Welcome to the 1st official Own Your Only!™ Newsletter

Last week, I shared a preview of what’s been on my heart and why I’ve been a bit quieter and what’s been unfolding behind the scenes. From launching The Power of The Only book at SXSW and the mini book tour that followed to serving my clients, navigating real life and honoring my grandmother’s legacy. 

There’s lot going on in the world and depending on what’s happening in your part of the world, industry or personal life there are always extra layers.  I know many of you may be feeling a bit uncertain, overwhelmed, burnt out or maybe just numb.  You are not alone.

Today, I’m continuing the conversation with more reflections and resources, to help you connect, reset, and Own Your Only™ in this noisy, uncertain world.

Deep Thoughts with Angela

Living In The In-Between

Lately I’ve been reflecting on how to live in the in-between. How do we hold space for both the heaviness of the world and the beauty of life? Our days shift between absorbing noisy headlines and juggling everyday life, trying to appreciate the people and celebrate the daily joy around us, while still honoring others’ struggles and managing our own. It’s a lot.

I’m slowing down a bit in July, but I felt like the mental muscle of living in the in-between has been put to the test for all of us this year. Leaders today are navigating a rapidly changing world shaped by AI, uncertainty, and societal pressure, while also trying to support burned-out teams, foster clarity and connection, and build cultures that can adapt and thrive. From wildfires to political tension to economic stress, my clients have been navigating their own version of the in-between.

We are all living it, in different ways. Some are carrying more than others, but does that make your challenge, your pain, your joy, your peace any less important? No. And yet, I know for many it’s hard to see and feel the joy when others are struggling. That can bring its own kind of guilt. But who does that serve?

Can we hold empathy for others and still allow space for our own joy, our own wins—no matter how big or small? We must.

Raised by immigrant parents and often being “The Only” in the room, understanding struggle is a part of me. It gives me deep empathy. Part of stepping into your power and leadership is cultivating that empathy, but for those who may already feel deeply, it’s about maintaining that superpower-your ability to see, feel, and understand what others may not, without getting stuck in it. We need to move from a survival mindset to one of thriving.

As I’ve said before, joy is not a betrayal of the moment-it’s what allows us to keep going. It’s about finding the reset that helps us see clearly, so we can take aligned, meaningful action.

But I feel it goes even deeper than that.

Can I appreciate the joy of now for myself and also allow others to experience their joy without judging it? Some of my pain as “The Only” comes from feeling like others may not see or understand the way I do. And the truth is, they may not. I need to be okay with that. Everyone has their own experience, and we need to honor that, too.

Stepping into your own abundance also means appreciating others’ ability to do the same.

So what’s the solution? To recognize what you are feeling. Yes, and. I feel this and this. I understand this… and... I can do this and… whatever it is for you.

This year I felt the conflicting emotions of celebrating personal milestones with heartbreaking headlines in the background. Trying to find joy on vacation with my teens who are graduating soon, to managing my aging parents and in-laws health, traveling straight from empowering events to my grandmother’s memorial.

What has it been for you?

The pain, the joy, the overwhelm,all the conflicting emotions-this is what makes us human and connected. You don’t have to have all the answers. But you are allowed to give yourself grace and space to feel it.

-The Power of The Only Tools

Science-backed strategies and real-world tips from the book to help you own your voice, presence, and power.

Living in the in-between, holding space for both the pain and the joy, the stress and the celebration, takes energy. It's important for us to protect and manage our energy. In Chapter 3.2 of my book I share tips to own your voice-how to reframe fear as your partner, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged moments. You can also use this to understand other emotions.

“The key to reframing and making fear your partner is to ensure you have the optimal level of arousal. ‘Optimal’ is when fear works for you: your brain and body are energized and you feel a sense of clarity and focus.”

This principle known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law isn’t just for performance. It applies to other parts of your life and empathy, too. Too little, and we become disconnected. Too much, and we drown in other people’s emotions. But when we find that optimal balance, when we acknowledge, understand, and challenge what’s happening inside us we’re more able to lead with presence and clarity.

Try this: Think of a moment this week that made you feel overwhelmed, by fear, pressure, or even compassion fatigue. Instead of pushing through or pushing it down, pause. Ask:

• What am I feeling and why?

• Is this helping or hindering my clarity?

• What would it look like to shift from fear or guilt or overwhelm… to grounded action?

Fear, like empathy, is part of the human experience. But it doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, with awareness and practice, it can become a bridge to your voice, your power, and your next opportunity.

Want more tools like this? You’ll find this story and the full 5-step process in Chapter 3.2: Own Your Voice: Break Through Your Fear in The Power of The Only book. If you are already a reader, I would deeply appreciate a review on Amazon and Good Reads. It helps my mission reach more people.

