June, 2025 | 3min read
Up until a few years ago, I didn’t know another communications leader that looked like me.
For the longest time, I thought I was the only one.
The only Sikh Turbaned communications professional.
Maybe you’ve felt it too. Being the “only one”.
The excitement and pressure when you’re the first .. Trying to represent everyone who looks like you, while still figuring out who you are.
➤ Going first isn’t easy.
➤ But neither is showing up second.
How we met
I met Rashpal Rai during a virtual conference hosted by the Master of Communications Management program (MCM). He had me at “hello” 😁.
You don’t need a lot of words when you recognize someone, who knows the journey and the cost of walking into a room where no one looks like you.
Sometimes a simple NOD is all the acknowledgement we need with each other.
Rashpal and I have stayed connected over the years. We recently spent time together while I was TA’ing a course at MCM and he was graduating the program!
I also acknowledge that not a single person in my MCM journey, whether my classmates or instructors made me feel ‘less than.’ They all appreciated me for who I was … and sometimes my loud and cheesy jokes! 😁
What I’ve learned
Being the first takes courage.
Being the second takes heart.
Being seen takes both.
Representation in the workplace isn’t just about being in the room. It’s also about what’s possible for someone else, because you had the courage to show up!
Saying YES and walking into a space even where you’re “the only one” might be someone else’s permission slip. Inclusive leadership AND diversity in leadership matter.
💥 Listen in as Rashpal and I talk about our journey in Comms/PR: IN CONVERSATIONS ON COMMUNICATIONS (originally published, January, 2024)
So what?
I share this with you not to impress. That’s not my jam and not how I roll!
➤ It’s about honouring the journey.
➤ His, mine, and maybe yours too.
This is what leadership journeys look like. This is what professional development feels like when it’s real. The ups and downs. Moments of doubt, stress, excitement and energy.
💥 If you’ve gone first .. thank you.
💥 If you’re stepping in second .. thank you.
💥 If you’re still deciding whether you belong in the room .. you do!
Let’s keep walking in, showing up and leading like all-stars!
Listen in as Rashpal and I talk about our journey in Comms/PR: IN CONVERSATIONS ON COMMUNICATIONS (originally published, January, 2024)
Conquer YOU!
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