In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Dyer, a globally recognized expert on company culture and remote work. As a former CEO leading thousands of employees, Chris has built award-winning workplaces, earning recognition as a 5-time Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company and a Best Place to Work for over 14 years.

Chris shares his insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the surprising ways he found introverts thrive in customer service roles. This key data led to a staggering increase in NPS scores from the mid-40s to an incredible 93, and Chris is sharing the how. We also look at his Seven Pillars of Cultural Success, a framework that has helped countless companies transform their work environments, empower employees, and drive business growth.

Tune in to hear:

🚀 Exactly why introverts excel in customer service roles - and how they outperformed expectations
🛠️ How implementing intentional work strategies (like fewer meetings and blocked time) improves company performance
🏆 The Seven Pillars of Cultural Success - Chris’s proven framework for transforming company culture
🎯 How to shift from CEO-led decision-making to empowering employees for sustainable success
🔄 Why employee autonomy is essential for growth

[00:02:43] Introverts Thriving in Customer Service

[00:07:39] Giving Introverts the Space to Succeed

[00:13:26] Managing Energy for Sustainable Performance

[00:16:07] The Power of Boundaries at Work

[00:23:39] The Seven Pillars of Cultural Success

[00:29:00] Shifting from CEO-Led Decisions to Employee Empowerment

[00:32:59] Leadership Lessons & The Power of Saying Yes

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📖 The Power of Company Culture by Chris Dyer
📖 Remote Work by Chris Dyer
📖 The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhymes

Connect with Chris:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7/
https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdyer.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7/
https://x.com/ChrisPDyer
https://chrisdyer.com/

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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In this episode, I sit down with Nicky Lowe, CEO of Luminate Group and Founder of Wisdom For Working Mums. Nicky is an award-winning executive coach and leadership consultant who has spent the past 18 years helping leaders in some of the world’s top organisations thrive, both personally and professionally.

But Nicky’s journey isn’t just about leadership in the boardroom - it’s also deeply personal. After experiencing burnout following the birth of her first child, she reimagined her approach to work, life, and motherhood. Now, she’s on a mission to support career-driven women to combine their professional ambitions with family life in a way that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and free from burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌟 Nicky’s career journey from corporate tech to leadership coaching - and how numerous personal experiences shaped her path

🌟 How an empowering leadership style can foster growth, resilience, and wellbeing

🌟 The realities of balancing a career and motherhood, and how burnout became a turning point in Nicky’s life

🌟 Why Nicky’s work has expanded beyond working mums to focus on sustainable leadership for everyone

Key Takeaways:

- Leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about personal sustainability too

- Burnout can be a catalyst for powerful change when we allow it to shift our priorities and redefine success

- Empowering leadership styles aren’t just good for teams—they’re crucial for individual growth and resilience

- Balancing career and family life requires intentional boundaries, self-awareness, and support systems

Episode Resources:

The Body Keeps The Score Book

Multipliers Book

Connect with Nicky Lowe:

🌐 [Luminate Group](https://www.luminategroup.com)

🌐 [Wisdom For Working Mums](https://www.wisdomforworkingmums.co.uk)

📧 [Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-lowe)

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever notice how you're your own worst critic? Do you talk to yourself in ways you’d NEVER speak to another human? This episode is all about self-compassion - what it really means, the latest research behind it, and how it can transform both your mental and physical health.

After reflecting on my own experiences so far this year - as well as what I’ve seen with friends and clients - I realised that self-compassion (or more often, the lack of it) plays a huge role in so many areas of our wellbeing and success. In this episode, I break down why we’re so quick to criticise ourselves, and how shifting to a more compassionate mindset can be life-changing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

💡 What self-compassion actually is - and why it’s VERY different from self-indulgence

🧠 The latest scientific research showing the powerful effects of self-compassion on mental and physical health

🚀 The real impact of self-criticism vs. self-compassion, how it influences your motivation, resilience, and overall wellbeing

💛 Simple ways to practice self-compassion (even if it doesn’t come naturally)

🔍 3 real-life examples of how self-compassion has played an important role in my life, my clients' journeys, and conversations with friends this year

Key Takeaways:

- Self-criticism isn’t a motivator - it’s often a roadblock to success, making challenges feel heavier and harder to overcome (and using more energy…)

- Simple mindset shifts can help you build a more compassionate inner voice and reduce the pressure you put on yourself.

- Self-compassion isn’t about making excuses - it’s about recognising that being kind to yourself fuels long-term growth and success.

If you struggle with perfectionism, harsh self-talk, or feeling like you never quite measure up, this episode is for you!

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I reconnect with my amazing former client Nicole Kepic, almost three years after we worked together. Nicole is a talented copywriter with over 20 years of experience writing for major brands like Kellogg's, Walmart, and Keurig. Today, she helps female coaches and creatives attract their ideal clients and sell out their offers with fun, feel-good sales copy.