-Own Your Future

Curated studies, trends, tools, and technologies that are shaping leadership, communication, and connection in today’s changing world.

Are We Losing our Critical Thinking and Connection Skills Because Of AI?

A recent MIT study revealed that students using ChatGPT to write essays showed reduced activity in parts of the brain which may affect their critical thinking, engagement and satisfaction. This led to a flood of viral headlines. While this isn’t a rejection of AI, it’s an important reminder.

While companies are racing to adopt AI tools and upskill employees. Don’t forget to use, develop and protect the tools you already have.

I believe the key to the future is our ability to focus, connect and adapt.

In my latest keynote, “Leading in the Age of AI: How to Connect and Thrive in a Noisy and Uncertain World,” these are the exact conversations I’m inviting:

How do we lead with clarity, presence, and power and continue to keep up with technology without outsourcing our thinking, our voice, or our connection?

How do we communicate to connect and build cultures that thrive not just survive?

Because the key to our future isn’t necessarily more tools, it’s learning how to use the tools we already have.

To be mentally strong, agile, and true to who we are. That requires staying connected:

To our thoughts. To our emotions. To each other. And to the voice within.

* This study focused on students using AI to write essays, but these findings may also apply to the workplace. Time magazine says, "the researchers are working on another study testing brain activity in software engineering and programming with or without AI and “the results are even worse.” Researchers say it could have implications for companies who hope to replace their entry-level coders with AI.  Scientist Natliya Kos'myna says relying on AI in the name of efficiency could reduce critical thinking, creativity and problem solving across the workforce." Here’s a link a TIME article and  the full MIT study.

Want to book Angela as a keynote speaker, emcee or for a fireside chat or workshop Click here.

Woo Hoo! Corner

There are so many good people and good things in the world- we need to pause and honor them. Big wins, small joys, and everything in between.

This month, I want to celebrate @David Begnaud, CBS journalist and a moving storyteller. As a former TV news anchor and reporter, I deeply respect journalists who are working every day to seek truth in a world that often rewards clicks over clarity. In a time when trust in journalism feels fractured, David’s work is a powerful reminder of what real storytelling can do.

His pieces about everyday people doing good aren’t just heartwarming-they’re healing. Stories move us. They shape culture. They connect us. They matter.

This one brought me to tears and reminded me of the power each of us has to make an impact. 👉 The power of kindness and connection

I don’t know David personally, but we connected on Instagram and he shared that his journey began when his English teacher who was also a speech coach encouraged him to enter a tournament—and he won. That moment sparked his passion for storytelling.

Coincidentally, that’s how my journey began too. In 7th grade, my English teacher—also a speech coach—encouraged me to enter a competition. I didn’t win, but for the first time, I felt like my voice mattered.

Woo Hoo to all the teachers. This is why we celebrate, not just the headlines, but the humans behind them. Shout out to those keeping the soul of storytelling alive.

David's Speech and debate story on Instagram

Behind The Scenes-The Speaker/Author Journey—Unfiltered

From breakthroughs to setbacks to the moments that never make it to the mic

Since launching The Power of The Only at SXSW and speaking on “Supercharging Your Success in a Noisy World” (listen to the talk here), it’s been a whirlwind. I went straight into emceeing and speaking at conferences, from the Catalyst Awards to Transform HR in Vegas moderating a panel on Women's Leadership and sharing tools on How to Lead and Thrive In Any Environment and more. I loved connecting with readers at book events around the country including at my alma mater UCSB (full circle moment)and at Yahoo's Makers Summit. One of the most special moments? Sharing excerpts at my book launch party with my parents by my side.

After 5+ years of research, interviews, and writing, it’s been powerful to see the message come to life—and to have so many one-on-one conversations that reminded me why I wrote this book in the first place.

Recent Media Appearance, Interviews and News:

• Turn Being The Only Into Your Superpower – Hello Monday Podcast | LinkedIn News

• How To Boldly Own Your Only – The Bold Lounge with Leigh Burgess

• Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors -Empowering podcast for women

• That's Total Mom Sense Podcast-Speaking Up and Standing Out

• KEYT-TV Interview

• The Power Of The Only- Winner – 2025 National Indie Excellence Awards (Business: Motivational)
and Finalist – 2025 International Book Awards (Business: Motivational)

But here’s the part we don’t always talk about: launching a book and bringing your vision to life takes a lot of energy. And post-launch fatigue is real. It’s often the quiet alone moments that shape us most. If you’re curious about publishing or promoting your own book, ask me a question in the comments. I’ll be sharing more lessons learned soon.

This fall, I may be back in New York with stops in San Francisco, Portland, and beyond. If you'd like me to speak at your event or visit your organization, reach out—I’d love to connect.