The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena Low

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There is a particular grief that comes with outgrowing the people who once matched your pace, and no one tells you it is allowed to hurt and be right at the same time. In this conversation, Serena Low sits down with executive coach and author Steve Barton, creator of the Game of Ten framework, to explore what happens when old friendships fall away, old certainties dissolve, and the question underneath it resurfaces — am I enough as I am, right now, before I fix any thing? Barton, who built a family flower business from $200,000 to $2 million before a mental health awakening changed the course of his life, shares the concept of compassionate detachment (which he calls Tenkaré) as a way to care fully without absorbing other people's pain, and explains why chasing perfection is, in his words, a cat chasing its own tail. This is a conversation for the reader still in the messy middle of becoming who they already are.

Questions Answered

What is the Game of Ten framework and what does it mean to "already be a 10"?
What is compassionate detachment, and why did Steve Barton coin the word Tenkaré?
Why do friendships and relationships fall away during a period of personal growth?
What is the difference between letting go of a person and letting go of a thought about that person?
Are introversion and extroversion fixed traits, or learned responses to early conditioning?
Why does the chase for perfection never resolve?
How can helpers, coaches, and therapists avoid taking on other people's pain as their own?

Key Takeaways

Outgrowing someone you love does not make you disloyal. It means you grew, and the grief that comes with that is allowed to exist without being fixed.
Regrets and mistakes are not identity. The exhausting work of trying to earn approval assumes the two are the same thing - they never were.
Compassionate detachment is not coldness. It is the boundary that lets a coach, therapist, or caregiver keep showing up without absorbing what was never theirs to carry.
Introversion and extroversion were shaped early, in what got praised and what got silenced as a child; they are not fixed at birth.
Letting go is not about the person, the place, or what happened. It is about releasing the thoughts still looping about them, and doing it for yourself, not for their apology.
Perfectionism has no finish line because there was never a race.

Chapters (approx.)

00:00 — Welcome and introduction to Steve Barton
01:20 — From the family flower shop to a $2 million business
04:14 — The awakening: therapy, mental health, and what changed
09:05 — When growth means people fall away
09:54 — The train analogy: still on board as people come and go
12:41 — Introducing the Game of Ten: you are the carrot, not the stick
14:59 — Why we're afraid to be loved, and how thoughts became identity
21:59 — Surrender and the hardest, most freeing thing: being yourself
24:26 — Introversion, extroversion, and how personality gets conditioned
27:16 — Compassionate detachment and the birth of "Tenkaré"
33:19 — Skill versus identity: why perfectionism never ends
36:37 — Awareness as the key that unlocks the chains
37:04 — Where to find Steve: website, book, and LinkedIn
39:31 — Closing thoughts

About Steve Barton

Steve Barton is an executive coach, author, and creator of the Game of Ten, an awareness-based framework that helps leaders operate with greater clarity, confidence, and performance. He brings over 47 years of real-world business experience, having grown a company from $200,000 to $2 million in annual revenue. His work blends practical business strategy with a deep understanding of human awareness, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. Steve is co-author of The Father, the Son, and the Aha Moment and is currently writing his next book on the mindset, emotional clarity, and inner alignment needed to succeed in both business and life.

If this conversation resonated with you and you want to learn more about reducing or ridding yourself of fear, self-doubt, guilt and shame and to learn more about The Game of Ten, schedule a Discovery Call with Steve at www.stevebartoncoaching.com.

About The Quiet Warrior Podcast

The Quiet Warrior Podcast is a show for introverted professional women navigating visibility, leadership, and career and personal growth.

If this episode resonated, please rate and review the show on your listening app. Your support helps more introverts become Quiet Warriors.

Work with Serena

Host Serena Low is a trauma-informed coach and former lawyer who brings lived experience to every conversation, meeting listeners at the edge of The Transition and guiding them towards clarity and congruence.

Book a paid Diagnostic Call with Serena to determine if your next career move is stay/go: https://calendly.com/serenalow/diagnostic-call

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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There is a particular kind of stiffness that comes from believing your intellect is the only thing that will get you through. You put forward the version of yourself that has the answers, the version that never lets the mask slip, because somewhere along the way you learned that being seen as capable was the same thing as being safe. Then life takes the choice out of your hands. A cancer diagnosis. A five-year survival window. A 925-kilometer walk across France and Spain with nothing but a change of clothes and a set of questions you thought you had already answered.

This week's guest is Alexander Ee, a former lawyer, management consultant, and corporate real estate executive who left a decades-long career in the boardroom to walk the Camino de Santiago after losing his wife, Regina, to cancer. What began as an attempt to outrun grief became something closer to a reckoning: with the mask of competence he had worn since childhood, with what it means to let people see him without it, and with a small stone he almost didn't pick up. Alexander shares the story behind his book, A Glimpse of Heaven, and what quiet courage actually looks like when the applause isn't the point.

Questions Answered in This Episode

What is the Camino de Santiago, and why do people walk it after loss?
How do you know when you're performing competence instead of being yourself?
What does the "stone tradition" at Cruz de Ferro mean, and why is it hard to let go?
How does faith help someone process grief and rebuild a sense of purpose?
Why do quiet, retiring people sometimes step forward when it matters most?
What can someone navigating grief or a major life transition take away from this story?

Key Takeaways

The exhaustion of always having to look like you have the answers, and the relief of finally letting that go
Realizing that the friends who saw every flaw were the ones who made you feel most accepted
The strange, almost physical weight of carrying something you haven't admitted you need to release
Discovering that purpose doesn't arrive as a plan, it arrives as a talent you're willing to lend to someone else
Watching a quiet, retiring friend step into the spotlight exactly when the moment called for it, and realizing that same courage lives in all of us
Learning to take grief one day at a time, rather than trying to picture an entire life without the person in it

Notable Quote

"You can command your fingers to open, and then they don't."

Chapter Approximate Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Alexander Ee

00:53 – From law to consulting to corporate real estate

02:08 – His wife Regina's cancer diagnosis and the decision to stay home 04:48 – Rediscovering faith through prayer and humility

08:27 – What really inspired the Camino de Santiago

11:34 – Dropping the mask: discovering he was "quite likable"

19:51 – The stone he almost didn't bring, and letting go at Cruz de Ferro

26:05 – How grief still resurfaces, and where he finds comfort

28:19 – Finding purpose through talents used for others

31:09 – Money, achievement, and mistaking identity for what doesn't last

36:23 – Turning an annual pilgrimage into a fundraiser

37:15 – Community, quiet courage, and the ethos of the Quiet Warrior

39:33 – The friend who stepped up when it mattered

42:12 – A message for anyone navigating grief or transition

43:34 – Alex’s book, A Glimpse of Heaven: Grief, Self and Community on the Camino

About the Guest

Alexander Ee is a former lawyer, management consultant, and corporate real estate executive based in Singapore. After the passing of his wife, Regina, he walked the 925-kilometer Camino de Santiago, an experience that led him to write A Glimpse of Heaven: Grief, Self and Community on the Camino, currently available in bookstores in Singapore. He has since completed the pilgrimage three times and now works for a Singapore charity, with this year's walk serving as a fundraiser.

About the Host Serena Low

I'm Serena Low, former lawyer turned Root-Cause Coach, and I work with professional women on one question: should you stay and rebuild, or leave on your own terms. It starts with one Diagnostic Call, where we get underneath the stress to what's actually driving it — the root cause beneath the symptoms. Book your call HERE.

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Share this episode with someone who’s walking through grief and transition.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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Jennifer Kornoely didn't choose to leave corporate. The choice was made for her.

She was meeting every goal, delivering every metric — and her manager let her go anyway. Because he could. A single mum with no severance, no safety net, and suddenly no income.

What she did next wasn't a triumphant pivot. It was a survival decision that slowly became something she chose.

In this episode, Jennifer shares how she went from real estate photographer who didn't know what she didn't know, to the founder of She Reads She Leads — an online book club and community for women who are done waiting for someone to hand them the financial and business knowledge they were never taught.

This conversation is for you if you've ever wondered: why does everyone else seem to know how this works — and why didn't anyone tell me?

What We Talk About

The moment everything was taken away

Jennifer was performing well. She was hitting all her numbers. And she was still let go — because a man didn't like her and had the power to act on it. She talks honestly about what it feels like when your income, your health insurance, and your professional identity disappear overnight — and why this story is far more common than women are willing to admit.

What you don't know until you start

Photography was the skill. But pricing, client contracts, pitching a major brokerage, knowing which clients to avoid — none of that came with the camera. Jennifer names the invisible gap between being brilliant at your craft and actually running a business. It's not a confidence gap. It's a knowledge gap. And no one hands you the curriculum.

How audiobooks in empty houses changed everything

Doing solo real estate photography means hours of silence. Jennifer started filling that silence with personal finance audiobooks. Ideas took root. Conversations shifted. She started asking better questions of the women around her — and realizing she wasn't the only one hungry for this.

Why women need community — not just mentors

There's a difference between learning from someone and learning with someone. Jennifer found that the real breakthroughs in her community happened not in the expert-to-student moments, but in the Zoom calls where a woman said I feel like I'm behind — and three other women immediately said you're not. Here's what I did.

Building a community as an introvert

Jennifer didn't want to be center stage. She didn't want to be pitching to ten people a day. So she built something that fits who she actually is: smaller groups, intentional relationships, facilitated conversation rather than performance. She talks about the 30 seconds of discomfort at a networking event that leads to a one-on-one — and why that's a strategy, not just a consolation prize.

Women as multipliers

When Jennifer says women don't just grow what they're given — they multiply it — she means it practically. Better investors. Better savers. Better negotiators. And yet: messaged from scarcity instead of abundance. Told to clip coupons while men are told to dominate markets. This conversation names that gap directly.

Why entrepreneurial thinking belongs to everyone — even if you love your job

Jennifer makes a case that hits differently in this job market: don't wait until you need these skills to build them. If you lost your income tomorrow, would you know how to replace it? The answer to that question is worth sitting with.

Three Starter Books for Women and Money

Jennifer recommends these three books as the foundation - read all three before moving to investing or business finance.

The Financial Feminist — Tori Dunlap On gender inequality in money, and why financial messaging has always been different for women.

Rich AF — Vivian Tu On evolving from financial basics into wealth-building — from someone who spent years watching how high-net-worth people actually think and operate.

Get Good with Money — Tiffany Aliche On budgeting and tracking with intention, not shame. Because you can't improve what you don't understand.

All three are written by millennial women, all three are active on social media, and all three make this knowledge accessible in a way the previous generation of finance advice never did.

Connect with Jennifer

She Reads She Leads

Download Jennifer's free resource: the three best books across six business categories — personal finance, wealth building, networking, outsourcing, and more.

Join the She Reads She Leads Book Club for ongoing conversation between monthly Zoom sessions.

Work with Serena Low

I work with quiet women leaders in loud corporate spaces that reward extroversion. For trauma-informed guidance on how to be visible and get the recognition you deserve without depleting or draining yourself, visitserenalow.com.au.

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on your listening app so more introverts can find The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What does it look like to build a life and a business with purpose - when time is finite?

James Lang is the Managing Partner of OverLang Venture Partners, a venture firm building proprietary AI infrastructure that accelerates company growth while protecting the human capital inside each organisation. Before that, James served as COO of a medtech startup where he grew revenue past $20 million and built a team of 60 from the ground up. He's a self-described introvert, a late-diagnosed autistic, and someone navigating a serious health condition — with remarkable clarity and candour about what truly matters.

This conversation is raw, honest, and unexpectedly profound. James shares what a military upbringing and chronic illness taught him about pushing forward — not through willpower alone, but through the people you choose to bring with you. We talk about chosen family, legacy, and why the most powerful career move you can make is becoming someone who genuinely shows up for others. We also dig into AI — not the hype, but a harder question.

Key Learnings:

Why James believes the greatest competitive edge an introvert has is caring more than anyone else in the room
What it means to be a "magnet" for good people — and how to build your chosen family intentionally
Navigating serious health challenges without losing sight of purpose or progress
How James discovered late in life that he is on the autism spectrum — and what shifted when he did
The philosophy behind OverLang's approach to AI: building technology that reflects and enhances our humanity rather than replacing it
Why legacy isn't about the dollars — it's about who you took with you
If AI is built in our image, whose image is that, and what does it mean for the rest of us?

If you've ever felt like your quiet nature was holding you back, or wondered whether your careful, deep way of doing things is actually your greatest strength — this episode is for you.

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on your listening app so more introverts can find The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

Connect with James Lang

Connect with James Lang

Overlang Venture Partners

Work with Serena Low

For trauma-informed guidance on how to be a visible introvert at work without depleting or draining yourself, visitserenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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If you've ever been told to "be more strategic" with no explanation of what that actually means — this episode is for you.

Limor Bergman Gross spent 20+ years leading engineering organisations across continents before making the leap to executive leadership herself. Now she coaches ambitious women in tech to do the same. In this conversation, she gets real about the patterns that keep talented women stuck — people-pleasing, hiding achievements, staying rigidly inside their job description — and shares the practical strategies that actually work.

We also dig into what it looks like to expand (not just "break out of") your comfort zone, how to say no without using the word no, and why protecting your time and energy isn't selfish — it's strategic. Whether you're climbing toward a promotion or trying to lead more sustainably, there's something here for you.

Key Topics

How Limor broke through from first-line manager to executive — and what "be more strategic" really means
Introverts, permission-seeking, and taking initiative without going rogue
Expanding vs. "stepping outside" your comfort zone: – the reframe
Why you should say yes first and figure it out later
What leaders can do to create inclusive spaces for quiet people
Patterns Limor sees holding women in tech back — and how to shift them
How to say no without the word "no" — a practical script
Why overcommitting is bad for your employer too
It's not just how much you do — it's what you do and the impact it creates
Limor's closing message to every introvert

About Limor Bergman Gross

Limor is a former Director of Engineering with 20+ years in tech, having led engineering teams across continents. She now coaches ambitious women in tech into leadership roles and speaks globally on leadership, influence, and visibility. She is also the host of the From a Woman to a Leader podcast.

🔗 Connect with Limor on LinkedIn 🎙️ From a Woman to a Leader podcast

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on your listening app.

For Serena’s guidance on how to be a Visible Introvert without performing extroversion, visit serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What if being overlooked at work had nothing to do with your performance — and everything to do with a bias so embedded in workplace culture that most people don't even recognise it as bias at all?

David Boroughs spent 30 years navigating corporate America as an introvert. He received top performance rankings and was still told, repeatedly, that he wasn't visible enough. Near the end of his career, that contradiction became an epiphany: it wasn't him that was broken. It was the culture.

Now retired, David is an author and advocate for personality type inclusion. We talk about what it costs to mask your introversion, why the burden of change cannot keep falling on the individual, and what leaders can practically do to create cultures where introverts thrive as their authentic selves.

We also explore the Anxiety High book series — a fiction series for introverted teenagers that David co-authored with his son, Joshua — and why it's finding just as much resonance with parents, teachers, and school counsellors.

In this episode:

What "personality type bias" is — unconscious, socially accepted, and legally unchallenged
The performance review moment that changed everything for David
The exhaustion of performing extroversion, and why it compounds over time
What leaders can do differently: hiring language, selection committees, and creating genuine belonging
Why introverts who break into leadership sometimes perpetuate the very bias they've suffered
How David and his teenage son wrote fiction books together to help young introverts feel seen

About David Boroughs

David is the author of The Extrovert's Guide to Elevating Introverted Leaders in the Workplace and co-author of the Anxiety High teen fiction series. Connect with David on LinkedIn and his website.

Work with Serena

If you’re successful on paper but still feel unseen, over-extended or quietly stuck at the same level despite everything you’ve achieved, the SEEN executive calibration was designed for you. It helps identify the deeper patterns that may be affecting how you communicate, advocate for yourself, lead, and show up professionally.

You’ll find more information HERE.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What do you do when life hands you a diagnosis — and you're the person everyone else depends on?

Deb Krier was a “good patient” kind of person. Annual physical. Mammogram. Did everything right. And still didn't make it home from the hospital before the phone rang.

What followed over the next decade was 34 surgeries under general anaesthesia, a stage zero diagnosis that leapt to stage four almost overnight, septic shock with a 75% fatality rate — and a surgeon who told her husband she would be dead by midnight.

Her response? Excuse me. I get to vote.

In this episode, Deb — cancer advocate, strategic advisor, creator of TryingNotToDie.live, and host of the Business Power Hour — shares what she's learned about leading through a health crisis without losing yourself, your business, or your people..

If you've ever pushed through difficulty alone because you feared what people would think — this one is for you.

You'll learn:

Why hiding a health crisis from your clients almost always backfires
How to maintain decision-making authority when your brain has short-circuited
What solopreneurs need to put in place before a crisis hits
Why asking for help is not weakness — it's what warriors do

Key Takeaways:

Isolation is the enemy. The instinct to hide a health crisis from your clients and colleagues is understandable — but it's the thing most likely to make everything harder.
Transparency converts people into supporters. When Deb told her clients the truth, they didn't pull away. They asked, what can we do to help?
You are the decision-maker — even when the white coats disagree. Give yourself the time to grieve, gather yourself, and then choose the path that is right for you.
Bring backup to the hard appointments. A level-headed person by your side can hold onto information your shocked brain can't process.
Build your systems before you need them. Automated invoicing, a backup contact, someone who can handle the basics — these are not just illness preparations. They're what lets you take a vacation too.
The strongest thing you can do is ask for help. Reaching out — to a friend, a counsellor, a faith community, a stranger on Facebook — is not weakness. It is what warriors do.
Gratitude doesn't have to be grand. It can be as simple as: I woke up. The project didn't get done, and the world didn't stop.

About Deb Krier

Deb Krier is a cancer advocate and strategic advisor for executives and business owners navigating the personal and professional impact of a cancer diagnosis. She provides high-level guidance for leaders who want to maintain their executive presence and decision-making authority while managing the complex realities of cancer.

Deb is the creator of TryingNotToDie.live and the host of the Business Power Hour.

Gentle invitation for Quiet Leaders:

If you love learning at your own pace, I’ve created a mini-course that you can digest in a weekend. You can download it here:

https://www.quietwarrioracademy.com/leadershipforintroverts

Enjoying The Quiet Warrior Podcast?

If this episode resonated with you, please rate and review the show on your listening app. Your support helps more introverts become Quiet Warriors.

For weekly insights on how to flourish and lead as an introvert, subscribe to Serena's newsletter, The Visible Introvert.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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⚠️ Content note: This episode contains references to suicide. Please take care of yourself as you listen.

What does it really mean to be happy — and why do so many high-achieving, outwardly successful people struggle to feel it? In this deeply honest and practical conversation, happiness coach Todd Patkin joins host Serena to explore the hidden cost of perfectionism, the systemic roots of burnout, and the 12 steps he developed to help people move from surviving to genuinely thriving.

After growing a family auto parts business by 20% year-on-year and working 70–80 hours a week, Todd hit a wall at age 36. A complete mental breakdown, suicidal ideation, and an inability to even answer a simple question at a restaurant forced him to stop and ask: Why am I doing this to myself?

What emerged from that dark chapter was a 12-step program to happiness — one he has since shared with corporations, schools, associations, and individuals worldwide.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why bullying in childhood can plant the seeds of perfectionism and anxiety that follow us into adulthood
How the "tombstone test" can help you realign your daily life with what truly matters to you
Why perfectionism is a socially rewarded addiction — and why that makes it so hard to break
The real reason social media is making young people (and adults) so unhappy
How we spend more than half our mental lives in the past or future — and what that costs us in the present
Why loneliness carries the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
The surprising role of generosity in your own wellbeing (givers are 40% happier and 25% healthier)
How introverts can lean into friendliness without betraying their nature
The importance of seeking professional help for anxiety and depression — and why medication is nothing to be ashamed of

Todd Patkin's 12-Step Program to Happiness — Overview

Week 1 – Exercise

Week 2 – Prepare your mindset

Week 3 – Be Kinder to Yourself (Todd's most important step)

Week 4 – Play to Your Strengths

Week 5 – Living in the Present

Week 6 – Eliminate Stressors

Week 7 – Surround Yourself with Positive People

Week 8 – Spend More Time with Family and Friends

Week 9 – Be Cheerful and Connect with Others

Week 10 – Be Giving

Week 11 – Practice Gratitude

Week 12 – Connect with a Higher Power

Memorable Moments from This Episode

"Happiness is just being okay with yourself because you're here."

"Most people say things to themselves all day long that they wouldn't even say to their worst enemy."

"We reward perfectionism, whereas we look down upon alcoholism and smoking — and that's one of the problems we have in society today."

About Todd Patkin

Todd Patkin is a happiness coach, author, and speaker who spent over a decade building and leading a successful family auto parts business before experiencing a severe breakdown at age 36. That turning point led him to develop his 12-step program to happiness — a framework he has shared with corporations, schools, associations, and individuals across the country. Todd is also the author of an autobiography and workbook that accompany his signature course.

Connect with Todd Patkin

Website: toddpatkin.com

Udemy Course Bundle (autobiography + workbook + video series): https://www.udemy.com/course/twelve-weeks-to-living-a-happier-life/

Gentle Invitation

If you're navigating anxiety, depression, or simply the quiet exhaustion of always striving, Todd's message is clear: you don't have to live with it. Speaking to a doctor or mental health professional is a brave and practical first step — not a sign of weakness.

If you're a quiet achiever ready to lead on your own terms without performing extroversion — Serena's self-paced resource for quiet leaders was made for you. Download it at https://www.quietwarrioracademy.com/leadershipforintroverts.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide loss. Please take care while listening.

What happens when a confident communicator suddenly loses her voice?

In this deeply moving conversation, Serena Low sits down with psychotherapist, author, and communication expert Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva (“Dr. T”) to explore the life-changing experience that shaped her work: immigrating to the United States at 14 without knowing English and finding herself unable to express herself.

Together, they unpack the complexities of communication, grief, cultural identity, boundaries, and self-advocacy. Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience in trauma, grief, couples therapy, and immigration mental health, Dr. Patricia shares practical tools and profound insights that can help Quiet Warriors communicate more effectively, navigate difficult emotions, and honour their own needs without guilt.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, struggled to speak up, or carried grief that others couldn't fully comprehend, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

Why communication breakdowns often happen even when both people have good intentions
The Intention–Action–Perception (IAP) model and how it can transform your relationships
A simple communication technique called the "Preamble" that reduces conflict and misunderstanding
How immigration, culture, and identity influence the way we communicate
The difference between healthy boundaries and emotional walls
Why reciprocity matters in relationships and leadership
What makes suicide grief uniquely challenging
Practical ways to support someone who is grieving
How to create "memories in your pocket" to navigate difficult moments of loss
Why putting yourself on equal footing with others is an act of self-respect, not selfishness

Key Takeaways for Quiet Warriors

Your silence is not weakness. Speaking thoughtfully and intentionally is a strength.
Communication isn't just about what you say—it's about how your message is perceived.
You cannot force someone to receive a message they aren't ready to hear.
Healthy boundaries protect your wellbeing and strengthen your relationships.
Grief doesn't follow a timetable, and healing cannot be rushed.
Putting yourself at the same level as others creates more sustainable relationships and leadership.

About Dr. Patricia Timerman

Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Advocate to Create. She holds a PhD in Mental Health and specialises in grief, trauma, couples therapy, and suicide loss support. Her work is informed by both extensive clinical experience and her own immigration journey, bringing a culturally sensitive perspective to mental health and communication.

Connect with Dr. Patricia Timerman

Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook: @AdvocateToCreate

Book: Why Are We Fighting? Actionable Strategies for Effective Communication (available in print, eBook, and audiobook formats)

www.Advocate2Create.com

www.Advocate2Create.Teachable.com

P: (305) 204-7764

E: patricia@advocate2create.com

No More - Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault

www.nomore.org

No More Tears

nomoretearsusa.org

Resources for Quiet Achievers

Download the Leadership Visibility and Influence for Introverts mini-course for practical strategies to lead with confidence while staying true to yourself.

Enjoying The Quiet Warrior Podcast?

If this episode resonated with you, please rate and review the show on your listening app. Your support helps more introverts elevate into Quiet Warriors.

For weekly insights on introversion, subscribe to Serena's LinkedIn newsletter, The Visible Introvert.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please seek support immediately.

Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Call/text/chat, available 24/7)

United States: 988 Lifeline (Call/text/chat, available 24/7)

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What happens when you've built a successful career, ticked every box on the list society gave you - and you're still miserable?

That's where Mike Wood found himself at 45. A former COO who helped scale Jarrett Companies from $2.5 million to over $100 million in revenue, Mike had achieved everything he was supposed to want. Yet beneath the success, 30 years of anxiety and depression were still screaming.

In this deeply honest conversation, Mike shares the five-year inner journey that led him to become a consciousness coach — and why he now takes those same tools into maximum security prisons and corporate boardrooms alike.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why external success can never fill an internal void — and where to look instead
How a single moment in kindergarten programmed a core belief that silently ran Mike's life until he was 47
What the subconscious mind's "number one job" reveals about why we hold on to old wounds — and how to finally let them go
The two-minute gratitude practice that Mike used when his 7-year-old came upstairs in tears about monsters
Why reframing the past isn't rewriting history — it's giving your younger self more context
The surprising leadership lesson Mike learned when his company flooded a 30-floor high-rise — and how taking radical ownership transformed the entire room
What school is failing to teach our kids (and ourselves) about emotional intelligence
How releasing identity attachments can dissolve the physical stress response almost instantly
The one thing Mike wants every quiet achiever to know if they feel broken

About Mike Wood

Mike Wood is a former COO turned consciousness coach who spent 30 years struggling with anxiety and depression before finding the tools that changed everything. He now runs Learn to Love Being You, a 10-week subconscious reprogramming program, and takes his work into maximum security prisons and corporate leadership settings across the US. Mike is also the father of seven children, ranging in age from 11 to 33.

Connect with Mike & Claim Your Free Gift

Mike is offering listeners a free first week of his program — including guided breathwork exercises and manual tools to manage anxiety starting today.

Free gift: mwoodmindset.com/warrior

Program: learntolovebeingyou.com

Email: mike@learntolovebeingyou.com

Work with Serena

If you’re an introverted woman leader ready to become more visible and influential without performing extroversion, I invite you to apply for a SEEN Executive Calibration. 45 minutes via Zoom. Diagnostic, not selling. Root causes, not symptoms.

Apply HERE.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What if the career that looked right on paper was quietly draining you — and the one you almost overlooked turned out to be exactly where you were meant to be?

Family mediator and restorative justice practitioner Rosemary Gattuso joins Serena to share the pivotal moment she walked away from legal practice and into mediation — not out of failure, but out of a growing self-awareness that law amplified her weaknesses, while mediation brought her natural strengths to life.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt slightly out of place in their career, struggled with an inner critic that just won't quieten, or found themselves caring for someone they love while quietly losing pieces of themselves in the process.

Rosemary introduces her signature what's wrong vs. what's strong framework — a deceptively simple lens that cuts through self-judgement and reorients how we think about mistakes, setbacks and personal growth. When we see a misstep through the "what's wrong" lens, we spiral into shame. When we shift to "what's strong," the same moment becomes a question: What have I learned? What could I do differently?

She also opens up about a deeply personal chapter — caring full-time for both ageing parents — and the conflicting emotions that rarely get named: love and resentment, devotion and grief, gratitude and guilt. Her upcoming second book offers language and tools for navigating exactly that.

