34 The Firsts, The Fews and The Onlys with Author Deepa Purushothaman

The Power of the Only

"I think a lot of us believe if we did have that space we would lead differently -- we would show up differently. A lot of my work right now, I call it the Power of Me and the Power of We, it's the power of yourself, but what is the power if we come together, like what could we do together?” - Deepa Purushothaman

Are you ready to meet this moment?

A shift is happening. Are you ready to step into something new? Deepa Purushothaman certainly is. Even amidst the tumult of 2020, Deepa started nFormation with co-founder Rha Goddess, a membership community that acts as a safe space for women of color to show up as their full selves, a brave space to help them grow and lead differently, and a new space to shift the structures that not only help women of color take a seat at the table, but also change the way the table is formed.

Earlier in her career, Deepa became the first Indian-American woman and one of the youngest people ever to make Partner at Deloitte, where she spent more than 20 years focusing on women’s leadership and inclusion strategies. She is also a Women and Public Policy Program Leader in Practice at the Harvard Kennedy School.

"There should always be more than one seat at the table. I want multiple seats." - Deepa Purushothaman

On today's show, we discuss insights from Deepa's book, The Firsts, The Fews, and The Onlys: Why Women of Color Need To Redefine Power In Corporate America, which will be published by Harper Collins in the Fall. Deepa also shares the wisdom she has gleaned from interviewing more than 500 senior women of color and the shared experiences that led to their success.

We talk about how Deepa overcame imposter syndrome, conformity, and her cultural programming, why it’s time for us to redefine power and success, and how we can all create our own leadership style.

“When you don't see yourself in structures, in the media, in books, you question if you belong.” - Deepa Purushothaman

Show Notes:

• How communities can come together to create real change
• How to overcome imposter syndrome
• How to create your own leadership style
• What led Deepa to start nFormation
• Which parts of herself Deepa shed to step into her power
• Challenges Deepa faced as an Only
• Why it's important for women of color to connect

"We are at a moment where the world is demanding a different kind of leadership." - Deepa Purushothaman

3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps:

1. Leave what doesn't serve you
2. Practice using your voice
3. Reach out to and connect with women of color

"The last election really made me question what I am doing in the world." - Deepa Purushothaman

Brand and Resource Mentions:

• Power Of The Only 2021 Spotify playlist
• The Power Of The Only Episode 33-Reflection, Celebration and New Year Vision

Connect with Deepa Purushothaman:

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | nFormation

Thanks for being a part of this bold and powerful conversation on The Power of The Only!

If you would like a free copy of The Power Of The Only principles and a Clarity and Vision worksheet to help apply them in your business and life click here to get access.

Whether you feel like the only one in your company, industry, or community or the only woman in the room, we're here to support you in stepping up, speaking up through power, presence, and representation and to make an impact in your personal and professional life.

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Learn more about this episode of The Power of The Only with Angela Chee at www.angelachee.com/34