We were lucky to catch up with Niphaphone (Laura) Robertson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Niphaphone (Laura), 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?
“Being the Only One in the Room”
I’ve spent most of my life being the one in the room who looked different. I was born homeless in a refugee camp in Thailand to Lao parents who had escaped war and communism. When we came to America, I quickly learned what it meant to stand out — not always in a good way.
As a child, I was teased for being “too Asian,” and even told by a teacher that I didn’t belong in this country. At the same time, because I was trying to fit in with my American peers, I became “too American” for some in my own community. I lived in between two worlds, never fully belonging to either. That identity struggle led to a dark chapter in my life — failing school, running away as a teenager, and constantly questioning who I was.
When I entered the corporate world, I found myself in the same situation — the only one in the room who looked like me. I worked my way up into executive roles, sitting in meetings with CEOs and senior leaders, and realizing I was the only Asian woman at the table. Getting there was not easy. I faced the “bamboo ceiling,” unequal pay, being passed over for promotions, and unfair treatment. But I never let that silence me.
There’s a stereotype that Asians are quiet, compliant, and non-confrontational. My refugee parents came from a fear-based culture shaped by war, so they taught me to keep my head down to avoid trouble. But as a teenage runaway, I was taken in by a Black mother. She taught me something different — to stand up for myself and to speak up for what’s right, even if it cost me my job.
That lesson became my compass. I learned that being the only one in the room is not a weakness — it’s a position of influence. I’ve used my voice to challenge unfairness, break stereotypes, and open doors not just for myself, but for others.
Today, as an author, speaker, and coach — and through my work with Beautiful Potential Consulting — I empower others to find and use their own voice. In my book Noy’s Journey to Belonging, I share my experiences so that people from every background understand this: no matter where you start, or if you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, you still have the power to belong anywhere. My mission is to show others that what sets them apart is exactly what makes them powerful.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Through my work as an author, speaker, and founder of Beautiful Potential Consulting, I help people step into the most confident, empowered version of themselves — both personally and professionally. My journey from being born homeless in a Lao refugee camp to building multiple businesses in the U.S. has taught me that our differences are not barriers; they’re our biggest strengths.
Beautiful Potential Consulting specializes in beauty, branding, and business coaching & consulting — helping entrepreneurs and professionals elevate their image, strengthen their brand, and grow with purpose. It’s more than a business; it’s a movement to create spaces where beauty, wellness, and empowerment meet, whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or community events. You can learn more about all of my work at www.beautifulpotential.com.
I’m passionate about creating platforms for others to be seen, heard, and celebrated — whether through my books (which can be found on my website: www.Laura-Robertson.com), my personalized Lao Dream Dolls and plushie collection, my empowerment programs, or my work amplifying voices through speaking engagements and workshops.
What excites me most is seeing transformation happen in real time — when someone finally sees their own potential and realizes they have the power to create the life they’ve dreamed of.
Right now, I’m working on several exciting new projects, including my upcoming podcast, Soul SIS Podcast (www.soulsispodcast.com) — created alongside two other powerhouse ladies, Dominitrice McCalley and Carlotta King, to provide empowerment and inspiration for the community to reach their fullest potential.
As a passionate domestic violence advocate, I co-host an annual awareness fashion show. This year’s theme is “The Victory Walk” — a celebration of survivors and a platform to share resources for domestic violence prevention. It will take place on Sunday, October 12, from 5:00–8:00 PM in Elgin, IL at The Old Republic. To participate or learn more, visit 3ShadesofBeauty.org.
Beyond my work, my greatest pride is my family. I am a widow, blessed with four children and three beautiful grandchildren — two of whom I am currently fostering. They are my heart, my motivation, and my daily reminder of why I do what I do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Resilience
Resilience has carried me through personal loss, cultural barriers, and career roadblocks, from being born in a Lao refugee camp to navigating life as the “only one in the room.”
This past year, caring for my husband through his cancer diagnosis on October 18th and then losing him on April 7th, was the hardest chapter of my life. That season taught me how to keep moving forward even when my heart was broken — to honor his memory by living intentionally and with purpose.
Advice: Resilience isn’t built overnight; it’s strengthened every time you face discomfort and keep going. Take it one step at a time, give yourself grace, and remember that healing and progress can happen side by side.
2. The Courage To Use My Voice to break
stereotypes, calling out injustice, and advocating for myself has been a constant in my career. There’s power in speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. That courage has opened doors, built respect, and inspired others to do the same.
Advice: Practice speaking up in safe spaces first — team meetings, networking events, or even with friends. The more you use your voice, the more confident you’ll become in high-stakes situations.
3. Adaptability & Lifelong Learning
From corporate executive to entrepreneur, author, and coach, I’ve had to learn new skills at every stage — marketing, leadership, public speaking, community building. Being willing to adapt and learn has allowed me to grow beyond what I imagined.
Advice: Stay curious. Take courses, seek mentors, and read often. The world changes fast, and your ability to adapt will determine how far you can go.
For anyone early in their journey: remember that success isn’t just about talent — it’s about the combination of resilience, courage, and adaptability. If you can master those, you can belong in any room you walk into.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m facing right now is navigating life after the loss of my husband to lung cancer — while turning that pain into something that can help others. Grief is not something you “get over”; it’s something you learn to live with. But I’ve made the decision to channel that pain into purpose.
Right now, I’m once again using my voice and my experiences to inspire change. Through our story, shared in our book “No Cancer! He’s Taken”, I’m working to make sure others understand the importance of early detection and taking their health seriously. If my husband had found out sooner, we might still have him here with us. That truth fuels my mission.
This November — which is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and my husband’s birthday month — I plan to officially launch the book and partner with different organizations and speakers to advocate for lung cancer prevention and early screening. My goal is to make it a priority for people to get checked, have the hard conversations, and take their health seriously before it’s too late.
By sharing our story openly, I hope to not only honor my husband’s life but also save others from experiencing the same devastating loss.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laura-robertson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraempowhers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraempowhers
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