In this episode:

Why aligning your career with your strengths changes more than just your work
How to become your own internal mediator and shift out of chronic self-criticism
The emotional contradictions of caregiving — and how to hold them with compassion
Practical advice for quiet achievers whose deep analysis tips into overthinking
How to know when you're out of balance — and what to do about it

Resources Mentioned:

Rosemary's first book, It's Not You, It's Me, is available at her website https://www.rosemarygattuso.com and online.

Carer Gateway - an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.

Work with Serena

Apply HERE.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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Serena Low sits down with leadership expert Megumi Miki to explore what it means to be a quietly powerful leader — and why organisations in Australia and beyond can no longer afford to overlook quiet talent.

Megumi is the award-winning author of Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature is Your Hidden Leadership Strength and a leadership, culture, and diversity consultant with over 20 years of experience. In this episode, she challenges the outdated “hero leader” model and reveals how spaciousness, presence, and humility are reshaping what effective leadership looks like in today’s uncertain world.

Who This Episode Is For

This conversation is essential listening for:

Introverted professionals in Australian workplaces
Quiet achievers aspiring to senior leadership
Leaders who feel exhausted by performative confidence
Organisations wanting to cultivate inclusive leadership
Anyone navigating visibility without sacrificing authenticity

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why the “Hero Leader” Model Is Failing Organisations
The Three Attributes of Quietly Powerful Leaders
Why Asking the Right Question Is More Powerful Than Having the Right Answer
The Danger of Boxing Yourself In as an Introvert
What Organisations Must Do to Stop Wasting Quiet Talent

Quietly Powerful Leadership Cards

In addition to her book, Megumi has created Quietly Powerful Leadership Cards — tangible, accessible tools designed to spark reflection and practical leadership growth.

Connect with Megumi Miki

You can explore Megumi’s book, leadership programs, interviews, and Quietly Powerful resources through her official website https://megumimiki.com/.

Work with Serena

Apply HERE.

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What happens when life asks you to let go of an old identity and become someone entirely new?

In Episode 135 of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena sits down with Soreya James to explore healing, identity, introversion, trauma, nervous system safety, and the quiet courage it takes to come home to yourself.

Soreya shares the powerful story behind changing her name after surviving childhood trauma, and how reclaiming her identity became an act of liberation, healing, and rebirth. Together, Serena and Soreya explore the layers of conditioning that cause so many people — especially introverts and quiet achievers — to shut down, stay small, and hide aspects of themselves in order to feel safe.

This conversation also dives into:

The relationship between introversion, conditioning, and nervous system safety
Why many high-performing people are exhausted by the noise and pressure of modern visibility culture
The healing power of silence, stillness, and softer forms of leadership
How authenticity can become a quiet form of magnetism
Why “less is more” for introverted entrepreneurs and creatives
The difference between being seen and performing visibility
Soreya’s transformational book Metamorphosis and the journey of reinvention after burnout, loss, and major life transitions

This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that you do not need to become louder to make an impact. Sometimes the quietest light is the one that helps people feel safest enough to heal.

Key Takeaways

Healing often begins when we stop performing and start listening inward
Safety is foundational for self-expression and authentic visibility
Introversion can be both innate and shaped by conditioning and lived experiences
Quiet, grounded presence can be more powerful than loud visibility
Silence and stillness can create the space needed for transformation
Becoming who you truly are is an inward journey, not an external performance

About Soreya James

Soreya James is a private rehabilitation guide providing bespoke rehabilitation immersions for high-performing individuals under sustained pressure. Her work supports leaders, creatives, and professionals experiencing burnout, addiction patterns, emotional overload, health collapse, or loss of meaning despite outward success.

With over 25 years of experience across somatic therapy, breathwork, meditation, and embodied psychology, Soreya works at the level of nervous system regulation and deep transformation rather than surface-level symptom management.

Soreya is also the author of Metamorphosis: A Map to Midlife, Menopause and the Mind.

Get Coached by Serena

Apply HERE.

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What does it mean to live, love, and lead congruently—especially as an introvert in a noisy world?

In this deeply reflective conversation, Serena Low and transformational coach and bestselling author Christian de la Huerta explore the quiet, courageous work of authenticity, conscious relationships, and inner freedom.

Together, they unpack what it means to be a modern-day hero—not through grand gestures, but through the everyday choices we make to respond with awareness instead of reaction.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or torn between staying true to yourself and keeping the peace, this episode will gently guide you back to your centre.

In This Episode, We Explore:

What it means to live congruently — where your inner world matches how you show up externally
Why authenticity can feel difficult — and why it’s still the most liberating path
A powerful reframe of the hero’s journey in modern life
How introverts build deep, meaningful relationships (and why small talk often feels draining)
The truth about triggers: what they reveal about your inner world
How relationships act as a mirror for self-awareness and growth
The shift from “you hurt me” to “this is how I feel” — and why it changes everything
Why no one else is responsible for your happiness (and what to do instead)
The concept of the “eye of the storm” — staying grounded amidst chaos
How breathwork can support emotional regulation and inner clarity

Key Takeaways

Authenticity is both simple and courageous — it asks you to shed conditioning and return to who you truly are
Triggers are teachers — they point to patterns and unmet needs within us
Introversion is not a weakness — it is a depth-oriented strength that fosters meaningful connection
Conscious relationships accelerate growth — they reveal blind spots we cannot see alone
Personal responsibility is freedom — when you stop outsourcing your happiness, everything shifts
The Quiet Warrior path is heroic — it’s the daily practice of choosing awareness, compassion, and alignment

About Christian de la Huerta

Christian de la Huerta is a transformational coach, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and couples create more authentic, fulfilling relationships.

His work focuses on reclaiming personal power, healing unconscious patterns, and transforming the way we relate—to ourselves and others.

His books include:

Awakening the Soul of Power
Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship to Relationships

Connect with Christian

Website: soulfulpower.com
TEDx Talk: The Power of the Breath

Work With Serena Low

If this conversation resonated with you, and you're ready to be seen, heard, and recognised—without performing extroversion:

Book a SEEN executive diagnostic call here:
https://serenalow.com.au

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Share it with another quiet achiever who needs to hear this.
Leave a rating and review.
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What if the reason you’re struggling with your health isn’t discipline… but identity?

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Greg Fearon, creator of the Million Dollar Body Method, to explore a calmer, more sustainable approach to health — one that doesn’t rely on willpower, extreme diets, or doing more.

Together, we unpack why so many high-achieving professionals — especially introverted women — feel stuck in cycles of burnout, low energy, and frustration with their health, despite knowing exactly what to do.

Greg shares why knowledge is not the problem — and how identity, rest, and small, consistent actions are the real drivers of lasting change.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not seeing results, this conversation will offer a powerful reframe.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Why willpower isn’t the answer to sustainable health
The hidden role of identity in shaping your habits and behaviours
How high-achieving women are conditioned to deprioritise their health
The connection between rest, energy, and performance at work
Why burnout and under-recovery sabotage your progress
How micro habits create lasting change without overwhelm
The concept of a “superhero identity” and how it shifts behaviour
Why introverts may have a natural advantage in creating deep, sustainable change

Key Takeaways

Lasting change doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from becoming someone different
Your current habits are a reflection of your identity, not your knowledge
Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement for clarity, performance, and wellbeing
Small, consistent actions build trust with yourself and create momentum
A compelling vision of your future self is more powerful than short-term goals

Notable Moments / Timestamps (approximate)

00:00 – Introduction to Greg Fearon and his journey
04:30 – Why knowledge isn’t the problem — identity is
10:00 – The power of having a bigger vision for your health
16:00 – Creating a “superhero identity” that drives behaviour
21:00 – Micro habits and building sustainable change
25:00 – Why rest, sleep, and recovery matter more than you think
33:00 – “Working in” vs working out
40:00 – The one shift that changes everything

Connect with Greg Fearon

Website: https://gregfearon.com
Instagram: @gregfearon
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gregfearon
Million Dollar Body Method info & coaching enquiries available on his platforms

Work With Me

If you’re ready to be visible and impactful without performing extroversion or burning out, join The Visible Introvert Community:
https://serenalow.com.au

Enjoyed This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, I’d love for you to:

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast
Leave a rating and review
Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

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In this episode, Serena sits down with Sabine Hutchison — CEO and co-founder of Seuss Plus, author of Beyond the Ladder, host of Cut the Chat Life Science Insider podcast and Be the Ripple podcast, and founder of the Ripple Network.

Known as the ‘Queen of Reinvention’, Sabine shares how she has reshaped her life and career again and again — from chemistry graduate and hazardous waste specialist, to world-touring team member for David Copperfield, to biotech and life sciences leader, published author, and ecosystem builder.

Through candid examples, Sabine reminds us that reinvention doesn’t always arrive with fireworks — often it’s quiet, intuitive, deliberate, and built on patience, values, and inner listening.

What we talked about

✔️ Reinvention as a series of small, intuitive steps — not one dramatic leap
✔️ Parking your education, identity, or expertise without losing it✔️ Blurriness vs clarity — and why both belong in every journey
✔️ Sitting with uncertainty instead of forcing change
✔️ Nervousness, self-awareness, and what our body tells us
✔️ Cyclical energy, perimenopause, and why women must speak about it
✔️ Networking as nourishment, not obligation
✔️ How women can build values-aligned, sustainable careers

Key Insights & Gentle Reminders

» You don’t need every step mapped out — trust the blur
» Clarity can come from knowing your values, not your job title
» Your degree or past roles are not wasted — you can return to them any time
» Confidence grows through preparation, tuning in, and practice
» Your energy ebbs and flows — honour your season
» Reinvention is available at any age, stage, or chapter

About Sabine’s Book – Beyond the Ladder

Sabine’s book invites women to rethink outdated career narratives and build careers aligned with purpose, health, seasonality, and personal strength.
Featuring tools, reflections, and stories from 36 diverse women, it’s part guidebook, part inspiration, and deeply practical.

Connect with Sabine Hutchison

WebsiteLinkedInThe Ripple NetworkCut the Chat Life Science Insider PodcastBe the Ripple PodcastBeyond the Ladder

Invitation to work with Serena The Quiet Warrior Coach

If you’re ready to be visible in the workplace without performing extroversion, book a S.E.E.N. diagnostic session with Serena at info@serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this playful conversation, Serena speaks with photographer, podcaster, mentor, and author James Walters, creator of A Joyful Rebellion and Meditations of the Mundane.

James shares how creativity became his language for connection, how journaling sparked a life pivot at midlife, and why following the “script” others hand us often leads to quietly unfulfilled lives.

Introversion as a “world within a world”

James describes introversion not as shyness, but deep perception.

About being “the person in the corner who’s watching everything as it unfolds” — and the unexpected superpower that becomes.

Seeing the unseen — through a camera and through people

James traces his path from photography school into commercial work:

“I love to be able to show other people the world in maybe a way they had not seen before.”

Photography became a way to:

reflect someone’s strengths back to them
build trust without small talk
connect deeply without competing for airspace

He shares why distraction in front of the camera matters — and why clarity afterward matters even more.

Journaling, loops we repeat & becoming the author of your life

A breakthrough moment came when James reread a year of his morning pages:

“I was writing about some of the same goals… the same things… I’m on a hamster wheel.”

That realization seeded his podcast — and the idea of reclaiming authorship instead of acting out a script someone else wrote.

Introvert / Extrovert energy — when opposites attract

Living with an extroverted partner sharpened James’ awareness that you can both be having a good time, but managing your energy differently.

He highlights differences in:

how connection is formed
when energy rises or drains
why small talk feels costly to many introverts.

Meditations of the Mundane — giving objects a voice

James’ latest book marries black-and-white photography with imagination:

“What if I take an object and I personify it?”

From park benches to gum stuck on sidewalks, James flips the script — revealing meaning, story, and whimsy in everyday forgotten places.

The hardest part of creating a book (and any big project)

James’ biggest challenge?

“The middle … where I start to lose energy … now I have to be really intentional about creativity.”

So relatable for every creative, founder, or quiet achiever.

A Joyful Rebellion — the podcast

James’ show explores:

people who ticked every life box,
found success but not fulfillment,
and chose to rewrite their story.

3 Takeaways for Quiet Achievers

Your stillness is a strength — don’t apologize for observing first.
Creativity is a bridge — share your work and connection follows.
When awareness dawns, you can’t unsee it — you get to choose differently.

Explore James Walters’ work + Free Gift!

Meditations of the Mundane A Joyful Rebellion podcast
Free mini-guide: Plotting Your Joyful Rebellion

Invitation to work with Serena The Quiet Warrior Coach

If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and promoted without performing extroversion, the trauma-informed S.E.E.N. Coaching Program is your next step.
Learn how to lead, communicate, and show up from a place of safety and sustainability.

Book your S.E.E.N. diagnostic session at info@serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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Serena is joined by Diane McDowell, a therapist-turned-coach and leading expert in emotional safety. Diane is the creator of the Brain to Heart Code, a neuroscience-backed method designed to interrupt what she calls the brain hijack—the unconscious survival response that turns moments of connection into self-protection.

Together, Serena and Diane explore why highly sensitive and emotionally intelligent people often over-accommodate, people-please, or shut down in relationships—and why traditional advice around “better communication” often misses the real issue entirely.

This episode is a powerful invitation to stop outsourcing your sense of safety, reconnect with your body, and reclaim your emotional sovereignty—without fixing, forcing, or over-intellectualising your way through discomfort.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why emotional safety is a biological need, not a communication skill
How the brain hijack prevents you from accessing the tools you already know
The hidden cost of people-pleasing and over-accommodation for highly sensitive people
Why overthinking is often an attempt to escape bodily sensations—not a lack of insight
How to become the “wise watcher” and respond instead of react
Why sitting with discomfort—rather than fixing it—is what creates real relief
How unprocessed emotions accumulate in the body and shape present-day reactions
The difference between mindset work and true nervous system rewiring
How to reclaim emotional safety without needing your partner—or anyone else—to change

Key Themes We Explore

Emotional safety and nervous system regulation
Highly sensitive people and overstimulation
People-pleasing as a survival response
Anxiety, overthinking, and body-based awareness
Emotional responsibility and relational agency
Why awareness + presence leads to release

Resources Mentioned

Brain to Heart Mini Course & Quiz
Diane’s 20-minute introductory training designed to help you identify your specific brain hijack pattern and begin restoring emotional safety from the inside out.

https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/the-brain-to-heart-mini-course

Invitation from Serena

Book your S.E.E.N. diagnostic session at info@serenalow.com.au.

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[TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to suicide.]

What happens when responsibility is placed on your shoulders before you even have language for choice?

In this honest and illuminating conversation, Serena Low is joined by Adaku Mbagwu, founder of Healed Hero and widely known as The First Daughter Coach. They explore the emotional, cultural, and psychological imprint carried by firstborn daughters — particularly those who grow up over-functioning, over-delivering, and quietly burning out while appearing “capable” and “strong.”

Adaku shares her own journey as a firstborn daughter in a Nigerian Igbo family, where responsibility was culturally assigned before birth. She unpacks how this early parentification shapes perfectionism, hyper-independence, people-pleasing, and the belief that love must be earned — patterns that often follow firstborn daughters into leadership roles, careers, and entrepreneurship.

This episode is a compassionate invitation to awareness, self-honesty, and re-parenting — not through grand gestures, but through micro-moments of choosing yourself.

In This Episode, We Explore:

What “eldest daughter syndrome” really looks like in everyday life
Why firstborn daughters often become the second mother in the household
How unconscious family dynamics translate into careers, leadership, and burnout
The link between perfectionism, over-responsibility, and invisibility at work
Why firstborn daughters struggle to receive support — even when they give endlessly
The cost of believing that love must be earned through performance
Re-parenting yourself through micro-choices rather than radical overhauls
The courage required to move from resentment to responsibility
Why awareness — not blame — is the true turning point for change

Connect with Adaku

Website: https://www.healedhero.com
LinkedIn: Adaku Mbagwu
Free resource: https://www.healedhero.com/free-training

Loved this episode?

If this episode resonated, please share it with a firstborn daughter who needs to feel seen.

Invitation from Serena

If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and promoted without performing extroversion, the trauma-informed S.E.E.N. Coaching Program is your next step. Learn how to lead, communicate, and show up from a place of safety and sustainability.

Find out more here:https://serenalow.com.au

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this thoughtful and deeply aligned conversation, Serena sits down with Patrick Kamba—executive leader, global people manager, and author of Quiet Ambition.

Together, they explore what ambition looks like when it’s driven from the inside rather than performed for external validation. Patrick shares how introverts and quiet achievers can build influence, earn promotions, and lead powerfully—without hustling, self-promotion, or abandoning who they are.

This episode is a grounded, practical, and reassuring listen for anyone who wants to be visible and respected at work while staying authentic, calm, and values-led.

Key Takeaways:

What ambition really means—and why it must come from inner fire, not external pressure
The difference between authenticity and performative vulnerability
How leaders can create psychological safety so people feel free to contribute and grow
Why “challenging your boss” (and even ignoring them at times!) can be a healthy leadership practice
How to get promoted through relationships, contribution, and strategic visibility
What quiet visibility looks like in meetings—summarising, re-framing, inviting others in
Why success isn’t worth it if you’re alone at the top
Patrick’s personal commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership
Integrating introverted and extroverted strengths instead of choosing one identity
Why daring, trying, and having fun matter more than getting everything “right”

Resources & Links:

Quiet Ambitionby Patrick Kamba – explore how to lead and grow without being loud
Learn more about Patrick’s work and leadership philosophy: https://www.patrickkamba.com/
Connect with Patrick Kamba on LinkedIn

Work with Serena:

If you want to be visible, valued, and promotion-ready without performing extroversion, explore Serena’s 1:1 coaching and online courses at serenalow.com.au.

Spread the Word:

Share this episode with a fellow quiet achiever, and join us next time on The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What happens when a high-achieving humanitarian leader hits the wall?

In this powerful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Meggi Rombach—former leader at Procter & Gamble and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—to explore burnout, identity, boundaries, and what it truly means to find your voice

With over 20 years of global leadership experience across corporate and humanitarian sectors, Meggi has led complex restructurings, navigated cultural integrations, and managed teams through uncertainty

But behind the success was chronic stress, burnout, and a health crisis that forced her to pause—and ultimately, to reinvent the way she leads and lives

This conversation is a masterclass in quiet strength, mindful leadership, and courageous boundary-setting.

In This Episode, We Explore:

The Introverted Extrovert

Meggi describes herself as an extrovert who leans toward observer mode—especially in new environments. Rather than speaking first in meetings, she prefers to listen, connect ideas, and contribute thoughtfully

For introverts and quiet achievers, this is affirming: meaningful contribution does not require immediate volume. It requires presence and discernment.

The Hidden Cost of High Performance

From her early corporate years at Procter & Gamble through her humanitarian leadership at the Red Cross, Meggi experienced multiple restructurings and high-pressure environments

She shares openly about burnout—particularly the “frog in boiling water” analogy that describes how chronic stress builds so gradually that we don’t notice until we’re already overwhelmed

Her turning point came after a serious health challenge forced her into deep pause, mindfulness, and reflection

Quiet Burnout & The Guilt of Slowing Down

Meggi speaks candidly about the guilt that comes with asking for help or setting boundaries—especially when you identify as a high performer or a people-first leader

She highlights how easy it is to advocate fiercely for your team—while neglecting to advocate for yourself.

When Your Identity Becomes the Organization

Working within mission-driven institutions like the ICRC, Meggi observed how deeply employees intertwine their personal identity with the organization’s mission

When layoffs or restructurings occur, untangling that identity can be painful. This episode explores how to reconnect with who you are beyond your job title.

Mini Mindfulness for Busy Leaders

Instead of hours-long meditation, Meggi advocates for micro-practices:

Two minutes of conscious breathing
A slow walk around the building
Practicing non-judgment
Embracing gratitude

These small resets helped her regulate chronic stress and step out of emotional reactivity

Managing Up with Respect

One of the most practical moments in this episode is Meggi’s story of setting boundaries around meeting times.

Rather than reacting with frustration, she approached her senior leader calmly and factually—without entitlement—simply raising awareness. The result? A better system for everyone

Her philosophy:“You can raise anything, as long as you do it without a sense of entitlement.”

This is gold for quiet achievers who struggle with authority dynamics.

From Leadership Insights to Play It By Your Rules

Meggi recently rebranded her podcast to Play It By Your Rules—a “mindful rebellion” against inherited scripts and expectations

But here’s the catch: You can only play by your rules once you know what your rules are.

That requires self-awareness, boundaries, and letting go of the “shoulds.”

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What if the reason you've been struggling to stay consistent, feeling overwhelmed, or quietly burning out has nothing to do with willpower — and everything to do with how little you've been taught about yourself?

In this episode, host Serena sits down with Amy Lenius — Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, professional speaker, and certified personal development coach — for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes for women to redefine success on their own terms.

Amy shares her personal journey through chronic illness (endometriosis), how that led her to study women's health and holistic personal development, and why she believes the path to lasting change starts with one foundational skill: self-awareness.

What We Cover in This Episode

Amy's Origin StoryBefore she ever taught this work, she lived it. Growing up with endometriosis — a hormonally-driven, chronic pain condition — Amy was pushed to understand the deep connection between her body, her environment, and her wellbeing. That knowledge became the foundation of her career in women's health and, eventually, personal development coaching.

The Holistic LensEverything affects everything else. Amy and Serena unpack why we can't put life into neat boxes — our relationships affect our work, our health affects how we parent, and our external environment is constantly shaping our internal one (and vice versa). This interconnectedness is the lens Amy brings to all of her coaching.

The Frustration AuditOne of Amy's most powerful tools: a simple exercise where you list everything that frustrates you — big or small, without justification. Then you sort it into two categories: what you can control, and what you can't. The things you can control become your action plan. The things you can't become your practice in emotional regulation. Amy pairs this always with a conscious gratitude practice to balance the brain's natural negativity bias.

Why Growth Doesn't Always Feel GoodSocial media sells personal development as "love, light, and abundance." Amy pushes back on that — firmly. If you haven't had a hard moment yet, you probably haven't gone deep enough. The real work involves looking at core wounds, shame, guilt, and the patterns that once protected you but no longer serve you. She calls this place "lonely land" — and reassures listeners: if you're there, you're doing it right.

The Three Pillars of SuccessAmy identifies three interconnected dimensions of success that must be developed together:

Professional success — the one most of us default to
Social success — how we show up in relationships
Emotional success — often the most neglected, especially for high achievers

Your Cyclical Nature Is a Superpower

Amy explains that women operate on a 26–34 day hormonal cycle — not the 24-hour cycle that men experience and that most productivity systems are built around. Within that monthly cycle, women move through four distinct internal seasons:

Inner Spring (post-period): Creativity blooms, energy builds — ideal for brainstorming and creative work
Inner Summer (ovulation): Peak social energy, articulation, and communication — great for podcasts, presentations, and difficult conversations
Inner Fall (pre-menstrual): Detail-oriented and environment-focused — use this time for organisation and focused, analytical work
Inner Winter (menstruation): A natural inward turn — honour the need to slow down and restore

What Success Really MeansFor Amy, success isn't a title or a number. It's abundance — the freedom to say yes to what aligns and no to what doesn't. It looks different for everyone, but the feeling of success — clarity, fulfilment, certainty — is remarkably consistent.

Amy's One Key Takeaway:

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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What if turning 50 wasn’t a decline … but a declaration?

In this empowering episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Tina Coleman—author, speaker, and reinvention advocate—who shares why midlife can be the most vibrant, creative, and liberated chapter of a woman’s life.

After losing both parents and experiencing a life-altering car accident that ended her 20-year career as a massage therapist, Tina chose reinvention instead of resignation

What followed was solo travel, deep healing, a 90-pound transformation through Ayurvedic principles, and eventually a bold move abroad to Mexico

This conversation is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to release outdated narratives, reclaim your energy, and create the life you truly desire.

For introverts and quiet achievers especially, Tina offers a refreshing perspective: midlife is not about fading into the background—it’s about finally stepping into your own authority.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Why Midlife Is a Woman’s Most Powerful Season

Tina describes midlife as the stage where we stop living for approval and start living from alignment. By 50, many women have shed expectations around career, relationships, appearance, and motherhood—and are ready to redefine themselves on their own terms

Breaking the Myths About Turning 50

From outdated ideas about gray hair and desirability to the fear that weight loss or vitality is impossible in perimenopause, Tina challenges cultural narratives that limit women’s confidence and self-expression

Menopause as “Second Spring”

Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, Tina reframes menopause as a creative rebirth—no longer preparing for reproduction, but for expression and contribution

The Mental Shift That Changes Everything

We think approximately 70,000 thoughts a day—many of them repetitive and self-critical. Tina shares practical ways to interrupt negative mental loops through journaling, mantras, meditation (even just two minutes), and nervous system support.

Redefining Success as Freedom

In her twenties and thirties, success meant relationships, appearance, possessions. In her fifties, success means freedom—freedom to travel, create, and live lightly without attachment to material markers of security

A Message for Introverts and Quiet Achievers

Tina encourages introverts to honour their natural depth and self-awareness. Your quiet reflection is not a weakness—it is your superpower. Use it to dream boldly, even if it stretches you beyond your comfort zone

About Tina Coleman

Tina B. Coleman is an author and speaker empowering midlife women to reinvent their lives with confidence, courage, and curiosity. Through personal transformation, solo travel, and unapologetic self-expression, she helps women embrace what’s next — boldly.

Her bold new book, 50 Fabulous and F*ckable**, is a celebration of confidence, reinvention, and embodied self-worth.

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Work With Serena

If you’re ready to become visible, respected, and promotable—without performing extroversion—explore Serena’s 1:1 coaching and other helpful resources at serenalow.com.au.

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Serena Low speaks with Carlee Wolfe — strategist, connector, and coach with over 20 years of experience leading culture and transformation for global brands including Under Armour, Hyatt Hotels, Apollo Education Group, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Carlee reflects on career pivots, leadership, and values-based growth, showing how saying yes to unexpected opportunities can open the door to transformation — both personally and professionally. Together, Serena and Carlee explore what it means to lead quietly, to honor your energy, and to show up authentically in every season of your life.

Key Topics We Discuss

Career pivots and purpose: How saying yes to new experiences (like coaching volleyball!) reshaped Carlee’s leadership journey.
Thriving through change: What it takes to adapt to new environments, communities, and roles with intention and curiosity.
Living and leading by values: Using your values as an internal compass to navigate growth and align your career with what matters most.
Introversion and energy management: Understanding your social battery and how to recharge in high-energy environments.
Quiet leadership: Why influence doesn’t require volume — and how listening, observing, and enabling others are powerful leadership skills.
Visibility for quiet achievers: Simple, practical ways to share your work, build recognition, and create impact without shouting about it.

Connect with Carlee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleeawolfe

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Work With Serena

If you’re ready to become visible, recognized, and promotable — without performing extroversion — explore Serena’s 1:1 coaching at serenalow.com.au.

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What if powerful communication wasn’t about being louder—but about being more you?

In this episode, Serena Low speaks with Tom Elliott—corporate event host, comedy magician, and public speaking coach—about how introverts and quiet achievers can communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

You’ll learn why you don’t need to perform extroversion to be impactful, how to become a memorable speaker, and practical techniques to manage nerves and trust your natural voice.

A grounded, encouraging conversation for introverted leaders who want to be seen, heard, and respected—without losing themselves.

