Even as there is a growing recognition for the need for representation, there are still many cases where folks will find themselves as the only person in a room representing their particular demographic – and often there is pressure to perform in such contexts to prove competence not just for yourself but for everyone who is like you. The burden and the stress of being the “representer” is real, and so we wanted to create a space where folks can discuss who they go about ensuring they are effective and successful even in contexts where no one else on the team or in the room is like them.
Felix Fox
I’ve learned over the years to tune out the noise, no matter the reactions. It took time, but once I embraced that being outside the norm is my reality, I was able to focus fully on the value and service I’m providing. Read more>>
Tara Rodrigues
I got married shortly after completing my LPC (legal postgraduate degree) and soon after my firstborn daughter arrived, what started as nesting very quickly became an emerging pathway to a new career. I’m of a working class dual heritage (Caribbean and Indian) background which statistically put me at a disadvantage to even enrol on an Interior Design course. Only 15% of designers in the UK are from lower economic backgrounds and even fewer are Black. The landscape of the interiors industry in slowly changing, but Black designers are still massively underrepresented. This was a hurdle I acknowledged but was certain it wasn’t going to slow me down. As a single parent with two children it took me a while to save up the money (and courage!) to enrol at Design School. Read more>>
Amy Edwards
As an alternative wedding photographer, I’ve learned to own what makes me different. I’m all about capturing cool, unique love stories—whether that’s a couple eloping with their dogs, rocking non-traditional outfits, or tying the knot in a gothic chapel. I know my style isn’t for everyone, and honestly, that’s okay. I don’t need to be everyone’s cup of tea. Read more>>
Sharricka Brazeal
I grew up with my grandparents. I recall something that she would always say. If you are not going to show up and show out then don’t show up at all. This has always stuck with me throughout the years. Helping me through obstacles, fears, and goals. Read more>>
Jonathan Cheever
Being the only one in the room has often pushed me to lean into my natural leadership abilities. I’ve learned to be successful by focusing on clarity of vision and building trust. When people look to me for direction, I strive to communicate not just the “what” but the “why,” empowering them to make decisions and execute confidently. My approach has always been to give my team the freedom to implement solutions based on their unique perspectives and expertise while ensuring we’re all aligned on the bigger picture. Read more>>
Tanya Lashley
Honestly, I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity to connect. I love people, and I genuinely believe there’s far more that unites us than divides us. It’s like showing up to a potluck with a dish nobody’s tried before—it may be unfamiliar at first, but once people get a taste, we’re all talking recipes! Read more>>
George Frederick Hall Ii
Navigating the fashion industry as an African American man, where only 1% of designers share my background, has indeed been a challenging journey. However, these obstacles have fueled my determination and resilience, shaping my approach to success. Firstly, I’ve learned to embrace my unique perspective as a strength rather than a limitation. My experiences and cultural background offer a rich tapestry of inspiration that sets my work apart. By staying true to my vision and authenticity, I’ve been able to create designs that resonate deeply with a diverse audience. Read more>>
Omar Amir
As a gamer, I’ve learned to be effective and successful by focusing on what I can bring as a unique individual. I realized that my passion, skills, and approach to gaming are what truly matter. I also learned not to let stereotypes or others’ expectations influence me. By staying true to myself and constantly improving my abilities, I’ve managed to shine in this environment based on my skills and experience, rather than what others might think of me. Additionally, I’ve found support in online communities that prioritize inclusivity and respect, which has helped me feel more comfortable and supported in my journey. Read more>>
Caitlin Fischer
It’s BECAUSE I’m the only one in the room who looks like me that I can be most effective and successful. My scars are like my own built-in spotlight, and they’re a gateway for people to see into my intrinsic light. It’s a little difficult to navigate, however, because a lot of times I just feel looked at rather than seen. But, I trust that the right people will see me, like they have throughout my life. My uniqueness is a great way to connect with people immediately on a deeper level, which inherently makes me more memorable. Even when I get pitiful reactions, I like to redirect it towards the resilience and positive effects it’s had on my life, because I refuse to take on other people’s projections of my experience. Read more>>
Fuka Kojima
In Japan, there is a deeply rooted cultural value that sees doing the same as others as a virtue. In a society that values harmony and consideration for others, girls my age often walk together with similar hairstyles and outfits. I was one of those people who shared that mindset. I was afraid of stepping out of the box, disliked being different from others, and always worried about how others perceived me. Read more>>
Jennifer Reaves
I think success is a relative term; it means different things to different people. Success may mean being raised in poverty and growing up to establish wealth for oneself; it may mean to someone else just getting out of bed and taking a shower.
I’ve experienced some pretty hard things that would have broken others, and from that, I feel it is my soul purpose to show the people I meet that despite what they’ve been through, it does not define them, and they can make it “out” alive. Little victories can be celebrated just as much as big ones, and one never knows what it took a person to just get to the little victories in their life. Read more>>
Guy A. Holley
I’ve often struggled with accepting who I am, especially in spaces where I was the only one who looked like me. For a long time, I felt less than and fell into the trap of trying to fit in so everyone would like me. It wasn’t until I began to truly understand my gifts, who I am as a person, and the heritage I come from that things started to shift. When I took ownership of those things, I realized they were my strength. Read more>>
Crystal Hamilton
Being the only woman or person of color in the room is something I’ve experienced throughout my career—not just in design, but in corporate environments long before I entered the creative industry. Early on, it felt isolating. I questioned if I belonged or if my voice would be valued. But over time, I reframed the experience: I realized that being the only one in the room meant that I could offer something truly unique—my lived experiences, my cultural perspective, and my creative insight. Read more>>
Chrissie Stillin
When I walk into a room I do not always want the attention of others. That doesn’t seem to matter, I often have it because I am a bald female. I have noticed that I carry a lot of swing in a room full of strangers. If I am having a bad day and walk in sad and mopey, it is mirrored back to me and people often treat me as if I were sick. If I walk in to that same room smiling and happy, it too, gets mirrored back to me. Everyday is a choice, choose wisely. Here is a trick I learned. Kids are the most honest. If a small child sees me, I immediately make eye contact, send them a big smile and a little wave. Why? Because they don’t understand and they need to know it is ok. It is how we create a new normal. Authenticity is not always easy, otherwise everyone would do it. Sometimes it is easier to blend in than stand out. If you are just starting out at being your true authentic self, in whatever form that holds for you, this is the advice I was given that helped me. Read more>>
Rachel Lippoldt
As a woman leading in the home-building industry—a space where I’m often the only one in the room who looks like me—I’ve learned to turn what might feel like a disadvantage into a strength.
Being the “only one” has taught me to embrace authenticity and to confidently own my perspective. I don’t try to blend in; instead, I focus on standing out through my expertise, preparation, and determination. When I speak, I make sure my voice carries weight—not just in volume, but in the value I bring to the table. Read more>>
