The Embracing Only Podcast

Failure is a given in life.

On this IMPACT MOMENT episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 44 with Brandi Richard Thompson

From a college dropout to a transformational growth strategist, Brandi is the founder of the Operation Growth Institute.

So, you failed… Now what?

Brandi shares how she recovers from failure by ignoring the noise, focusing on herself, and prioritizing her happiness.

Here are some of the topics Olivia and Brandi discuss:

🏆 Recovering from Failure
🏆 Ignoring the ‘Noise’
🏆 Prioritizing Your Happiness
🏆 Finding Yourself Through Meditation

This episode is just a short snippet of the most powerful learning moment from a past episode.

You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: https://embracingonly.com/episodes/episode44brandithompson

We spend so much time working on ourselves…

But, we rarely stop to ask ourselves what we are good at. 🎙️

On this IMPACT MOMENT episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 36 with Jessica Doyle-Mekkes.

Jessica is a professor, researcher, vocal coach, and internationally published writer & speaker in the field of female empowerment & advocacy.

She shares how she empowers women to identify their strengths, speak up, and use their voices effectively to turn their dreams into reality.

Something I’m sure we could all use some extra help with.

Here are some of the topics Archita and Jessica discuss:

🎤 Identifying Your Strengths
🎤 Speaking Up
🎤 Making Your Dreams a Reality
🎤 Finding Your Voice

Below are links to listen to this IMPACT MOMENT of Embracing Only:

▶️ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/embracing-only-workplace-culture-career-development/id1481798502?i=1000662698354

▶️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QZO3mT9HZmKQdNbdWPFes?si=1lgqJlunROuLfjP7v_1JLQ

This episode is just a short snippet of the most powerful learning moment from a past episode.

You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: https://embracingonly.com/episodes/choosetochallengewithvoice-nkrld

How much power are you giving your fear? ⚡

On this IMPACT MOMENT episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 31 with Jeanine McIntosh Menze - the first Black female aviator in the 215-year history of the United States Coast Guard.

She shares her process of managing fear…

Jeanine chooses to not give her fear power but rather place her power in what’s on the other side of that fear.

Here are some of the topics Olivia and Jeanine discuss:

🛩️ Managing Fear
🛩️ Inspiring the Next Generation
🛩️ Learning From Your Mistakes
🛩️ Just Do It

This episode is just a short snippet of the most powerful learning moment from a past episode.

Listen to episode 31’s IMPACT MOMENT or the full episode on the Embracing “Only” Podcast - LINK IN BIO.

It’s time to change our perspective on sacrifice…

On the very first IMPACT MOMENT episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 6 – where we were lucky enough to have Archita’s mother, Vijaya Sivakumar, as a guest.

She shares her experience of working for 40 years at a company in India as the only female among 70 men — all while raising two daughters. Of course there were sacrifices, but interestingly, Vijaya doesn’t think that way.

Where one might see sacrifice, she saw CHOICE.

Here are some of the topics Archita and her mother discuss:

📣 Being the Only Woman in the Room
📣 Embracing Differences in the Workplace
📣 Choice Versus Sacrifice
📣 Asking For Help

Below are links to listen to this IMPACT MOMENT of Embracing Only:

▶️ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/embracing-only-workplace-culture-career-development/id1481798502

▶️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r0MrozuV8sPIF1ZHY99YC

This episode is just a short snippet of the most powerful learning moment from a past episode.

You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: https://embracingonly.com/episodes/episode-6-special-giving-thanks

It’s time to take control of your fear 💯

In episode 69 of Embracing “Only," we’re taking a deeper look at a theme that has been cropping up in our recent episodes.

It’s so easy to let yourself get pulled down by transitions that are seemingly outside of your control. But it’s time to take control of your fear and become the driver in your life and in your career.

Here are some of the topics Archita and Olivia discuss:

🚘 Developing resilience,
🚘 Turning your lessons into growth,
🚘 The obsession with being perfect,
🚘 Your brain can be your best friend.

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

CHANGE can be stressful 😰
CHANGE can be overwhelming 🫨
CHANGE can be scary 🫣

Our world is in constant change and right now, we are seeing change like never before - whether that be layoffs, war, or natural disasters.

As leaders, it is our job to prepare our teams to be resilient to change.

How can we do this?

In episode 68 of the podcast, we revisited our interview with Kim "KC" Campbell, a former fighter pilot turned keynote speaker and best-selling author.

As you can imagine, Kim has experienced A LOT of change.

Many of the techniques and concepts that she learned in flying translated into her role as a leader as well.🛩️

To learn her exact steps, you’re going to want to check out our latest newsletter, where we break them down for you.