In This Episode, We Explore

Why great communication is not about being extroverted—but about being fully expressed
The difference between being a good speaker and a memorable one
How to identify and amplify your natural strengths on stage
Why authenticity matters more than performance (especially for introverts)
The hidden reason we cringe watching ourselves on video—and how to move past it
A simple grounding technique to reduce nerves and build presence
The power of a “through line” to make your message stick
Why internalising your message (instead of memorising it) builds confidence
How introverted leaders can show up powerfully without feeling exposed

Connect with Tom Elliott

Public speaking coaching: From Showman to Speaker
Corporate event hosting and keynote speaking

Website: https://hellotom.co.uk/LinkedIn: Tom Elliott

Loved this episode?

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your favourite podcasting app
Share this episode with a fellow quiet achiever
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Work With Serena

If you’re ready to become visible, respected, and promotable—without performing extroversion—explore Serena’s 1:1 coaching at serenalow.com.au.

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What happens when everything you knew — your memories, your identity, your ability to read — is stripped away in an instant? In this deeply moving conversation, Serena sits with Shannon Michelle, author of Step Into Your Miracle, who survived a life-altering motorcycle accident followed by a two-month coma, multiple surgeries, and a breast cancer diagnosis — all within a span of years.

Shannon's story is not just one of survival. It is a quiet, profound testament to what becomes possible when we stop trying to fix everything and instead choose to be fully present in each moment — even the messy ones.

For the introverts and quiet achievers listening, this episode holds something especially resonant: the idea that your natural capacity to pause, listen deeply, and turn inward is not a weakness. It is your greatest strength.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

• How Shannon navigated brain trauma, memory loss, and learning to read again — one present moment at a time

• Why staying present is not about achieving a perfect meditative state, but about returning to this moment whenever you feel 'off'

• The powerful mindset shift from 'I need to fix this' to 'I give myself permission to not know yet'

• Shannon's Yes / No / Maybe framework — a beautifully simple tool for making decisions and reducing overwhelm

• What it taught Shannon to receive help and care after a lifetime of being the strong one others leaned on

• Why brokenness and strength are not opposites — and how your cracks are also your growth

• The story behind her book Step Into Your Miracle, born from 300 voice notes spoken into her phone when she could not yet read or write

• Shannon Michelle 2.0 — and what she is most excited about in this new chapter of her life

Shannon's Yes / No / Maybe Framework

One of the most practical gifts Shannon offers in this episode is her Yes / No / Maybe approach to uncertainty — a tool born directly from her recovery.

• Yes — this feels right, I know this, I can move forward

• No — this is not for me, not now, not this

• Maybe — I do not know yet, and that is allowed

For quiet achievers who tend toward overthinking and needing certainty before acting, the Maybe is liberating. You do not need to force an answer. The answer will come. Stay present, and let it arrive.

About Shannon Michelle

Shannon Michelle is a Los Angeles-based author, trauma survivor, and advocate for healing. Before her motorcycle accident, she ran a thriving interior design firm in Southern California for 25 years. Following a two-month coma, brain trauma, multiple surgeries, and a breast cancer diagnosis, Shannon rebuilt herself — memory by memory, word by word.

Her book, Step Into Your Miracle, was written through 300 voice notes recorded on her phone during recovery when she could not yet read or write by hand. The cover was drawn by her daughter Grace. Her neurologist contributed a quote.

Shannon's mission is simple and whole-hearted: to help others find their way through trauma, one present moment at a time.

Connect with Shannon Michelle:

Step Into Your Miracle by Shannon Michelle — Website

Instagram

Work with Serena:

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What does it really mean to be confident — and does it have to look loud? In this rich and deeply personal conversation, we welcome John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, TEDx speaker, and coach to high performers at companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. John shares his journey from a shy, immigrant kid in North America to a globally recognised leadership coach — and the burnout that became his turning point.

Together, we explore the invisible weight so many Asian professionals carry: the conditioning to work harder, stay humble, and never take up too much space. We talk about the bamboo ceiling, the shadow side of family duty, and what it looks and feels like to move from self-diminishment toward genuine self-leadership.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt that quiet ache of knowing their ideas are good — and staying silent anyway.

About John Wang

John Wang is the author of Big Asian Energy (Penguin), host of the Big Asian Energy podcast, and a TEDx keynote speaker dedicated to helping Asian professionals break through leadership barriers and be recognised for their full potential. With over 15 years of coaching experience and content that has reached more than 25 million views across social media, John has built a global community of over 240,000 followers. He is also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

What We Cover in This Episode

John’s origin story
The “messy middle”: how burning out in his early 30s became the catalyst for his deepest personal growth
The three-part structure of Big Asian Energy: confidence, communication, and community — and why all three matter
Why quiet confidence — rooted in calm and strength — is a cultural asset, not a limitation
The “achiever monster”: the internal voice that tells us we’re never enough, and why it runs especially deep for Asian professionals
A research finding that stopped John in his tracks
The “92%” story — a childhood moment that quietly taught John to shrink his pride and brace for diminishment
The difference between humility and toxic self-doubt — and how one can masquerade as the other
The seven forms of self-sabotage explored in the book
Family duty versus toxic obligation: how giving from love differs from giving from debt
The eldest daughter syndrome and the hidden cost of always being the one who holds everything together
What becomes possible when we make peace with the younger self who was just trying to survive
Introversion, extroversion, and authenticity: why inner work strengthens everyone on the spectrum
John’s key takeaway: start asking “I wonder why”

Check out John Wang's book, coaching and speaking:BigAsianEnergy.com

Work with Serena:

If you’re ready to become visible, respected, and promotable—without performing extroversion—explore Serena’s 1:1 coaching at serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this episode, host Serena sits down with Dr. Diana Jayasauri — a seasoned expert in organizational change management with nearly 15 years of experience leading innovation, acculturation, and digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and government institutions. Diana shares her unexpected journey into change management (sparked by a chance coffee encounter at the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers), unpacks the real human dynamics at play in workplace transformation, and reveals why quiet leaders may be an organization's most underutilized asset.

About the Guest

Dr. Diana Jayasauri is an organizational change management specialist dedicated to shaping forward-thinking, customer-centric service excellence. With deep experience in culture change consulting, digital transformation, and people-led initiatives, Diana brings warmth, wit, and strategic insight to every conversation.

What We Cover in This Episode

• How Diana accidentally fell into organizational change management — over a cup of coffee

• What organizational change management really means at the ground level

• The two types of people in every workplace: the pride gang vs. the humility gang

• Why most change projects fail — and how to fix it

• The introvert vs. extrovert dynamic in the workplace and why quiet voices often hold the most substance

• Self-limiting beliefs and how childhood memories shape our professional identity

• Women in leadership: the strength of nurturing, listening, and emotional intelligence

• Working with Gen Z in the workplace — what they need and how leaders can adapt

• How to identify and empower quiet leaders using focus groups

• Why "introvert" is just a word — and not a permanent identity

• The Solution-Focussed Approach (SFA): lead with your strengths, not your gaps

Quotable Moments

"SILENT — wobble it around and you get LISTEN. There is power in being silent, because you listen."

— Dr. Diana Jayasauri

"Do not believe that you are an introvert. It is not a character — it is just a word."

— Dr. Diana Jayasauri

Resources Mentioned

• Broken Rung — McKinsey research on the gender gap in corporate promotions

• Solution-Focussed Approach (SFA) — a strengths-based methodology for navigating challenges

• Jane Goodall — referenced as an example of a quiet, purpose-driven leader who found her voice to create global impact

Connect with Dr. Diana JayasauriConnect with Diana on LinkedIn — she's active there and happy to receive connection requests and messages.

Connect with Serena Low, The Quiet Warrior CoachExperience sustainable visibility through the S.E.E.N. framework used to guide quiet achievers to be memorable and impactful without diluting or exhausting yourself:
www.serenalow.com.au

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What if the secret to reaching your biggest goals wasn't about working harder — but about taking smarter, smaller steps? In this warm and wisdom-filled conversation, Serena Low welcomes Dr. Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, professor, and business and wellness coach, to explore how introverts and quiet achievers can break through self-doubt, find their voice, and create meaningful success — one petite practice at a time.

Whether you've been putting off a big goal, shrinking on the stage, or wondering how your quiet strengths translate into real-world impact, this episode is your gentle nudge to begin — today.

IN THIS EPISODE WE EXPLORE

• The Petite Practice framework — how breaking big goals into tiny, doable steps creates lasting transformation (and why "massive action" weekends so often fail us)

• Public speaking as an introvert — practical strategies to manage nerves, anchor your presence on stage, and connect authentically with any audience

• Shifting from self-focus to service — why reframing your talk as a message you owe your audience is the quiet achiever's most powerful confidence tool

• The introvert's entrepreneurial edge — how empathy, deep listening, and attunement to others' needs make introverts naturally gifted entrepreneurs

• FAIL as a First Attempt In Learning — embracing the missteps, pivots, and plateaus as essential parts of the journey to the red dot

• The danger of upward comparison on social media — and the liberating practice of looking back to see how far you've already come

• Dr. Christiane's upcoming book Step Into Your Voice — and what it means for introverts to claim their voice as an act of courage and service

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Your message matters more than your nerves. Instead of asking "What if I fail?", ask "What if I change someone's life?" Shifting from self-consciousness to service is the quiet achiever's most transformative mindset move.

• Small steps compound into extraordinary results. Dr. Christiane's Petite Practice method shows that a 10-minute walk beats a never-started marathon every time. Consistency in small actions builds the confidence that big leaps never can.

• FAIL = First Attempt In Learning. Every misstep on the way to your goal is not a setback — it's a curriculum. Share the runway, not just the red dot, and you give others permission to begin their own journey.

• Introverts are not broken extroverts — they are gifted connectors. Empathy, attunement, and depth of thinking are entrepreneurial superpowers. The ability to truly listen and align with others is the quiet achiever's greatest competitive advantage.

• Don't keep your goal a secret. Voicing your goal aloud brings it into the present moment. Share it, then take one small step today — because the world deserves your superpower, and so do you.

ABOUT DR. CHRISTIANE SCHROETER

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, business and wellness coach, and professor of marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship at a top-ranked US university. Holding a PhD in health economics, she has earned national and international recognition for her ability to translate academic expertise into real-world strategy that actually works.

As the host of the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast — ranked in the top 1% globally — Christiane shares high-performance strategies that weave together productivity, business growth, and holistic well-being. She is the author of three books, including the Amazon #1 new release How to Master Your Goals, and her signature Petite Practice framework is now at the heart of her latest works, Discover Your Superpower, and the companion Petite Practice Planner.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this deeply insightful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena sits down with Stan Lai (Lai Shengchuan) — celebrated playwright, director, and thought leader in modern Asian theatre. Hailed as “the greatest Chinese-language playwright and director of our time", Stan shares his remarkable journey from academic beginnings at UC Berkeley to transforming the landscape of Chinese theatre with works like A Dream Like a Dream and Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land.

Together, Serena and Stan explore:

How accidents and necessity launched his creative career
The relationship between wisdom and method in cultivating true creativity
Why silence and humility are essential to the creative process
The delicate balance between introspection and public presence
How ego, self-awareness, and sincerity shape an artist’s path

From the metaphor of the warm baozi (steamed buns) to the transformative power of stillness, this conversation offers a profound look at what it means to create from the heart — and to stay true to oneself in a noisy world.

Key Takeaways

Creativity is everyone’s birthright. Stan believes all humans are creative — but we often only learn method (skills), not wisdom (life insight).
Silence is not emptiness. True creativity arises from inner stillness, where new ideas can emerge freely.
Ego is the artist’s biggest obstacle. Self-awareness and humility allow creativity to flow without distortion.
Ask “why” often. Regular self-questioning keeps your motives pure and your work authentic.
Introversion is a strength. Quiet reflection nurtures wisdom, depth, and emotional resonance — essential for any artist or leader.
Authenticity sustains energy. Public visibility becomes effortless when grounded in purpose and sincerity.

Memorable Quotes

“Silence is not emptiness. From silence, anything can emerge.” — Stan Lai
“We are our own worst enemies — it’s our ego that stops us from finishing the work.” — Stan Lai
“To be humble puts you in a low place — and from there, you see so much more.” — Stan Lai

Connect & Explore

Find out more about Stan Lai’s work
Join the Visible Introvert Community

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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Candice Lyn - disruptor of subconscious programming, and founder of The Frequency Lab - joins The Quiet Warrior Podcast to explore the hidden codes that quietly run our lives — the subconscious beliefs formed in childhood that shape how we show up, love, and seek safety. Drawing from her book Awaken and her own healing journey, Candice reveals how awareness, nervous system regulation, and curiosity can help us break free from survival mode and live from embodied truth.

In This Episode

The invisible codes we live by: How subconscious beliefs about worth, love, and safety are encoded in early childhood — and how they influence our adult behaviour.
People-pleasing and fawning: Why many introverts and “good girls” learn to stay small, keep the peace, and seek validation through perfection.
Recognizing your survival response: The four responses — fight, flight, freeze, and fawn — and what they reveal about your nervous system’s default programming.
The four stages of transformation:

Spot the code – noticing patterns and triggers

Disrupt – choosing to make a new decision

Regulate – calming the nervous system Reclaim and Embody – stepping into your power from a grounded place

Curiosity over shame: How curiosity opens the door to healing, while self-judgment keeps us stuck in old loops.
Breaking the burnout cycle: Identifying “I’m not enough” and “I’m unworthy” codes that fuel chronic overwork and emotional exhaustion.
The power of rest: Reclaiming rest, stillness, and self-nourishment as radical acts of self-love.
Spiritual bypassing and toxic positivity: How avoiding pain and focusing only on “good vibes” blocks real transformation.
Returning to your essence: Remembering the childlike curiosity, imagination, and potency that existed before the world told you who to be.

Key Takeaways

Awareness is the first step toward freedom — you can’t heal what you don’t see.
Regulation is not a luxury; it’s a pathway back to your truth.
Celebrate every moment of self-awareness, no matter how small.
True awakening is not about perfection — it’s about remembering your innate wholeness.

Connect with Candice Lyn

Website:thefrequencylab.to
Book: Awaken (available on Amazon)
Instagram: @candicelyn_awaken

Start your visibility journey

Join the Visible Introvert Community at serenalow.com.au for psychologically safe ways to build authentic confidence and quiet leadership.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I talk with Christian Schnepf, founder of The Science of Good Times and creator of the Good Times App — the world’s first data-based navigation system for life.

Drawing on years of cross-cultural exploration and PhD-level research at Shanghai University, Christian shares his mission to make the conscious pursuit of good times the number one priority in human life. Blending philosophy, physics, and psychology, he reveals how we can cultivate more flow, joy, and fulfillment — not by doing more, but by learning when to let go, relax, and be fully present.

Key Takeaways

The turning point: Christian’s personal crisis led him to question conventional success and seek a more meaningful design for life.
Defining a “good time”: A moment when you feel fully attracted to your experience — who you are, where you are, what you do, who you’re with, and what you receive.
The five life areas:
1. Self
2. Social relationships
3. Actions
4. Rewards (money, love, acknowledgement)
5. Environment
The flow of energy: Good times occur when energy flows freely; bad times signal energy blockages.
The art of doing nothing: True rest means surrendering control — not performing, producing, or even trying to relax.
Fear vs. love: We either move away from fear or toward love. Living consciously means walking toward what attracts and nourishes us.
The role of awareness: Checking in with ourselves helps reveal what truly feels good, rather than what society or algorithms dictate.
The Good Time Ratio (GTR): A simple metric to track how often you feel attracted to your experiences — a practical step toward more conscious living.

Connect with Christian Schnepf

Website: https://chrisw.co

GoodTime App: https://goodtime.app

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chriswgt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisw.gt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisw.gt/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisw-gt

Connect with Serena

If you’re a quiet woman leader ready to be visible without performing extroversion or burning out, the Visible Introvert community has the solution. Visit us at serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this deeply insightful and soulful conversation, I sit down with David C. Olcott, founder and CEO of Samurai Success, Inc., to explore what it truly means to live with awareness, purpose, and spiritual alignment.

Drawing from over three decades of coaching experience, David shares how subconscious programming shapes our lives from childhood—and how we can reclaim our power through conscious choice, self-awareness, and personal ethos.

From his early work with Tony Robbins to the creation of his transformative book Swords of Illumination, David offers wisdom on bridging the gap between human potential and divine consciousness. Together, Serena and David explore what it means to live as a modern samurai—disciplined, intentional, and in service to others.

In This Episode

The evolution of coaching — how the industry has shifted from mass seminars to deeply personalized 1:1 transformation.
Choice and programming — understanding how our beliefs and responses are formed before age seven, and how to rewrite them.
From awareness to transformation — why awareness alone doesn’t create change, and what steps to take next.
Divinity and consciousness — what it means to recognize the divine within, and how that awareness changes how we live and lead.
Living the Samurai ethos — how service, discipline, and alignment become pathways to mastery and meaning.
Identity and attraction — how our inner frequency shapes the opportunities and relationships we draw into our lives.
Spiritual energy made practical — using mindset, authenticity, and intention to project the energy you want to attract.
The ultimate reminder — you are not here to discover who you are; you are here to create who you say you are.

Key Takeaways

Awareness is the first step, but change requires consistent new behaviors and beliefs.
You are always making choices—whether consciously or through old programming.
Spiritual energy is not abstract; it manifests in your attitude, presence, and authenticity.
Your identity determines your alignment, coherence, and what you attract.
True mastery is being in service to others while continually refining yourself.
The greatest freedom comes from remembering your divinity and choosing who you become.

About the Guest

David C. Olcott is the founder, president, and CEO of Samurai Success, Inc., an international coaching firm based in Denver, Colorado. A nationally recognized speaker and author of Swords of Illumination, David integrates psychology, performance, and financial strategy to help individuals and organizations achieve sustainable success through conscious design and spiritual awareness.

Learn more about David’s work and Swords of Illumination at samuraisuccess.com.

Connect with Serena

If you’re a quiet woman leader ready to be visible without performing extroversion or burning out, the Visible Introvert community has the solution to your struggle. Visit serenalow.com.au.

Work with Serena Low at serenalow.com.au.

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In this inspiring episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Tim Yeo, author of The Quiet Achiever, coach, and design leader with nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry. Tim has helped hundreds of quiet achievers step into their power—without pretending to be extroverts.

We talk about the challenges introverts face in workplaces dominated by louder personalities, and how separating your identity from your skills can unlock your confidence. Tim shares practical strategies—from mastering public speaking and handling difficult conversations to using short videos as a powerful visibility tool—that allow quiet achievers to be recognized for their work, not overshadowed.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt overlooked despite working hard, delivering results, and striving to make an impact while staying true to their quiet nature.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why slowing down your speech can boost confidence and clarity.
How to reframe visibility so it’s about your work, not your ego.
The fight, flight, or freeze response in meetings—and how to manage it.
The game-changing habit of recording short videos to amplify your influence.
Why tiny habits, practiced consistently, are the secret to introvert success.
How The Quiet Achiever book can help you build skills without losing authenticity.

About Tim Yeo

Tim Yeo is the author of The Quiet Achiever: Tiny Habits to Have Impact at Work Without Pretending to Be an Extrovert. With 20 years of experience as a designer and leader in the tech industry, he has dedicated his career to empowering quiet achievers to succeed on their own terms. His coaching covers essential professional skills, from networking and small talk to facilitating workshops and succeeding in interviews.

Find Tim online:

LinkedIn @timyeo, YouTube @thequietachievr, Threads @thequietachievr
thequietachievr.com
https://www.thequietachievr.com/book

What next:

Visit serenalow.com.au for the solution to your visibility struggle.
Give The Quiet Warrior Podcast a rating and review to help us reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

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In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Kathryn Sandford, seasoned personal brand and leadership coach, to explore what it truly means to go from invisible to influential. Kathryn draws on her rich background in teaching, recruitment, and government to show professionals—especially introverts and quiet achievers—how to find their voice, build credibility, and shine without being loud.

We talk about the power of energy in communication, why self-trust and self-kindness are the foundations of influence, and how relevance is a muscle we can train at every stage of our careers. Kathryn also shares practical networking tips, storytelling strategies that help you stand out, and the affirmation she lives by: “I am enough.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots, project confidence without people-pleasing, or become visible in a noisy world while staying true to yourself, this episode will encourage you to take that courageous next step.

Episode Highlights

Kathryn’s introvert–extrovert balance and reframing the idea of a “social butterfly.”
Lessons from teaching: energy awareness, clear boundaries, and credibility in communication.
The turning point that led Kathryn out of teaching and into leadership coaching.
How to pivot careers with courage and strategy, especially later in life.
Building a personal brand through self-awareness, storytelling, and reputation.
Why asking others to describe you in three words can unlock your strengths.
The “relevance muscle” and how to strengthen it for future success.

Key Takeaways

Energy speaks louder than words — how you show up is as important as what you say.
Boundaries build trust — being clear and consistent creates credibility and influence.
Self-trust is the foundation of leadership — start by believing I am enough.
Personal brand = reputation + influence + impact — know your story and tell it well.
Relevance is a muscle — it needs ongoing practice, upskilling, and self-reflection.
Networking made simple — approach one or three people, never two.
Storytelling sets you apart — ordinary stories, told with authenticity, make you memorable.

Memorable Quotable

“The most powerful thing you can say to yourself is: I am enough.” — Kathryn Sandford

Resources & Links

Connect with Kathryn Sandford on LinkedIn.
Learn about Kathryn Sandford’s programs: Invisible to Influential and 1:1 Leadership Coaching.
Follow Serena on LinkedIn.
Visit serenalow.com.au for the first step to ending your visibility struggle.
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TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller joins Serena to challenge the myth that empathy is a “soft” extra. She shares her journey from French horn professor to empathy-in-leadership researcher after a toxic workplace experience, then breaks down the different types of empathy and how leaders actually apply them—especially in tough conversations and high-pressure environments.

Key Takeaways

Empathy is multi-dimensional. Beyond “I feel what you feel,” leaders can (and must) use cognitive empathy (perspective-taking) and self-empathy (self-awareness and reflection). These forms help you understand others even without shared experiences.
Empathy takes work—and courage. Many avoid it because stepping into someone’s world can be uncomfortable; only about a third will choose the empathy-requiring path.
The “dual-route” model matters. Emotional empathy is fast and instinctive; cognitive empathy is slower and chosen. Effective leaders use both.
Boundaries ≠ lack of empathy. Self-empathy means knowing your capacity and keeping boundaries so you can truly show up for others.
Kind vs. nice. Empathy isn’t people-pleasing. It may require hard conversations (e.g., honest performance feedback) done with care so people can grow.
Business case: When leaders genuinely employ empathy, productivity, innovation, and profit rise; performative “buzzword” empathy backfires and erodes trust.
Empathy first, then EI tools. Consider empathy the precursor that helps you choose the right emotional-intelligence skill for the moment.
Start with self-empathy. You can’t sustain empathy for others without it.

Practical Takeaways for Introverted & HSP Leaders

Use cognitive empathy prompts in 1:1s: “What might this look like from their side?” (choose to perspective-take).
Check capacity before deep talks: if depleted, set a boundary and reschedule—this is self-empathy in action.
Replace “nice” with “kind + clear”: deliver honest feedback that enables growth; skip people-pleasing.
Lead with empathy, then select the EI tool (communication, motivation, etc.) that fits.

Memorable Quote

“Empathy is not always very nice—but it’s always kind.”

About the book

The Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation — a primer on what empathy is (and isn’t) and how to apply it in today’s AI-shaped workplaces.

Next Steps

FIND OUT MORE about Melissa’s work:
https://eqviaempathy.com/

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WORK WITH SERENA:I help introverted professional women be visible and valued without performing extroversion.

Book a private Zoom call HERE.

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What happens when an introverted woman steps into one of the most male-dominated industries and learns to stand tall in her quiet strength?

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Dione Chan, a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. From growing up shy with severe eczema to finding her voice in the security industry, Dione’s story is one of courage, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead as an introvert.

She shares how a viral encounter with rapper Drake became the catalyst for teaching others about boundaries and self-respect, and how her SAFE framework (Scan, Acknowledge, Find, Engage/Escalate) is helping introverts and women hold their ground with quiet confidence.

This episode is full of practical wisdom for anyone who has ever struggled with people-pleasing, cultural conditioning, or the fear of speaking up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Dione transformed childhood shyness and self-doubt into resilience and leadership
The surprising lessons she learned from working in the security industry as an introverted woman
Why setting boundaries is essential—and how to do it with compassion
How cultural upbringing and people-pleasing patterns can hold introverts back
The power of healthy anger and why it’s necessary for self-protection
Dione’s SAFE framework for handling challenging situations with clarity and courage
Why putting yourself first is not selfish, but essential for authentic leadership

About Dione ChanDione Chan is a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. With experience across safety, security, and training, she has built a career in spaces where women are rarely seen. Drawing on her own journey from self-doubt to self-leadership, Dione now speaks and teaches on boundaries, resilience, and quiet confidence—helping others become their own first responders.

Instagram: @that_security_lady

Facebook: @That Security Lady

LinkedIn: Dione Aaliyah Chan

Website: www.icpgroupaustralia.com.au

Next Steps

If you’re ready to become visible without acting extroverted, follow me on LinkedIn for introvert-friendly strategies to grow your career.

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena interviews Simon Copsey, a delivery and transformation consultant who helps organisations solve complex problems through scientific thinking and modern management theory.

Simon shares his journey from software developer to consultant and opens up about experiencing impostor syndrome when stepping into advisory and leadership roles. Together, they explore how introverts and quiet achievers can thrive in consulting environments that require communication, relationship-building, and collaboration across different personalities and levels of seniority.

A central theme of the conversation is the Theory of Constraints, a practical framework for clarifying organisational goals, identifying obstacles, and making assumptions visible so teams can work together more effectively.

This episode highlights the importance of trust, curiosity, and understanding different perspectives at work — especially for introverted professionals who prefer thoughtful, reflective approaches to problem-solving.

Key message:

People are good. They act for a reason. And curiosity creates connection, clarity, and influence.

As Simon says:
“Be curious before furious.”

Connect with Simon Copsey:

Landing page: https://curiouscoffee.club/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncopsey/

For insights that light up your career and relationships without forcing you to change who you are:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter: https://serenalow.com.au

Help more introverts find The Quiet Warrior Podcast by rating and writing a review:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-quiet-warrior-podcast-with-serena-low/id1635834564

Thank you for your support!

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In this uplifting episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Danny Brassell—international keynote speaker, coach, author of 19 books, and co-founder of The Well-Crafted Story Workshop. Known as the “Jim Carrey with a PhD” for his humour and energy, Danny has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and helps entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals transform their presentations into powerful business and life opportunities.

Danny shares how he pivoted from journalism to teaching, survived financial devastation, and built a thriving speaking career during one of the world’s toughest economic downturns. Most importantly, he shows us that speaking is a teachable skill—not an inborn talent—and anyone (even introverts and quiet achievers) can learn to tell a compelling story that moves both hearts and business outcomes.

Together, we explore why storytelling matters more than statistics, why humour wins over tragedy when telling a story, and why humour and vulnerability are essential tools for connection. Danny also walks us through his signature 5 C’s process for creating a well-crafted story that inspires audiences to take the next step with you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Danny’s journey from journalist to educator to international speaker and coach.
Why laughter is more powerful than tragedy on stage.
The 5 C’s of a well-crafted presentation: Clarity, Connection, Content, Call-to-Action, and Close.
Why speaking is a teachable skill—even if you’re introverted or fearful of the stage.
How to use self-deprecating humour and vulnerability to connect with any audience.
The importance of having one clear call-to-action instead of confusing your audience.
A simple exercise to uncover your own stories and connect them to universal themes like love, loyalty, and perseverance.

Resources and Links

Free Story Guide: Get your own Well-Crafted Story Blueprint at freestoryguide.com.

