For those who believe introverts do not talk because they have nothing to say, the 260 Episodes and 22 Seasons of this podcast prove they couldn't be more wrong. And 65,000+ downloads across 58 countries speak for themselves that introverts are listening, and supporting the mission I am on - to rattle the cages of bias towards the extravert ideal in workplaces and our communities.

Oh I was afraid, but I put my fear to good use by making it the fuel for my mission. Despite all the scepticism and external resistance that heightened my own internal resistance, I remain committed to advocating for we introverts through this podcast and other expansive work I am actively involved in.

Let us continue dismantling the biases against we introverts as we encourage understanding, inclusivity and collaboration all around.

*** Key Points ***

• Celebrate the wins of we introverts
• Defy resistance with resilience in journey of advocacy
• Inclusion is an ongoing journey not a destination

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

I was in my 30s when I first realised and understood that I am neither broken nor abnormal but just an introvert. Oh, how wonderful it would have been if I knew that in my younger years. Better even if the adults around me understood my introversion.

Through this episode, I want to highlight the significance of nurturing young introverts by drawing on my extensive experience in learning and development to help today's generations provide the right support to empower the future generations. In particular it would be helpful for them to understand introversion, about the impact of extravert bias and about power of inclusion.

Let's help our future generations know head-on that their introversion isn't something that need fixing. Instead, it is their power and their introvert strengths can truly set them up for success. We have the ability to enable that by creating environments that support their needs. Let's together raise a generation of empowered individuals who are comfortable as their true selves.

*** Key Points ***

• Empower young introverts as future leaders
• Importance of building self-esteem early
• Creating supportive and inclusive environments

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

I believe most of us are changemakers in one or other way, however in this episode I am focusing on the empowering journey for introverts intentionally aspiring to be change makers. With my background and qualification in change agent skills and strategies, I know with certainty that being a change maker is more about mindset and intention than formal qualifications.

Our society and businesses are often biased towards the extravert ideal, hence it is crucial for introverts to harness our unique and quiet strengths of deep thinking, active listening, and genuine relationship-building so we can play a vital role in advocating for and implementing meaningful changes.

I impress that we introverts can indeed become influential leaders by focusing on small cumulative efforts, the marginal gains that lead to significant impact over time. I talk about being prepared to respond to the extravert biases and leveraging quiet influence through written communication and meaningful one-on-one interactions, so we carry on our changemaking work while sustaining our quiet strength.

*** Key Points ***

• Mindset matters more than qualifications
• Leverage quiet influence strategically
• Build resilience against extravert bias

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Oh the myths about we introverts are endless, unfortunately though it happens with our continued collusion. In this episode, my invitation is for we introverts to recognise and utilise our voices to effectively so we confidently debunk these myths while showing up as our authentic and unapologetic self.

Our well-thought through and clearly presented contributions often command more respect than our louder counterparts. It is our deep thinking and clarity that enhances the quality and value of conversations by focusing on what truly matters.

Our think-say-think communication process is a power, so is our ability to build deeper connections. Let's dive right in.

*** Key Points ***

• Recognise our introvert strengths.
• Amplify our voice selectively and intentionally.
• Identify and choose the right platform to show up.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

With so much noise around us in both work and social settings, how do we quieter ones function effectively?

Drawing from my nearly 50 years of corporate experience, I discuss societal biases towards the extravert ideal that starts in childhood and extends through education and professional environments. It's these settings and other's expectations that often pressure we introverts to significantly alter our behaviour which potentially harms our wellbeing.

I believe it is imperative therefore for we introverts to understand the personal cost of sacrificing our authentic self for the sake of conforming to an ideal that is not ours. We can still use our introvert strengths like thoughtful problem solving and meaningful listening effectively without succumbing to external pressures.

So how do we set social boundaries while remaining nonconfrontational in order to prioritise our wellbeing? Let's explore!

*** Key Points ***

• Maintain authenticity amidst societal biases.
• Embrace introverted strengths confidently.
• Set boundaries assertively in all contexts.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

In this episode, I explore the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) for we introverts who are either climbing the career ladder or seeking a more fulfilling life. We explore the origins of EI that was then popularised by Daniel Goleman.

It would be remiss of me to talk origins in this way without mentioning Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Understanding this history helps us appreciate how these theories have evolved over time and why they are still relevant.

I believe choosing leaders with robust emotional intelligence is necessary to mitigate our current global crisis by challenging the outdated corporate mindset. By enhancing our EI through actionable feedback and developing a rich emotional vocabulary, we can lead more meaningful lives with stronger interpersonal connections

*** Key Points ***

• Emotional Intelligence vs. Cognitive Intelligence.
• Techniques to enhance EI include feedback.
• Introversion isn't an excuse for poor skills.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Let's talk about the confidence-building strategies specifically crafted for we introverts. Drawing from personal experience, I recount receiving feedback that suggested a lack of confidence, a common misconception about we introverts often compared unfairly to extraverts.

I also explore what true confidence entails, aligning with Dr. Rob Yeung’s definition: taking effective action despite fear.

Developing quiet confidence involves understanding one's strengths and maintaining emotional balance through self-care and mindfulness practices. I address the myth that introverts lack confidence and highlight how we can embrace our innate strengths to show up strategically and authentically.

#Introverts #Confidence #FlourishingIntroverts

*** Key Points ***

• Quiet confidence vs arrogance
• Strategies for cultivating enduring habits and attitude.
• Important role of authenticity.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

What does genuine self-care for introverts look like?

Often misconstrued as superficial indulgences, true self-care requires a deeper understanding of our 'wants' versus our 'needs'. While 'wants' are akin to icing on a cake, nice for sure, but essential? Not really!

The real substance lies in addressing our core needs.

In this episode I to help you identify and prioritise the deep-seated aspects that contribute to mental, emotional, physical, and equally important social well-being. I also talk about the 'needs chart' which is a valuable visual aid to help communicate and understand personal needs within families and teams.

Let's explore this together.

*** Key Points ***

• • Distinguish between 'wants' vs. 'needs'.
  • Adapt routines based on changing needs.
  • Use a ‘needs chart’ for clarity.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.