THE POWER OF THE ONLY

A motivational and empowering guide for workplace success.

In this professional development book, Chee addresses the challenges faced by those who are the “Only” in their professions, whether that be due to race, gender, sexual preference, culture, or other identifiers. (The author stresses that the “Only” marker can be a source of strength rather than a liability.) Chee offers readers a guide for making their “Only” work for them through five principles. The first, “Own Your Opportunity,” encourages readers to recognize and seize available opportunities. The author acknowledges that external factors (like discrimination) and internal factors (including limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and perfectionism) may prevent “Onlys” from pursuing their dreams or demanding what they’re worth. Practicing gratitude and countering negative thoughts with positive ones are among the suggestions Chee makes to help readers shift their perspectives. Principle two, “Own Your Power,” reminds readers that they already have what they need to succeed and encourages them to be authentic. (Celebrating one’s wins is important because it feels good and helps rewire the brain, per the author). “Own Your Voice,” the third principle, focuses on speaking up and believing that what one says matters. The fourth principle, “Own Your Communication,” stresses connection with one’s audience, which must feel both seen and heard; Chee asserts that knowing an audience’s demographics, needs, expectations, values, and pain points can help one clarify and amplify the right message. The final principle, “Own Your Future,” begins with shifting one’s mindset from scarcity to abundance. The author cautions against overwork as a way to validate one’s worth, and recommends identifying priorities and values and taking action toward honoring them. (Guarding one’s energy, trusting intuition, and limiting exposure to energy-draining information are other ways to manifest a brighter future.) Chee concludes with an inspirational message: “You have the power. You’ve had it all along. And now all you have to do is step into it.”

With an uplifting tone, Chee provides a clear roadmap for embracing one’s uniqueness, overcoming limitations, and creating positive change for “Onlys” and others. Her relatable stories about navigating the television broadcasting industry and finding success as a Chinese American news anchor and reporter will endear her to readers. She discusses the controversial concepts of “Imposter syndrome” and “code-switching,” offering new, less judgmental interpretations for each. Reframing is among Chee’s strengths—on shifting from fear to power, she writes, “What if I told you that feeling wasn’t fear but just energy? This energy is natural when you are about to do something big. It’s your engine revving up for greatness.” The author offers many introspective exercises to help readers understand themselves better; one activity includes side-by-side lists from which readers select four adjectives to define how they show up at work currently and how they would like to show up instead. Additionally, she provides simple, concrete exercises like “box breathing,” shaking one’s body, and humming to help the nervous system calm down. Chee also reassuringly reminds readers that they should give thanks to old patterns while giving themselves permission to change.

A valuable toolkit for professionals who feel like outsiders in the workplace.