Learn more about Dr. Danny Brassell’s work: dannybrassell.com.

For more tips and resources for introverts and quiet achievers, subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

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In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Dr. Evette Rose—author, speaker, trauma recovery expert, and creator of Metaphysical Anatomy and Metapsychology Coaching.

Evette shares her remarkable journey from studying law and working in male-dominated corporate environments to becoming a globally recognized healer, author of 21 books, and teacher of trauma-informed modalities. She opens up about overcoming childhood wounds, facing her fear of public speaking as an introvert, and discovering how emotional pain shows up in the body.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on using their strengths in times of stress, how subconscious beliefs impact health (especially for women), and why even the smallest act of presence can create powerful ripple effects.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The turning point: How Evette went from corporate life and atheism to rediscovering spirituality and healing.
Overcoming fear as an introvert: Her struggle with public speaking and how focusing on her why and strengths helped her keep going.
Strengths-based resilience: Why identifying and leaning on your strengths can reduce fear and build confidence in stressful situations.
Stress and Women’s Health: The hidden link between “pushing through” stress, hormonal imbalances, and common health conditions.
Healing subconscious patterns: Understanding how inherited beliefs about lack and struggle can keep us stuck.
Writing as healing: Why each of her 21 books began as a personal journey through pain and how writing can be cathartic for introverts.
Multiple purposes: How embracing different purposes across your life can be liberating and empowering.

Resources and Links

Visit Dr. Evette Rose’s website: metaphysicalanatomy.com
Free gift: Restoring the Emotional Body (eBook + guided meditation) – available under the Books tab on metaphysicalanatomy.com
Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at SerenaLow.com.au.

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After more than 20 years in senior HR and organisational development roles, a life-changing cancer diagnosis inspired Ros Cardinal to step out of corporate and into her true calling: transforming leaders and reshaping the way organisations handle change.

Ros is an award-winning executive coach, author of The Resilient Employee, and creator of the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model, now used worldwide to help women discover and embrace their authentic leadership strengths.

In this inspiring conversation, Ros shares her journey from “accidental HR” professional to leadership mentor, her research into women’s leadership styles, and why introverts and quiet achievers are uniquely positioned to lead with authenticity, courage, and wisdom.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

Change begins at the top – organisational culture and transformation only last as long as leaders remain invested.
Women in leadership still face barriers – from outdated expectations around work–life balance to systemic structures that don’t support those with families or outside commitments.
Introverts can be powerful leaders – their thoughtful, measured approach often leads to deeper impact and stronger trust.
Too much / not enough paradox – women in leadership are often labelled either too loud and bossy or not assertive enough, making self-trust and resilience vital.
The Women’s Leadership Archetypes model – eight archetypes (four empowered, four shadow) that reveal both the strengths and challenges women experience in leadership.
Trauma responses at work – patterns like overachieving, people-pleasing, or withdrawing often trace back to childhood conditioning; awareness allows leaders to interrupt these cycles.
Energy management for introverts – pacing, picking your battles, and choosing when to speak up are essential to sustaining leadership presence.
Creating psychologically safe workplaces – leaders must integrate humanity back into work, allowing people to bring their whole selves instead of leaving emotions at the door.

Connect with Ros Cardinal

Shaping Change
Women’s Leadership Archetypes
LinkedIn: Ros Cardinal

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In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.

John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self.

Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of influence.

In this episode, we explore:

Why so many introverts feel most energised by quiet, nature, and solitude
The surprising link between improvisation and confidence
What “presence” really means when speaking or leading
Why confidence comes from experience — not personality
The importance of embracing the learning curve (and the dip)
How humour and lightness create connection, even for serious thinkers
The difference between influence and persuasion
Why authenticity isn’t oversharing — it’s self-ownership
How to build influence without pretending to be extroverted
What quiet achievers need to remember when stepping into visibility

Memorable Quote

“The best speakers aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. Influence comes from being real, not from performing.”
— John Ball

Key Takeaways for Quiet Achievers

You don’t need to be loud to be impactful — presence speaks louder than volume
Confidence grows through practice, not perfection
Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means being grounded in who you are
Influence is built through warmth, clarity, and self-trust
The audience is usually rooting for you more than you think
Growth requires patience — and compassion for yourself along the way

About John Ball

John Ball is a keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast. He helps speakers, coaches, and leaders move from competent to captivating by developing confidence, presence, and authentic communication.

Learn more about John and his work at:
https://presentinfluence.com

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In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Serena is joined by Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent, psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script. With more than two decades in the entertainment industry and a PhD in psychology, Albert brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and psychological insight into how self-sabotage, trauma, and unconscious “scripts” shape our lives.

Together, Serena and Albert explore how the stories we unconsciously inherit—often from childhood—can quietly dictate our behaviour, confidence, and sense of worth. While Albert’s work focuses on actors and performing artists, his insights resonate far beyond the stage, especially for introverts and quiet achievers navigating visibility, leadership, and self-belief.

This episode is a powerful invitation to slow down, notice the inner narratives running our lives on autopilot, and begin the courageous work of rewriting them—with compassion rather than force.

In this episode, we explore:

What self-sabotage really looks like—and why it’s often unconscious
How introverts and highly sensitive people can thrive in visible, high-pressure roles
The concept of “scripts”: where they come from and how they shape identity
Why procrastination can be a trauma response, not a character flaw
The link between generational trauma, identity, and self-doubt
How actors—and non-actors—can embody a new identity, not just think it
Why change requires being comfortable with discomfort
The role of accountability, coaching, and emotional clearing in real transformation
How to expand your comfort zone gently, without abandoning yourself

What to remember:

“You can change the script at any time. The moment you realise it’s a script—and not ‘just the way things are’—you take your power back.”

Connect with Albert Bramante:

http://www.albertbramante.com/

Support The Quiet Warrior Podcast:

If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a five-star rating or review—it helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

Find fellow introverts to network with:For resources, reflections, and community, join The Visible Introvert community at serenalow.com.au.

Are you a podcaster looking for quality guests for your podcast?

I’ve been using Podmatch since mid-2025 and it’s been the best use of my introvert time and energy.

Instead of manually sourcing potential guests one by one, I receive pre-vetted high-quality matches daily from Podmatch.

Here’s my affiliate link to explore if Podmatch is right for you.

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Today on The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves — leadership strategist, consultant, coach, facilitator, historian, and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. With more than 25 years in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Jodi brings both scholarship and lived wisdom to the conversation.
This episode is a gentle but powerful exploration of leadership for introverted, values-driven women — especially those working inside imperfect systems. Jodi shares how her own career journey moved from the pursuit of knowledge to the pursuit of connection, what she learned about navigating large groups as an introvert, and why values-driven leadership is essential for creating inclusive, compassionate workplaces.

Together, we explore:

How introverts can thrive in leadership by honouring their energy, creating boundaries, and trusting the process
Context awareness as a powerful (and often overlooked) leadership strength — especially for women and women of colour
Why idealistic women need a different kind of leadership guidance than what mainstream corporate literature offers
The emotional agility and relational intelligence women bring to organisational life
How values-based decisions become catalysts for courage, clarity, and career direction
The importance of intergenerational wisdom, and why Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z have more to learn from each other than we think
Jodi also shares remarkable stories from her book, including moments when women took a stand for their values — sometimes at the cost of their job — and how these choices shaped their leadership identities.

One Thing Jodi Wants You to Remember

“Standing up for your values — even in small moments — is what builds the courage to make bigger, life-changing decisions later on.”

Resources & Links

Get Jodi’s Book:

Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women

Learn more about Jodi’s work:

Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves | JVD Consulting LLC

Join The Visible Introvert Community for resources to help you thrive as an introvert: serenalow.com.au

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Dyslexia touches as many as 15–20% of learners, yet most families still hear “wait and see.” Russell Van Brocklen flips that script. As the Dyslexia Professor, he translates structured-literacy methods—proven most effective for struggling readers—into bite-size actions parents can use tonight.

What if the way you think—often seen as a challenge—was actually your greatest productivity advantage?

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Russell Van Brocklen, an entrepreneur and advocate for dyslexic and neurodivergent thinkers. Russell shares his personal journey of navigating education and business as a dyslexic, and how he discovered that the very traits that once made him feel “different” are the ones driving his creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial success.

We dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the way introverts, dyslexics, and deep thinkers approach productivity—making work not only more efficient, but more aligned with their natural strengths. Russell offers practical examples of using AI to simplify complex tasks, manage energy, and create space for high-impact work.

If you’ve ever felt like the traditional way of working wasn’t designed for you, this conversation will inspire you to work with your brain, not against it.

In this episode, we discuss:

Russell’s journey from academic struggles to entrepreneurial success as a dyslexic
Why dyslexia is not a weakness, but a different way of processing information
The surprising parallels between introverted productivity and dyslexic problem-solving
How AI can act as an “external brain” for planning, writing, and decision-making
Specific AI tools that help neurodivergent and introverted thinkers thrive
How to design a workday around your energy patterns, not just your to-do list
The mindset shift from “overcoming limitations” to “leveraging unique strengths”

Whether you’re dyslexic, introverted, or simply looking to improve productivity in a way that feels sustainable and authentic, this episode offers fresh, empowering insights.

Connect with Russell Van Brocklen:

Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Book reference:

Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz M.D.

Postwar Japan as History

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Serena speaks with Tigrilla Gardenia — nature-inspired mentor, certified life coach, and host of the Reconnect with Plant Wisdom Podcast. Tigrilla shares how her extraordinary journey into plant intelligence reshaped her understanding of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to thrive as an introvert.

Together, they explore:

Tigrilla’s extraordinary journey into plant consciousness
How plant neurobiology and ecosystem thinking help us understand ourselves
Why introverted traits are powerful when viewed in context
The freedom that comes from self-advocacy and honouring your needs
How to thrive without labels, shame, or pressure to be someone you’re not
Practical ways leaders can create spaces where introverts flourish

Tigrilla’s message for introverts:

“There is nothing wrong with you. Every trait you have is a superpower—you just need to know where it fits in your ecosystem.”

Connect with Tigrilla:

tigrillagardenia.com
https://www.facebook.com/tigrillagardenia/
https://www.instagram.com/tigrillagardenia/

For more resources on becoming quietly visible, join The Visible Introvert Community: serenalow.com.au.

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What does it take to step out of the safe and familiar into a life that truly lights you up? Are passion and purpose reliable guides to the work you love?

I sit down with Agi Keramidas, a former dentist turned podcaster, author, and coach, who helps people create lives aligned with their purpose and passion. Agi’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and reinvention — a journey from professional burnout to clarity about what matters most.
We discuss the mindset shifts needed for a career change or career pivot, how to reconnect with your inner compass, and why public speaking can be a powerful tool for introverts to share their message. Agi also opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the practices that help him stay grounded through transitions.

In this episode, we explore:

The inner work required to navigate transitions with confidence
How to find clarity in moments of uncertainty
Building a career around your purpose and passion
Lessons from leaving a secure profession for a calling you can’t ignore
Why public speaking can be transformative for introverts
Strategies to overcome self-doubt during a career pivot
How to stay resilient when the outcome isn’t yet clear

If you’re at a crossroads in your career or life, this episode will give you both the inspiration and practical insights to take that next courageous step.

Connect with Agi Keramidas:

Website: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com
Book: 88 Actionable Insights for Life

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for tips, tools, and inspiration at
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What if the patterns that keep us stuck in pain, overwork, or disconnection could finally be healed? I speak with Nicola Beer, an international relationship transformation coach who helps individuals and couples heal from trauma, addiction, and burnout. Nicola shares her personal and professional journey: how she went from struggling in her own relationships to guiding others through profound transformation.

We discuss the hidden emotional wounds behind workaholism, the toll of unhealed trauma, and how burnout is often a sign that something deeper needs attention. Nicola’s compassionate yet practical approach shows us that real healing is possible—and that it starts with self-awareness, self-compassion, and a willingness to rewrite the story we’ve been living.

We explore:

How unhealed trauma shapes our patterns in love and work
The connection between addiction (including workaholism) and emotional avoidance
Practical steps for breaking free from burnout cycles
Why self-worth is the foundation for lasting relationship change
The role of daily habits and boundaries in protecting emotional health
How to approach conversations about change with a partner
Stories of individuals who rebuilt connection and trust after years of disconnection

Whether you’re navigating a challenging relationship, recovering from burnout, or seeking a path to emotional healing, this episode offers both hope and tangible tools.

Connect with Nicola Beer:

Website: https://nicolabeer.com
Podcast: Relationship and Marriage Transformations

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Serena speaks with Betsy Pepine, a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Pepine Realty, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the USA. Betsy shares her journey from being the “black sheep” in a family of physicians to building a thriving real estate empire — and how embracing her introversion became a superpower rather than a setback.
She also opens up about breaking free from family expectations, the courage to choose authenticity over approval, and how her philosophy of “who, not how” helps her lead and scale as an introverted CEO.

Key Takeaways

Breaking the Boxes We Inherit

Betsy explores how invisible “boxes” — from family, gender, and culture — shape who we think we’re supposed to be, and how freeing ourselves from them can open the door to real purpose and joy.

Redefining Introversion

Discover how reading Quiet by Susan Cain helped Betsy see introversion not as a weakness, but as a strength rooted in self-awareness and energy management.

Boundaries and Authentic Leadership

Betsy shares how honoring her need for downtime has made her a more effective leader — and how setting clear boundaries gives permission for her team to do the same.

From Corporate Layoff to Entrepreneurial Success

Learn how a layoff and a divorce became the catalysts that propelled Betsy into entrepreneurship and eventually toward national recognition in the real estate industry.

Introverts in Sales

Contrary to popular belief, introverts can thrive in sales. Betsy explains how empathy, deep listening, and genuine connection are what make clients trust and return.

Building a Business That Honors Your Energy

Betsy shares her “Who, Not How” philosophy — focusing on what you do best and delegating what drains your energy. For early-stage entrepreneurs, she offers creative ways to build support, from bartering to joining mastermind groups.

Memorable Quotes

“When you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. If I said yes to being a physician, I was saying no to me.” — Betsy Pepine

“Introverts are not less than — we just derive energy from within.” — Betsy Pepine

“If we’re not going to stand up for ourselves, how can we expect others to?” — Betsy Pepine

“Embrace where you are on the spectrum — honor it, and set boundaries so you can operate at your best.” — Betsy Pepine

Connect with Betsy Pepine
Website: betsypepine.com
Social Media: @betsypepine on all major platforms
Book: Breaking Boxes — available via her website

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Meet Nic Nierras, founder of the Worthy, Authentic, and Abundant Method — a framework that merges quantum consciousness, spiritual science, and somatic reprogramming to help people unlock their highest potential.

A former chartered accountant turned transformation catalyst, Nic shares how a life-altering divorce, a global pandemic, and an awakening of self-worth propelled her from the corporate world into a journey of soul-aligned entrepreneurship.

We explore what it truly means to detach self-worth from achievement, navigate the tension between control and surrender, and embrace the beauty of living life with no regrets. Nic also opens up about the importance of feminine energy, cycles, and reclaiming our worth in a world that prizes productivity over presence.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Redefining success: How Nic’s Asian upbringing shaped her drive — and how she redefined success on her own terms.
From corporate to consciousness: The pivotal moment that led her to leave accountancy and embrace spiritual entrepreneurship.
The illusion of control: Letting go of rigid timelines and trusting divine timing.
Feminine and masculine energy balance: Why burnout is often a symptom of ignoring our natural rhythms.
Living without regrets: What it means to choose courage over comfort and purpose over predictability.
Collapsing timelines: The quantum concept of becoming your future self now.

Memorable Quotes

“If I’m not attaining something, that doesn’t mean I’m not worth anything.” — Nic Nierras

“Our intuition is the higher intelligence that is always there to guide us — if only we take time to listen.” — Nic Nierras

Connect with Nic Nierras

Website: https://thenicnierraswholisticlifestyle.com/
LinkedIn: Nicolette Nierras
Podcast: Worthy, Authentic, and Abundant

Connect with Serena Low

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Serena Low speaks with Kanika Vasudeva, a Radiant Empowerment Coach and Akashic Records Reader who helps spiritual entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers break through invisible ceilings and embody more — more radiance, more freedom, and more soul.

Kanika opens up about the personal tragedy that became the turning point in her journey — the stillbirth of her daughter — and how it awakened her to the vastness of life, the illusion of control, and the unconditional love of Spirit. Through her story, she shares how she learned to find peace, forgiveness, and purpose by connecting with her soul and understanding her soul contracts.

Together, Serena and Kanika explore how our deepest pain can become the portal to transformation, how to free ourselves from “good girl” conditioning, and why surrendering to the universal flow allows us to live with more authenticity, joy, and trust.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about coming home to who you truly are.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Turning Pain into Awakening – Kanika shares how the loss of her daughter became her soul’s wake-up call and how pain, when faced with grace, becomes a teacher of light.
Soul Contracts & Akashic Records – What they are, how they influence our relationships and life experiences, and how understanding them helps us heal at the deepest level.
The “Good Girl” Conditioning – How cultural expectations to please and conform can keep women trapped in unhappiness, and what it means to choose your own happiness as an act of courage and love.
Healing Triggers and Inner Children – Why we get triggered by others, how every person in our life mirrors what needs to be healed, and how to reclaim lost energy by meeting our younger selves with compassion.
The Power of Surrender – Letting go of control, trusting the universal flow, and allowing life to unfold with ease and alignment.
Grounding Practice for Self-Love – Kanika guides listeners through a soothing earthing meditation to release heavy emotions and reconnect to unconditional love and safety.

Memorable Quotes

“Our first duty, our first karma, is to ourselves — to live our purpose and choose happiness.” — Kanika Vasudeva

“Healing begins when we stop blaming others and look within. Everyone in our life is a mirror showing us where we need to grow.” — Kanika Vasudeva

“The more we heal ourselves, the more energy and light we bring back into our lives.” — Kanika Vasudeva

Connect with Kanika Vasudeva

Website:artoflifecenter.com
Book a session: artoflifecenter.com/call
Instagram / LinkedIn:@kanikaenergycoach

Connect with Serena Low

Newsletter:The Visible Introvert
Website:serenalow.com.au

If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world who are ready to lead, live, and shine — quietly and powerfully.

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In this deeply reflective conversation, Louis Kim shares his journey from chronic burnout and emotional numbness to becoming a heart-centered leader who blends business acumen with soulful awareness.

Born to Korean immigrants in the United States, Louis grew up navigating two worlds, channeling discipline and drive into building and exiting over $50 million in businesses across healthcare, real estate, and technology. Yet beneath his success was exhaustion — until he chose to pause, heal, and redefine leadership on his own terms.

Now as the founder of Yusan Capital, Louis leads with values of principled equity, radical collaboration, and abundant prosperity. In this episode, he opens up about how introversion, curiosity, and stillness shaped his leadership philosophy — and why the ability to sit in silence can be the ultimate power move.

Key Takeaways

The evolution from introvert to expansive leader: How Louis reframed his identity and learned to use curiosity as a catalyst for growth.
Reclaiming stillness as a strength: Why silence and observation are powerful tools in leadership and negotiation.
The long game of mastery: Lessons from bodybuilding, business, and life — success is built one rep, one decision at a time.
Immigrant grit and generational influence: How his mother’s courage and quiet strength became a blueprint for his entrepreneurial spirit.
Creating safety in collaboration: How radical honesty and shared intent allow diverse personalities to thrive in business and teams.
Quiet leadership in action: Redefining what strength, authority, and impact look like for introverts and reflective leaders.

Connect with Louis Kim

Website: loukim.com
Instagram / TikTok: @partsoflou
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-k-3a8539140/

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In this insightful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Susan Barber — a leadership visibility coach, former Fortune 500 executive, and author of The Visibility Factor and the upcoming Your Journey to Visibility Workbook.

Susan shares her powerful journey from sitting quietly in the back of corporate meeting rooms to becoming a visible, influential leader who helps others do the same. Drawing from 25 years at Kraft Heinz, she opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, reframing self-doubt, and learning to take small, consistent actions toward visibility — all while staying true to her introverted nature.

If you’ve ever wondered how to be seen and heard without being loud, this conversation will inspire you to start your own journey — one micro-action at a time.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Evolving from invisible to visible: how Susan went from hiding in the back of meetings to sitting confidently at the executive table.
Reframing imposter syndrome: why feeling unsure can actually be a sign of growth — and how humility can work in your favor.
Preparation over panic: how introverts can replace the fear of “freezing up” with calm readiness and self-trust.
Feedback as fuel for growth: Susan’s practical advice for exploring — not fearing — feedback, and using it as a leadership superpower.
Little experiments, big impact: how to build confidence through small, strategic steps instead of giant leaps.
Owning your narrative: why it’s essential to define how you want others to perceive you — and how to start embodying that version of yourself today.

Key Takeaways:

Visibility isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about sharing value and contributing meaningfully.
Every interaction is an opportunity for visibility — from meetings to everyday conversations.
Being visible can start with something as small as offering help, asking a thoughtful question, or sharing your team’s wins.
You were hired for a reason. Your voice and ideas matter.
Confidence grows from trusting yourself, trying new things, and staying curious.

Resources Mentioned:

The Visibility Factor
Your Journey to Visibility Workbook (upcoming)
Free resource: The Introvert’s Guide to Visibility and Influence in the Workplace

Connect with Susan on LinkedIn

Visit Susan’s website: www.susanmbarber.com

Quote Highlights

“Every interaction is an opportunity for visibility — don’t waste it.”

“You were hired for a reason. You have a voice that matters.”

“Sometimes visibility begins with one small, bold move.”

Connect with MeFor more insights and resources for introverts and quiet achievers, subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

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How do introverts and quiet achievers move past shyness, own their accomplishments, and confidently present themselves in their careers?

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Amy Adler, President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, Certified Master Resume Writer, and author of Courageous Career Change: Fearlessly Earn the Executive Role You Deserve.

Amy shares her personal journey of overcoming stage fright, the surprising truth about why speaking to a roomful of people sometimes feels easier than one-on-one conversations, and how introverts can prepare for career success by documenting and owning their achievements. With compassion and clarity, she explains how she helps clients—often quiet achievers—see their brilliance reflected back to them through resumes and career stories that feel both authentic and empowering.

Whether you’re preparing for a job search, an annual performance review, or simply learning to speak about your value with confidence, Amy’s insights will inspire you to step forward with courage and clarity

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The difference between introversion and shyness—and how practice and exposure can shift your confidence.
Why many introverts find public speaking easier than small talk or one-on-one conversations.
The challenges quiet achievers face in “boasting” about themselves, and how to reframe this as sharing the truth.
Amy’s process for creating psychological safety so clients can tell their authentic career stories.
The C-A-R (Challenge, Action, Results) framework and how introverts can use it to capture their accomplishments in real time.
Why documenting your career wins regularly is essential—and how it can prevent panic when opportunities arise.
The pitfalls of AI-generated resumes and why your authentic voice matters most.
A powerful reminder: people aren’t scrutinizing you as much as you think—so share your achievements, because no one else will.

About Amy Adler

Amy Adler is the President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, a Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Executive Resume Master, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert. She has won awards at the annual Toast of the Resume Writing Industry competition and is the author of Courageous Career Change: Fearlessly Earn the Executive Role You Deserve. Amy is passionate about helping executives and professionals craft authentic, compelling resumes and career portfolios that reflect their true value.

Connect with Amy:

Website:fivestrengths.com
LinkedIn:Amy L. Adler

Introvert Resource:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at SerenaLow.com.au for the latest resources on how to be seen and heard without having to act extroverted.

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What if money wasn’t just about numbers, but a mirror reflecting your inner world? In this conversation, I sit down with Monica Kaufman, trauma-informed financial planner and founder of Harmony Wealth Academy, to explore how our personal histories, traumas, and inherited money stories shape the way we save, spend, and invest.

Monica shares why she believes that mastering money begins with healing what’s inside. From financial imposter syndrome to the shame many introverts feel about asking for help, Monica offers both compassion and practical wisdom for anyone ready to reclaim control over their financial life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why money is a reflection of our inner emotional state, not just a financial tool
The hidden connection between trauma, control, and financial abuse
How financial imposter syndrome keeps high achievers stuck—and what to do about it
The difference between “earned dopamine” and “bad dopamine” in spending habits
Why introverts often struggle to ask for financial help and how to build confidence
Practical steps to rewrite old money stories and create affirmations that work
The role of micro-steps and community support in achieving lasting financial change

About Monica Kaufman

Monica Kaufman is a trauma-informed financial planner and the founder of Harmony Wealth Academy. She helps high-earning professionals—especially women—gain confidence and clarity in their money decisions without shame or overwhelm. Through her academy, she teaches not just the American financial system, but also the mindset shifts necessary for lasting financial freedom.

Connect with Monica:

Website: harmonywealthacademy.com

Introvert Resources:

To support your Quiet Warrior journey, join The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena speaks with Emily Erstad—speech language pathologist, hospice executive director, and author of It’s Not That Deep: Navigating Leadership Through the Lens of Emotional Intelligence.

Drawing from her experiences in rehabilitation and Hospice care, Emily shares how emotional intelligence shapes effective leadership, especially in high-pressure environments. As an introvert, she opens up about navigating vulnerability, protecting peace, and finding courage to lead authentically without sacrificing one’s core nature.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom for introverts, quiet achievers, and leaders seeking to build psychologically safe, resilient, and emotionally intelligent teams.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Journey to Leadership – How Emily’s career in speech pathology evolved into leadership and authorship.
Emotional Intelligence at Work – Why self-awareness, vulnerability, and honesty are the foundation of strong leadership.
Introversion as Strength – How introverts can leverage observation, reflection, and stillness to lead effectively.
Vulnerability and Trust – Why choosing the right people to open up to builds trust, fosters growth, and helps you feel seen.
Protecting Your Peace – Practical ways introverts can manage energy, create boundaries, have hard conversations, and build intentional clarity in leadership.
The Equalizer Effect – How introverts bring stillness, calm, and psychological safety to teams and families.
From Book to Movement – Why Emily wrote It’s Not That Deep and her upcoming project In Too Deep for introverts.

Connect with Emily

It’s Not That Deep – Find it on Amazon

Instagram: @itsnotthatdeep_author

LinkedIn: Emily Erstad

Introvert Resources:

For more resources to support your Quiet Warrior journey, join The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

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In this empowering episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I am joined by Emma Lyons, trauma healer, shame exorcist, and Self Liberation Mentor who works specifically with quiet achievers, especially women who have internalised a voice of narcissistic control and mistaken it for their own. Emma shares her journey of overcoming depression, self-sabotage, and the relentless “shame voice” that kept her stuck for years.

Together, we explore themes that many introverts and quiet achievers will recognize — the struggle with boundaries, the invisible toll of narcissistic relationships, the weight of shame, and the quiet resilience it takes to heal. Emma explains how somatic work, nervous system healing, and energy medicine can transform shame into self-trust, and how introverts can reclaim their truth and freedom without burning out.

Quotes

“When you give yourself permission to pause, clarity comes more naturally than when you push.”

“Self-trust is built one small choice at a time—every ‘no’ that honours your energy makes you stronger.”

