This week's episode features Jennifer’s dear friend and colleague, Tricia Molloy. With over 2,000 testimonials written, Tricia has developed a proven framework for creating resonant messages. She breaks down her signature approach—focusing on problem-solving, specific examples, and emotional connection—and offers listeners practical tips for both asking for and writing effective recommendations. Her advice applies to LinkedIn and preparing for your next career move.

Often challenged with self-promotion, introverts will significantly benefit from listening to Tricia’s advice.

She also examines the importance of maintaining workplace relationships throughout one's career, not just when one needs something, and how the diversity of voices in one's recommendations can tell a richer story about one's impact.

Tricia emphasizes asking for testimonials from people of different backgrounds, generations, and industries, aligning with the evolving needs of your career journey. Tricia also shares how testimonials can be repurposed to support transitions, such as career changes or promotions.

Beyond the professional, Jennifer and Tricia explore the deeply personal. Tricia shares her intentional approach to work-life balance, choosing to design her business around her life as a grandmother. She stresses the importance of self-care, delight, and asking for what you need—whether it’s help from a colleague or recognition for your contributions. Their conversation is a reminder that wisdom in work isn’t just about productivity—it’s about joy, connection, and purpose.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Tricia’s career journey and evolution from media to entrepreneurship
  
  

• The power of testimonials in building credibility and career momentum
  
  

• How to craft and request recommendations that resonate
  
  

• Relationship-building in and beyond the workplace
  
  

• Aligning testimonials with future goals and job opportunities
  
  

• Work-life balance and designing your work around your life
  
  

• Emotional resilience and the value of support systems
  
  

📘 Featured Resource:

• Working with Wisdom by Tricia Molloy

• Tricia’s website

💬 Memorable Quote:

“A great testimonial tells a story—it solves a problem, gives an example, and makes you feel something.” — Tricia Molloy

✨ Stay Connected:

• Follow Tricia Molloy on LinkedIn

Tricia Molloy is a storyteller at heart. She refined her interview skills as a freelance journalist by writing business profiles and articles for newspapers and magazines. In 1988, Tricia started her full-service marketing agency for small businesses. When she realized that her clients needed help crafting their reviews, she eventually chose to exclusively write compelling client testimonials that open doors and close deals. She’s since written more than two thousand testimonials.

Tricia’s clients include executives, job seekers, interior designers, business coaches and consultants, website developers, lawyers, and real estate professionals—anyone who wants to set themselves apart through the words of those they’ve helped.

In this thoughtful and energizing episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer Kahnweiler sits down with longtime friend and leadership consultant Gayle Lantz, founder of WorkMatters, Inc. Gayle has spent decades working with leaders from organizations of all sizes—from startups to giants like NASA and Microsoft—helping them navigate change, lead with intention, and cultivate clarity.

While Gayle has long avoided labels, she now embraces her introverted qualities and shares how they’ve become foundational to her consulting and coaching approach. Listening deeply, taking time to reflect, and staying present with her clients have become her superpowers—especially in a fast-paced world that often prioritizes quick answers over meaningful insight.

Jennifer and Gayle explore how introversion can be a powerful force in leadership, especially when paired with thoughtful facilitation and a willingness to keep evolving. They also delve into how Gayle balances the roles of coach and consultant, offering not just space for clients to think—but also the benefit of her own hard-earned wisdom and experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Gayle’s introverted strengths—like reflection, presence, and deep listening—help her clients find clarity and confidence
  
  

• The subtle but powerful difference between coaching and consulting—and how Gayle blends the best of both
  
  

• Practical strategies for creating inclusive group dynamics that engage quieter voices
  
  

• Why Gayle believes sharing your own struggles and stories can make you a more effective ally and advisor
  
  

• How experimentation and reinvention keep her work meaningful and fresh
  
  

• Why her award-winning podcast CEO on the Go has remained such a vital part of her business—and personal development
  
  

Gayle also shares smart techniques she uses in group settings to make space for introverted participants, including pre-seeding questions, allowing time to write before sharing, and normalizing the idea that not everything has to be perfectly polished before it’s voiced. These small shifts, she says, create environments where everyone feels seen and valued.

