“As I got older I realized how to stand my ground, respect myself, while also being able to have deeper conversations with people who are not like me – just so I can build connection and understanding.” – Christina Blacken

How will we reinvent and thrive as our current systems and beliefs are being challenged? It’s a time for deep transformation.

The Power of The Only has always been about leaders who own their voice and their power. Leaders who serve as bridges and are able to communicate in a way that others can hear in order to create real change through abundance and not scarcity.

Today’s guest, Christina Blacken, is one of these leaders.

Christina is the Founder and Chief Story Strategist of The New Quo and host of the Sway Them In Color podcast. She helps leaders communicate on a deeper level, sell their bold visions, build thriving diverse teams, and communicate in ways that improve their company’s work culture.

You’ve seen her work in ELLE.com, The Huffington Post, and more.

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

“Every once in awhile it is good to understand the context of where somebody’s bad behavior comes from.” – Christina Blacken

In this episode, Christina talks about how to see being “the only” as a superpower and not a burden, how to shift the status quo, and how all leaders can learn to be more empathetic and emotionally intelligent in order to create real change. We also talk about stereotypes and conditioning. We call out our own unconscious biases in others and ourselves, and more on today’s show.

“I would realize over time that even though they saw me as a complete only and other, that we would have more in common than we’d think.” – Christina Blacken

Show Notes:

• How do we change the status quo through narrative
• How to bridge the gap between race, gender, religion, etc
• Why diversity and inclusion are different
• How to develop a culture of belonging?
• Tips for communicating and owning your voice
• Why storytelling can create change
• What questions to ask yourself to remove internal biases
• How to unpack your unconscious biases
• What your options are when a change occurs

“In a lot of these conversations I try to look at the grey, which is asking people open-ended questions that force them to really consider and unpack their own beliefs.” – Christina Blacken

3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps:

1. Know where your boundaries lie – what part of your identity are you not willing to compromise?
2. Ask questions and challenge people to think about things differently
3. Have a psychologically safe place you can go

“Most people at some point in time have experienced some level of adversity, some level of conflict, some level of misunderstanding. And I think that it is important to hear that from each other.” – Christina Blacken

Brand and Resource Mentions:

• Elle
• Huffington Post
• Sway Them In Color podcast

Connect with Christina Blacken:

LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | The New Quo

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.

For a limited time, get my YOU, Amplified!® Performance Formula 7 Steps To “Always Ready” Confidence, Clarity and Connection-Mini-course For Free.

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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To you and your voice,