The biggest obstacle to realizing ambition is the notion of being too “other” to be a leader. Abrams faced it when she ran for chair of the governor. Even many of her closest friends hesitated that Georgia was ready for a Black woman.

Her qualifications were not in question. At 29, Abrams had been appointed as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Atlanta. By 34, she had been elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and only four years later, she rose to the position of Democratic Minority Leader. Yet, the idea of her victory seemed impossible to most. What is the rationale behind their doubts? No Black woman had ever been a major-party gubernatorial nominee.

This brings us to an essential point: no change is possible if all outsiders are too afraid to challenge norms. To overcome these fears, it's crucial to first acknowledge them. Ambition can feel like a double-edged sword: your failure will make it harder for anyone who looks like you to rise, and your success will alienate you from the minority group. Perhaps some stereotypes lead you to doubt your own capabilities.

These fears, while deeply ingrained and very real, are not insurmountable. For example, when Abrams became a minority leader, she had to tread a fine line. If she was too forceful in criticizing Republicans, she risked reinforcing stereotypes — the loud woman, the aggressive Black person. Yet, if she was too subdued, she risked being perceived as weak. Abrams found a solution in her talent with words. Although her Democratic colleagues were frustrated about her deliberate action toward takedowns of Republican policies, she emerged victorious by giving powerful speeches.

The journey of Stacey Abrams serves as an inspiration for those feeling 'too different' to lead. It's a testament to the power of authenticity. Don’t strive to disprove every stereotype, but instead, show that your uniqueness is valuable. Begin by introspecting your best and worst traits, providing examples of when these traits were in action. Why do you admire or hate those traits? After that, write down what you think others would name as your best and worst characteristics and why.