About Emma Lyons

Emma Lyons studied human rights law but never started that career, because she was caught in a vicious loop of depression, self-sabotage, and a relentless voice in her head tearing her down every day. It wasn’t just self-doubt or insecurity — it was something deeper, a toxic internal narrative that kept her stuck in shame and failure.After years of trying everything — yoga, healing, therapy — Emma finally found a way to break free. Through nervous system healing, somatic work, and energy medicine, she reclaimed her power and rewired her mind.Now, she guides women who’ve done “all the things” but still feel stuck, invisible, or burnt out to dismantle the shame voice that humiliates, controls, and impersonates them, and to reclaim their truth and freedom. Links

DOWNLOAD: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Break Up with Your Inner Narcissist

Connect with Emma:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma.matrix/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lyons-traumamatrix/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/trauma.matrix

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trauma.matrix

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.matrix

Substack: https://traumamatrix.substack.com/

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. It helps more introverts and quiet achievers discover these conversations.

For more resources to support your Quiet Warrior journey, join The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.

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Can you invite intimacy back into your life by first healing your relationship with yourself?

In this tender conversation, I’m joined by Hani Cheng, Intimacy Transformation Facilitator, bestselling author, and global speaker. Grounded in over 33 healing approaches — including Tantra, Shamanic Breathwork, Advanced NLP, Daoist Sexuality, and Quantum Healing — Hani guides individuals, especially those who identify as sensitive, intuitive, or empathic, in transforming inner blocks related to intimacy, self-worth, and personal power, so they can access deep pleasure, confidence, and authentic connection..

We explore how self-confidence blossoms when you embrace your authentic desires, how aliveness is an indicator of alignment with your infinite being and higher purpose, and how embodying your truth transforms the way you lead at work.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected — either from yourself or from what you care about — this episode is a quiet, brave invitation to return to your truest, most sensual self.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The sacredness and beauty of sexuality and sensuality from nature’s perspective
The challenge of being fully expressed as a corporate leader
How self-empowerment transforms the way you lead
What does it mean to be alive and sovereign, to walk in your truth, and embody it in every aspect of your life including your work
Living in truth vs. living in mediocrity
The trouble with separating our personal and professional selves
The game of self-alignment and how to get closer to your truth by trusting more
How to hold yourself through the messy process of doing the inner work
How to find the right community to grow with

About Hani Cheng

Hani Cheng is a bestselling author, speaker, and globally renowned Intimacy Transformation Facilitator. She empowers ambitious leaders to bridge sexuality, spirituality, and leadership through her signature YUMM Programs. With her unique blend of lived wisdom and transformative practices, Hani helps individuals reclaim their
self-worth, embrace self-love, and embody their full sensual and spiritual power.

How to Connect and Work with Hani:Tantra Singapore Massage

YOLO Abundance

Enjoyed this conversation?

Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and join the Visible Introvert community for more introvert-empowering insights and resources.

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What if your business could change lives every single day? In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Paul Dunn, four-time TEDx speaker and chairman of B1G1 (Business for Good), to explore how businesses can create extraordinary impact through purpose and giving.

Paul shares how true leadership goes beyond profit, showing us how aligning business with social good leads to innovation, resilience, and deeper meaning. From redefining success to building a legacy of philanthropy, this is a powerful conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and quiet achievers seeking to make a real difference.

Discover why small, consistent acts of giving are transforming communities worldwide — and how you can be part of the movement.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Purpose in Business: Why businesses that lead with purpose are the ones shaping a better future.
Leadership Redefined: How leadership grounded in service and impact inspires deeper trust and engagement.
The Ripple Effect of Giving: The extraordinary story of B1G1 and how small businesses are creating massive change through everyday transactions.
Philanthropy Made Practical: Why philanthropy isn’t only for large corporations — and how small, consistent acts of giving add up.
Social Good as Strategy: How aligning business goals with social good unlocks innovation and resilience.
Living a Legacy of Impact: Paul’s reflections on why the real measure of success is not what we accumulate but what we contribute.

Memorable Quotes

“When you put giving at the heart of your business, everything changes — your customers, your team, and the way you lead.” – Paul Dunn

“Purpose isn’t something you find. It’s something you choose and commit to every day.” – Paul Dunn

If this conversation with Paul Dunn inspired you:

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Rate and review the podcast to help more introverts and quiet achievers find it.
Make sure to download The Introvert Toolkit, my free ebook written to help you step into your quiet power and lead with confidence.

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How do you find the courage to make bold transitions in life and leadership? In this moving conversation, I sit down with Cornelia Kawann, a leader, mentor, and advocate for personal growth, who has walked the path of change with resilience and authenticity.

Cornelia shares her journey of navigating uncertainty, finding inner strength, and aligning her choices with what matters to her. From career shifts to personal reinvention, she offers timeless wisdom for introverts, quiet achievers, and anyone facing moments of transition.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Embracing Transitions: Why change feels daunting—and how to meet it with clarity.
Courage in Uncertainty: Cornelia’s personal story of stepping into the unknown with trust.
Redefining Leadership: What it means to lead with authenticity and presence.
Resilience in Practice: Tools and mindsets for navigating setbacks without losing hope.
The Introvert’s Advantage: How quiet reflection creates deeper clarity and connection.
Purpose and Passion: Aligning decisions with what truly lights you up.

Memorable Quotes

“Transitions are invitations to rediscover who we really are.” – Cornelia Kawann

“Resilience isn’t about never falling down—it’s about trusting that you can rise again, stronger and clearer.” – Cornelia Kawann

Resources & Links Mentioned

Check out Cornelia Kawann’s new book Change Your Energy – Change Your Life

Europe:https://amzn.to/3HgUdEL

US: https://amzn.to/3Fkrj65

Download Cornelia Kawann’s complimentary e-book: Energetic Stress Management - The New Way to Deal With Stress

https://www.corneliakawann.com/e-book/

CONNECT WITH CORNELIA:

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/cornelia.kawann.37/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cornelia_energy_on/

Website

https://www.corneliakawann.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-energy-on/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@corneliaenergyon

If you enjoyed this episode, please:Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcastso you never miss an empowering conversation.Rate and review the show to help more introverts and quiet achievers find it.
Join the Visible Introvert community for tips, resources, and reflections athttps://serenalow.com.au

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What if your investment choices could align with your values—and create lasting change in the world?

In this episode, I speak with Dionn Payn, founder of Women 4 Homes, whose mission is to inspire 1 million women to invest $5,000 to end homelessness by 2030.

Dionn is passionate about helping people—especially women—grow wealth through ethical investing that uplifts communities, preserves the environment, and supports meaningful causes.

As a purpose-led entrepreneur and speaker, Dionn brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to be wealthy: not just financially secure, but deeply fulfilled, values-aligned, and making a difference.

This conversation is ideal for quiet achievers, introverted leaders, and conscious professionals seeking greater impact, authenticity, and alignment with their money and life.

In this episode, we explore:

What impact investing is and why it's a powerful alternative to traditional investing
Dionn’s personal journey from people-pleasing and burnout to self-trust and purpose
How women can feel empowered around wealth and decision-making
The mindset shifts that help you go from survival to spaciousness
What to do when your life’s purpose no longer fits into the corporate box
The power of community, mentorship, and investing in your values
A fresh way to think about success: not just what you accumulate, but what you create and contribute

Whether you're starting your wealth journey, feeling disillusioned with traditional finance, or curious about conscious entrepreneurship, Dionn’s story will inspire you to lead—and live—with impact.

Connect with Dionn Payn:

Website: www.women4homes.com

Link.tree: https://linktr.ee/women4homes

Enjoying the podcast?

Subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review to help more quiet leaders and changemakers find their voice.

Join The Visible Introvert community for exclusive insights, podcast updates and resources at https://serenalow.com.au

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Dr. David Hooper—AI marketing strategist, peak performance expert, and proud introvert—about his incredible journey from rock bottom to reinvention. After facing a series of personal and professional crises that left him clinically depressed and morbidly obese, David chose to rebuild his life with intention. He shares how mindset work, physical transformation, and entrepreneurship became his path to healing—and how AI became the quiet ally that helped him and his fellow introverts thrive.

We explore what it means to be an introverted entrepreneur in a noisy world, why AI is the perfect business partner for introverts, and how ethical use of AI can help amplify your voice without sacrificing your integrity.

If you’ve ever felt like you're too quiet to stand out in business—or if you've been curious about using AI in a more human, heart-led way—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

David’s transformation after redundancy, depression, and weight gain
How hitting rock bottom can spark radical clarity
The importance of mindset, movement, and meaning in recovery
Navigating entrepreneurship as an introvert
Creating structure and balance for sustainable energy
Why AI is the ultimate productivity partner for introverts
How to use AI ethically to scale your marketing and amplify your presence
Building a business around your values—not someone else’s expectations

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Dr. David Hooper’s work: lunarla.co.uk
Connect with Dr. David Hooper onLinkedIn.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe and leave a 5-star reviewto support more quiet voices being heard.
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Join The Visible Introvert communityfor access to case studies, frameworks, and strategies that help you speak, lead, and act decisively – without having to perform extroversion.

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In today’s episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative practice of Feng Shui with Lisa Roche, the founder of Nagare Life. Lisa is a Reiki Master, medical intuitive, and the host of Find Your Flow, and she’s here to share her expertise on harmonizing the energy in our homes to support personal well-being and growth.

Lisa takes us on a journey through her discovery of Feng Shui, how it can be integrated into a home to promote healing, and the power of intentional energy alignment. From her background as a musician to her unique approach as a Reiki Master, Lisa’s philosophy revolves around creating spaces that resonate with your energy and align with your body, mind, and soul.

In this episode, Lisa also shares the profound personal transitions that shaped her life, from overcoming near-death experiences to closing her successful studio business. She discusses the importance of self-care, the quiet yet powerful flow of energy, and how living authentically in alignment with our inner truth can help us thrive.

Tune in for a refreshing perspective on life, healing, and finding your flow in the midst of life’s chaos and uncertainty.

Key Highlights:

What is Feng Shui? Lisa explains how this ancient practice can harmonize the energy of your home to amplify abundance and support well-being.
The Role of Harmony: It’s not about balance; it’s about finding the syncopation in our relationships and living spaces that allows us to thrive individually and as a collective.
The Power of Transition: Lisa shares how personal hardships have been the catalyst for her growth and transformation.
Finding Flow in Daily Life: The practice of slowing down, focusing on the present moment, and aligning your energy with ease, creativity, and intention.
Empowerment in Helping Professions: What a healthy, empowering relationship looks like between practitioner and client, and why it's essential for clients to take responsibility for their own healing journey.

Episode Resources:

Lisa’s new podcast series on Feng Shui: Find Your Flow
Nagare Life website and offerings

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe and leave a 5-star reviewto support more quiet voices being heard.

Download The Introvert Toolkit - your guide to understanding the introvert you work with, live with, or socialize with.

Join The Visible Introvert communityfor access to case studies, frameworks, and strategies that help you speak, lead, and act decisively – without having to perform extroversion.

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In today’s episode of the Quiet Warrior Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Susan Callender, a certified success coach, the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro. Susan shares her journey from being a shy, reserved child to becoming a successful professional and coach who now helps socially reluctant high achievers build confidence and improve their social skills. This episode is studded with valuable insights for introverts and quiet achievers who struggle with stepping into the spotlight and speaking up, whether at work or in social situations.

Key Takeaways:

The Roots of Shyness: Susan reflects on her childhood, describing herself as "lifelong shy," and discusses how social reluctance impacted her professional aspirations, particularly in sales and public speaking.
The Fear of Rejection: She dives deep into how fear of social judgment and rejection can hold introverts back, even when they are highly skilled and competent in their jobs.
The Turning Point: Susan shares a pivotal moment when a publicist’s blunt words made her realize that shyness was holding her back from fully embracing her success. Despite her achievements, she was avoiding the spotlight.
Overcoming Social Fear: With the help of coaching, Susan reprogrammed her thoughts to move from overthinking and self-doubt to taking small, actionable steps to step up and own her brilliance.
Neuroplasticity and Rewiring Your Brain: Susan emphasizes how you can rewire your brain to become more socially confident, sharing how changing your thoughts and perceptions can lead to professional success and personal transformation.
Overcoming Overthinking: Learn how overthinking can be detrimental to progress, and how learning to trust yourself and make quick, confident decisions can open doors in both your personal and professional life.

Reflective Questions for Listeners:

When was the last time you held yourself back in a professional setting due to fear of rejection or self-doubt?
What thought patterns do you have that may be hindering your ability to speak up and be seen?
Can you recall a childhood experience that shaped how you show up socially today?

Resources:

Susan’s Program – The School of Social Mastery: a selective, small-group cohort program designed to help rising professionals and entrepreneurs overcome social reluctance and build the confidence to speak up and stand out. Through coaching, participants learn to navigate their fears and step confidently into social situations, professionally and personally.

Find Susan:

Website:Social Confidence Pro
Instagram:@socialconfidencecoach
YouTube:Social Confidence Coach
LinkedIn:Susan Calendar

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe and leave a 5-star review to support more quiet voices being heard.

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Grow Your Visibility: Join The Visible Introvert community and get weekly access to case studies, frameworks, and strategies that help you to be S.E.E.N. without having to perform extroversion.

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What if choosing a career didn’t have to feel overwhelming?

What if quiet achievers, deep thinkers, and introverted students had tools designed just for them?

In this insightful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Lucy Sattler, a former teacher turned career practitioner and founder of Study Work Grow. Lucy has made it her mission to demystify the career decision process for young people, especially those who feel unseen or uncertain about the future.

With her calm, thoughtful approach, Lucy offers practical strategies for navigating the world of work and education as a student, jobseeker, or lifelong learner—especially if you're an introvert or someone who prefers clarity and structure over loud enthusiasm.

We explore the emotional pressure many students and parents face, how to ask better questions about what you want, and why having “one dream job” may be the wrong goal.

In this episode, we discuss:

The hidden challenges introverts face when planning their careers
Why quiet achievers often struggle to feel “ready enough” to choose a path
How to create space for self-discovery without rushing the process
Tools and frameworks for students and jobseekers to explore meaningful options
The role of lifelong learning in today’s changing career landscape
Why Lucy believes we should stop asking “What do you want to be?” and start asking “What problems do you want to help solve?”
Encouragement for introverted young people to find a voice in career conversations

Whether you're a student standing at a career crossroads, a jobseeker reinventing yourself, or an introverted professional supporting the next generation, this conversation is packed with reassurance, strategy, and inspiration.

Connect with Lucy Sattler:

Website: https://studyworkgrow.com.au
LinkedIn: Lucy Sattler

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe and leave a 5-star review to support more quiet voices being heard.

Download Your Free eBook:
The Introvert Toolkit - your guide to understanding the introvert you work with, live with, or socialize with.

Grow Your Visibility:
Join The Visible Introvert community and receive case studies, frameworks, and strategies that help you to be S.E.E.N. without having to perform extroversion.

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In this insightful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena speaks with Elizabeth Williamson, a relationship coach, trauma-informed facilitator, and leadership mentor who has spent over two decades helping individuals, couples, and leaders navigate conflict, repair trust, and communicate with courage.

Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience from psychology, somatic therapy, and systemic constellations to teach us how to hold respectful, clear, and boundary-honouring conversations—especially when the stakes feel high.

In this episode, we explore:

What makes conflict feel threatening—and how to work through the nervous system’s response
Why silence and people-pleasing often stem from trauma, not weakness
How to prepare for a difficult conversation with presence, clarity, and respect
The role of resilience and emotional regulation in sustainable leadership
What it means to hold both compassion and boundaries in relationships
Why conflict, when handled well, can actually strengthen connection
Practical tools for self-awareness, repair, and relational safety

Whether you're a quiet achiever navigating leadership, or someone working to improve your personal relationships, this episode will help you move through conflict with more confidence and care.

Connect with Elizabeth:Website: https://elizabethwilliamsonsolutions.com
LinkedIn: Elizabeth Williamson on LinkedIn

Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review on your favourite podcast platform to help more introverts and quiet leaders rise.

Free Resource for Quiet AchieversDownload the eBook: The Introvert Toolkithttps://mailchi.mp/87cf08f92464/the-introvert-toolkit

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In this episode, I sat down with Pretty Kubyane, a multi-award-winning tech entrepreneur and co-founder of eFama, an app revolutionising Africa’s agricultural supply chain. From humble beginnings in a South African village to leading a pan-African tech movement, Pretty shares how growing up with impact-driven parents shaped her conviction to build businesses that serve both community and innovation.

A self-proclaimed introvert, Pretty opens up about navigating the tech world as a woman of colour, facing underestimation in boardrooms, and how compassion—not bitterness—fuels her leadership. You’ll hear how her hatred of poverty, deep spiritual grounding, and fierce belief in dignity over hustle gave her the courage to speak up, stay consistent, and lead with vision.

In this episode, we explore:

What Pretty learned about leadership and purpose from her father’s woodcutting business
How eFama started as a response to systemic barriers for small producers
The 3 C’s of entrepreneurial growth: Conviction, Consistency, and Clarity
Cultural intelligence in working across African communities
The power of social fasting to protect your energy and mental health
Why introverts should build on their strengths, not chase extroverted norms
How faith and vision sustain Pretty’s entrepreneurial mission

This episode is a masterclass in quiet conviction, community-focused innovation, and redefining what leadership can look like when it’s grounded in both substance and soul.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about eFama and their work with African farmers:https://efama.africa
Follow Pretty Kubyane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prettykubyane/

Loved this conversation?

Subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review to help us bring more powerful, purposeful conversations to introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

Want to understand how introverts tick?

Whether it’s that quiet team member or your introverted child, The Introvert Toolkit is your go-to resource.

Download it HERE.

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Cathy Derksen — Founder of Inspired Tenacity, speaker, and 19-times #1 best-selling author — whose mission is to amplify women's voices through the power of collaborative books.

Cathy didn’t start out in publishing. Her career began in medical genetics, followed by a decade in financial planning, before she answered a deeper calling: to help women transform their lives through storytelling. What began as a single contribution to a multi-author book has now grown into a thriving publishing platform that gives women around the world a safe space to share their wisdom, elevate their visibility, and expand their impact.

We talk about what holds introverts back from being visible, how collaborative books open unexpected doors, and why sharing your story might be the most generous and healing act you ever do—for yourself and others.

💡 In This Episode, We Explore:

Cathy’s journey from science to finance to soulful storytelling
Why introverts don’t need to be flashy to be influential
How collaborative books help you build confidence, grow your network, and attract new clients
The mindset shifts that happen when you call yourself an “author”
What it means to lead quietly — and courageously
How visibility becomes meaningful when it’s rooted in purpose

Whether you’re an aspiring author, an introverted entrepreneur, or someone with a story waiting to be told, this episode will help you see new possibilities for your voice, your message, and your mission.

🔗 Connect with Cathy:
🌐 Website:inspiredtenacity.com
💼 LinkedIn:Cathy Derksen on LinkedIn
📚 Explore Cathy’s collaborative book series or get involved in an upcoming project.

📘 Bonus Resource – Download my free eBook: The Introvert Toolkit

Learn how to support and advocate for yourself at work as an introvert.
Understand how your introverted child or co-worker experiences the world differently - and how you can better support them.

👉 https://mailchi.mp/87cf08f92464/the-introvert-toolkit

💬 Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favourite podcast app. It helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world—so they can rise with clarity, purpose, and power.

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In this episode, I speak with Sarah Cannata, creator of Storytelling for the Soul, embodied processing practitioner, and long-time introvert who believes in the healing power of writing. Sarah helps women in midlife and beyond reconnect with themselves through a unique blend of body-based trauma-informed support and embodied journaling.

We explore how writing can be more than self-expression—it can be a path home to ourselves. Sarah shares how trauma lives in the body, why safety is the foundation of healing, and how introverts can use journaling to process difficult emotions, navigate tricky conversations, and feel more seen and heard—without having to perform or pretend.

If you've ever struggled to speak your truth, or felt that your quiet nature holds you back, this conversation will affirm your worth, your voice, and your way of being.

Key Talking Points:

What embodied processing is—and how it supports healing at a nervous system level
Why journaling is a powerful tool for introverts, especially during midlife transitions
How to begin journaling in a trauma-informed way (hint: don’t start with your hardest memory)
The importance of attunement, presence, and holding safe space in client work
How introverts can honour their energy while still showing up visibly and courageously
The surprising role of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Sarah’s quiet warrior journey
Why being visible isn’t about being loud—it’s about being authentic and aligned

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Sarah’s work: www.sarahcannata.com
Follow Sarah on socials: @storytellingforthesoul on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast for more inspiring insights and leave us a 5-star rating on your podcast app to help introverts and quiet achievers worldwide find their voice.
Sign up for The Visible Introvert newsletter for a real, tell-it-like-it-is look at life and work through the eyes of introverts and those who work with them.
Join The Visible Introvert Academy if you’re ready to elevate from quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in your life and work.

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Serena speaks with Vimala Thangaveloo, a former Fortune 500 attorney turned executive coach. Vimala’s journey from the courtroom to coaching is a story of embracing transitions and using personal differences as superpowers. She shares her transformative GPS framework, which helps professionals — especially those who feel like outsiders — step into their career genius zones and increase their income while remaining true to themselves.

Vimala talks about how to navigate the corporate world as an outsider, particularly when your personality or background doesn’t fit the typical mold. She explains the importance of building authority and how visibility plays a key role in advancing your career. Whether you identify as an introvert or simply feel out of place in a loud, extroverted environment, Vimala’s insights will inspire you to take ownership of your career path with clarity and confidence.

Key Highlights:

The Outsider’s Journey: Vimala reflects on her career transition from a litigator to an executive coach, helping outsiders leverage their unique perspectives as strengths.
Building Career Authority: Learn why building authority early in your career is essential, even if you believe you’re in a “recession-proof” industry.
The Power of Knowing Yourself: How self-awareness, understanding your value, and aligning your messaging with your strengths are key to creating a powerful personal brand.

3 Key Takeaways:

Know Yourself: Start by identifying what makes you unique and what energizes you. Self-awareness is the foundation of career success and helps you align your skills and passions with your professional goals.
Build Authority: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—build your authority consistently, whether through your LinkedIn profile, internal resume, or public visibility. Position yourself as a go-to person for solving specific problems.
Embrace What Makes You Different: Instead of trying to fit into traditional molds, embrace your outsider perspective and turn it into a superpower. Leadership today requires authenticity, and the world needs your unique contributions.

Resources:

Follow Vimala Thangaveloo on LinkedIn.
Sign up for Vimala’s Outsiders Edge newsletter for practical, actionable steps to elevate your career.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast for more inspiring insights and leave us a 5-star rating on your podcast app to help introverts and quiet achievers worldwide find their voice.
Sign up for The Visible Introvert newsletter for a real, tell-it-like-it-is look at life and work through the eyes of introverts and quiet achievers and those who work with them.
Join The Visible Introvert Academy if you’re ready to elevate from quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in your life and work.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Ella Zhang, an organisational development consultant and executive coach who shares how she has navigated multiple cultures and languages and embraced her bilingual identity to build confidence and communicate effectively.

Ella takes us through her story of migrating from China to Australia, overcoming challenges as a non-native English speaker, and how she transformed her accent from a barrier into a strength. This conversation offers powerful insights for bilingual, non-native English speakers and introverts who want to improve their communication skills, take responsibility for their personal growth, and use their unique cultural perspectives as an advantage.

Key Takeaways:

Owning Your Bilingual Identity: How Ella embraced her accent as a unique superpower rather than something to hide, and how others can shift their mindset around language barriers.
Self-Acceptance and Growth: The importance of accepting all parts of ourselves, including the parts we find uncomfortable, as a pathway to personal and professional growth.
Feedback as a Tool for Growth: How asking for feedback, especially from those who are willing to give you constructive criticism, can accelerate your development and improve your communication skills.
Self-Responsibility in Career Development: Why taking responsibility for your own growth is crucial, and how to use resources around you—books, mentors, and feedback—to continue evolving.
Bicultural and Bilingual Advantage: Ella highlights how being bilingual and bicultural allows you to draw on the best from different cultural perspectives, giving you a unique advantage in communication and leadership.

Ella also shares insights from her upcoming book Upgrade, which explores the four internal operating systems that shape our personal and professional lives: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. This book is a guide to understanding how to keep these systems updated to maximize performance, especially for young professionals navigating cultural and language differences.

Resources Mentioned:

Check out Ella Zhang’s book Upgrade
Connect with Ella on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and leadership development strategies.

If you found this episode insightful, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast to help us reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

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In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach with over 20 years of experience helping analytical, introverted leaders amplify their impact. Salvatore shares his journey and his passion for empowering data-driven professionals to communicate their brilliant ideas with confidence, and to navigate high-stakes situations with poise and authenticity.As an introvert himself, Salvatore has developed a unique approach to public speaking and leadership communication, focusing on frameworks, techniques, and strategies that help people move past fear and embrace their strengths. He also discusses how introverted and analytical leaders can overcome impostor syndrome, build effective teams, and present their work in ways that connect with a broader audience.In this episode, you’ll learn:* How Data-Driven Leaders Can Be Promoted: Why doing the work is not enough—leaders must also learn how to speak about their accomplishments and engage with others in meaningful ways. * The Humble Brag Formula: A simple yet powerful way to share your achievements without feeling cringey, and how to frame your accomplishments to highlight the impact. * Overcoming the Spotlight Effect: Tips for introverts on stepping into the spotlight without shrinking, including how to control the spotlight and focus on your message rather than yourself. * Effective Communication Frameworks: The importance of understanding your audience and speaking to their cognitive style, whether it’s focusing on the “why,” “what,” “how,” or “what if.” * Building Emotional Intelligence: How practicing empathy and actively listening to others’ concerns can improve communication and strengthen relationships in high-stakes situations. * The Power of Integrity and Authenticity: Why staying true to yourself and your values is key to building trust and presence, and how to maintain that sense of authenticity in challenging conversations.

Salvatore’s insights on leadership communication and how to bridge the gap between introversion, data-driven work, and engaging conversation are invaluable for any quiet achiever or introverted leader looking to make a bigger impact.Resources Mentioned:* Visit YouThenMePlaybook.com to learn more about Salvatore’s approach to leadership communication and check out his resources. * Connect with Salvatore Manzi on LinkedIn for more insights and opportunities to work with him.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast to help us reach more quiet achievers and introverted leaders around the world.This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

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In this solo episode, I delve into the process of finding the right next step in life, especially when it feels like you need to have all the answers before moving forward. I reflect on my own experiences of overthinking and the pressure to please others, and how that led me to miss the joy of simply being curious and exploring the unknown.

Through this episode, I share how reconnecting with my younger self has allowed me to embrace my authentic self and take the next step in my journey with confidence. This practice of self-acceptance, compassion, and deep inner work is a powerful tool for introverts and quiet achievers, especially those navigating the challenges of perfectionism and the need for external validation.

This episode is an invitation to take the time to sit with your younger self, offer the compassion and support you may not have received, and embrace your authenticity. If you're ready to go beyond intellectual understanding and do the deeper work needed for lasting transformation, reach out to me for support.

If you found this episode helpful, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast to help us reach more quiet achievers who are ready to step into their power and embrace their authentic selves.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

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Our guest today is Dr. Ardeshir Mehran, a psychologist, trauma therapist, and author of the bestselling book You Are Not Depressed, You Are Un-Finished. Dr. Mehran is disrupting the mental health field by offering a new perspective on emotional wellness, healing depression, and easing emotional suffering.During our conversation, Dr. Mehran shares his groundbreaking research on the 7 Emotional Needs, which he believes are at the core of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. These needs, when unfulfilled, create a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others, leading to emotional distress.Key Takeaways:* The Power of the 7 Emotional Needs: Dr. Mehran explains how unmet emotional needs are the root cause of depression and anxiety, and how identifying and fulfilling these needs can lead to emotional healing. * Reframing Depression: Depression is not an illness, but a signal that something is missing in our lives. By addressing the core emotional needs, we can overcome this feeling of emptiness and live more vibrantly. * Introverts and Quiet Achievers: Dr. Mehran discusses how introverts and quiet achievers can unlock their true potential by addressing emotional needs like connection, self-expression, and belonging—without having to "fit in" or silence their voice. * Practical Steps for Healing: Learn how small, consistent actions—referred to as "micro actions"—can create lasting change and help us reconnect with our true selves. * The Importance of Reparenting: Dr. Mehran emphasizes the need for reparenting ourselves by healing past wounds and creating a nurturing environment for our inner child.

