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.
Risa Jenkins
From kindergarten I knew being different would be a challenge. I start there because my family’s church had various standards concerning dress code which automatically made me stick out like a sore thumb! I stood out in church because I couldn’t conform to their rules, I stood out in H.S. with my sexuality while others was still trying to figure theirs out, I stood out in social settings and even within my family. Changing who I was to fit in became a daunting task so being successful and effective was a skill I had no choice in acquiring if I wanted to be heard. Read More>>
Jennifer Dawn Gabiola
How I have learned to be successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me is by knowing that I am rare which is my greatest power and gift. I AM 1 of 1 because I have been divinely chosen by God to BE me here on this earth at this transformational time to help the collective consciousness evolve. When I show up fully and authentically as me, that is a sacred act of service to give what I am divinely equipped to give. When I am deeply connected with my Spirit, adorn myself in what gives me life and fully share my presence and energy, I help activate others to freely BE their true selves. It is through my authenticity that I can create real and lasting change on other people’s lives. In bravely embodying my own truth, I can help others to fully express their own. We are meant to help each other evolve in this lifetime, so the more I allow my Spirit to continually expand, I am able to serve others to also rise into their highest next level. Read More>>
Anne Drane
I grew up in Kenya. It never occurred to me that I was black or that any part of me makes me “less than” or different. My mother was big on letting us know we can achieve absolutely anything we put our minds to. I always had the self-confidence and esteem to be true to myself and be authentic. It was instilled in me as a child. The women in my family were encouraged to go to college and follow their dreams. That said, in African cultures, women come second to men. You can achieve as much as your husband is comfortable with. When I moved to the USA, I knew that any cultural barriers were lifted, and I was free to do as much or as little as I wanted. I could be myself. My attitude towards being the only person in the room that looks and sounds like me is positive. It helps me stand out, it brews curiosity, it gives people a reason to approach me and gives me an opportunity to talk about our mission and our initiatives. Being different makes the world more interesting. Read More>>
Zelossie
To be in a room, where you are the only one who you looks like you, truly allows you to step into your own autonomy in ways unimaginable. You’re learning to stand strong through all projections, real or imagined and to really decipher your role in that space. To be the only one in the room that looks like me lets me know that there is a ton of work to still be done in that profession and/or in that space. Because I take ownership and accountability for myself and the role my actions play in my life, I can more easily assess what I need to do for myself in those spaces or that which would make it easier for others that look like me to exist in that space. I feel empowered to be the person to bridge the gap. I guess that has more to do with the conviction of myself though. Read More>>
Karen Hatcher
Being the only one like me in a room has both challenged and inspired me. I’ve embraced these moments for personal and professional growth, showcasing my unique perspective while respecting diverse thoughts. In such situations, I exhibit resilience, adaptability, and open-mindedness, which helps me navigate new environments and build meaningful connections. Read More>>
Eric Six
I really like this question. Gosh… uhm… I would have to say I’m the most effective or successful when I am my most authentic self, within a room. This authentic self did not come naturally; it took a lot of time to get to this point. I used to go into a room and truly not know who I was as a person or even as a performer. Honestly, I would get lost in the process. I would just become another “submission” that needed to be seen throughout audition processes. Once I started to strip away “social norms’ or “social masks” that were instilled upon me within my youth, things changed. I found the true “Eric Six” and that is when I started to book more roles. In my field, the more “human” you are, the more “authentic” you become on film and within your personal life. It’s a beautiful journey once you get to the other side of authenticity. It’s been a cool journey and the personal growth I’ve seen within myself has left me speechless at times because I am like “woah, who is this new fella taking over” hahaha. Read More>>
Christen Ball
