73 The Power of Agency with Alicin Reidy Williamson The Power of the Only

"The opportunity I feel in being the power of the Only is extending agency to those that should be in the room, but aren’t." - Alicin Reidy Williamson
What are you trying to shift and what is holding you back?
What is agency? Today I discuss this question with Alicin Reidy Williamson, Yahoo’s Chief Culture and Diversity Officer. Alicin says it’s all too easy for many of us to forget the power we already have and says it is important to remember and celebrate who we are.
"I didn't know where I wasn't supposed to be." - Alicin Reidy Williamson
Listen in to the lessons learned as she navigated a career in the entertainment, sports, fashion, political, and non-profit fields.  Her ambition took her from MTV Networks to Managing Principal at the national public policy firm Raben Group and then the Chief Inclusion Officer at Endeavor. 
We talk about her vision for her current role at Yahoo and how to harness our agency. We also discuss how to navigate difficult conversations, share advice for our younger selves, and explain how the diversity and inclusion sector is changing.
"I focus on relieving that burden in others." - Alicin Reidy Williamson
Show Notes: What is some advice for people who haven't owned their agency How to harness your agency What is Alicin's power of The Only When did Alicin embrace her power What are the pros and cons of being an only How is the diversity and inclusion sector changing Advice for our younger selves "It's easy to forget how often people feel othered." - Alicin Reidy Williamson
3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps: Remind yourself that you've worked hard to be where you are Recognize that your agency is important to others too There is so much opportunity to reach back "In order to feel like we can, it is important to feel a sense of agency." - Angela Chee
Connect with Alicin Reidy Williamson: LinkedIn | Columbia | Yahoo
Thanks for being a part of this bold and powerful conversation on The Power of The Only!
Whether you feel like the only one in your company, industry, or community or the only woman in the room, we're here to support you in stepping up, speaking up through power, presence, and representation, and to make an impact in your personal and professional life.
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