Meet Audley Stephenson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Audley Stephenson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Audley, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

It is always important to reflect on the diverse experiences that shape our journeys, especially for those of us who often find ourselves as the only Black person in the room. I’ve lost count of the meetings, conferences, and social gatherings where I felt alone in my identity—an experience that is far from unique. Many of us navigate spaces where we are the sole representation of our race. While this can be isolating, it also offers incredible opportunities for growth and success. For this reason, we must have the audacity to courageously step into these spaces with boldness. The outcome, however, depends on the mindset we choose to adopt.

A key aspect of navigating these spaces successfully is cultivating unwavering confidence. Being the only one who looks like you can trigger feelings of self-doubt or impostor syndrome. However, embracing the belief that your voice message, or brand holds significant value can radically transform the way you feel. Instead of viewing yourself as not belonging, consider your unique perspective as an invaluable asset that others need to hear.

I liken confidence to a snowball; the more you engage in challenging situations, the larger it grows. Each time I step into a room, I do something called celebrating my wins. I remind myself of my strengths, accomplishments and significant moments that brought me to the point I’m at now. When I focus on my own audaciousness, the feelings of inadequacy start to melt away and I feel empowered to share my insights boldly. When you walk in with confidence, you not only uplift yourself but also inspire those around you to listen and engage.

Let’s also bear in mind that each one of us brings a distinctive set of experiences and insights to the table and those experiences have helped shape and mold us into the person we are today. As the only one in the room who looks like me, I possess a unique viewpoint that can illuminate issues others might overlook or offer creative perspectives that weren’t considered. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I embrace my identity with audacity. My background provides me with insights that can enrich discussions and drive innovation which is why diversity and inclusion has such incredible potential.

In many of my podcast interviews, I’ve made it a point to share my perspective openly, often drawing parallels between my experiences and the topics at hand. This not only adds depth to the conversation but also provides an opportunity for others to draw parallels and connect. Our perspective isn’t an everyday viewpoint; it’s an opportunity to increase the perspective of others while serving as catalyst for change.

Effective communication is crucial for ensuring that your voice resonates, even in situations where you may feel outnumbered. Clarity, assertiveness, and confidence are essential components. I’ve learned to articulate my thoughts succinctly and powerfully, using data and real-world examples to support my points.

However, it’s important to remember that communication is a two-way street. Being an active listener and asking the right questions—free of judgment—can elicit meaningful responses. This approach not only engages others but also highlights the value of my contributions.

When I communicate boldly, I foster an environment where my ideas can thrive. It’s about being unapologetic in sharing my insights and encouraging others to explore new perspectives.

It’s crucial to reflect on the legacy of those who came before us—trailblazers like Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and Toni Morrison—who faced similar challenges yet thrived against the odds. Their stories remind us that our presence matters and that we have the power to influence change.

In conclusion, being the only Black person in the room can be a daunting experience, but it also presents an incredible opportunity for growth and empowerment. By cultivating confidence, leveraging our unique perspectives and communicating effectively we can transform what might initially feel like isolation into an audacious powerful platform for success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Audley is a speaker, podcaster and coach. He’s a dynamic force in the self-development space, inspiring individuals to live their best and most audacious lives. His commitment to excellence and genuine desire to help others set him apart as a true catalyst for positive change. With an infectious enthusiasm, Audley encourages people to break through their limitations and embrace boldness in their personal and professional journeys. He’s the host of the Audacious Living Podcast*, which he has been running since 2020. Through this platform, he shares inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and practical advice aimed at helping listeners embrace their audacity and pursue their passions.

The podcast features a diverse range of guests, including thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their dreams. Each episode delves into personal journeys, offering valuable lessons and actionable takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own lives.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities/skills would be my resilience, being able to effectively communicate with others and always remaining curious and open to continuous learning.

Being resilient has always been important to me because it’s allowed me to bounce back from the inevitable setbacks that life presents. Resilience allowed me to navigate difficulties without losing sight of my goals. I would encourage individuals to cultivate a growth mindset which will allow failures to be seen as learning opportunities and turn obstacles into stepping stones.

I don’t believe in the notion that we’re self-made individuals. Every single one of us has gotten help or assistance from others and the ability to convey ideas clearly and connect with others is vital. Communication isn’t a one way street so practice being an active listener as a way of connecting with others. Seek feedback on your communication style.

A willingness to learn and adapt is essential for personal growth. Staying open to new ideas and experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe it’s important to strike a balance between leveraging strengths and working on weaknesses. Focusing on strengths can lead to greater success and fulfillment, as people are often more engaged and motivated when they do what they excel at. However, ignoring weaknesses can hold us back in certain situations.

For instance, I once worked on a team where each member had distinct strengths. One colleague was amazing at creative thinking but struggled with organization. While we all played to our strengths, we encouraged her to develop her organizational skills. Over time, she improved and was able to contribute even more effectively, which benefited the entire team.

In another case, I focused solely on my strengths in a project, neglecting my public speaking skills. When the time came to present our work, I struggled, which affected the overall impact of our presentation. This experience taught me that while it’s great to excel in certain areas, enhancing weaker skills can provide a more robust foundation for success.

In summary, I feel that both approaches are valuable. Focusing on strengths can drive success, but investing in weaknesses is equally important for personal development and achieving well-rounded capabilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bestaudaciouslife.com
• Instagram: @TheAudman
• Linkedin: Audley Stephenson
• Twitter: Theaudman
• Youtube: [email protected]