On the power of presence:

“Listening isn’t just waiting to talk. It’s reflecting, clarifying, and showing someone that you’re truly with them in the moment. That’s where trust and insight begin.”

On the value of reinvention:

“You have to let go of some things to make room for what’s next. When something no longer energizes you, it’s okay to close the loop and try something new.”

Fun fact: When she’s not helping leaders reimagine their organizations, Gayle is lifting barbells, walking on her hands, and even reconnecting with her love for piano. Her commitment to staying curious, active, and joyful is all part of her personal and professional philosophy.

Connect with Gayle Lantz:
🌐 WorkMatters.com
🔗 LinkedIn
🎧 CEO on the Go Podcast

About Gayle Lantz:
Gayle Lantz is the Founder and CEO of WorkMatters, Inc., a leadership consultant, author, and host of the CEO on the Go podcast—ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. She works with CEOs and senior executives to drive meaningful change through strategic planning, visioning, and leadership development. Her clients range from major organizations like NASA, Microsoft, and Protective Life to small and mid-sized firms.

With over two decades of experience, Gayle is known for helping leaders think differently, challenge the status quo, and create lasting impact. She is the author of Take the Bull by the Horns and creator of The Leadership Journal. Gayle is also a Certified Reinvention Practitioner and long-time facilitator of CEO peer groups.

In this episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer Kahnweiler speaks with Gwen, a scientist and leadership innovator who shares her transformation from a shy high schooler to earning a PhD in Biology at MIT. Gwen discusses introverts' unique strengths in technical fields and how leadership plays a critical role in successful science and technology teams.
Gwen emphasizes that while introverts may feel more comfortable with technical discussions, leadership requires stretching into more emotional and interpersonal territory. She introduces an AI-powered conversation tool designed to help managers improve their leadership and communication skills through realistic simulations and feedback.
Key Themes and Highlights
🔬 Introverts in STEM
Gwen reflects on her early introversion and how she gradually built confidence by asking questions.

She notes that many scientists and engineers thrive in technical conversations but may feel drained by emotional or non-technical interactions.

📢 Why Leadership Matters in Tech
Gwen and Jennifer discuss the critical role of communication and collaboration in science and technology innovation.

Gwen cites research showing that their direct manager shapes 70% of an employee’s experience.

🤖 AI Tools for Leadership Development
Gwen introduces an AI-driven tool that allows leaders to simulate real-time employee conversations.

The tool gives feedback on both the content and tone of responses, helping leaders grow in confidence and effectiveness—ideal for introverts who value preparation.

🌱 The Future of Leadership Training
Gwen sees great potential in AI tools that provide safe practice spaces for leaders, similar to how athletes train before a game.

She highlights how these tools support both introverts and extroverts in honing critical soft skills.

This episode reminds us that great leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about listening, practicing, and continuously learning. Gwen’s story reinforces how introverted strengths like deep thinking and careful communication can be amplified through tools like AI. Her perspective encourages organizations to support quieter leaders by giving them the resources and space to grow into their full leadership potential.

Gwen Acton, PhD, is an expert at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, where she helps life science and tech companies boost innovation and productivity through strategic leadership development. Dr. Acton earned her PhD in biology from M.I.T., where she trained in a Nobel Prize-winning lab, and later taught at Harvard University. She authoredThe Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics and has written extensively for outlets like NPR, the Associated Press, and Technology Review. Her latest book is Leadership for Scientists and Engineers: Transforming Brilliant Technical Experts Into Great Managers (2025), a practical guide for technical professionals stepping into leadership roles. She also wrote The Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics and has contributed to outlets like NPR, the Associated Press, and Technology Review. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Dr. Acton is a sought-after speaker known for making complex science accessible and actionable.

Resources
Check out Gwen’s new book! Leadership for Scientists and Engineers

Reach her on LinkedIn