Rosalind Brewer: Navigating Leadership as “The Only One in the Room”

Rosalind Brewer, the former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, often found herself as the “only” — the only woman, the only Black leader — in boardrooms throughout her career. She’s spoken candidly about how isolating and exhausting that position can be, even when you’re technically “at the top.” What’s powerful about Brewer’s leadership is how she never tried to hide that discomfort. Instead, she used it to build bridges with others who felt unseen or underestimated.

Rather than harden herself to fit into narrow definitions of what a CEO should be, Brewer chose to lead from a place of truth. She shared her personal experiences openly, whether it was about navigating bias or the pressure to represent an entire group of people in spaces not built for inclusion. In doing so, she created space for more honest conversations around equity—and encouraged others to bring their whole selves to the table. That kind of vulnerability has ripple effects. It makes leadership human.

Have you ever felt like the “only one” in a room? Would you be willing to share how that shaped your leadership? We’d love to hear your story. Comment below or connect with us at Storia Connect.