What if the hardest thing you've ever faced ended up being the biggest gift of your life?

My guest on The Ambitious Introvert® this week is Krista Ryan – a Workplace Performance expert, speaker, coach, and former HR director who brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to her mission of helping individuals and organizations thrive through change. But this conversation isn’t just about leadership - it’s about resilience, presence, and how a stage 3 cancer diagnosis changed everything.

Krista shares how surviving colorectal cancer reshaped her life, her leadership, and her priorities. We talk about what resilience really looks like (hint: it’s not just powering through), why vulnerability is one of the strongest things you can practice, and how living more in the now can create greater impact than chasing future goals ever will.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating a personal challenge, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-paced world, Krista’s wisdom will leave you feeling both seen and inspired.

Tune in to hear us discuss:

1. Why resilience is a practiced skill, not a personality trait - and it starts with pausing before reacting.
2. How vulnerability and asking for help aren’t weaknesses, they’re accelerators for growth and connection.
3. Why the best life is the one happening right now; chasing the future often pulls us out of alignment.
4. The way a single resilient person can shift the energy of an entire organization.
5. How simple daily rituals like solo walks or intention-setting can restore clarity, energy, and focus.

If you're ready to redefine resilience on your own terms, this one’s for you.

https://www.kristaryan.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-ryan-pcc-b91830164/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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When one of the world’s top F1 drivers publicly calls social media a “waste of time and energy”, it’s worth paying attention.

In this solo episode, I break down Lando Norris’ decision to step away from social media - not because of burnout, but as a strategic move to protect his focus and performance.

I explore what makes this such a powerful decision, especially for introverts and high-performers, and how you can apply the same thinking to your own energy habits.

I’m sharing:

• Why stepping back isn’t weakness, but next-level self-awareness
• The hidden cost of being “always on” (especially for introverts)
• A framework to replace low-return habits with high-impact energy boosters
• A 3-step “Lando-inspired” challenge to audit your own social media usage.

This episode is for you if you’re ready to protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset and learn from one of the world’s highest performers.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🌐 The Ambitious Introvert
◾️Lando Norris
◾️McLaren Racing

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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PREMIUM SUPPORT:

Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

We hear a lot about AI replacing humans, but what if it could actually help us become more human in the best possible ways?

In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m joined by Dan Chuparkoff - one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. With decades of experience leading tech transformation at companies like Google and McKinsey, Dan is known for making complex technology feel practical, approachable, and surprisingly empowering. His grounded optimism about the potential of AI is seriously refreshing.

Dan believes AI can support productivity, deepen self-awareness, but that being ethical with technology is not optional, but essential. Whether you're tech-curious or tech-cautious, this conversation will help you reframe what AI really means for your work and your life.

Here’s what we cover:

• How AI note takers are revolutionizing productivity - how they’re a game-changer for meetings, podcasts, and idea tracking
• The truth about AI ethics - why the danger isn’t the technology itself, but how we choose to use it
• AI can be a mirror for self-awareness - how Dan uses it for reflection and deeper insight
• Why context matters when prompting AI - and how to get smarter responses with fewer headaches
• Using AI to simplify writing and research - and how introverts can stay authentic while working smarter

This is a must-listen if you're curious about how to use AI with integrity - to support your goals, protect your energy, and thrive in a world where we’re experiencing rapid change.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🌐 Dan Chuparkoff Website
◾️Dan Chuparkoff LinkedIn
◾️Dan Chuparkoff Youtube
◾️ChatGPT
◾️Wolfram Alpha
◾️The Catcher in the Rye

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.

PREMIUM SUPPORT:

Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.