Find the newsletter here:https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/embracing-only-7159277893821300737/

Are you afraid to make a mistake? ❌🤦‍♀️

On episode 68 of the podcast, Kim "KC" Campbell shared something that I think so many people who identify as an “only” may be able to relate to:

“I felt if I made a mistake, or if I failed, these are my words, that I would ruin it for all the women that followed me.”

Kim served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader and she’s now a keynote speaker and bestselling author.

The truth is…

YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES.

It's inevitable.

But what matters is how you deal with them.

Do you:
👎 Wallow in your mistake?
👎Kick yourself about it over and over again?

This is NOT healthy and it isn’t an effective strategy for improvement.

Rather:
👍 Figure out the root cause of your mistake.
👍 Learn from it.

It’s time we normalize mistakes and see them as a part of learning.

If you want some more leadership lessons from a former fighter pilot, tune in to episode 68 of the Embracing ‘Only’ podcast.

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

From the cockpit to the boardroom...👩‍✈️✈️

In episode 68 of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we’re taking a look back at one of our favorite episodes. Join us as we explore leadership lessons from a former fighter pilot turned keynote speaker and best-selling author, Kim "KC" Campbell ()

Discover how you can build trust within your team and lead with courage in times of uncertainty and adversity.

Here are some of the topics Kim and Archita discuss:
🛩️ Preparing for Change
🛩️ Wingman Culture
🛩️ Setting Yourself Up for Success as a Leader
🛩️ Navigating Failing Forward as an ‘Only’

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

📣 Do you ever hear something that makes you stop dead?

This is something that has happened to me recently.

I’ve been hearing these two things:
☝️ “I’m not racist.”
✌️ “DEI is dead.”

This is not something I have heard once or twice from a small group of people.

NO

This is something I have been hearing multiple times from multiple groups of people - leaders and friends from my past corporate workspaces.

There is so much to unpack in these two statements.

Luckily…

I discussed this in-depth with Mary Waweru on the latest episode of the Embracing “Only” podcast.

🤔 Why not being racist isn’t good enough?
🤔 Is DEI dead?

The answers to those questions are in this week’s newsletter 👉https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/embracing-only-7159277893821300737/

When talking about systemic issues…

Do you:
👉 Avoid the discomfort?
👉 Lean into the discomfort?

IT SHOULD BE UNCOMFORTABLE!

This is something Mary Waweru shares with us in episode 67 of the Embracing “Only” podcast.

Mary is the CEO and founder of Crest Impact, where she guides organizations to build safe and inclusive cultures, practices, policies, and communications.

“You are talking about human issues. We're not talking about a party. We're not talking about a hobby. We are speaking about human issues. We are speaking about changing systems that have been here for centuries.” - Mary Waweru

However…

There is often a cultural expectation to make people feel comfortable, especially in Asian and African countries.

I know this is something I do with my Caucasian husband when we visit India.

To understand when people are making too many accommodations to make YOU feel comfortable, Mary shares three pieces of advice:

1️⃣ Remember your privileges
2️⃣ Learn to say no
3️⃣ Don’t exploit people

Find out more in episode 67. Listen here: https://embracingonly.com/episodes

It is not enough to simply be ‘not racist’.👇

You need to take action and commit to being anti-racist.

In episode 67 of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into taking action to be anti-racist with Mary Waweru, an influential voice who educates professionals on anti-racism, DEI, inclusive communications, social impact, and colonialism.

Here are some of the topics Mary and Archita discuss:
🔥 Highlighting the Value of Racial Equity
🔥 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation
🔥 Not Racist vs. Anti-Racist
🔥 Fighting Confirmation Bias

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

Have you recently gone through a performance review at work?

You may be happy😁 with the outcome. But, you may also be frustrated.😫

💰 Maybe your raise was less than you expected.
💰 Maybe your performance was amazing but they didn’t have room in the budget to give you a raise.
💰 Maybe you feel like you didn’t know how to advocate for yourself to receive the raise you know you deserve.

If this sounds familiar, you’re going to want to learn how to master workplace negotiations. This is something Dorothy Mashburn (.negotiator) shared with us on episode 66 of the podcast.

You don’t have to wait until the next review cycle, this is something you can start working on right now.

To find out exactly how to do this, click here ➡️https://embracingonly.com/episodes

Here are two things you need to know to ace your negotiations…

☝️ Go big
✌️ Don’t be afraid of the no

Dorothy Mashburn (.negotiator) shared that with us in episode 66 of the Embracing “Only” podcast. She is a leading authority in negotiation with a fervent mission to champion the underserved in corporate arenas.

