Inevitably you will find yourself in a room where no one else is like you. They might not look like you, speak like you, pray or love like you or think like you. Managing to be effective in all contexts is an essential part of your journey towards reaching your full potential and so we asked some brilliant members of the community to share their stories and advice.

Dr. Tristaca McCray

There have been countless moments of stepping into spaces where no one looked the same, a woman of color standing tall, the only one carrying lived experience as a badge of honor, the youngest voice in a room full of noise. In those moments, the weight of being “the only one” was undeniable, but so was the power. Being different isn’t something to hide. It’s a radiant declaration of purpose. It’s not a disadvantage; it’s a divine design. The presence that once felt alone now walks in with authority, not just to be seen, but to shift the atmosphere that God has called me to do. Read More>>

Jasna Bhayani

Being the only one in the room who looks like me can be daunting at times, but I see it as a chance to embrace my uniqueness and uplift others. I’ve learned to harness my voice and my story to share the richness of diverse perspectives within our industry. My goal is not just to succeed personally, but to inspire fellow women in the community to embrace their authenticity. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to shine. It’s about building connections, fostering understanding, and elevating each other as we navigate this journey. Read More>>

Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt

Being the only one in the room has never intimidated me—it’s sharpened me. I’ve learned to transform isolation into influence by bringing my full, unapologetic self to every space I enter. I prepare thoroughly, lead with excellence, and let my results speak before I ever have to. Over time, I’ve realized that representation isn’t just about presence—it’s about power, and how you choose to use your voice. Read More>>

Glenn Marsden

Being the only one in the room” , it’s a powerful place to be, but it’s not always a comfortable one. I learned early on that when you’re not invited to the table, you don’t wait for the invitation, you build your own.

I realised that if I kept waiting for someone to open a door, I could be standing still for years. So I got to work creating the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign, my philanthropic endeavours in aims to change the narrative around mental health one story at a time, not because I had all the resources, but because I had a message and a mission I refused to keep quiet. That opened doors I never imagined: from media to boardrooms to international stages. Read More>>

Harriet Tam

Ever since college when I moved to America from Hong Kong, I have never been able to find someone who’s in the same unique situation I am in. It was scary at first and many people have made me feel inferior – they thought I was the intern or the receptionist, questioned my ability as an engineer/ producer, or even harassed me simply because of pure bigotry. Read More>>

Marc Fleming

Over the years I have learned how to embrace being the only one in room. When you show up to an event or meeting and people ask if you are lost, or if they can help, leaves you feeling shocked and maybe angry. However, I learned to embrace it and oddly look forward to it. Realizing that I was not the one the problem and more importanlty, I am showing up in these places because my job title or my manager has the confidence in me to thrive in the environment. In my role, I am often the only one in the room. Read More>>

Liliana Aranda

Therein lies the answer: being the only one who looks like me is an advantage, never a disadvantage for defending success and effectiveness. I have always known that I’m very different.

A well-blended mix of cultures, backgrounds, experiences, professional and personal challenges that form my personality and characteristics that make me a “one and done” individual. Because I am so unusually designed, I use my rare creative energy to be a master at problem-solving. I use my one-of-a-kind perspective to innovate, design, and disrupt common business challenges.  Read More>>

Kyung Lee

I grew up in a small town in Florida and to say the least, diversity was not at the forefront. I have always felt out of place, disconnected, and dare I say in a constant fight or flight seeking belongness. Maybe it was the need of proving myself because being different meant to be spectacular. Maybe it was the drive of wanting to represent more people who looked like me by pushing myself to rise up. Read More>>

Beth Wilson-Parentice

Early in my journey as a founder—especially as a woman in the CPG and male-dominated beverage space—I often found myself in rooms where I was the only woman, the only mother, the only one who didn’t come from money or an Ivy League background. I walked into pitch meetings where I was expected to shrink myself to fit someone else’s version of what a “founder” should look like.

But here’s what I learned: being the only one in the room isn’t a disadvantage. It’s a signal that you have a unique story, perspective, and voice—and that’s your power. I didn’t need to blend in. I needed to stand in my truth. Read More>>

Mikey

By working on my social power, I have learned to be effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me. I’ve been branding since early 2012 when I first started my dancing career. Back then I used to have colored hair, blues, reds, and greens. My hair is my fashion tool. No matter where I go or what I’m doing, people stare at me. I can’t pass, unseen or un-watched, it doesn’t matter if they know me or not.  Read More>>