Whether you’ve struggled with depression or simply want to feel more connected to your authentic self, this episode offers empowering insights and practical advice for anyone looking to heal and grow.Resources Mentioned:* Dr. Ardeshir Mehran’s book: You Are Not Depressed, You Are Un-Finished * Follow Dr. Ardeshir on LinkedIn for valuable content on mental health and personal growth

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

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Do you freeze up at the thought of public speaking? Feel like your quiet personality doesn’t “fit” on stage? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to change who you are to be heard.In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by speaker, comedian, and six-time author Mahlena-Rae Johnson, who calls herself the “Professor X for introverted CEOs with stage fright.” With warmth, humor, and deep wisdom, Mahlena shares how introverts can embrace their own rhythm, speak with impact, and feel safe being seen—without performing or pretending.We talk about: – Why stage fright isn’t something to “cure”—and what to do instead – The hidden power of preparation (and why introverts often overprepare) – How to manage nerves, relate to your audience, and recover afterward – What being a “Quiet Warrior” looks like in a world obsessed with visibility – Mahlena’s 3-part framework from her book Speak Anyway (Relax • Relate • Release)Whether you're a quiet achiever navigating leadership or an introvert dreaming of sharing your story, this episode is your permission slip to speak in a way that honors you.Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mahlenaBook: https://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/2023/11/speak-an.htmlResources mentioned:

Gay Hendricks, The Big Leap | Conscious Luck | Your Big Leap Year

Call to action:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, rate the show, and share it with someone who needs a little courage to speak anyway.This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

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Signed up for an all-day conference, but getting cold feet at the thought of spending 9-5 in a crowded, unfamiliar space with strangers?

You're not alone.

Learn how to honour your needs when attending all-day conferences and workshops so you can fully participate and learn without feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated.

Highlights:

• Time your arrival and seating.

• Take regular movement breaks.

• How hydration supports focus.

• Let nature calm your nervous system.

• Pack appropriate snacks.

• Use earphones to create a personal bubble of calm.

• Set realistic social expectations.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

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Meet Dr. Chloe Lim—a molecular biologist turned entrepreneur, educator, and balloon artist. Chloe shares how pursuing an academic career in biomedical science led her to discovering a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship.
We discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome, redefining success, and embracing unexpected career pivots. We also dive into how parents can nurture curiosity and an interest in the sciences in children (even if they don’t have a STEM background), the power of self-reflection, and how micro steps can help us build confidence in the face of fear.

If you've ever felt that creativity is only for people who are naturally artistic, or that creativity and logic cannot co-exist, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Chloe transitioned from being a scientist to a creative entrepreneur
✅ The power of self-reflection and defining success on your own terms
✅ Why curiosity is key—and how parents can encourage it in their children
✅ How to push past imposter syndrome and stay in your own lane
✅ The importance of growth mindset, adaptability, and resourcefulness in career shifts
✅ Chloe’s experience on Blow Up, an Australian reality TV show for balloon artists

Guest Bio:Dr. Chloe Lim is a molecular biologist, regulatory scientist, and entrepreneur who combines her love of science with creativity. She’s the founder of Giggly Wiggly Balloons, where she uses balloon art to inspire and educate. She also hosts CALD Voices in STEM, a podcast that highlights culturally and linguistically diverse women who are breaking barriers and making their mark in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Connect with Dr. Chloe Lim:Dr. Chloe Lim’s website
Giggly Wiggly Balloons
Twistyfic
CALD Voices in STEM Podcast
What Makes You Unique book
Instagram | LinkedIn

If You Enjoyed This Episode:

Subscribeto The Quiet Warrior Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Leave a review — it really helps us reach more quiet achievers like you!
Join The Visible Introvert communityfor introvert wisdom from the head + heart.

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In this quietly inspiring dialogue of The Quiet Warrior podcast, Serena Low chats with Jawaria Mahmood, a dynamic advocate from Perth, Western Australia. Jawaria shares her inspiring journey from being an engineer in Pakistan to becoming a trailblazer for bilingual storytime sessions in Australian libraries, a champion for STEM education for young girls, and a dedicated advocate for cyber safety in diverse communities. Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Jawaria’s experience as a migrant woman starting over in Australia
The spark behind her bilingual storytime initiative and how it grew into a national project
Her work in promoting STEM careers for young girls, especially from migrant backgrounds
The challenges and importance of cyber safety education for children and vulnerable communities
Jawaria’s advice for advocates: Start where you are, stay persistent, and keep your purpose in mind

Memorable Quotes:

“A quiet warrior is someone who doesn’t give up when things aren’t working, but looks inward, adapts, and tries again.” – Jawaria Mahmood

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Connect with Jawaria Mahmood on LinkedIn
Learn more about the Professional Migrant Women Network and the Undefeated book

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction
02:15 – Jawaria’s journey from Pakistan to Australia
08:30 – The birth of bilingual storytime sessions
15:50 – Advocating for STEM careers for young girls
22:45 – Cyber safety challenges and education
30:10 – Advice for new migrants and building support networks
38:20 – What makes a good advocate and a quiet warrior

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share The Quiet Warrior podcast so more introverts and quiet achievers can find their path to success. Thank you for being here with us – see you in the next episode!

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Impostor Syndrome is something most of us struggle with, and people who are conscientious and have high standards of performance and achievement - like introverts and quiet achievers - seem to struggle with it more. Even outwardly successful individuals have admitted to having Impostor Syndrome at some point in their career.

On days when your energy is flat, your mood is low, and you’re unable for whatever reason to believe that you are wise and capable and competent, I want to share a simple tip I learned, that you can put into practice straight off listening to this episode.

It’s called having a Smile File (credit to Thea Orozco for the first time I heard the term).

In short, it’s collating and documenting evidence of your competence every time you receive some kind of external validation e.g. a text message of thanks from someone you helped, a client testimonial, a 5- star Google review of your services or podcast, someone resharing your LinkedIn post.

Any time you are recognized by someone for being yourself or some positive difference you made, take a screenshot and add it to your Smile File.

Listen in to find out what else you must do to solidify and embody this empowered version of you, that was inside you all along.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.
Join me onLinkedInwhere I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

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In this Episode 68 of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, we sit down with Deborah Sugirthakumar - author, radio host, and advocate for mental health resilience and domestic violence prevention.Deborah shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity, breaking generational cycles of trauma, and raising a resilient family. Her insights into the power of empathy, accountability, and the quiet strength of introverts offer invaluable wisdom for parents, caregivers, and advocates alike.Deborah also discusses her book, Raising Resilient Families, which combines evidence-based research with practical tools for creating compassionate, respectful, and mentally healthy environments for children. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this conversation will inspire you to take meaningful steps toward fostering resilience and breaking harmful cycles.Who Should Listen:This episode is perfect for introverts, parents, educators, and advocates looking to:* Foster resilience and mental well-being in their families and communities. * Learn strategies for breaking cycles of trauma and creating safer environments. * Understand how introverted strengths can lead to profound societal change. * Gain practical tools and insights for conscious parenting and advocacy.

Key Topics Discussed:* The Role of Quiet Leadership in Advocacy: Why introverts possess unique strengths, such as deep listening and thoughtful action, that make them effective agents of change. * Breaking Generational Cycles: Deborah’s deeply personal journey of healing from trauma and her commitment to raising her son with empathy and accountability. * Empowering Boys and Men: Addressing the stigma around male vulnerability and the importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and respect. * Creating Safer Families: Practical tips for fostering resilience and positive family dynamics while navigating the challenges of modern parenting. * The Power of the Village: How collaboration, community, and shared values can transform individual efforts into widespread societal change.

Resources Mentioned:* Deborah’s Book: Raising Resilient Families is available on Amazon, Booktopia, and directly through Deborah on Instagram or Facebook. * Deborah’s Radio Shows: + Mindful Moments – An English-language program addressing mental health and societal change. + Vaanisai Tamil Radio – Celebrating Tamil language and culture. * Connect with Deborah:Instagram: @DeborahSugirthakumar Facebook: Deborah Sugirthakumar

"Introverts bring calm to chaos, listen deeply, and reflect profoundly. These qualities make them powerful advocates for change, even in a world that often undervalues quiet strength." – Deborah SugirthakumarCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps amplify stories like Deborah’s and inspires more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.Stay tuned for the next episode, and remember: quiet strength changes lives.

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Lisa Carpenter – a master coach, professional athlete, hypnotist, and host of The Full Frontal Living Podcast – shares her transformative journey of overcoming perfectionism, building resilience, and embracing authenticity in leadership and life. With heartfelt honesty, Lisa explores how dismantling labels and self-imposed limitations can unlock greater potential and fulfillment.

Key Discussion Points:

Athlete Mindset: Lisa’s journey as a professional athlete and how it taught her resilience, discipline, and the ability to embrace challenges both in the gym and in business.
Working from Point B: The power of visualizing success as a done deal and aligning daily actions with that mindset.
Redefining Perfectionism: How perfectionism is a coping mechanism and why embracing imperfection fosters growth and connection.
Healing the Inner Child: Understanding self-compassion and reparenting as essential tools for personal healing.
Challenging Labels: Why stepping beyond self-imposed identities, such as “introvert” or “athlete,” opens up new possibilities for growth.
Full Frontal Living: The courage to strip away coping mechanisms and face life’s challenges authentically.

Mentioned Resources:

The Full Frontal Living Podcast by Lisa Carpenter
Lisa Carpenter’s website: lisacarpenter.ca
Instagram: @lisacarpenterinc

Actionable Takeaways:

Challenge Your Identity: Examine the labels you attach to yourself and explore how they may be limiting your growth.
Adopt the Athlete Mindset: Embrace discipline and non-negotiables to achieve your goals, whether in fitness, business, or personal life.
Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge your imperfections and approach yourself with kindness and curiosity.
Be Responsible for Your Energy: Recognize the energy you bring to a room and lead with intention and authenticity.

Follow-Up Actions:

Subscribe to Lisa’s podcast and explore her private podcast offerings.
Reflect on areas in your life where you might be clinging to perfectionism or labels.
Practice small steps to connect with others authentically, especially as a quieter or introverted person.

Connect with Serena:

Rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify.

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips.
Join me on LinkedIn where I share empowering ways to show up as an introvert in the workplace and as a business owner

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In this inspiring episode, I speak with Amira Alvarez, founder of The Unstoppable Woman, about what it means to be unstoppable, and how introverts and quiet achievers can step into their power. Amira shares her personal journey, how she overcame invisible barriers, and the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies in life and business. She provides practical insights into powering through self-limiting beliefs, learning to receive, and using faith and intellect to take bold steps toward creating an exquisite life.

Key Topics Discussed:

Amira’s Personal Story:
- Transition from a comfortable, structured life to entrepreneurship and coaching.
- Realizing the need to change deep-seated beliefs about success, money, and identity.
The Concept of Invisible Barriers:
- How unconscious beliefs block progress.
- Recognizing and moving through emotional and mental blocks, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies:
- Using masculine energy for structure, discipline, and focus.
- Embracing feminine energy for creativity, intuition, and receptivity.
- Achieving harmony to live a more integrated and fulfilling life.
Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes:
- Shifting from a mindset of perfectionism to embracing learning from mistakes.
- Letting go of childhood beliefs that equate mistakes with unworthiness.
Living an Exquisite Life:
- Understanding that an exquisite life is unique to each individual.
- Tuning into your true nature and allowing life to unfold authentically.
- Trusting intuition and taking inspired action.

Guest Bio:

Amira Alvarez, Founder and CEO of The Unstoppable Woman® and host of The Unstoppable Woman® podcast, is a celebrated entrepreneur, who inspires already

accomplished women to achieve further financial wealth and success while leading fulfilling lives.

Unwilling to compromise her drive for success, she crafted a methodology for an exquisite life, allowing individuals to embrace their inner drive while finding deep fulfillment. Her path guides high-achieving women toward a life rich inside and out, where they realize their dreams without diminishing their hard-earned successes.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Amira Alvarez’s website: TheUnstoppableWoman.comto explore her private podcast and book a consult with her.

Connect with Serena Low:

Rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify.
Follow Serena on FacebookandInstagram: @quietwarriorcoach
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Key Topics Explored:

Birgit’s journey of discovering her introversion and learning to embrace it
The layers of introversion and how it manifests differently for each person
Understanding energy management as an introvert
The concept of "music mindfulness" and its impact on emotional well-being
How music has supported Birgit’s personal and professional growth
Living on the "B side" of life: finding hidden strengths and unexpected treasures
How music can be used to help with stress relief, productivity, and emotional balance
The importance of gradually stepping into the spotlight as an introvert

Memorable Quotes:

"Introversion is all about energy—how quickly we are depleted and how we recharge."
"Music is like my red line, my best friend. It helps me process my emotions and find balance."
"Introverts have hidden strengths, like the B side of a record—full of surprises waiting to be discovered."

Guest Bio:

Birgit Livesey is a mindfulness guide and host of the podcast Living on the B Side, where she combines her love of music with her passion for helping introverts find harmony in their lives. Through music mindfulness, Birgit teaches others how to use music intentionally to enhance emotional and mental well-being, manage stress, and boost productivity. She believes that by tuning into the power of music, we can create more balance and joy in our daily lives.

Connect with Birgit Livesey:

Podcast: Living on the B Side
Facebook Group: Join the Community
Ebook: 5 Little Known Music Strategies for Harmony

Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, remember to subscribe, rate, and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

Share this episode with friends who might resonate with the idea of using music as a tool for emotional well-being and embracing their introversion.

Stay tuned for more insights about the quiet strengths of introverts HERE.

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Key Topics Covered:

The Journey of Self-Discovery:Lillian recounts her path of recognizing her HSP and empath traits, her transformative "aha moments" and how these realizations empowered her to embrace who she is without apology.
What it Means to Be an HSP and Empath:Traits associated with being an HSP, including sensitivity to sound, light, and others' emotions. The importance of setting boundaries as an empath, learning to "observe, not absorb."
Challenges in Childhood and the Role of Support:Reflecting on her childhood, Lillian talks about how she struggled to fit in and how she now helps children embrace their sensitivity. Both Serena and Lillian agree on the need for support systems in schools to help sensitive children feel validated and understood.
Tools for Thriving as a Sensitive Person:
Practical strategies for managing sensitivity in the workplace, such as preparing thoughts ahead of time and finding comfortable ways to engage with colleagues.
Breaking the Cycle in Parenting:Serena and Lillian touch on the power of self-awareness in breaking generational cycles of trauma and building resilience in children, and the importance of giving children—and their parents—the knowledge to understand and embrace sensitivity.

Notable Quotes:

"Observe, don’t absorb." – Lillian Powell
"It’s important to look past labels and embrace our evolving identities." – Lillian Powell

Resources Mentioned:

Generativity Coaching Website
Dr. Elaine Aron’s books on HSP, including The Highly Sensitive Person

Connect with Us:

Follow Lillian Powell on Instagram and LinkedIn
Subscribe, rate, and shareThe Quiet Warrior Podcast

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This episode is a compassionate call to notice the red flags our bodies raise, recognize our limitations, and honor our needs.Many women in perimenopause and menopause experience brain fog and memory loss, but this is seldom talked about openly. Drawing from my own recent experiences, and with support from Dr. Gabor Maté's book When the Body Says No, we explore the ways our bodies communicate distress, often through symptoms we might overlook—like memory lapses, mental fatigue, or even physical illness. Key Topics:

The impact of chronic stress on mental faculties and overall wellbeing.
How small and significant stresses accumulate, often unnoticed, shaping who we become.
Practical insights on tuning in to bodily signals and making space for rest and recalibration.
Affirmations that remind us of our worth beyond productivity or societal expectations.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life, battling stress, or noticing changes in your mental clarity, this episode offers permission to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. We close with a powerful affirmation to guide you on this journey: "I am valued, accepted, and loved as I am. It is safe to be me."

Call to Action:If you enjoy The Quiet Warrior Podcast and find the content valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. CLICK HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and click “Write a Review”. This lets me know what you found helpful in an episode.

For relatable stories on showing up with courage, confidence, and authentic self-expression, subscribe to my newsletter HERE.

For coaching enquiries: CLICK HEREto book a complimentary Zoom call.

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In this heartfelt episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, my guest Cheryl Lardner (co-founder of Wishkeeper) and I dive into an essential yet often overlooked topic: preparing for life’s uncertainties.

Wishkeeper is an innovative web app designed to help people organize important life information, documents, and personal wishes to ensure their loved ones are cared for during challenging times.

Cheryl shares how the tool can ease family burdens, prevent conflicts, and provide peace of mind. Listen as they explore the emotional and practical aspects of organizing your legacy and preparing for life’s unpredictable events.

Key Topics Covered:

What is Wishkeeper?
The Importance of Organizing Your Legacy
Features That Make Wishkeeper Unique
Minimizing Family Conflicts Through Clarity
Cheryl’s Personal Journey and Business Lessons

Connect with Cheryl Lardner and Learn More About Wishkeeper

Visit Wishkeeper’s official website: wishkeeper.com.au for more information, resources, and personal stories about how Wishkeeper is helping families.

Invitation:

If you love The Quiet Warrior Podcast and find what I share to be valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. CLICK HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and click “Write a Review”. Let me know what you found helpful in today’s episode.
For weekly advice on how to show up in life and work with courage, confidence, and authentic self-expression, subscribe to my newsletter HERE.
For questions about coaching, CLICK HERE to book a complimentary Zoom call.

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Episode Summary:I sat down with Ben Lai, founder of Sales Ethos, to explore the subject of sales and introversion. Ben shares his journey from nursing to becoming a sales expert, driven by his goal of professional speaking and his desire to care for people. He discusses the misconceptions people, especially introverts, have about sales, and how ethical selling aligned with personal values can lead to long-term success. Ben and I dive deep into how introverts can find their voice in the sales world, balance assertiveness with humility, and remain true to their values while thriving in business.

Key Topics:

Ben’s background: from nursing to sales
The meaning behind the term "Sales Ethos" and why values matter in business
Why introverts struggle with sales and how to overcome it
How to sell ethically without feeling "pushy"
The importance of detaching from the sales outcome
Building confidence by reflecting on past successes
Balancing assertiveness with humility in sales
Sales techniques rooted in psychology
The role of mindset in becoming an effective salesperson

Memorable Quotes:

“Sales is service; it’s not about manipulation.”
“Ethical sales are the key to long-term success.”
“Believe in yourself, and if you can’t yet, borrow someone else’s belief in you.”
“Our prospective clients will believe in us to the degree that we believe in ourselves.”

Guest Bio:

Ben Lai is the founder of Sales Ethos, a business dedicated to teaching ethical sales techniques grounded in personal values. With a background in nursing, Ben combines his passion for helping others with his sales expertise to help introverts and entrepreneurs excel in sales without compromising their integrity.

Connect with Ben Lai:

Website: Sales Ethos
LinkedIn: Ben Lai on LinkedIn

Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, take 5 seconds to rate and review it, and share it with someone who might benefit from Ben Lai’s insights.

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This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in spiritual growth, the power of intuition, and the wisdom of slow living. Whether you're an introvert looking for more rest and harmony to counter a frantic, fast-paced life, or simply curious about the relevance and significance of a 'witch' in contemporary culture, Eileen March offers valuable insights and practical advice for living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction to Eileen March:
- Eileen's background as a midwife and her journey to becoming a spiritual life coach and energy healer.
- The concept of slow living and how it ties into Eileen's work with introverts and sensitive individuals.
- Eileen discusses her personal experience with introversion and how she supports her clients in navigating a world not designed for introverts.
Reclaiming the Title of 'Witch':
- Eileen explains what it means to be a "slow living witch" in contemporary times.
- The historical context of witchcraft and its association with wise women and community caretakers.
- The impact of the "witch wound" on women today and how it stems from historical events like the burning times in Europe.
The Balance of Feminine and Masculine Energies:
- A discussion on the importance of balancing feminine and masculine energies within ourselves and society.
- The shift towards reclaiming feminine wisdom and power, and its implications for modern life.
The Role of Intuition:
- Eileen talks about the significance of intuition in her work and how it helps individuals connect with their inner wisdom.
- The science behind intuition and its connection to the subconscious mind.
Respecting Nature and Embracing Symbiosis:
- A deep dive into the concept of humans as an integral part of nature, rather than separate from it.
- The importance of moving towards a more symbiotic relationship with the natural world, drawing inspiration from indigenous practices.
Creating a Balanced World:
- Eileen's vision of a balanced world where diverse perspectives are honored, and humans remember their connection to the earth.
- The concept of being "good ancestors" and leaving a healthy planet for future generations.

Key Quotes:

"The term 'witch' for me is synonymous with wise woman, knowledge keeper, and midwife. It's about connection to nature and the wisdom that lives in our bones."
"Intuition is almost like a superpower; it helps us tap into the immense amount of wisdom and knowing that we hold in our own bodies."

Resources:

Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey - A book that argues rest is a form of resistance and a reclaiming of power.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer - A book discussing the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

Connect with Eileen March:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Loved today’s episode?

SUBSCRIBE to The Quiet Warrior podcast on your favourite listening platform (Apple, Spotify etc), and leave a 5-star review to help more introverts find our show.

SUBSCRIBE to The Visible Introvert newsletter at www.SerenaLow.com.au to receive regular introvert-affirming tips to help you thrive professionally.

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Episode Summary:

Our guest is Yulia Gladysheva, a former documentary photographer who has pioneered a unique approach to brand photography. Yulia shares her journey from taking authentic, unstaged photos to creating persuasive photography tailored specifically for entrepreneurs. Her innovative method empowers business owners to take control of their visual storytelling to create impactful images themselves - without ever having to step into a studio or pose awkwardly.

Key Takeaways:

The Origin of Persuasive Photography: Yulia's transition from traditional documentary photography to working with entrepreneurs.
Understanding Sales Psychology: Yulia emphasizes the importance of integrating sales psychology into brand photography, and that images need to be strategically aligned with marketing goals for business success.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Yulia shares the breakthrough moment when she guided a client's son to take professional-level photos remotely during the lockdown, leading her to develop a system where entrepreneurs can create their own brand images with her guidance.
Visual Storytelling: Yulia explains how her clients learn to use their images as part of a consistent visual story across all social media platforms, helping them build trust and connect more deeply with their audience.
Strategy Over Randomness: Instead of random social media posts, Yulia advocates for a strategic approach where each image serves to build a cohesive narrative that showcases the transformation entrepreneurs offer to their clients.

Memorable Quotes:

"It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling a story that reflects who you are and what you offer."
"Entrepreneurs can create their own compelling, authentic images with the right guidance—it's all about breaking the myth that only photographers can do it."

Call to Action:

Follow Yulia Gladysheva on Instagram and on her website to see her work and learn more about how you can transform your brand’s visual presence by using photos that reflect your natural, authentic self in your favourite surroundings.

Special Offer for Listeners!

Sign up for the Visual DIY course with 7% off using the code INTROVERT.

Social Media Links:

Yulia Gladysheva's Instagram
Yulia Gladysheva's Website

Next Steps:

Loved today’s episode?

SUBSCRIBE to The Quiet Warrior podcast on your favourite listening platform (Apple, Spotify etc), and leave a 5-star review to help more introverts find our show.

SUBSCRIBE to The Visible Introvert newsletter at www.SerenaLow.com.au to receive weekly introvert-affirming tips for work and business.

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In this episode, I dive into the struggles that many introverts face when it comes to asking for help. Drawing from my own experiences as a former lawyer and now a coach and midlife mentor, I explore why asking for assistance can often feel like a sign of weakness, and how overcoming this mindset can be transformative—especially for introverts in business and leadership roles.

Key Points:

The stigma of asking for help
Working for others vs. working for yourself
The importance of outsourcing and delegation
Reframing the role of a business owner
Developing a “CEO mentality”

Key Takeaways:

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to strengthen your business or career.
Introverts can thrive by leveraging their strengths and outsourcing tasks that don't align with their core skills.
Viewing yourself as a CEO can help you make better decisions about delegation and collaboration.

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.
To receive weekly tips on how to be a visible introvert, join my mailing list at serenalow.com.au.

Upcoming Workshop:

If you are an introverted professional or business owner who wants to be more visible, but something is holding you back from putting yourself out there, I am hosting a FREE Online Training on Thursday 5 September 7-8pm AEST (Melbourne) in partnership with Wyndham Learning Festival: BOOST YOUR WORK VISIBILITY: 3 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR INTROVERTS AND QUIET ACHIEVERS.

Register at the link below, and a Zoom invite will be emailed to you before the workshop. https://www.wynlearnfestival.org.au/event/grow-your-visability-at-work/

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Episode Summary:

How does an introvert stand their ground during conflict, earn the trust of senior executives, and become the go-to person in a corporate environment?

In this episode, Anthony Kuo shares his transition from a promising but unsatisfying career in corporate America to becoming a career satisfaction coach. He shares candidly about the challenges faced by introverts in the workplace and how they can leverage their unique strengths to succeed without compromising their true nature.

Key Points:

How being in a minority group at school affects one’s identity and sense of belonging:
- School can be hard when you’re not one of the majority.
- When you realize that you’re different and not necessarily in a culturally acceptable way or a way that feels safe.
- When your friends had a language to talk to each other and you weren’t a part of that, and didn’t know the cultural references they were making.
- Challenges of being an Introvert in corporate America:
- Being technically proficient at the job, but realizing the need to be able to tell stories and persuade others to see your point of view.
- Being used to deferring to authority due to the hierarchical nature of Asian culture, and learning to speak up and assert yourself and stand your ground when questioned or challenged by more senior executives.
- Leveraging Expertise and Building Trust:
- Gaining trust and influence in the workplace through personal reputation, the ability to tell compelling stories with data, and the ability to hold space and demonstrate empathy for multiple points of view.
- Career Satisfaction:
- Career satisfaction is about using your personality at work and having your personality and all of its quirks and wonderful uniqueness be engaged, appreciated, and valued at work.
- Career satisfaction is about figuring out what it takes for you to thrive.
- 30% of the time, what employees are looking for is accessible exactly where they are - they just have to reach for it.
- Quitting is not always the solution - career change is stressful and expensive.
- Most of the time, career dissatisfaction is because a part of you is craving change, and another part of you really values something that is being provided through your current role. Identify what it is you value.
- Advice for someone who is not satisfied with their career right now:
- Listen to your dissatisfaction. Pay attention. Get curious.
- Ask yourself: what is it that you are not getting, what is keeping you here, what is it exactly that you enjoy.

How to Connect with Anthony Kuo:

Website: UntamedCareer.com
Social Media: @UntamedCareer on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this episode and found Anthony Kuo’s insights helpful, please take 30 seconds to scroll down to the “Write a review” section on your listening platform, rate it, and share one thing you learned.
If you are an introverted professional or business owner who wants to get known, but something is holding you back from putting yourself out there, I am hosting a FREE online workshop on Thursday 5 September 7-8pm AEST (Melbourne) in collaboration with Wyndham Learning Festival:

BOOST YOUR WORK VISIBILITY: 3 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR INTROVERTS AND QUIET ACHIEVERS

https://www.wynlearnfestival.org.au/event/grow-your-visability-a

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Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Melissa Corley-Carter, affectionately known as the Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist. Melissa shares her incredible journey from aspiring astronaut to becoming a beacon of inspiration for many. Despite not becoming an astronaut, she has achieved remarkable feats as a rocket scientist, marathon runner on all seven continents, award-winning author, and certified professional coach. She discusses how she integrates the principles of rocket science into helping individuals reclaim their power and ignite their passion for life.

