Reclaiming Narratives: Introversion, Race, and Need to Challenge Assumptions
Sam Sheppard ?
Personal Branding for Introverts | Helping companies nurture their introverted talent for a more inclusive workplace | Keynote Speaker | Corporate Facilitator | Consultant | Coach
As Black History Month begins in the UK, we are encouraged to reflect on this year’s theme: Reclaiming Narratives. It’s a commitment to correct historical inaccuracies and showcasing untold stories - which particularly poignant in the current global landscape.
You may be wondering what this has to do with introversion. Well, quite a lot, actually.
A friend of mine, a brilliant Black woman who works in the Civil Service, recently shared that she has stopped using her voice at work, or even attempting to hold roles she would excel at, as throughout her career every time she has spoken she's experienced micro aggressions: she's been told Ministers wouldn't understand her and faced ridicule. These experiences means that she's instead taken on work where she's hidden in the background, unseen and undervalued.
This kind of subtle erasure is something many introverts face in a world that glorifies loudness. But for this lady, the intersectionality of race and introversion was a double blow. She didn’t just feel silenced because she was quiet—she felt silenced because of who she is.
Her story is one of many that highlights how introversion is not just a personality trait—it’s an issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We live in a society that values extroversion. Outgoing personalities are often seen as more capable, while quiet or reserved individuals can be overlooked or underestimated.
When you add the layer of racial discrimination, it becomes clear that introverts from marginalised backgrounds face a compounded struggle.
Black History Month encourages us to not only reflect on the past but to reshape the present. This involves challenging the dominant narratives about race, but it’s also time to challenge how we view introversion.
And it's all of our responsibilities to speak up, challenge where necessary and help reshape these discriminatory narratives.
For introverts who are already navigating a world built for extroverts, facing racism, sexism, or other biases makes the experience even more exhausting. These overlapping identities can mean constantly battling assumptions that you're passive or disengaged when, in fact, you’re quietly observing, processing, and contributing in ways that are often under-appreciated.
This Black History Month, I encourage us all to reflect on the power of intersectionality—the way different aspects of identity combine to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression. As we seek to reclaim narratives about what it means to be Black, let’s also reclaim the narrative of what it means to be introverted.
Introverts are not less valuable because we are quiet. We don’t need to speak louder to be heard. We need workplaces, schools, and societies that are designed to listen better.
Everyone benefits when we embrace the diversity of voices and styles. As part of the conversation around DEI, it’s crucial to remember that personality traits, like introversion, should be included in discussions about inclusion. People are more than their titles, their productivity, or their ability to speak on command. We each bring value to the table, and by creating space for quiet strength, we create room for deeper, more meaningful contributions from all.
Sir Simon Woolley, Principal of Homerton College at the University of Cambridge, said in his article for Black History Month, 'To me, there’s another part of?reclaiming of the narrative, which is less defensive and more celebratory. I often seek to unearth, reclaim and shout about a leadership skill and narrative that is akin to superpower.'
Let’s make sure therefore we’re also reclaiming ALL limiting narratives, including the ones about introversion. Let’s celebrate those who contribute in quieter ways and recognise the powerful intersection of race, personality, and equity.
And, as introverts, let us not shy away from celebrating who we are or being who we were meant to be.
Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone it may help.
Thank you ??
Much love,
Sam
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P.S.? If you missed my post from yesterday, due to some shuffling of dates, some gaps in my schedule have opened up for November and December.
If you're looking for a coach, some training or a keynote speaker for your event DM me and let's have a chat.
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P.P.S.?Ways I can help you:
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About Me
I'm Sam ? and I'm on a mission to change the workplace bias towards extroversion, to achieve greater, intersectional, inclusivity for introverts.
As well as help high achieving introverts to thrive without changing who they are.
Companies:
I offer consulting, training and coaching for DEI professionals, leaders/ managers and those involved in hiring.
I am also a keynote speaker.
p.s. I LOVE to travel ??
Introverts:
I can help you achieve your professional goals, feel confident in your introversion and be able to step into your power OR I can help you escape the 9-5 and achieve optimal wellbeing through financial freedom.
DM me for more information!