Up until recently, I thought I had to change the genre/style of songs I write to be more accessible…but the truth is, people are attracted to authenticity. So, I have chosen to embrace my uniqueness and let it work for me instead of against me. If I lean into who I really am and how I want to sound, people are drawn to the authenticity of it all because it’s real. I also believe that deep down, people are hungry for something different. So…those of us who are different actually have the advantage after all. Read More>>
Liz Miller
Shonda Rhimes calls it being FOB: first. only. black. This is often my case as a black female in the art world and art education. In Baltimore, it helps because the city is 60% african american so there are ‘less’ spaces where I feel as though I am misunderstood. However, my art practice is social justice based so education and being a trailblazer are built into the profession. As a filmmaker, the stats are against me with black filmmakers being only 10% of the industry and women filmmakers being 5% of the industry. I find it important to band together with others of similar demographics for support and to collaborate on occasion. Read More>>
Anjali Nair
In some of the past job titles I’ve held, I was among the minority or perhaps the only one in the room who looked or sounded like me. I’m an Immigrant, brown girl who is a senior Marketing professional and an entrepreneur. There were several biases and barriers to entry for me given that I was basically a foreigner who had very little cultural and socio economic reference to how things worked in America. Read More>>
Dassah Mariee
I have always been the black sheep my whole life. It only become more prominent the older I got. In the area I currently live in isn’t so diverse, so I don’t tend to see a lot of people like myself. Especially business owners. So I try my best to be effective and successful so those who are like me have someone to look to to give them motivation to go after their dreams. Or to start that project they have been procrastinating on. I know for me I had others who were influential to me that made me want to go and achieve anything I put my mind to. I hope to be that for someone one day. Read More>>
Jordan Smith
I have been over 6 feet tall since I was 13 years old and am now 6 foot 4 inches tall. As a woman, this has caused extreme difficulties in many aspects of life. The biggest challenges have been dating and confidence but most importantly has been clothing. I have had to buy men’s clothing to get pants that are long enough, had clothing made for me and more often simply settled for ill-fitting clothes. As a young woman who grew up in a conservative small town, shorts and skirts were never long enough so I was forced to wear clothing that wasn’t in style for my age and caused me embarrassment and low self-confidence. Sports really helped me with my confidence and I leaned in hard to sportswear. I wore men’s tee shirts and basketball shorts and settled for jeans in the men’s department. As I started to get more interested in boys, I wanted a more feminine look so took to sewing classes to learn to make clothes that fit my body. Over the years, athletics helped me learn that being tall was very helpful and that my body was strong and beautiful. It took many years and maturity to realize that people’s opinions or mean comments had nothing to do with me. I now am able to help women with the clothing challenge and it gives me so much joy to hear that women all around the world find joy and confidence wearing my tall clothing brand. Read More>>
Sheila Dedenbach
As a woman CEO since 2008, the California Cannabis industry has presented both challenges and opportunities throughout my journey. Over time, I have learned valuable lessons and developed strategies to be effective and successful in many situations. Read More>>
Ja Harlin
I truly believe that comes when you put your heart into what you do. My music and brand is a representation of me and people are attracted to it because they can see and feel my authenticity and can relate to it. I’m not tryna separate myself instead just share my story. Read More>>
Ali Hopson
In the film industry, being a woman of color and often being the only one in the room can present unique challenges. I am passionate about my career and the paths that I am advancing in, but it has not been straight and easy. Everyone’s stories and experiences are different and mine is filled with nuances that may have pushed me to quit or step away from my passions and destiny. I personally have changed my name from feminine to the masculine to gain jobs in film and locations, a field predominantly filled by many who do not look like me or share the same gender. As a mother, I have been given lower paid positions on set or not advanced at the faster passing rates of my male counterparts or female colleagues who are seen as able bodies. Read More>>
Symone Weemes
Being the only person in the room who looks like me has been a recurring experience throughout my journey. Growing up in Indiana and attending predominantly white schools, I can relate to the feeling of being the only person of color in many situations. However, I have learned valuable lessons along the way that have helped me be effective and successful even in such circumstances. Read More>>