Key Topics Discussed:

Melissa’s Early Aspirations:
- Inspired by an astronaut visit in the 5th grade.
- Passion for space, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
- Pursuit of a PhD in astronautical engineering.
Challenges and Turning Points:
- Applying to the astronaut program and dealing with disqualification due to eyesight.
- The impact of this turning point on her personal and professional life.
The Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist:
- Origin of the unique title and its significance.
- Exploration of barefoot running and its benefits.
- Connection to nature and the health benefits of grounding.
Dancing with the Universe:
- The concept of always having a partner in the universe.
- Understanding and utilizing the cosmic potential within us.
- Melissa’s personal experiences and insights on this spiritual journey.
Post-2020 Reflections:
- The impact of the pandemic on social interactions, especially for introverts.
- Embracing remote connections and the importance of flexibility.
Human Design and Quantum Physics:
- Introduction to Human Design and its role in understanding one’s energetic blueprint.
- How Melissa integrates Human Design into her coaching practice to help individuals achieve their highest potential.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Melissa Corley Carter, The Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist, uses basic principles of rocket science to help rockstar humans reclaim their power, own their awesomeness, and take giant leaps of faith. An actual rocket scientist, 7 continents marathoner, astronaut reject, speaker, award-winning author, and certified professional coach, Melissa will inspire you to celebrate the power of who you are and to ignite your passion for the life you live. She is the author and photographer of the award-winning coffee table book, "Running the World: Marathon Memoirs from the Seven Continents," and the companion wisdom card deck, “Running YOUR World.”

Links and Resources:

Website: https://www.epiclifeactually.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacorleycarter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissacorleycarter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacorleycarter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissacorleycarter

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast so you never miss an episode!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with friends who might find inspiration in Melissa’s story. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

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In this episode, I interview Crystal Reynolds, a graphic designer with over 27 years of experience and the owner of My Life Planners. We discuss the importance of planners, scheduling, and structure, especially for creatives who might find these concepts challenging. Crystal shares how her journey in creating her own planner started from a personal need and evolved into a business, offering valuable insights into how planning can enhance productivity and creativity.

Key Takeaways:

Crystal's Background and Business:
- Crystal's journey from being a graphic designer to creating My Life Planners.
- The inspiration behind starting her own line of planners.
The Importance of Planning:
- How planners help in juggling multiple responsibilities and tasks.
- The concept of planning for wonder and creating space for rest and creativity.
- Overcoming the guilt associated with rest and non-traditional productivity.
Unique Features of My Life Planners:
- The structure of the planners: undated daily and weekly formats.
- The design philosophy: light, non-intrusive layout to highlight personal entries.
- Flexibility and customization in using the planners.
- Using different tools like pencils for flexibility.
Challenges and Benefits of Planning:
- Addressing the resistance creatives might feel towards planning and structure.
- The balance between being productive and allowing time for creativity and rest.
- Scheduling non-productive time to recharge (“Empty Days”).
- Writing down tasks and schedules for better retention and clarity.
- How Small Boxes enhance creative freedom
- Being the Author of your own story

How to Order “My Life Planners”:

Visit mylifeplanners.ca or planforwonder.com.
Choose your preferred style and cover.

Use this special promo code: QUIET for a $5 discount on purchases of $45 or more (one myWeek) and Crystal will throw in a surprise extra bonus!

https://mylifeplanners.ca/#signup

Follow Crystal Reynolds:

Online Store: myLifePlanners.ca/store
Podcast: planforwonder.com
Website: My Life Planners
Instagram: @mylifeplanners
Facebook: My Life Planners

Subscribe & Review:

Love what you hear? Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior podcast and leave a review to help others find our show.

Share this episode with friends who might benefit from Crystal’s insights on planning and productivity.

P.S. If you’re an introverted professional woman who feels unseen and unknown in the workplace because of your quiet persona, my new online program The Visible Introvert Academy will help you gain the courage and confidence to speak up – take action – and be your authentic self.

Join the waitlist for updates on when the next launch will be.

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In this episode of the Quiet Warrior podcast, I welcome Petros Eshetu to discuss the topic of making authentic connections as an introvert.

Petros shares his personal journey: from arriving in the U.S. in 2005, navigating a new culture, dealing with social anxiety, and ultimately finding his way to being comfortable in his own skin.

We discuss the importance of self-understanding, vulnerability, and community, especially for international students and immigrants.

Petros, a financial analyst by day and “Narrative Whisperer” by night, also shares how he helps aspiring authors overcome mental blocks to share their stories through books.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and triumphs of introverts in a world that often values extroverted traits.

Bio:

Petros Eshetu is the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book, The Introvert Immigrant’s Journeyand is known as the ‘Narrative Whisperer’ where he helps coaches who want to share their knowledge and expertise through a book so they can build authority in their field. Petros’s work has been featured on Self Publishing School, Kindlepreneur, IntrovertU, and MO2Vate magazine.

Petros’ book The Introverted Immigrant Journey is available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Introverted-Immigrants-Journey-Overcoming-Anxiety-ebook/dp/B079Y3JYLH

Connect with Petros on :

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/petroseshetu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreampassionlife

Website : www.petroseshetu.com

If you enjoyed this episode, remember to give it a 5-star rating on whichever platform you listen from, so The Quiet Warrior Podcast can reach more introverts around the world!

P.S. If you’re an introverted professional woman who feels unseen and unknown in the workplace because of your quiet persona, my new online program The Visible Introvert Academy will help you gain the courage and confidence to take action.

Join the waitlist for updates about when the next launch will be.

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Suppose you’re an introvert and quiet achiever, looking to grow your influence and capacity in your workplace or business.

Scenario 1:

You know you’re good at what you do, and your colleagues all agree you’re the indispensable team member who gets things done. But you’re tired of waiting in the wings to be noticed. You want more people to recognize that you have good ideas and leadership skills and the capacity to take on a bigger role in your organization.

How do you do that?

Scenario 2:

You have an idea that can help improve people’s wellbeing, or the skills to help them build strong, healthy, and nurturing relationships with their partners and children, or find more inner peace and fulfillment when going through challenges.

How do you do that?

Tune in to find out all about the new program I’m launching to help introverted professionals and business owners be seen, heard, and known in ways that feel authentic and sustainable, so you can FINALLY fully and confidently express yourself – without pretending to be someone you’re not.

Class starts end June.

Link to join The Visible Introvert Academy ishere.

If you enjoyed this episode, remember to give it a 5-star rating on whichever platform you listen from, so The Quiet Warrior Podcast can reach more introverts around the world!

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In this insightful episode, Serena sits down with Karalyn Brown, a multifaceted LinkedIn profile writer, recruitment expert, and social media maven. Karalyn brings her extensive background in HR, journalism, and recruitment to help job seekers and career changers navigate the tumultuous job market. From the impact of AI on employment to leveraging transferable skills, Karalyn shares practical strategies for making your next career move. Plus, learn about her innovative approach to accessing the hidden job market and the power of informational interviews.

Key Topics Discussed:

Current Job Market Trends:
The evolution of the workforce pre- and post-COVID.
- The impact of global events on job availability and sector growth.
- The role of AI in shaping future employment opportunities.
Understanding and Leveraging Transferable Skills:
- Defining transferable skills and their importance in career transitions.
- - Strategies for identifying your own transferable skills.
- - The significance of aligning your skills with employer needs.
- The Art of Informational Interviewing:
- How to effectively conduct informational interviews.
- - Steps to approach potential contacts and make meaningful connections.
- - Using informational interviews to boost confidence and uncover job opportunities.
- The Hidden Job Market:
- What is the hidden job market and why it matters.
- - Techniques to tap into unadvertised job opportunities.
- - The benefits of networking and expanding your connections organically.
- Career Transition Strategies:
- Smart ways to transition into a new industry without going back to school.
- - Leveraging existing skills and experiences in new career paths.
- - The Straight to Shortlist Challenge: A step-by-step networking strategy.

Guest Bio:

Karalyn Brown is a seasoned LinkedIn profile writer and recruitment consultant with a rich background in HR, journalism, and social media. Known for her innovative approach to career coaching, Karalyn co-hosted the Career Care Package during the pandemic and co-created Cards Against Insanity. She specializes in helping professionals navigate the job market, identify transferable skills, and access hidden job opportunities.

Connect with Karalyn Brown:

LinkedIn:Karalyn Brown
Website:Straight to Shortlist Challenge

Listener Action Items:

Reflect on your transferable skills and how they can be applied in various roles.
Identify at least three professionals in your desired field for informational interviews.
Start expanding your network by joining industry-related groups or communities.
Consider participating in the Straight to Shortlist Challenge for guided networking strategies.

Stay Connected:

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior podcast onSpotify andApple Podcasts.
Join our community onFacebook for introvert-friendly updates and discussions.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Quiet Warrior podcast. If you found Karalyn's insights valuable, please leave a review and share this episod

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Welcome to episode 50 of The Quiet Warrior Podcast!

Thank you for being part of this special journey. I appreciate you, I appreciate your feedback and comments about what you’re learning, and I’m grateful that we have connected here.

Today, I’m taking my own advice to be intentional by pressing pause to look back on this journey and to celebrate how far I’ve come, instead of saying “Yeah, episode 50, whatever, other people have already done hundreds of episodes!”

So many of us have been conditioned to follow the safe and predictable path, to avoid doing risky or unconventional things, to put aside childish dreams now that we’re mature adults.

And yet, in between the moments of busyness and rushing around ticking things off to-do lists and meeting expectations, a little voice persists, inviting us to play, to imagine, to dream, to experiment.

As someone who has spent more than 3 decades staying safely inside my comfort zone, here’s my take on it.

If the idea has come to you, it’s because you’ve been deemed a worthy vessel.
It’s not your job to convince anyone who’s not open.
Your job is simply to share the message, to pass on what you’ve received.
You are a steward of what you’ve been entrusted with, which has the power to make a deep difference to your people.
What if just one person hears your message, receives it with gladness, takes it to heart, and changes their life’s trajectory, or their career path, or their relationship with their loved ones, because of you? Would that be worth you stepping up and allowing yourself to be visible?

The key to starting anything that seems new, scary, crazy, and risky, and that triggers impostor syndrome for you, is to shift your energy.

When your focus is stuck at ME, it becomes all about you - you’re hyper fixated on yourself:

You’re not good enough
You’re unqualified to talk about this topic
You need more years of study and practice
You need more accreditations, more social media likes and engagement, a bigger following, prestigious awards and honourable mentions and keynote speeches and big-name clients

Then maybe you’ll be credible enough to deliver your message

Here’s an uncomfortable question I had to ask myself:

Is this about genuinely seeking to be professional and competent, or is it about being addicted to safety and security and an insatiable need for external approval and validation?

It’s healthy to honestly admit your imperfections and limitations, and it’s important for integrity to seek to be professional and competent in what you do.

The trick is not to give your current imperfections and limitations permission to take over your decision making, or worse, to spend so much time together that you get cozy and keep putting off taking that courageous first step, and by the time you realize it, another 5 years have passed.

When you move the dial of your focus from ME to WE, and start really connecting deeply with the energy and emotion of:

Who you are, who you’ve been, what you’ve overcome, and what you’ve learned
What you care about in life and why
Why your message is so needed now
Who your message is for and who can benefit
What could change for the person who hears and acts on your message and what magical changes that might lead to…

I guarantee you will rekindle your old excitement and reawaken the dream that in your own small, quiet way, you too can facilitate change in your corner of the world.

So what have I gained from the last 21 months of putting this podcast out into the world?

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In this episode of the Quiet Warrior podcast, Avery Thatcher and I delve into the topic of burnout, a condition experienced by many due to chronic stress.

Given the tumultuous times we live in and the increasing pace of life and work, how do we stay alert to the signs that we may be suffering from burnout?

Avery, a former ICU nurse turned burnout recovery specialist for highly sensitive high achievers, shares insights from her personal journey and professional expertise.

Talking Points:

The origins of burnout as a response to constant stress
The three stages of burnout
Why burnout is not just about stress management
How burnout acts as a safety mechanism of the body
How different generations perceive and handle burnout
Cultural sensitivity in leadership
Why resilience may be an overrated trait
The value of small moments of self-care
Recognizing and addressing burnout early
The three stages of recovering from burnout
Looking after our teams and employees
Looking out for ourselves and our co-workers

Resources:

Where to find resources and strategies for individuals and organizations to prevent and recover from burnout:

www.BecomingAvery.com

About Avery Thatcher:

Avery specializes in helping highly sensitive people who have experienced a recent significant setback that has left them questioning who they are and what their purpose is in her one-on-one work and her group coaching experience the Mindset Reboot Program.

Connect with Avery on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/becomingavery/

If you enjoyed this episode, remember to give it a 5-star rating on whichever platform you listen from, so The Quiet Warrior Podcast can reach more introverts around the world!

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to transform from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – in authentic, aligned, and sustainable ways
Need a gift idea? Check out my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts online: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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If you’re a professional or executive contemplating your next move, at the back of your mind you might have questions such as:

Is this the right time?
Am I too old / too young?
Do I have the right skill sets and experience?
How do I find a career that aligns better with my values and purpose?

My guest speaker for this episode, Kate Richardson, is a Career and Executive Coach who helps mid-career professionals and executives find what’s next.

Listen in for why she advocates taking charge of your own career pathway, and how to put yourself in the best possible position to secure a job or make a change.

Talking Points:

How long it takes to figure out your next career move
Why you don’t need to know what you want to do
The power of following your curiosity
How Kate networked her way from redundancy to a new career – through “20 coffees in 40 days”
What questions to ask to build your confidence and knowledge when networking
The one question you should ask at the end of every conversation to boost your connections
Kate’s observations on current job trends and the nature of work
How to become more valuable and visible in the workplace
Exercises to help you take inventory of your career: your Values, your Strengths, your Ideal Day
Why your skills are not necessarily your strengths
The difference between a mentor and a sponsor
How to position yourself to stay open to opportunities - even if you’re happily employed
How to get around your dislike or fear of networking
How to manage identity crisis during times of career uncertainty
Cultivating the Explorer’s Mindset

Kate Richardson’s Bio:

Kate is an advertising runaway, having worked for nearly 20 years in media and marketing before making a big career shift in 2018. Since then, she's worked as a Career and Executive Coach helping mid-career professionals build the skills and confidence they need to design a more ideal career, find what's next and make it happen. Kate has also partnered with organisations like Movember, MYOB, Publicis Groupe and ANZ Bank to help them develop the careers of their people.

Kate’s website:katerichardson.co

Follow Kate on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerichardson

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to transform from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – in authentic, aligned, and sustainable ways
Need a gift idea? Check out my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts and connect with kindred spirits: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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**This episode explores the challenges of embarking on something that you have little experience or expertise in.

Talking Points:**

What is conscious incompetence
My experience with conscious incompetence at school
Why high achievers struggle to admit that there are things they don’t know and aren’t good at
My 8 tips for navigating the season of not knowing

For gentle and compassionate support while you grow your competence, reach out to me at info@serenalow.com.au.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to transform from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – in authentic, aligned, and sustainable ways
Need a gift idea? Check out my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts and connect with kindred spirits: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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My guest today is Terrance Lee, an aerospace and defense program manager with 18 years of experience and the author of The Introvert Leader book series. Talking Points:

Terrance’s journey from being an outspoken child to becoming introspective following an incident at school, and how this led him to discover the strengths inherent in his introverted nature.
Why introversion is not a hindrance but a valuable asset in leadership and professional settings.
Misconceptions surrounding introversion in the workplace.
The unique qualities introverted leaders bring to their teams.
Five key practices for introverts to lead effectively and without stress.
How leaders and managers can create a supportive environment for quiet voices in the workplace.
How to have a conversation with the quieter co-workers on your team.
The significance of embracing one's authentic self for personal and professional growth.
Preview of Terrance's upcoming book, The Calm Effect, aimed at helping introverts to succeed and lead with confidence.

Your gift:

Download the first chapter of The Calm Effect for free using this link:

https://hello.terrancelee.com/calmeffect-freechapter/

Terrance Lee’s Bio:

Terrance Lee is a Program Manager with over 18 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Terrance created ‘The Introvert Leader’ book series to help introverted professionals who believe their personality is holding them back. His desire is to help people to discover their unique strengths while being comfortable to be themselves.

Connect with Terrance Lee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrancelee/

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to transform from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – in authentic, aligned, and sustainable ways
Need a gift idea? Check out my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts and connect with kindred spirits: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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If you feel like you are in constant overwhelm and life is chaos, you are not alone.

Most of us start the day hoping for a good day or even an ordinary day, but something happens and we get much more than we were prepared for, leaving us stressed, anxious, and in reactive mode.

In this episode, we look at:

How childhood experiences and conditioning can impact the way we handle uncertainty and chaos as adults
What we can start to do differently once we realize that our actions are due to conditioning rather than an authentic expression of our values
How to start becoming the person who can respond confidently and calmly in uncertainty and chaos

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to transform from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – in authentic, aligned, and sustainable ways
Need a gift idea? Check out my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts and connect with kindred spirits: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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In this episode, we explore the concept of being a quiet achiever and whether it's okay to stay content in that role, or aspire to become a more visible and active contributor. We delve into the characteristics of quiet achievers, the potential pitfalls of remaining in the background, and strategies for transitioning from a quiet achiever to a more visible presence. Join us as we navigate the journey from quiet achiever to quiet warrior.

Talking Points:

Understanding the Quiet Achiever:

Definition and characteristics of a quiet achiever.
How quiet achievers contribute to teams and organizations.
The benefits and challenges of being a quiet achiever.

Recognizing the Limitations of the Quiet Achiever:

Potential drawbacks of staying in the background.
Missed opportunities for growth and recognition.
Impact on career progression and personal development.

Strategies for Transformation into the Quiet Warrior:

Stepping out of your comfort zone.
Developing skills for increased visibility and engagement.
Balancing authenticity with professional growth.

By listening to this episode, you will gain:

Insight into the dynamics of being a quiet achiever and its implications.
Strategies for overcoming the limitations of staying in the background.
Inspiration to embrace your quiet advantage and transition towards a more visible and impactful presence in your personal and professional life.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to grow from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – without acting like an extrovert
Need a self-care idea? Order my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts in Melbourne and build your social confidence:
Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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For the perfectionist, overthinker, and overachiever, nothing less than 100% will do.

But unrealistic goals and impossibly high standards can end up discouraging us from persisting long enough to see progress.

So why not make it easy on yourself?

Aim to be 1% better today than you were yesterday.

Listen in to envision what 1% better could look like for you, and find out how I’m using the 1% idea in business to refine what I do, and how I do it.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a call to find out how to grow from a quiet achiever into a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks – without acting like an extrovert or faking it till you make it
Inspirational gift idea for a client or friend: The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life, One New Chapter at a Time
Meet fellow introverts and feel safe connecting with new people: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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If it’s been 10-15 years since your last pregnancy and you’ve started noticing some changes in your body and your moods, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!

I’ve been on the perimenopause journey since 2022 and this is the information I wish I’d known earlier.

Join me as I interview Amita Sharma, co-founder of global women’s wellness platform NourishDoc, and learn about:

How women’s bodies, brains and moods change during the transition to menopause
Hormonal imbalance: Three tips to help you rebalance your hormones
Factors that can affect each woman’s experience of perimenopause
Why it’s important to keep stress levels down, and simple things you can do to relieve stress
Daily self-care routine in 30 minutes or less
The power of habits: How small positive changes today can help you maintain a good quality of life
How communicating your needs openly can strengthen your marriage
How leaders and workplaces can better support women employees navigating perimenopause and menopause
The importance of advocating for ourselves and others
Why NourishDoc was started and how it is bringing accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive healthcare and wellness to women around the world

BIO:

As a co-founder of NourishDoc, a global holistic wellness platform for peri- to post-menopausal women, Amita Sharma is on a mission to bring affordable wellness to every woman in the world. NourishDoc has designed evidence based and culture sensitive holistic wellness programs for women wellness, self care and prevention. With menopause as a taboo globally and over 1 billion women reaching menopause, wellness for women at this stage should be at the forefront.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nourishdoc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nourish_doc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nourishdoc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nourishdoc/

Website: http://www.nourishdoc.com

Linkedin Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/

DISCLAIMER:

The information in this episode is for general information and education purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice. Accordingly, before taking any action based on this information, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider

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If you know someone who acts as if it’s always someone else’s fault when things don’t go their way, who believes that others are responsible for their happiness and wellbeing, that they deserve special treatment because they are better than others, listen on, because our guest today is a coach who specializes in narcissistic abuse and the bestselling author of If Only I’d Known! How to Outsmart Narcissists, Set Guilt-Free Boundaries and Create Unshakeable Self-Worth.

Top 10 highlights from my conversation with Chelsey Brooke Cole:

What makes someone a narcissist and what are the red flags to watch for if you suspect you’re dealing with one
What a narcissist wants most, from you and others
When does narcissistic behaviour become abusive
Why it can take a long time to seek help for narcissistic abuse
Why you may be more vulnerable to narcissistic abuse if you are an introvert, empath or highly sensitive person
Four things you should never do when you’re around a narcissist
The best things you can do to protect yourself against a narcissist
Is narcissism a mental health disorder?
Two key learnings from Chelsey’s book If Only I’d Known
Chelsey’s message to all who are experiencing narcissistic abuse

About Chelsey Brooke Cole:

Chelsey Brooke Cole is a psychotherapist and certified partner trauma therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse and relational trauma. She is the best-selling author of If Only I’d Known! How to Outsmart Narcissists, Set Guilt-Free Boundaries, and Create Unshakeable Self-Worth. Chelsey’s work has been featured in several media outlets, including USA Today, Psychology Today, FOX 26 Houston, and WKRN News 2. Chelsey speaks at HR and counseling conferences on narcissism in the workplace, how to communicate with difficult people, and effective therapeutic strategies for narcissistic abuse survivors. Chelsey’s content provides support to thousands of narcissistic abuse survivors each day through her thriving online community.

How to connect with Chelsey Brooke Cole:

Website: chelseybrookecole.com
Email: chelsey@chelseybrookecole.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseybrookecole
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseybrookecole
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseybrookecole/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseybrookecole
X: https://twitter.com/chelseybcole
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/chelseybrookecole/

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Welcome to Episode 40 of the Quiet Warrior Podcast.

As we come out of the holiday season and get back into the rhythm of normal life, how do you want 2024 to be different from last year?

What would make this a meaningful, fulfilling, prosperous, healthy, inspiring year?

Can you find 15 minutes to sit quietly, look back on the past 12 months, and very honestly notice the blessings and the learnings?

In this episode, I share how to harness the magic of putting pen to paper, to make room for new epiphanies to fuel this new season.

P.S. If you’re looking for a safe, guided, and magical way to grow your confidence in 2024, I am working on something that can help.
DM with the words “Quiet Warrior” on Instagram or email me to get the details and find out if it's a good fit for you.

Instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

Email: info@serenalow.com.au

Whenever you're ready, here's how I can support you:

Book a 30-minute call to get clarity on how you can leverage your quiet strengths to become a Quiet Warrior in your personal and professional life this year
Need a gift idea? Order my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts for specially curated outings around Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

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As parents, we want the best for our children, but how do we know when our expectations are reasonable, or if we are projecting inherited patterns and beliefs from our own upbringing, including our childhood trauma?

I have played guide, observer, counsellor and mentor to my children over the years, and there are many times I have got it wrong:

When I reacted to childish outbursts with anger and judgment
When I repeated old scripts from my past without asking if they were still true
When I was more concerned about being the proverbial “good Asian mum” than how my children felt and what they needed

This episode looks frankly and honestly at six areas through a compassionate, values-based and trauma-informed lens:

Navigating Parental Expectations
Challenges of Conforming to Expectations
The Importance of Connection and Communication
Supporting Our Children’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Reevaluating Parental Expectations
Giving Grace, Supporting Growth

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a 30-minute call to discover how you can leverage your Quiet Achiever strengths and traits to become a Quiet Warrior in 12 weeks
Need a gift idea? Order my inspirational book
Meet fellow introverts for specially curated outings around Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

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What’s one of the most common catchphrases of people who are stuck?

“I need more clarity!”

If I have more clarity, I will know what the next step is. I will know what to do, and I will know how to go about doing it.

That’s what I thought and did for decades.

Until I realized I’d got the order wrong.

Clarity comes after you take action.

It is only when we move towards our goal in faith, in trust, not in a passive way, but in an active, trusting way, faithful, full of faith, believing that magic can happen, that clarity reveals itself.

We do ourselves a disservice when we need to have everything lined up in order, perfectly laid out in sequence so that we can step elegantly from one stepping stone to the next, because life is not linear and transformation is not linear It comes when we least expect it, but it also comes when we prepare for it.

The important thing is to keep going, to keep discovering for yourself and keep exploring what else is out there.

What can I learn today?
Who can I be today?
How do I want to show up today?

And so there is this delicate dance that goes on between surrendering and trusting, and also taking inspired and consistent action every day.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a Quick Win coaching session and solve a specific problem in under an hour
Meet fellow introverts for specially curated outings in and around Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Get introvert inspiration on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Find out how I help quiet achievers grow into Quiet Warriors

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Two ideas that have inspired Nancy:

Have fun losing face
There’s no shame showing my work if I’m doing a great job

Nancy’s journey to being more outspoken

Career progression is seldom linear

Why is it that when put on the spot, the words don’t come?

Introverts are deep thinkers and take extra time to process and prepare our responses
Fear of being judged, fear of criticism - “Mental S.O.S.”
- Self-doubt / Impostor Syndrome
- Overthinking mistakes and failures and potential disastrous consequences
- Self-criticism - introverts criticize themselves before other critics do

Why psychological safety is essential for introverts

How do we overcome the tendency to overthink and criticize ourselves

How to counter the tendency to ask “What if?” and imagine the worst-case scenario

Say to yourself: So what? (e.g. so what if I flub the presentation? At least I learned something and next time I will do better)
Ask yourself: Is it true? (e.g. will I lose my job because I flubbed the presentation? Highly unlikely)

Being a perfectionist is not unique to introverts

How can introverts be their authentic selves when speaking and communicating

Make sure you know your compelling why for speaking
Introverts can speak and inspire (Brene Brown)
Desensitization: challenge yourself one step at a time, don’t scare yourself
- Practise by yourself. Video yourself speaking on your phone about your chosen topic - listen to the recording (audio only) and observe your tonality and use of filler words. Then watch the video (without the audio) and notice your body language and what you can improve
- Practise with others (start with friends, then expand to strangers)
- Practise in real life

Flipping “What if” to a positive reframe:

What if I engage the audience really well?

How do introverts speak up and get noticed in meetings at work?

Prepare a question or comment
Volunteer to be the minute-taker or timekeeper
Use your body language to lean in to the table or the Zoom screen
Speak up as early as possible

References:

Nancy Yang, The Nine Secrets of a Social and Confident Introvert

About Nancy Yang:

Nancy helps introverts with Asian background communicate assertively with confidence and build a strong social network.

Connect with Nancy:
https://linktr.ee/nancyyangbiz

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My guest for this episode was Natalia Walker, founder of Inner Creative.

