Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into leveraging your uniqueness as an “only” for success in professional settings with Lisa Hurley, an entrepreneur, writer, and Anthem award-winning activist. Being an “only” gives you visibility and accessibility. Two things you need for success. Discover how you can flip the narrative of being an “only” and use it to your advantage.   Lisa’s work centers on Black women and encompasses self-care, community care, and Black joy. She is the Founder & CEO of The Great Exhale, an award-winning private membership community that is a soft, safe space for Black women. She is also the Founder of For The Culture And The Coins, a movement dedicated to inspiring Black people to build whole-life wealth. She is known for her warmth, wisdom, and wit.   Key Discussion Points: 04:012 Valuing Work and Compensation: Balancing the need for compensation with opportunities for a broader impact or reaching underserved communities. 10:03 Gender Bias in the Workplace: Women are socialized to prioritize likability and it is contributing to the gender pay gap. 15:14 Surviving and Navigating Corporate America: Corporations will take care of themselves, you have to make sure you are looking out for yourself. 25:31 Empowerment as an “Only”: You can leverage your uniqueness into an advantage despite feeling the weight of being an “only”. 28:17 Representation in Career Success: There is value in being surrounded by people who look like you but it is not a requirement for your success. 34:31 Delay vs. Denial: Whatever you want and whatever is for you in this life will not pass you by. Sometimes a ‘no’ may just mean ‘not now’. 40:01 Authenticity in Social Media: When you put your authentic self out there on social media, like-minded people can find you.   In Summary: Lisa Hurley encourages us to rethink our approach to being an “only” and to use it to our advantage. Utilize this competitive advantage instead of shying away from it.   Resources from this episode: Follow Lisa on Linkedin or check out her website.   Connect with your hosts: Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website. Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website. Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website. _________ Produced by Ideablossoms