01 Welcome to The Power Of “The Only”

“Are you ready to step up, speak up and make an impact, but not sure exactly how?  It’s time to step into the gift you have been given and harness the Power of The Only.” – Angela Chee

Welcome to The Power Of The Only Episode #1.

I’m celebrating International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the achievements of women with the launch of my podcast.  But this show is not just for or about women.

I believe all of us can relate to being the only and learn from “The Onlys”– those breaking through barriers, defying the odds and creating positive change.

I’ve put a lot of time, thought, energy and love into this podcast and I hope that it serves you.

What is the power of the only? What called me to start this movement?

In episode #1 I will share the story behind the podcast, a little more about me, what you can expect and learn from the show and I will also share my “5 Power Of The Only” Principles and more about how you can apply them to your business and life.

These principles have helped me harness the Power of The Only and each week we will continue to explore this conversation.

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

It all started last year when  I was preparing for a new keynote. I was reviewing the latest Women In The Workforce reports by Lean In and McKinsey and it said while there has been some progress in representation of women in senior leadership, women still continue to be underrepresented at almost every level and women of color are the most underrepresented group of all.

But what it also said is that too few women leads to too many “Onlys”, women who are the only or one of the only women in the room. It says being an only is not only challenging, but their power and voice gets drowned out and they have a significantly worse experience.

While I agree it sometimes may be more difficult, I believe there is power in being the only and we have so much to learn from the onlys that have navigated their way to success.

I believe the challenges that onlys go through is the power-it gives you a deeper understanding, a different perspective and strength that all leaders can benefit from.

I’ve always been an only. The only Chinese girl in my neighborhood growing up, the only Asian TV reporter at a station, the only woman speaker at a conference. Being an only was not a weakness it was my strength. Yes, we still need organizations to shift, we need a culture transformation for real change to happen, But what about in the meantime? Not just in corporate, but in the rest of society?

Knowing I’m the only gives me power. But at the same time I don’t focus on it. The truth is many times I don’t notice. I’m at the table because I deserve to be there and so do you. Once I’m there that’s when the power of the only shows up.  Power to have diversity of thought, power to plant the seed, power to be a translator for others who don’t have a voice, power to bring other “Onlys” into the conversation, until one day, there will be no more talk about being the only.

But how do you turn being “The Only” from a weakness into a strength? And what can all of us learn from the onlys that will help you thrive in your business and life? That is what we are going to explore….. So while the term only started as women “onlys.” I believe many of us can relate to being the only.

Have you ever felt like the only one? The only person in your company, industry, community or the only one in the room reaching for your unique dreams and vision? There is a lot happening in our world. A shift is happening, we can feel it. But at times it may also feel like we are going backward. It’s time for new conversations – new voices and a bolder way of thinking. Call it innovation, disruption, diversity!

It’s what our world needs, it’s what our businesses need and it’s what you need to step into your leadership.

“That is what the power of the only is all about!” – Angela Chee

I want to share my 5 principals of The Power the only that have helped me achieve my goals and thrive. Throughout the podcast we will continue to explore these principals as we interview trailblazing entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, filmmakers, diversity experts, coaches, speakers, publishers maybe even a few celebrities.

Are they the same? Are they different? We will ask these questions and more as we dive deeper into The Power Of The Only.

“OWN YOUR POWER.” – Angela Chee

For now here are my 5 Principles of The Power Of The Only:

1. Own your power
2. Own your voice
3. See being the only as a privilege not a burden
4. Communicate in a way others can hear you
5. Come from a place of abundance not scarcity

What does this all mean and how can it impact your life?  Tune into the podcast to find out more.

If you would like a free copy of these 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.

In upcoming episodes I’ll also share my advice and resources from my 20 plus years in the broadcasting, entertainment and speaking industries and answer any questions you may have. I may even coach a few of you during the show. Let me topics would you like to hear more about. Or Any Only’s you would like me to feature? I’d love to hear from you.

Remember you are not alone. It’s time to come together.

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.

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

To you and your voice,