Meet Ariane Hunter

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariane Hunter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ariane, 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?

I’ve been practicing how to be the only one in the room since I was about ten. I grew up in a mostly male-dominated family with older brothers and cousins, so I learned early on how to stand my ground in spaces where I was often the only girl. Then, when my family moved to a new neighborhood, I went from being in culturally diverse classrooms to being one of the only Black girls in my elementary school. That was a moment when I had to learn how to make my presence known in spaces where I wasn’t necessarily expected.

But being “the only” in a room teaches you how to navigate power dynamics, find your voice and command respect. What’s made me successful over the years is understanding that being different in a room isn’t a liability—it’s my superpower. I know I bring a unique perspective and, instead of shrinking, I’ve leaned into that. It’s also been important to build a community outside those rooms—spaces where I can replenish and be affirmed. That’s something I really focus on in my work now, creating communities where Black women don’t have to be the only ones in the room.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you for asking! So, I wear a few different hats, but at the heart of everything I do is this mission: helping Black women unhook their value from their careers and reimagine work in a way that nourishes them, not depletes them. I’m a career strategist and the author of Dreaming on Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss. My work centers on giving Black women the tools to dream as an act of resistance against oppressive work cultures.

Right now, I’m focused on spreading the message of my book. Dreaming on Purpose as the number one career guidebook for Black women professionals to get free at work and beyond. I’ve got some exciting events and discussions planned around it, including a live book reading series called Dreaming on Purpose: After Hours, where we dive into the themes of the book in a casual, intimate setting.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most important elements in my journey have been self-awareness, my spirituality, and a commitment to challenging the status quo.
Self-Awareness – Everything starts with knowing yourself and exploring what lights you up. It’s also about knowing your history and where you come from so you can change it and create a new path forward. I’ve learned that success is something you have to truly define for yourself and doesn’t always have to be about climbing a ladder. I’ve learned that success is about building your own ladder and lifting as you climb. Self-awareness helps you stay grounded and make decisions from a place of authenticity. It’s been a game-changer for me in my professional path.

Spirituality – My spiritual practice has been a guiding force in my life and work. It helps me stay rooted in what is real when there is uncertainty or when life gets to be a chaotic place. My spirituality reminds me to ask for something bigger than just a job title or paycheck and never settle. My spirituality is my connection to those who came before me, my ancestors who’s vigilance and investment in my happiness sustains me and serves as my northern star. It’s a reminder that the work I do is about liberation—not just for myself, but for others too. This grounding in spirituality keeps me aligned and aware of my mission and the capacity to follow it.

Challenging the Status Quo – I’ve always had a bit of a rebel spirit. Whether it’s questioning corporate culture or rethinking how we define success, challenging the status quo has been central to my work. I believe in pushing back against work systems and cultures that weren’t designed with the full spectrum of humanity in mind—especially if these systems have proven themselves unuseful and many cases, harmful, especially to marginalized groups. This has fueled my desire to create spaces where we can dream freely, on our own terms.

For those early in their journey, I’d say: lean into self-discovery, develop a spiritual practice (whatever that looks like for you), and don’t be afraid to question the way things are. These qualities will not only help you have greater freedom and build a life that feels truly aligned with your values.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One challenge I’m currently facing is discerning the different types of discomfort I experience. I have a high tolerance for discomfort, which can lead me to stick around in toxic environments longer than I should, thinking I’m learning some valuable life lesson. As Black women, we often carry this unusually high tolerance for hardship and stress; it’s almost a badge of survival. But I’m realizing that enduring discomfort doesn’t always equate to growth.

I’m actively working on sharpening my ability to recognize when a situation isn’t serving me anymore. I want to reject things that don’t align with my well-being and aspirations rather than hoping they’ll magically improve. I’ve started regularly checking in with myself, asking, “Is this helping me grow, or is it just a struggle?” I’m also leaning on my community for support and perspective, reminding myself that it’s okay to prioritize my peace and fulfillment over “toughing it out.”
In this process, I’m learning that sometimes the greatest growth comes from letting go, not just enduring. It’s a work in progress, but I’m committed to making these shifts for a healthier, more liberated path forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arianehunter.com
• Instagram: arianehunter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianehunter/

Image Credits

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