Every now and then, you hear something that makes you pause, not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it’s unapologetically honest.
That’s what happened when I sat with the conversation between Emma Grede and Issa Rae.
First, let me be clear: I respect and love Emma Grede. I respect how she moves in business, how she leads with intention, and the sheer discipline she pours into her craft. There is a clarity in her work that you just don’t see every day. But beyond the accolades, she is grounded in exactly who she is. You can feel it. It isn’t manufactured, it’s real.
And that matters so much. We need to see more of this honesty from more women in leadership. I understand everything she says may not resonate with everyone, but again, women are not monolithic. So, some of her words resonate with me. Let me share this takeaway with you.
During their talk, Emma did something we don’t do often enough for one another. She gave Issa her flowers in a way that didn’t dilute her impact or soften her edge.
She called Issa what she is, One of one.
Not “one of the…” Not “there are others like you.” Not “you’re not an anomaly.”
No, One of one.
That hit me. Because when you are truly “One of One,” you aren’t competing for a seat at a table. You aren’t looking for permission to exist; you are the blueprint.
Too often, people soften greatness to make it more digestible. They’ll say things like, “I’ll just hire another Issa Rae” or “There are other writers out there like you, right?”,” as if that’s supposed to be encouraging. But the truth is, there aren’t. Yes, there are other professionals, there are other creators and even other people operating in the same space.
But what you uniquely bring, your perspective, your lived experience, your voice, your decision-making and your presence, that combination does not exist anywhere else.
It’s a reminder for all of us. Stop trying to fit into the “one of many” category. Lean into the parts of your leadership and your story that make you singular. Because when you show up as your full, honest self, you become undeniable.
It reminds me of the Jay-Z verse when he says, “I heard people saying they made Hov, ok well, make another Hov.” LOL And that label never made another Hov… he is one of one.
There’s a collective habit of looking for “the next” anything. The next Issa. The next Oprah. The next whoever. That mindset alone tells you we’re not fully seeing people for who they are.
And when you really understand that, when you truly know your value, you stop trying to fit into molds that were never built for you in the first place. You stop performing and over-explaining. You stop shrinking.
You now get comfortable, clear and authentic.
That’s where the real power is. Owning what only you bring to the table.
Fully, confidently and without apology. We need more of that.
That’s not ego, that’s the truth. Issa Rae is one of one. Emma Grede is one of one.
And so are you.
You are one of one.
Act like it, and take up space.