Charlene Li - How to Use Your Power of The Only to Create Change

“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. She helps leaders thrive through disruption. Charlene believes in the power of The Only and 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 believes in order to fully 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?

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Appple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

“By standing out, I was gaining power.” – Charlene Li

In today’s show, I talk about the origin of Asian Pacific American Heritage month and highlight the importance of sharing our stories. Charlene shares her only story of growing up in Detroit, how to handle Imposter Syndrome, why allies are so important, and how to deal with microaggressions. She also shares insights and tools for leaders as we transition back to everyday life and events.

She is the author of six books, including the New York Times bestseller, Open Leadership, and co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Groundswell. Her latest book is the bestseller The Disruption Mindset. She is also the Founder and Senior Fellow at Altimeter, a disruptive analyst firm acquired in 2015 by Prophet

“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:

Understand where your Only 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!

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.

Get my Free YOU, Amplified! Video Training Series-7 Steps To Always Ready, Confidence, Clarity and Connection On-Camera and Off! Click here

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!

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

To you and your voice,