K Cornell Kellum
I have found that as a creative in the Entertainment Industry, that you are alone in a room most of the time. I focus on the productions that are being developed and not get sidetracked with the outside world. Read More>>
Shweta Mistry
I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. It’s hard being the only Indian woman in a lot of the rooms I walk into on a daily basis. Then, I realized that regardless of what I look like, I am so talented. My talent is effective. My talent is successful. So I can spend all day feeling sorry for myself because I have to work harder to open certain doors that would open with ease others…or I can just let my talent talk. I learned that if your work is honest and good enough and you carry yourself with grace, you will see progress slowly but surely. Read More>>
Darryl Diggs
Being the only one in the room is a condition that I am very familiar with in my career as an educator, former triathlete, and Edtech cofounder. In each of these spaces I have learned how to “bet on myself”, remain focused on purpose, and make sure my passion shows in everything I do. Whatever success of effectiveness I have accomplished has come by understanding my roots and insatiable want to make my parents, ancestors, family, and children proud. Read More>>
Dr. Nakita Davis
“Confidence smells sweeter than your favorite perfume!” ~ Dr. Nakita Davis
When you know who you are and whose you are, you are able to confidently walk Boldly into any room recognizing the power and authority you possess. This is not to be confused with cockiness; but no matter whose in the room, your confidence combined with your skill set and the value that you bring will speak volumes. Read More>>
Delta N.A.
As a social human being, feeling different is not only related to physical or cultural characteristic, but also to a specific and unique approach to life. Our beliefs, our interpretations of events, the quality of our main intentions are defining not only our personality but also our relation with society and family. We live differently because we see the world differently and this can be a big issue in world trying to standardize mankind by admitting few models. We keep on walking on the road, aware of other people staring at us and judging our choices, but the flame of art is always burning in our heart and it gives us the strenght to move on, following our dreams. Read More>>
Natalie Burnett
Hmm… These are good questions Ha; I think at first. was getting over the fear. of people saying “NO” and as well myself and others trying to compare myself to others in the beginning for me it was all about “The Goal” (I am going to do Stand-Up) then a few years ago then it came into mind I wouldn’t know what to do if I got “Big”? it wasn’t till just recently that I realized. I should really think about that in order to be effective/successful It was to be consistent. and then it was till just recently that I realized as well is that to be useful. You see I feel that the key to be effective was to be useful. and to be successful was to be motivated. and for a while I was very un-motivated till I watched the documentary “Arnold” on Netflix (I recommend it) it gave me this whole different outlook and that I am very thankful and very inspired to share It’s funny now that I look back that how I let other people’s opinion bother me and now none of that does anyone any good Be motivated. Read More>>
Bharat Bhargava
To be a trailblazer is tough, you don’t have a blueprint to follow or have someone who looks like you to base your successes off of. You are basically going into something blind and just having to figure it out. It’s no easy task to be successful when you have a few to no one to support you on your journey, but I can contribute most of my successes to few things: My purpose, my community, and my mentors/teachers. Read More>>
Chloe’ Allison
Being the only one in the room that looks like me isn’t anything new, I can recall numerous occasions from childhood to now where I have been the only African American in the room. Whether it be art classes, equestrian lessons, or a board meeting, it happens. Even being in diverse schools (which my parents always made sure I was) I can remember looking around in a handful or classes and thinking wow I’m the only person of color in here this hour! Read More>>
Nikkita Gordon
I have learned to be effective and successful with networking in many diverse environment within the firearms industry. My company Cute & Cocky is the only minority owned holster company in the USA. Most firearm related events and groups are primarily are attended by Caucasian, about 2 % are African American and 1% are women. I have learned to respect everyone but most importantly put business first. Any bias in business can be stunt growth of your business or cause issues when collaborating. The easiest way to overcome these obstacles is to be friendly, smile and be understanding of things we do have in common. Read More>>
