"Only One." Reflections During Black History Month

As I reflect on Black History month, it is natural to think about all of the shoulders that you stand on that gave you a voice and the confidence to be you within a world that always demands that you change or bend toward most people you interact with daily.

I know many people may not understand the concept of being the "only one," but whether you’re in the insurance industry or any industry. The "only one" represents an experience where you are the only person you see that looks like you day in and day out. This could be on your team, in your business unit, the company you work for, a networking organization, or even your neighborhood. There are times when you can go for months in your business life and never talk to anyone who looks like you or can relate to your experiences.

I remember going to a leadership team dinner and sitting at a table attempting to muster up the courage and strength to get up and engage with other leaders who did not look like me at an event for the obligatory small talk and networking. At that table, no one sat down near me until a new leader, an outsider in his own right, decided that he would sit at the table. He was taking over a significant part of the organization, and the table filled almost immediately. He engaged me in conversation, attempted to help me navigate the dialogue, and routinely asked my opinion about the topics discussed. I remember that night because I was extremely tired of feeling like the "only one," and that chance encounter gave me the strength to want to push on.

A second experience brought several other “only ones" to a meeting with the new CEO at the time. He asked a compelling question to a group of 12 African American men. His question, “In 10 years, as you think about this company, what should diversity look like?”. That question birthed a grassroots organization by the name of "Corporate Connections” with a mission statement of, “Each one, reach one to teach one." Throughout its history; this organization has boasted over 200 members or more. The organization creates a positive platform for the “only ones" to talk with others who can understand their journey. Those leaders explain which rungs are safe and stable and which ones on the corporate ladder might look safe but were not. I offer a debt of gratitude to those men and women that have helped me along the way and to the great mentors of Corporate Connections.

Today I am the CEO for a tech startup in the insurance industry, RaisinBread, Inc. The name echo's moments where life was simple, surrounded by those that cared and nurtured you with their wisdom, explaining the "safe rungs." At RaisinBread, Inc, we are creating a digital buying experience for business owners with a desire to make buying insurance "simple."