43 How to Use Your Power of The Only to Create Change and Impact with New York Times Bestselling Author Charlene Li

The Power of the Only

"It’s one thing to accumulate that power, but when will you also use it? That is a very strategic question because it is a very limited supply — especially as an Only.” - Charlene Li

How do we grapple with wanting to fit in while knowing we stand out?

This week's guest is New York Times bestselling author, Charlene Li. Her purpose is to help leaders harness their power of The Only to thrive through disruption. I really admire her growth mindset and recognize it in myself, but we often don't start out this way. Charlene says that as Onlys, we have the power to see beyond what others see partly because we have broken through the barriers that come with being an Only. She argues that, in order to step into our power, we need to be asking ourselves: what tools do I have? What can I do with that power? When should we store it up and when should we unleash it?

"By standing out, I was gaining power." - Charlene Li

In today's show, we talk about how to handle Imposter Syndrome, why are allies so important, and how to deal with microaggressions.

"Because I was The Only, I had to be a bridge." - Charlene Li

Show Notes:

• When to use the power of The Only
• How to handle Imposter Syndrome
• How to take pride in being different
• Why are allies so important
• How to serve your audience
• How to deal with microaggressions
• How do we have difficult conversations when we are so divided

"As long as I have defined my success through other peoples' success, I have been successful." - Charlene Li

Pieces of Advice or Action Steps:

1. Understand where your Only-ness gives you a unique perspective

“There is power in being The Only because you have the power to speak with authority from this different perspective that no one else has.” - Charlene Li

Resource Mentions:

• Listen to The Power of The Only Episode 15: The Power Of History, Media and Representation
• Listen to The Power of The Only Episode 41: How To Prepare For and Grow From A Virtual Speech, Interview or Event
• Get your copy of The Disruption Mindset: Why Some Organizations Transform While Others Fail by Charlene Li
• Read Eric Toda's Adweek article: 'My People Are Dying in Silence—and I’m Here With a Megaphone'
• Read more on the CMO of Visible, Minjae Ormes
• Learn more about the Asian American Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
• Learn more about Julie Carrier, the CEO of Girls Lead Worldwide
• Watch the PBS Documentary Asian Americans
• Read Becky Little's article: How the 1982 Murder of Vincent Chin Ignited a Push for Asian American Rights

Connect with Charlene Li:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Charlene Li

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

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.

Want even more insider tips, resources and training to help you own your voice and power and step into your leadership. Join me in my free, invite only YOU, Amplified!™ community!

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Learn more about this episode of The Power of The Only with Angela Chee at www.angelachee.com/43