119: How to Lead When You’re “THE ONLY”

WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk

WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
119: How to Lead When You’re “THE ONLY”
Aug 14, 2025 Episode 119
Elaine Lou Cartas

What We Cover in This Episode: 

Being “the only” in the room, the only woman, the only woman of color, the youngest person, the only one who thinks differently can be both an honor and a heavy responsibility. In this episode, I share how to navigate that experience while still earning respect, making an impact, and opening doors for others to join you at the table.

You’ll hear:

  • My personal journey of being “the only” from being born, my childhood to adulthood
  • The tug-of-war blending in with honoring yourself
  • 6 proven strategies to lead confidently as “the only” without burning bridges or betraying yourself.
  • How to be discerning about when to stay quiet, how to identify the right people to build relationships with and why you should take up space
  • Why your presence in the room isn’t just about you, it’s about representing voices that aren’t there yet.

Whether you’re leading a corporate team, running your own business, or navigating high-stakes rooms, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to not just survive as “the only,” but to thrive and influence change.

Where We Can Connect:
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