Here’s what I learned from our conversation:

The truth: Every one of us is creative (not just children)!
How to put less pressure on ourselves by changing our expectations of what being creative looks like.
Natalia’s Creativity Mantra: “I’m open and willing to make mistakes. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I just have to show up and give it a go.”
How to feel safe when putting your work out there: the importance of boundaries and containers.

Self-reflection prompts to guide your creative journey:

What space am I creating from: to please myself or to please others?
What identity labels am I putting on myself?
What do I love doing?
When does time slow down?
What makes me feel energized?
How creativity helps you tap into your intuition and boost self-acceptance.
Creativity is a muscle: the more we practise, the better we get.
Creativity builds self-trust and the ability to let go.
How to overcome inertia and get into the flow state.
Small actions consistently taken over time always win over doing something big but sporadically.
When we take time out for ourselves to do things that bring us joy, we give others permission to do the same.

About Natalia Walker:

Natalia provides accountability and mindset shift support to help you create a kinder and creative way of being. Her business Inner Creative is all about empowering you to harness your creativity and inner wisdom, so you can create a life or business that feels more inspired and authentic to you – to live and work to your fullest potential!

Natalia’s website: https://innercreative.com.au/

Natalia’s Instagram: https://innercreative.com.au/instagram/

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If you’ve ever felt defeated by the blank page while trying to be creative, this episode is for you.

Why is it so much harder for us as adults to be creative and playful compared to our children?

When was the last time you felt truly relaxed, free, and unconscious of the need to get it right?

When did you forget how to be playful and to have fun?

Tune in for my tips on how to release the need for perfection and the incessant nagging of our inner critic.

It’s time to reconnect to the part of you that knows how to express yourself authentically, who enjoys making things for the fun of it, who is not attached to the outcome.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Book a Quick Win coaching session to solve a specific problem in under an hour
Meet fellow introverts for specially curated outings in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Get introvert-empowering tips on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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Do people tell you that you’re boring?

Before being too quick to assume they are right (or wrong!), let’s use this as an opportunity to reflect.

Does someone saying I’m boring make me boring?
What does it mean to be boring?
What makes someone interesting?
Is it about getting out of the house more, having hobbies, doing fun and interesting things, meeting new people, learning a new skill?

The key to being interesting is ENTHUSIASM.

When you care enough about something, you will have something to say.
Recognize when you’re in the wrong circles or conversations.
You may feel bored and tune out of discussions because you’re not interested in what they’re talking about.
Look for ways to tune in to discussions where you can make a contribution by listening, noticing, and remembering - all ways we activate our introvert strengths.
Look for groups where your kindred spirits are more likely to gather.
Remember that you are responsible for the energy you bring.
Bring curiosity, bring fascination, bring a spirit of service.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Schedule a virtual coffee chat on LinkedIn
Meet fellow introverts for specially curated outings in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Get introvert-empowering tips on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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Feedback is a word that can trigger the overthinker in us, whether we’re the one giving the feedback, or the one receiving it.

Being asked to give feedback can feel like one more cognitive task to add to an already lengthy to-do list. But what if you could ask yourself a different question?

Instead of “What’s in it for me?”, try putting yourself in the shoes of the person asking for the feedback, and ask “What’s in it for you?” I guarantee you’ll feel differently.
Being on the receiving end of feedback, whether positive or negative, can be challenging for the overthinker, the overachiever, the introvert.
We take negative feedback as if it’s a personal attack on our identity and values, which makes us feel discouraged, but then when the opposite happens and we are praised, we doubt the sincerity of the one giving us positive feedback.
There’s a better way: to find the magical place beyond right and wrong, to stay neutral and detached, and be comfortable noticing what is happening, without making up a story about it.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Schedule a virtual coffee chat on LinkedIn
Meet fellow introverts for outings in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Get introvert-empowering tips on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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If you’re an introvert and/or highly sensitive person and also a facilitator, trainer, or educator who works with groups, you may find yourself completely drained at the end of a day of delivering workshops and talking to people.

How do you manage your energy reserves so you can bring your best when you’re at work?
Here’s what I’ve learned:

You are differently wired and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling drained.
Prepare before the event by doing the internal work.
Prioritize downtime after the event.
Take time to integrate, acknowledge, and process what happened and what you learned.
Release the need to control, judge, criticize, and make up stories.
Release the charge and emotion that accumulates after a long day of being with people.
Notice how you respond in the moment to uncertainty and the unplanned.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Schedule a virtual coffee chat on LinkedIn
Meet fellow introverts for outings in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Get introvert-empowering tips on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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7 Things Helping Me Grow as a Quiet Warrior

Family: learning to empower and trust my children’s decisions instead of nagging and controlling and using emotional blackmail, which stems from my own childhood experiences, perfectionism and desire to create as much certainty as possible and have as little uncertainty and room for mistakes as possible. Maybe this is about me wanting to earn the approval of my elders and be told I am a good Asian mum who has dedicated myself to ensuring my children are healthy and successful and safe from harm. What I need to do more is to take responsibility for my own healing from childhood trauma so that I can be my healthiest and most loving and joyful self as a parent instead of projecting my old insecurities on my children. LESSON: TEND TO YOUR OWN INNER LANDSCAPE FIRST SO YOU CAN BE THE BEST PARENT TO YOUR CHILDREN.
Friendships: appreciating old and new friends by reaching out, having precious conversations around our finances, our physical and mental health, laughing and crying over parenting stories, relationships with our parents, how our aspirations and wishes are changing as we move through our 40s and 50s, our passion projects and hobbies, our careers and businesses, how we’re coping with changes to our health like perimenopause, brain fog, fatigue, and not being able to remember names as readily as before. LESSON: FRIENDS ARE PRECIOUS - CHERISH THEM.
I am actively building new connections, expanding my network, growing my influence, attending more events, collaborating with others, learning about the good work others do, coming alongside to support with a like or comment on social media, introducing my connections to each other, spotlighting the quiet ones and the quality ones, and being open to making new friends wherever I go. LESSON: CREATE NEW CONNECTIONS, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.
New knowledge and wisdom are always available, from books and random conversations eg carve out a time to write instead of waiting till you’re inspired. LESSON: KEEP LEARNING, KEEP GROWING.
Trusting my intuition and my first instinctive reaction.
The more I listen and tune in and honour the voice of my intuition and the wisdom of my bodily reactions, the easier it gets to strengthen my trust for the next time, because the outcomes prove that I heard right and did the right thing) LESSON: LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION - IT ALREADY KNOWS THE RIGHT ANSWER.
My health setbacks are teaching me to slow down, let go, accept ambiguity and not having answers yet, take back my power by researching and asking for help instead of being in denial and learned helplessness, not self-flagellating or feeling guilty because I don’t have energy or cognitive capacity right now, and learning to appreciate the body’s divine intelligence and ability to heal itself. LESSON: TREASURE YOUR HEALTH - IT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE.
Knowing that I am making a difference with my podcast and posts. Even when no one seems to comment, someone is watching and reading and following along on your journey, so keep the faith, keep putting your thoughts out there, keep growing and sharing what you’re learning. LESSON: STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR WHY AND YOUR PURPOSE.

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Is it possible to enjoy socializing, meaning: making small talk, meeting new people, and networking, as an introvert?

Yes!

You mean I don’t have to be extroverted?

Key Insights:

Learn to do it your way, by honouring your values, energy and personality.
When you start from the premise that there is nothing wrong with you and that you are simply wired differently, it becomes easier to do those things without depleting yourself or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Be more of yourself, not less.
There are two parts to this process.
The first part is the one we are familiar with, the “Doing”: working from the outside on the how-to i.e. learning the skills of conversation, getting good at what to say, how to say it, when to say it.
The other part is the inner work, the “Being”: creating the identity we want to show up with in this season of life. Who am I? Who do I want to be? Who do I want to serve? What do I care most about? This is a lifelong journey that requires a good honest look at ourselves to develop clarity, so we can start to express ourselves from a place of authenticity.

Here’s how I can support you further:

Meet fellow introverts in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Schedule a virtual coffee on LinkedIn
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Follow my introvert journey on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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In this episode, Monica Kalra, International Divorce and Relationship Confidence Coach, shares her experiences growing up in the Indian culture, the intersection between culture, gender, and being a migrant, and the ongoing challenge of navigating traditional vs modern social norms.

Monica’s advice on how to avoid victim mentality when a relationship breaks down:

Be accountable for the part we played in the relationship
Take responsibility for our thoughts, actions, decisions instead of blaming others or external circumstances
Practise gratitude daily
Volunteering and paying it forward

She also touches on:

Tapping into your body to ask: what do I need right now?
How meditation helps us reconnect with our breath and body and be more present
The importance of the pause between stimulus and response
The two kinds of journaling that can help: Gratitude & Self-gratitude (recording your wins)
The importance of protecting and honouring your boundaries in a relationship.
Why we are afraid to be vulnerable, authentic, and transparent
Tips for introverted and highly sensitive persons going through a challenging relationship.
How to rebuild trust in self and others after a relationship breakdown.
Be consistent in doing the things that show we honour our words - let our actions match our words.
How to support a family member or friend through a relationship breakdown - listening with empathy, don’t give advice, don’t judge another’s choices.

About Monical Kalra:

Monica Kalra’s mission is empowering women to rebuild their confidence, reclaim their power and thrive in all their relationships.

She is the author of How Do You Know He’s The One? and How To Heal From A Toxic Relationship (To order: https://monicakalracoaching.com/books/)

Find out more about Monica’s work at:

https://monicakalracoaching.com
Monica’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakalracoaching/
Monica’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaKalraRelationshipCoach
Monica’s FB group, Women's Relationship & Divorce Empowerment Circle: https://bit.ly/3FMaN8Y

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In this episode, Fiona Redding, founder of The Happiness Hunter and host of The Happiness Hunter Podcast, shares her wisdom on:

What happiness is.
Why we find it so hard to stay in the present moment.
Our higher self, our lower self, and the role of the ego.
Why we need to accept and forgive past wrongs and hurts done to us.
We have a choice to not let our old stories define our present and our future.
The real reason we set goals is to become the kind of person who can achieve them.
How upgrading our identity enables us to take new actions that align with our new identity.
The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
How caring for ourselves makes it possible to care for others too.
How to have a conversation with our children when there is a communication breakdown.
How to make amends when relationships break down.
The principle of reciprocity and how The Happiness Hunter walks started.
Her new book It Is Possible: what inspired it, where to get a copy, and why it’s not your usual self-help book.
How to create the life you want by accepting the present moment and thinking lifelong journey instead of quick fixes.

About Fiona Redding:

Fiona is a mindset coach, business strategist, facilitator and keynote speaker, and founder of The Happiness Hunter. She hosts the popular The Happiness Hunter podcast and is co-host of the Business Addicts podcast, is a teacher on Insight Timer and author of The Happiness Hunter’s Guide to Meditation and the just released It Is Possible: Letting go of who you think you are to create the life of your dreams.

Fiona walks the talk. Her mission in life is to share everything she has learned – and is continuing to learn – about turning her own life around over the last ten years: through overcoming a problematic drinking habit, health challenges, financial stress, unemployment, a relationship breakdown, single parenthood, being homeless, and re-engineering her business back from the brink during the global pandemic.

Like a breath of fresh air, hugely honest and deeply thought-provoking, Fiona will turn the idea of work-life balance on its head, inspiring you instead to think about your life holistically and in its entirety.

She believes in Life Integration rather than work-life balance and shares life (and business) changing tools and strategies, including how making your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing the priority will lead to success in every area of your life, stepping you through the process to clear the clutter and to live the life of your dreams.

Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehappihunter
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappihunter
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaredding/
It Is Possible book https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/itispossible

Ways we can connect further:

Schedule a virtual coffee on LinkedIn
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Meet fellow introverts through Meetup: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Get introvert insights on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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If the events of the last 3 years have affected you negatively, you're not alone.

You're no longer the same person you were before 2020, and neither are your friends and loved ones.

Perhaps it's time to ask yourself:

Do I want to socialize the same way I used to?
Is my old social circle still right for me? Is it time to make new friends?

Instead of feeling pressured to “get on with life” and “get back to normal”, listen on for three introvert-friendly and trauma-informed ways to reconnect socially, in ways that feel right for your introverted self.

Ways we can connect further:

Meet fellow introverts in Melbourne: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Schedule a virtual coffee on LinkedIn
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Follow my introvert journey on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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Key points covered:

An insight into how DISC profiling came about
What DISC profiling is and isn’t
How best to use DISC profiling, and what not to use it for
The light and shadow of the D, I, S and C
How DISC helps you maximize your strengths and shore up your weaknesses as a business owner or when working as part of a team

Resources:

https://discinsights.com/disc-historyhttps://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/c-g-jungs-theory.htm Ways we can connect further:

Connect, collaborate, book a session on LinkedIn
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Meet fellow introverts through Meetup: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Follow my journey on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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Episode 25: How Introverts Can Boost Their Energy Using The Power of Breath

In this episode, Menopause Energy Mentor Miyako Hazama shares how everyone, especially the introverted, can access the power of real breath and correct breathing to relieve and release tension, prepare ourselves energetically so we can step up when presenting and speaking, and emotionally self-regulate when facing out-of-the-comfort-zone situations.

Things we talked about:

How Miyako made the transition from a corporate career to helping others to heal themselves through the power of breath
The power of menopause, new beginnings, and “the second spring” for older women
How introverts can benefit from “real breath” so they have more energy
The introvert’s superpower: intuition and the ability to set strong energetic boundaries
Awareness of the scripts that rule our (autopilot) responses and the two conflicting voices in our head
The struggle to control everything vs the ability to trust and surrender
The real reason why introverts feel they don’t have much energy
How to activate your energy in 70 seconds
How breathing can help a person who has experienced trauma to find their way home and feel safe
The “Daily Energy Accelerator” that helps you change gears when you need to show up, step up, and be front and centre in social and professional situations
The “Preview” approach: how to prepare to attend networking events as an introvert
Know yourself and what you need - and adjust accordingly

Resources:

ABOUT MIYAKO HAZAMA

Miyako Hazama is a Menopause Energy Expert, and the creator of Energenic

Life Design. She helps busy professional women in perimenopause and

menopause relieve their challenges naturally. Miyako learned these secrets

and little-known Asian Energenic fountain of youth for over thirty-five years

from her Master mentor, Kozo Nishino, a Japanese Ki (energy) expert.

MIYAKO’S EXPERTISE:

Energetic Transformation
Peri/Menopause Relief
Breathing
Energetic Leadership
Women Leadership
High-Performance
Coaching

CONNECT

miyako@miyakohazama.com
www.miyakohazama.com
Subscribe to the “Menopause Wonder” channel on YouTube
@miyako_hazama on TikTok

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Episode 24: The Shame of Being Shy, Sensitive, Socially Anxious or IntrovertedWhat is shame?

What’s the difference between shame and guilt?

How does shame affect the shy, sensitive, socially anxious or introverted individual as a child, at school, at work, and in business?

What are some of the cultural or gender norms that contribute to one’s feelings of shame?

Three ways to move past shame to reclaim our personal power and present ourselves differentlyResources: Listening to Shame, Brene Brownhttps://youtu.be/psN1DORYYV0Changing Perspective from Shame to Self-Worth, Sue Bryce

https://youtu.be/5_Tq5A0m7_U

Ways we can connect further:

Schedule a virtual coffee on LinkedIn
Find fellow introverts on facebook: Global Introvert Network
Meet fellow introverts through Meetup: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Get introvert insights on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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An introvert, an empath, and a highly sensitive person walk into a roomful of strangers.

How would each react to:

Making small talk with new people?
The level of background noise, the lighting, the layout, the aesthetics?
The conversations taking place simultaneously across different groups?

This week, we explore:

The traits of an empath and how to know if you’re most likely one
The intersection between empath, highly sensitive person, and introvert (can you be all three?)
The gifts and strengths of being an empath
The downsides of being an empath
Self-care tips to navigate chaotic and overstimulating environments as an empath

Resources: Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World, Jenn Granneman and Andre Sólo

The Highly Sensitive Person, Dr. Elaine N. Aron

The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People, Dr. Judith Orloff

Ways we can connect further:

Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/
Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Join my introvert community on Meetup: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Follow me on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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In this episode, I share the key lessons I'm learning from Anita Moorjani's powerful book for empaths, Sensitive Is The New Strong.

This episode is particularly relevant if you are going through a journey of healing and recovery from a health crisis.

Ask yourself these four questions to manage your response to illness in a more empowered way:

What can I say no to?
Open my receiving channels
What can I get passionate and excited about?
What are my treatment options?

Resources:
Sensitive Is The New Strong: The Power of Empaths in an Increasingly Harsh World, Anita Moorjani, New York Times bestselling author of Dying To Be Me

Ways we can connect further:

Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/
Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Join my introvert community on Meetup: Quiet Women Circle (women-only) and Introverts Around the World
Follow me on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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In this episode, Serena and Dominique Oyston discuss:

Why more introverts need to speak up and share their stories, their intuitive gifts, and their voices
Negative beliefs and traumas that hold introverts back from growing
What archetypes are and how they help us in our personal growth journey
How the warrior archetype helps introverts access courage and take inspired action
How to develop the skills you need to deliver and share your message even if performing and speaking are not your innate nature
How Dominique helps women find the light in their voices and learn who they are, so they can speak their truth confidently and shine their spirits through their voices

Resources and Helpful Links:

Goddess Voice Academy: https://www.goddessvoiceacademy.com/

Join Dominique’s online community:

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/goddessvoice

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327329514332337/

Ways we can connect further:

Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Connect on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

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In this episode, Serena discusses:

Why introverts struggle to make friends as adults.
What introverts are looking for in friendship and community.
How the pandemic has affected the introvert's socializing skills and willingness to connect.
How social norms and the fear of judgment hold introverts back.
The one small thing you can start doing today to make it easier to reach out and connect.

Helpful Links :These are organisations that provide support and education for people with mental illness and their families and carers throughout Australia.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines Ways we can connect further:

Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Connect on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

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To be seen or not to be seen - that is the question.

A business owner who is also an introvert needs a different kind of strategy when establishing and maintaining an online presence.

You want followers and clients and a business that actually makes money - but not at the expense of your privacy, safety, and mental health.

Let’s talk about some ways to achieve this with some help from your Quiet Warrior persona.

Resource:

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Ways we can connect further:

Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Follow me on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

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In this episode of the Quiet Warrior Podcast, workplace culture consultant and solopreneur success coach Summer Turner challenges the conventional advice to introverts to “step out of your comfort zone”, and makes the case for why introverts should stay inside their comfort zone instead. Serena and Summer discuss:

What drew Summer to work with introverts
The tortoise way to introvert success
How to never fake extroversion again
How to feel psychologically safe to express our introvert selves
Dealing with that feeling of butterflies in the stomach when public speaking
Why lack of awareness of the introversion/extroversion dynamic is a workplace DEI issue and what she plans to do about it

How to connect with Summer Turner:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerturner1/
www.businessbreakthroughtraining.comhttps://www.businessbreakthroughtraining.com/

Ways we can connect further:

Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Follow me on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

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In this episode of The Quiet Warrior, we welcome Tracy Fields, RSW, MSW, a therapist who works with introverted sensitive teens and adults. As an avid follower of Tracy's work and an introverted parent with introverted children, I decided to ask the questions that I knew other parents would be curious about:

Tracy and Serena discuss:

What it was like growing up as a more quiet child and student.
The discovery of introversion.
Tracy’s path to counseling, therapy and social work.
What Tracy loves about her clients and work.
Why introverts sometimes struggle with self-acceptance and self-love.
The challenge introverted parents might face vis-a-vis extrovert parents.
Tracy’s advice for parents of introverted kids and teens.
How to identify when your introverted child needs professional mental health support.
How educational institutions can help quieter students feel seen, heard and help them thrive.
The one thing Tracy wished all introverts knew.

Link to Tracy’s work: https://tracyfieldscounselling.com

Link to Tracy’s Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-fields-73915473

Ways we can connect further:

Join my facebook community: Global Introvert Network
Follow me on instagram: @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach
Have a meaningful conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-low/

this episode was edited by Aura House Productions

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

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Who are you by yourself, away from the expectations and influences of others? What do you say when someone says "Tell me about yourself"? Identity means different things to each of us, and questions of identity go deep and have many layers. How much of us is created and chosen consciously, and how much is a by-product of those around us, the influences we have been exposed to, and the experiences we have been through? Who are we in daily life, at work, with friends and family, with strangers? Have there been times in your life when you weren't sure who you were?

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by The Podcast Teacher.

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How do we as introverts excel at presenting and speaking in the face of impostor syndrome, nerves, and "brain freeze" moments? Join me and Susan Weser for a fun and insightful conversation on how to overcome the common fears and anxieties around being in the spotlight, how to manage your energy before and during your presentation, and how to leverage your introversion to be an outstanding communicator.

Note: Connect with Susan Weser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanweser/ Learn more about Susan's coaching services: https://speaking2win.com.au/

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by The Podcast Teacher.

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One of the common challenges introverts tell me they face is in communication. We want to be better at communicating with others, including making conversation, whether it's at a social gathering, networking event, or at work. Perhaps the real problem is not that we are not good communicators, but that there are differences between how introverts like to communicate, and how we are expected to communicate so as to conform nicely within the social expectations of our professional networks, friend and family groups, workplaces, and schools. Tune in as I share two ways to make it easier on yourself when conversing with others. Note: In this episode, you will hear me use a Chinese phrase: "调整你的状态" (tiao zheng ni de zhuang tai) which translated means "adjust or regulate your state".

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by The Podcast Teacher.

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Thrilled to have Steve Friedman join me to share about growing up as the quiet one among his siblings, his journey of self-discovery, his experience working in a corporate environment for 30 years and the challenges he faced, how introverts are disadvantaged in the workplace, what he sees as the introvert's greatest strengths and weaknesses, and why he wrote The Corporate Introvert. Access quizzes and Steve's blog (recognized in FeedSpot's top 60 best introvert blogs) at BeyondIntroversion.com.

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by The Podcast Teacher.

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Do you have team members who don't talk much, stay silent when asked for their views, and seem reluctant to contribute to discussions? They may be introverts. Here are 10 things they wish they could tell you about how they think, work, and communicate. You will have a whole new appreciation for the power of introversion in the workplace, and be better informed about what it takes to create a workplace culture that is inclusive and welcoming of the soft-spoken minority.

If you'd like to discuss how to implement these ideas with your team, please send an email to serena@serenalow.com.au

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by The Podcast Teacher.

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Just as it is said that good fences make good neighbours, so too healthy boundaries are necessary for us to flourish. When our boundaries are weak or absent, we expose oursellves to the possibility of overuse, misuse and abuse.with dire consequences for our physical, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing. Tune in for practical examples of how to let someone knowwhat you will and won't accept and tolerate - in a quiet yet strong way that leaves no doubt. Book reference: THE CELESTINE VISION, James Redfield.

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

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We may know what we're supposed to do to step up in our career, relationships, finances, but what holds us back is a lack of trust. We don't trust others, we don't trust that problems can be resolved or that things will work out for the best. More insidious is that deep down, we don't really trust ourselves. Maybe we have a pattern of letting ourselves down, giving up too quickly, leaving projects unfinished, saying yes then backing out. Over time, this undermines our ability to trust ourselves to keep our word. And if we can't trust ourselves, how can others trust us? If this is you, listen in for how to reverse the pattern and start trusting yourself - others - and life.

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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Did you grow up being told that you were not smart enough, not good-looking enough, not hardworking enough, not lovable enough? How did that affect you? As a mature adult and now as a parent, do you find yourself sometimes repeating dysfunctional old patterns even though you want something better for yourself and your family? How do we find healing from past painful memories and experiences, and create a future of hope, love and acceptance for ourselves and future generations?

Get your copy of my book, The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life, One New Chapter at a Time on my website: http://serenalow.com.au/book/

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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It's the classic advice we give as parents, friends, colleagues. "Just be yourself" - the implication being that if we only do that, everything will be fine. People will like us, love us, approve of us, and maybe even give us what we ask for. But the deeper question we really want answered is: is it safe for me to just be myself? What happens when I dare to show up as myself - raw, unfiltered, unpolished, imperfect, with our track record of mistakes, dumb decisions, regrettable things we said and did, the times we did things we are now ashamed of? Can I really just be myself and still be accepted? (Note: references were made to Mel Robbins' High 5 mirror exercise; Shad Helmsetter's book What To Say When You Talk To Your Self; Marianne Williamson's poem Our Deepest Fear; and the affirmations work of Louise Hay and Florence Scovel Shinn.)

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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Most introverts I know dread small talk. It feels awkward, fake, scripted. We would much rather dive straight into deep and meaningful conversations, preferably with those who share our inclinations. So what is small talk, why should we (bother to) get good at it, and how can introverts small-talk our way to better relationships?

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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What do you do when you need to make your presence felt, but find speaking and interacting with others draining and exhausting? How do you find the energy to show up and be present in a quietly impactful way? In this episode, I delve into what causes introverts to withdraw or shut down, and how to switch on the energy when the occasion calls for it.

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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Here's a challenge I hear a lot from ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial introverts. We want to put ourselves out in the world, but we also want to stay hidden. How do you make peace with this dilemma? What can you do to overcome the conflicting emotions around visibility? In this episode, I ask some honest but hard-hitting questions and share my tips for resolving the visibility / invisibility dillemma.

Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @serenalow_quietwarriorcoach

This podcast episode was edited by Julia Levine Productions.

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I'm a perfectionist in some areas of my life, and probably you are too. What's wrong with wanting to get it right? Shouldn't we have standards? When is perfectionism healthy and when is it not? Is it okay for us as introverts to lower our standards sometimes and accept that okay is good enough? Tune into this episode for tips on how to be imperfect and okay with it.

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I’m an overthinker, and I have to guess that if you’ve found this podcast, you might be one too. Overthinking can cause decision paralysis and can stop us from achieving what we know we can achieve. Often, we intellectually know what to do but we are emotionally invested in getting it “right,” which causes us to take no action at all. If you find yourself overthinking, tune into this episode to hear about why we overthink and how you can take small steps to stop putting obstacles in your own way.

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Welcome to the podcast! I'm Serena, the Quiet Warrior Coach for introverts. In this inaugural episode, I’m sharing my personal story of how I transformed from a struggling introvert to a thriving introvert. It’s my passion to help quiet, introspective people like me to find their voice and thrive in a noisy, overwhelming world. Tune in to hear how I found my introvert superpowers and show you that you can be quiet and be a force for good.

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What does it mean to thrive as an introvert? Knowing that many introverts feel the need to cringe and apologize for their personality traits, rather than embrace them, I designed the T.H.R.I.V.E. framework. Introversion is not a personality flaw; you deserve to revel in the way that you are and to take up space! Listen in to learn the components of this framework, and how introverts can go beyond just surviving to really thrive.

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Welcome to the Quiet Warrior Podcast. I'm your host, Serena Low and I help quiet achievers become quiet warriors.

Are you an introvert who is tired of being told all the time that you are too quiet and need to speak up? Do you struggle to be heard during meetings because you keep getting talked over? Do you feel your professional contributions are unseen or undervalued because you aren't as confident or outspoken as the others?

Join us at the Quiet Warrior Podcast, where we talk about the frustration, anxiety and angst around how introverts are perceived and received in an extrovert biased culture and workplace.

Tune in to hear all of the ways you can use your quiet strengths to thrive in a noisy world and contribute in your own authentic way.

The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena Low: Recent Episodes

Serena Low, Introvert Coach