Her unique insights empower minorities and women to achieve their career aspirations.

Let’s explain those two points in more detail.

☝️ Go big

Whatever number you give to an organization, they are going to counteroffer. Rather ask for something big that you know you’ll most likely not get. You’ll end up with something you are more happy with.

✌️ Don’t be afraid of the no

As Dorothy explained, no is simply the beginning of the negotiation. If you go big, you can expect a no but all it means is that it is time to ask for what you want.

If you want some more tips to help you ace your next negotiation, listen to episode 66 here ▶️https://embracingonly.com/episodes

It’s time to step up your negotiation skills.💥

In episode 66 of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into mastering workplace negotiations with .negotiator, a leading authority in negotiation.

Discover how you can maximize your leverage and unleash your power, freedom, and true potential. It all starts by dreaming big.

Here are some of the topics Dorothy and Archita discuss:
⚡ Changing Negotiation Power Dynamics
⚡ Asking for a Raise
⚡ Negotiation Strategies
⚡ Forging Alliances as a Leader

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

Being an “only” can be hard.

🛑 It can be isolating.
🛑 You can feel disconnected.
🛑 You can feel invisible.

But…

💪 It can also be empowering.
💪 And you can turn it into a competitive advantage.

This is something , an entrepreneur, writer, and Anthem award-winning activist, shared with us on episode 65 of the podcast.

You need to find a way to leverage your uniqueness and turn it into an advantage.

If you want to find out exactly how to do this, click here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/embracing-only-7159277893821300737/

“I refuse to continue to participate in my own demise.” - Lisa Hurley

Do you feel the same way?

, founder & CEO of The Great Exhale, an award-winning private membership community that is a soft, safe space for Black women, was our guest on episode 65 of the podcast.

Navigating corporate America can be incredibly taxing.

But as Lisa explained, there comes a point where you have to advocate for yourself. You have to realize that the job is going to be fine.

Big corporations have done such a good job of convincing us that we are essential to their functioning. That without us, they will fall apart. This is what keeps you working until you are burnt out and about to drop.

🛑 STOP 🛑

Big corporations will take care of themselves.

“Show up and do what you're being paid to do. But you don't need to burn yourself out in order to do it.” - Lisa Hurley

❓ Is this something you are guilty of? Do you work until you physically can’t anymore? ❓

If the answer is yes, you’re going to want to check out episode 65 of the Embracing “Only” Podcast.

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

Are you leveraging your uniqueness?🤔

In episode 65 of Embracing “Only," we delve into leveraging your uniqueness as an “only” for success in your career with an entrepreneur, writer, and Anthem award-winning activist.

Discover how you can flip the narrative of being an “only” and use it to your advantage.

Here are some of the topics Lisa, Archita, and Olivia discuss:

👉 Valuing Work and Compensation
👉 Gender Bias in the Workplace
👉 Surviving and Navigating Corporate America
👉 Representation in Career Success

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

You might not want to hear what I’m about to say but…

Your unconscious biases are affecting your team and how you lead.

This is something , a self-described organizational justice practitioner and curious rebel, shared with us on episode 64 of the podcast.

BUT

If you want to:
👉 Become a better leader,
👉 Help your team be as equitable as possible and not tolerate the othering of others,
👉 Change processes and policies to make things more equitable,
👉 Create systemic change,
👉 Create a culture of fairness and justice.

It starts with yourself.

Yes, it might be hard, messy, and frustrating but it will ultimately lead to you being a better leader.

If you want to know how to start uncovering your unconscious biases today, head over to our LinkedIn and read our latest newsletter. Link in BIO.

“I don't believe in formal education. [...] I don't think that's a measure of our worth or value.” - Shiva Roofeh

This might be a controversial take, but it is something that Shiva Roofeh believes strongly.

Shiva, a self-described organizational justice practitioner and culture creator, was our guest on episode 64 of the podcast.

She highlighted that our lived experiences are just as valuable as our education or work experience.

It is something to speak into rather than shy away from. 🔊

“As the global majority, our minds have been colonized in a sense to think that we are less than, and so we don't allow ourselves the space and time to really value the lived experiences that we’ve had.” - Shiva Roofeh

❓ When someone asks you about yourself, do you find yourself freezing up? Or maybe you immediately launch into your qualifications? ❓

If this is the case, take the time to write out your origin story.

It is the most powerful gift you can give yourself as you occupy spaces.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s our tip:

Listen to episode 64 of the Embracing “Only” podcast and learn more about what to write in your origin story.

Have you taken the time to uncover your own unconscious biases?

