me, reminding me that we are all born unique, and as “one of a kind”.  Read More>>