Introverts Still Make Great Leaders Too

It has been over four years since I did my TEDx talk, ‘Introverts Make Great Leaders Too’, and there have been many new subscribers to this newsletter since I last shared it. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can watch it below.

Introversion continues to be viewed less favourably in many workplaces, and many introverted leaders face challenges as a result of this. Thankfully, some employers are becoming aware of this/have become aware, and are doing something to address it.

I am increasingly being asked to speak to senior leadership teams about how they can be more inclusive towards introversion, and to their employees about how introverts can thrive in the workplace.

If you haven’t watched my TEDx talk yet, you can watch it here:

The video is 12 minutes long and if you don't have time to watch it all now, save the link and watch it when you can. I have set out here, key points in the video: ?

00:42 - 01:35 Misconceptions about introversion

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01:36 - 04:06 - 73% of introverted women who are senior leaders surveyed said they experienced self-doubt. This often arises from childhood experiences that led them to believe they were not good enough because they were introverted. Something we still see happening with children today.

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04:07 - 06:27 - Historically in many parts of the West, extraverted traits have been associated with good leadership, and the corporate environment is very much geared towards extraversion. Whereas Nordic countries and certain Asian countries such as China and Japan embrace introversion as a leadership quality.

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06:28 - 10:41 - Understanding what introversion is, the differences between introversion and extraversion, and some of the strengths introverted leaders are well known for.

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10:42 - 11:03 - Embracing difference makes organisations dynamic and when organisations are looking at diversity and inclusion, they need to consider diversity of thought and personality as well.

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11:04 - 12:03 - Final thoughts for you to think about if you are an introverted leader; an extravert who appoints leaders; or the parent, carer, or teacher of an introverted child.

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If there are people in your organisation who would benefit from watching it, share it with them.

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, the unique strengths of introverted leaders are frequently overlooked. I experienced this first hand in my leadership role, and I know many of you have too. This is why I’m hosting Quietly Visible: The Introverted Leaders Conference — a space designed for introverted leaders to thrive authentically.

Imagine a conference that resonates with your introverted nature, where you feel understood and empowered. This event highlights the deep listening skills, thoughtful reflection, and one-on-one interactions that introverted leaders excel at, challenging the idea that effective leadership is all about being loud.

Through interactive sessions and networking, you’ll develop strategies for navigating extraverted environments, build confidence, and connect with like-minded individuals. This conference isn't just about skill-building; it's about fostering a community where introverted leaders can share experiences and support each other.

The conference aims to shift societal perceptions, dismantling the stereotype that leadership equates to extraversion. By celebrating the diverse talents of introverted leaders, this conference champions inclusivity and helps create a leadership landscape where every voice is valued. Join us to be part of this transformative experience. Find out more here.

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Do you put off doing things, even though you know you will benefit in the long term? Or, do you procrastinate when you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or bored? Many of us procrastinate even though we know it's not helping us achieve our goals, and in this episode of the podcast, I share tips on how to overcome it.

About Me

I am an Executive, Career and Leadership Coach specialising in introverted women who are senior leaders. Through my work, I have helped 1000s of women across the globe to increase their confidence, influence and impact as leaders, and overcome imposter syndrome, increase their executive presence, improve speaking performance in meetings, get a promotion, and much more.

If you are an introverted woman and a senior leader and want to increase your confidence, influence and impact, take my free assessment and get a report identifying areas to develop. You can take the assessment here.

I speak in organisations on a variety of topics related to career, leadership, and personal development, as well as belonging, psychological safety, and inclusion. If you would like to enquire about me speaking at your organisation, contact me here.