Are You a One and Lonely?

Leadership can be isolating, but for Black women, that isolation is often amplified. When you’re the only one, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, to feel like you have to work twice as hard to be seen, heard, and valued.

Often we struggle with fully owning our voice. Too often, we soften our opinions, minimize our presence, or downplay our brilliance to make others comfortable. When you play small, you risk being overlooked for the opportunities, promotions, and recognition you deserve. You are left suppressing ideas that could drive real impact and innovation. This leaves you feeling disconnected from the leader you know you are meant to be.?

But your power isn’t something to shrink—it’s something to own.

Without a strong support system, you might find yourself carrying the weight of responsibility alone, struggling with self-doubt, even when you know you’re capable and feeling like there’s no safe space to strategize or vent.

Ignoring your own needs has consequences. It leads to decreased effectiveness. Your decisions take longer, and innovation stalls. There’s disconnection from your purpose. What once inspired you now feels like an obligation and health consequences. Fatigue, stress, and burnout become constant battles.

Here’s what you can do today:?

• Reach out to one person in your network—someone who understands your journey. A quick conversation with a peer or mentor can reframe your perspective, remind you of your power, and reinforce that you are not alone.

• Take five minutes to check in with yourself. Where are you feeling the most drained? What’s one small thing you can do—right now—to refuel? A deep breath, a short walk, or a clear boundary can make a difference.

• The next time you’re in a meeting, speak up—fully and unapologetically. State your opinion without a disclaimer, without seeking permission, and without minimizing your expertise.

Leadership isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out. It’s time to step into the power that’s already yours.

Stepping into your power doesn’t mean doing it all alone. A strong support system is critical for sustained success. When you’re surrounded by a community that challenges, uplifts, and affirms you, you stop questioning whether you belong—you start owning the fact that you do.

Imagine what you could accomplish with a space where you are seen, heard, and supported.

This isn’t just about career growth. It’s about reclaiming the energy, clarity, and confidence to lead in a way that aligns with who you truly are. It’s about shifting from survival mode to a place of empowerment where you lead from a position of strength, not exhaustion.

This month, I have space to work with three women who are ready to break free from self-doubt, reclaim their confidence, and lead with authenticity. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.

Your leadership journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Reach out today and take the next step toward your transformation.

Rachel Baptiste is CEO of Lumen Consulting Group Inc. and an executive coach dedicated to transforming the narrative for Black women in corporate spaces into one of authenticity, purpose, and empowerment at every stage of their leadership journey. She is partnering with allies to take meaningful actions to foster cultures and systems where diversity truly thrives. Join her on this transformative mission.