Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 63, with guest Rupal Patel. As an “only” it can be easy to walk into spaces and feel like you don’t belong. In reality, you can find belonging and commonality in the most unexpected places. Rupal is sharing how in this episode.

 Rupal’s career is notably defined by her remarkable tenure at the CIA where she was recognized by the CIA Director for “superior support to the President of the United States.”  She transitioned from her impactful career at the CIA and leveraged her insights and strategic acumen into the business world. Rupal is also the best-selling author of From CIA To CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better and Being Bolder.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 63: From CIA to CEO - Thriving in an Unpredictable World.

Key Discussion Points:

00:58 Understanding Belonging: If you walk into a situation thinking you don’t belong there, you will find many data points that support that narrative. The same is true if you think you do belong there.

02:52 Finding Commonality with Unlikely People: If you are willing to look at the data and engage with different people, you will find things in common even in people you think are extremely different from you.

04:11 Shifting Perspective: We are so focused on ourselves and trying to fit in that it’s hard to understand that other people are experiencing the exact same things.

07:10 Overcoming Defensive Postures:  When walking into a space as an “only” don’t subject yourself to the belief that you need to show up in defense to protect who you are and what you believe in.

In Summary: Rupal Patel encourages us to try to find belonging and commonality in the unlikeliest of places. She urges us to shift our perspective away from ourselves and realize that other people may be feeling the same as us.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Rupal on LinkedIn or visit her website. 

From CIA To CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better and Being Bolder by Rupal Patel

My Unexpected Discovery About Working at the CIA | Rupal Patel | TEDxManchester

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/ 

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.

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Produced by Ideablossoms