Felecity Havens
I realized a long time ago that the easiest thing for me to be is myself. I also think it is very easy to be yourself when you believe in yourself. I know that sounds cliche but, my authenticity is my superpower. The things that make me different are the things that make me special, valuable and one of a kind. So I stay true to that. Read More>>
Jamie Gatewood
Being a minority in my industry has actually been a huge motivating factor for me! I started my own practice to celebrate natural beauty and to diversify the injectable patient population. Everyone deserves to feel confident regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or economic background. I continue to invest in private trainings with industry leaders on injectable trainings to learn evidence-based practices, stay up-to-date on current techniques, and be able to provide my patients with quality work. My strong work ethic and passion for aesthetic medicine have helped me succeed thus far. Success to me would be making aesthetic injectables accessible to everyone, including people of color, as well as seeing more providers of color join the industry. Read More>>
Jamera NaQuai
Living in Utah, I am often times the only black person in the room. I’ve learned that the most effective way for me to engage people is to simply smile. Greeting people with a big smile makes me appear more approachable and leaves people with a great first impression. Sometimes interacting with people who are different from you for the first time can be intimidating for lots of different reasons, but by being genuine personable, it opens the door for people to engage with me and have conversations that we might not have had otherwise! Read More>>
Averri Simone Liggins
It’s easy to let our insecurities and doubts get the best of us, especially when we are presented with opportunities that seem too good to be true or out of our league. I’ve been there many times, but one instance that sticks out in my mind was when I almost let my age hold me back from applying as a business coach with the AARP Foundation. As a 30-year-old at the time, I couldn’t help but think, “Why would seasoned individuals listen to someone so young?” But I didn’t let that stop me. And I am so glad I didn’t because that experience opened so many doors I could have never imagined. Not to mention the impact I made on the two entrepreneurs under my wing. This experience reminded me that no matter what obstacle or fear lies ahead, we should always do it scared because we never know where it might lead us. Read More>>
Brittany Raji Alberty
Often throughout my career, I’ve been the only black person, woman, or the youngest in the room. Honestly, it used to make me insecure. I would shrink big time. It wasn’t until I noticed a pattern that I was selected because they saw something in me. It took years for me to own my superpower of connection. Once, lean into what made me unique and stop trying to fit in it changed everything. My advice is don’t try to fit in but embrace what makes you stand out. Read More>>
Anthony Catchings
Obtaining authenticity inside of identity has its challenges! Growing up, hearing “there is something about you thats different” was always interesting to hear, to the point where I started to ask myself “what is actually different”? To me, I thought I did everything everyone else did lol.. Read More>>
Garrah Carter-Partee
I’ve been the “only one” in several rooms, from being the only black student in several of my undergraduate classes at a PWI, the only black female in several of my law school classes at a PWI law-school, the only black-female attorney in my department at my firm, and the only vegan (especially since I started my veganism journey over 10 years ago). Being the only one in the room is hard, lonely, and intimidating at times. But, it’s also an opportunity to not only represent your race, ethnicity, gender, etc. but to also use your position to bring more people like you into those spaces. I’ve learned that it is not only important to help others as they climb the ladder, but it is necessary. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, we’ve all had help along the way. In a world where minorities get the short end of the stick all of the time, helping another person, even in the slightest way, could change their life. Many black women have been instrumental in my life, but my mom has been my biggest motivation, inspiration, and support system. She’s helped people her entire life and continues to do so. She’s instilled in me from a very young age that it’s a blessing to be a blessing. So, I’m not afraid of being the “only one” anymore. I embrace it, and look forward to pulling up numbers 2, 3, 4 and so on and so on as many people have done for me. Read More>>
Kathy Vogel
