Being The First, The Only or The few sometimes makes it harder to fully step into our power. There is so much riding on our presence in such spaces where we stand out but may not feel comfortable being the only. We earned it. We worked hard for it. The seat at the table is rightfully ours. We represent. Yet, the room does not feel like ours. We do not feel like we belong and speaking up can be difficult. How do we speak up authentically?As one manager I coached articulated it

I can still remember the day I found out that my male colleague with a similar job description earned about 10% more in monthly salary than I did. My first reaction was a sickening feeling in my stomach. My shoulders dropped and I physically tried to make myself small and my mind was assailed by the thoughts “you are not good enough”, “the pay difference is probably merited”. That lasted for about one hour before it was replaced by a simmering rage. I took a deep breath, marc

The world feels harder these days. Layoffs. Uncertainty. War. Pressure. Burnout. Being let go from one’s job can shake you to the core. Your identity, confidence, and sense of direction all stripped away overnight. It can feel like more than just a career setback but like a psychological shock that exposes just how fragile our wellbeing can be under constant strain. I know first-hand how it feels. Those that are still employed face profound pressures and the relentless drive