It can be triggering.In episode 64 of Embracing “Only," we delve into cultural intelligence in the workplace with Shiva Roofeh, a self-described organizational justice practitioner and curious rebel.

Discover how you can confront prejudice in leadership and uncover your unconscious biases to ultimately make you a better and more just leader.

Here are some of the topics Shiva, Archita, and Olivia discuss:
📣 Valuing lived experience in corporate spaces
📣 Recognizing unconscious biases
📣 White-passing privilege
📣 Equality, Equity, and Justice

Listen to episode 64 on the Embracing “Only” Podcast - LINK IN BIO.

From CIA to CEO 👩💼

is a former CIA agent turned award-winning CEO and in the latest episode of the podcast, she highlighted the importance of doing the work – no matter how long it takes or how tedious some tasks may sound.

In a world that often forces us to conform, Rupal’s journey of embracing her uniqueness truly stands out.

Olivia and I devoured her book and couldn’t wait to have her on the podcast to talk more about thriving in an unpredictable environment.

By committing to doing the work, you improve your chances of reaching your goals.

YES.

BUT…

There is still no guarantee of success as many factors are outside of our control.

This is why Rupal proposes a “let’s see” approach to work🧘♀️and shares actionable steps to help us achieve our goals in business, career, and life – even taking into account uncertainties that might come your way.

Wanna learn from a former CIA agent turned award-winning CEO?
➡️https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-process-archita-fritz--7quoe/?trackingId=VQQdu%2B0%2BTeqFKr%2Br0L2qIQ%3D%3D

Very little in life is certain.🎢

In episode 63 of the podcast, Rupal Patel shares that we have an obsession with cause and effect.

If I do X ➡️ Y will happen.
If I put in 10,000 hours of effort ➡️ I will get the outcome I desire.

❓ Is this something you are guilty of ❓

“We can get so obsessed over knowing what the outcome is, the predictability, the certainty, that we forget that very little in life is certain.”

You have to be willing to see what happens.

“Be a bit lighter and a bit more experimental in your approach to things because you never know where the breakthrough is going to come from.”💥

Rupal is a CIA agent turned CEO, and she has so much wisdom to share.

Find out more in episode 63 of the “Embracing Only” podcast.

We are all given the massive gift of being alive. Are you using that gift wisely?

In episode 63 of Embracing “Only," we delve into embracing the unpredictable nature of life with Rupal Patel, a CIA agent turned CEO.

In a world that often forces us to conform, Rupal’s journey of embracing her uniqueness stands out. Rupal shares her insights on owning your weirdness, finding your tribe, and embracing the uncertainties of life.

Here are some of the topics Rupal, Archita, and Olivia discuss:

⏰ Advice for women struggling to fit in
⏰ Committing to the process, not the outcome
⏰ Moving through fear
⏰ And investing your time

Here’s a link to listen ▶️ https://embracingonly.com/episodes

📣 This might not be something that you want to hear, but we have to go there.

Why does it bother you?

Haters are simply being who they are.

Every time you are on the path to something big, there will be haters. That’s a fact!

It’s ridiculous for us to spend so much time asking ourselves why haters are like this and why they do this

By focusing on the irrelevant hater, you are giving them YOUR POWER. You are FUELING them. ⛽

They are sucking the life force from you because where your attention goes, energy flows.

You might be focusing on the hater because

🚩 you need validation,
🚩 you struggle with power dynamics,
🚩 or because someone who looked like this person told you that you would never amount to anything.

This is something you can CONTROL.

Figuring out the reason you are triggered minimizes the effect that the haters have on our lives—because we realize we can control it. It's like swatting away a mosquito.

📣 The only person you need to impress is yourself.

Find out more in episode 62 of the Embracing “Only” podcast.

“Do not attach your self-worth to your output.”

⚠️ Read that again please.

Olivia said this on episode 62 of the podcast and it is so potent!

This is something that most elder Millennials and Boomers, and maybe even some of the Gen Xers are guilty of.

There should be times of focus and crushing goals. 🏆🎖️

YES.

And then there should be times of rest and reflection. 🧘♀️😴

Your brain needs rest.

When you give your mind

🧠 a time to rest,
🧠 a time to relax,
🧠 and a time to reflect…

Your creativity gets better.

“Your productivity actually goes up when you build in timely rest into what you're doing.”

If you find yourself saying things like:
🗨️ Power through,
🗨️ I just need to get this done,
🗨️ Or I have to hustle

You may suffer from tying your self-worth to productivity.

❓Is this something you are guilty of❓

Find out more in episode 62 of the Embracing “Only” podcast.