When I was a child, pre-school aged, I didn’t realize I was “different”– meaning– I didn’t look like everyone else, I knew I was half Korean, half white, but I didn’t comprehend what that meant. It was just “me”. I figured everyone else was like me. That is, until I started school, Then I realized I was the only one in the room that was “me.” It was a new experience to be asked why my eyes looked different than theirs. Did I speak Chinese? I was even asked once if I ate dogs, because someone had said that “Oriental” people eat dogs. I asked my mother if we did and she was horrified. She said: “Dogs are pets!” With these early experiences, I knew I was now “different.” But in all honesty, I never let that effect me. I learned very early on that I am who I am. I am no different other than my looks, I can achieve anything I want to because of my work ethic. I do what I do. If someone has a problem with my gender or race, then it is on them. If I focus on what may be seen as a disadvantage or if I allow myself to feel that I’m working from a minority standpoint, it takes away from whatever I’m trying to accomplish. And now that I’m a “mature” woman, I face a new challenge– ageism– which is just another turn in the road to navigate. These things should never stand in the way of your success story. It’s noise. It’s distracting. And yes, it’s real. But keep your focus on what you are intended to do. Read More>>
Bri Olivares
Growing up, I struggled with body dysmorphia and a lack of confidence in my own smarts and talents. Because of this, I questioned my purpose and potential for success. It wasn’t until I became a mom and poured into my faith that I found the unshakable self esteem and motivation I had always yearned for. I realized who I was, was already written in stone by the God that created me. This reminded me that feelings are fleeting and if I ever doubted who I was because of outside opinions, I could turn to the scriptures that point me back to the truth. Building a strong foundation on something that isn’t changing with trends has helped keep me in a positive place while walking out my purpose. I no longer question what I’m destined for, deserving of, or defined as, no matter what room I walk into. Read More>>
Pratiksha Muir
As a first-generation born female, I have learned to embrace my unique qualities and to navigate spaces where I may be the only one who looks like me. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is to accept and celebrate my differences rather than trying to fit into a mold. Read More>>
Michael Quan
While doing a quick search for Professional Organizer services in almost all markets, you’ll notice one thing – the majority are female owned and operated! I am one of the few males in this industry and it took some honest soul searching to figure out who my ideal clients were and how I would find them. I specialize in the Marie Kondo KonMari method and worldwide there are about 5 active male consultants at any given time out of around 600 certified. Read More>>
TaJuanna M. Taylor, PMP®
Blind phrases like, “blend in”, have been said to me throughout my life. So far, it hasn’t ceased to make me laugh – audibly – every time. Being born and raised in America, my race, gender, age, and faith are indicators, not limitations for my humanness. I see others in the room, not as competitors, but as co-contributors to some wildly great development.
When it comes to being the only one in the room who looks like me, being effective or dare I say successful comes from a sense of knowing 1) my presence naturally spurs intrigue, curiosity, and captivates attention, it doesn’t have to be forced or commanded, 2) my voice is as significant as any other person in the room regardless of status or title, 3) my lived experience is valuable and provides a perspective most people in the room haven’t encountered let alone considered, and 4) my posture and demeanor set the tone for how people perceive they are welcome to interact with me. When I’m in the room I work the room advantageously; observing, listening, taking notes, asking questions, offering suggestions, and connecting others to one another before I leave.
We all start and are journeying somewhere, and even with numerous disappointments, inevitable obstacles, and life altering mistakes, it’s important to celebrate yourself every step of the way. Through all the ups and downs to date, I believe I’m still living a life and exercising options that my ancestors could only dream about grasping and having in their days. Read More>>
Dana Ziyasheva
Being a Kazakh makes me one of a kind, most of the time. I was the first person from Kazakhstan and Central Asia to join the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. Wherever I went for my work (it was more than 80 countries), the first phrase I heard was usually “Wow! You are the first person from Kazakhstan I’ve met!” For a long time, I felt the responsibility to be that first person from Kazakhstan whose behavior determined how my compatriots would be perceived. I strived to be the perfect Kazakh — polite, efficient, and helpful. Read More>>