But that’s not all - Nicole is also the author of the newly released book Don’t Ask Me to Be Loud: The Introverted Girl's Guide to Online Business. This relatable and practical guide shows introverts how they can build thriving, joyful businesses without being loud or bold. I’m thrilled to share this conversation because her book was a project we coached around back in 2022, and I couldn’t be prouder to see it out in the world. Nicole is opening up and sharing the behind the scenes of how it really feels to go from ‘idea’ to ‘published author’.

What You’ll Learn:

🌟 How even short periods of coaching can create lasting mindset shifts that impact your business and life
🌟 The importance of working in your zone of genius to increase revenue, reduce burnout, and find joy in your work
🌟 The one thing I had Nicole do when she was my client that she hated (but has seen the benefit of for 3 years now!)
🌟 How understanding your unique decision-making style can empower you to run your business & life with confidence and clarity

Resources:

🎧 Ep. 205 with Gay Hendricks

Connect with Nicole:

🌐 https://nicolekepic.com/
📖 Nicole's Book
💌 Nicole on Instagram & LinkedIn

Additional Client Episodes:

🎧Lauren Lea 🎧Kendall Cherry 🎧Dr Clare Emma Wild 🎧Manisha Tare 🎧Emily Walker (& again) 🎧Julia de’Caneva 🎧Lesley Calvo

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever wondered what it really takes to thrive in your “Zone of Genius”? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Gay Hendricks, a true legend in personal growth and relationship transformation. You might know him from his bestselling book The Big Leap, which has gathered a cult following in the entrepreneurial community.

Gay shares the key concepts that have shaped his life and work, including how to uncover your unique genius, tackle the sneaky Upper Limit Problem that holds so many of us back, and rethink the way we manage time. His insights are game-changers for anyone who wants to create more impact, joy, and balance in life. And if that weren’t enough, Gay 100% identifies as an Ambitious Introvert too!

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, Gay’s wisdom will help you break through and move forward with clarity and purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌟 How to identify and operate in your Zone of Genius to create meaningful impact.

🚧 The Upper Limit Problem, and how unconscious beliefs can sabotage success.

🕰️ Reframing time with the concept of Einstein time for less stress and greater efficiency.

🧘 The power of a simple, consistent meditation practice for mental clarity and energy management.

🍽️ How simplifying your daily habits can majorly enhance productivity.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📖 The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

📖 Your Big Leap Year by Gay Hendricks

🎙️ The Big Leap Podcast

About Gay Hendricks:

Gay Hendricks is a globally recognised expert in personal growth, relationships, and bodymind therapies. With a Ph.D. from Stanford and decades of experience coaching executives and leaders, Gay has authored numerous bestsellers, including The Big Leap. He is also the founder of The Hendricks Institute and Foundation for Conscious Living, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and live in their Zone of Genius.

Connect with Gay:

🌐 http://www.hendricks.com/

http://www.foundationforconsciousliving.org/

🎙️https://bigleappodcast.com/

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

As an ambitious introvert, your energy is your most precious resource - and how you use it can make or break your success. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a powerful end-of-year practice that will set you up for an energised 2025.

Whether you’re setting goals, choosing a word of the year, or just ready for a fresh start, this simple exercise will help you reflect on where your energy went in 2024 (and how to channel it more intentionally next year) . The best thing? You can do it in just 10 minutes.

Tune in to learn how a few small shifts can have a massive impact on your energy, boundaries, and priorities in the new year!

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever feel like you're only seeing the highlight reel of other people's success? This episode of The Ambitious Introvert® pulls back the curtain as I chat with Amanda Riffee, an internationally recognised coach for women, event speaker, and host of the Unleashing You Podcast.

Amanda shares her journey of transitioning from 17 years in corporate—marked by burnout and personal tragedies - to creating a business and life she loves, free of burnout and full of intention.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The challenges Amanda faced, and the pivotal moments that sparked her transformation

- How to set boundaries and prioritise balance for better energy and mental health

- Amanda’s insights on being ‘intentionally productive’ and leveraging cycle syncing for peak performance

- Her journey from corporate to coaching, including the limiting beliefs she overcame to thrive (see if you recognise any of these yourself!)

- Why hearing other people’s backstory can inspire you to take the action you’ve been holding back on

If you’ve ever felt stuck with self-doubt, burnout, or fear of change, this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/amandariffee_coaching/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-riffee/

Website:
https://acrprofessionalcoaching.com/

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Are you taking aligned, meaningful action toward your goals, or are you stuck in passive ‘dreaming’? In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I explore the difference between active and passive approaches to achieving what you want in life. I’ll share real-world examples of how passive actions can keep you stuck - and how active steps move you closer to success.

I’ll also share why introverts often shy away from action, and how to reframe it in a way that feels good.

Tune in to learn:

• How to understand the key difference between dreaming about your goals (passive) and actively working toward them with intentional steps.
• Real life examples or passive vs active
• What aligned action is (and how to take it)
• Why introverts often fall into the ‘passive’ category
• Why your beliefs around tiredness or Human Design may be holding you back

If you’re tired of waiting for your goals to magically show up, and ready to get into the driver’s seat instead ready for 2025, this episode is for you!

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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.