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  • If people can hate for no reason, then we can love. And yet, we rarely love or are kind to ourselves assuming it is akin to a sin. In this episode, I share the moment I was finally able to gaze at my image with more kindness to the point where I could love what I saw, which led to me being able to love and celebrate who I am. For me, it involved working with a very special photographer, and why I recommend we all find someone who enables us to see the beauty within.

    If you’ve ever dodged the camera, cringed at your reflection, or let self-criticism shrink how truly powerful you are; this one’s for you. Loving how you look isn’t vanity. It is freedom. It is flourishing.

    ** Key Points **

    Kindness starts with your reflection Real beats perfect, without exception Visibility requires self-compassion first

    #LovingHowYouLook #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

    The Magical Brigitta's interview https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/brigittaonpitp/ Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.
  • The relentless pressure to reply-now, meet-now, decide-now is exhausting.

    And not just for we introverts, but for anyone who thinks deeply, works best with time to reflect, or just wants to actually do their job without being dragged into the daily ping-fest. In this episode, I explore the quiet power of contributing in our own time, not just in real time. Because when every conversation demands instant replies and constant visibility, we lose depth, clarity and people.

    This is a rallying cry for those who process before they speak, who bring layered thinking not quick takes. For anyone ready to rethink how we collaborate, so the loudest voices aren’t the only ones heard.

    Silence isn’t absence when it’s strategic.

    ** Key Points **

    Silence can be strategic Depth over speed Rethink collaboration norms

    #PowerOfSilence #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

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  • Let's reflect on the quiet courage it takes to change your mind. Yup, you read it right. Especially when the path you're on no longer feels aligned. Whether it’s a goal, a job or a relationship, course-correcting isn’t failure, it’s feedback.

    A favourite parable brings home why true leadership lies in the willingness to pivot, especially in unpredictable times.

    This is a gentle but firm flourishing nudge for those of you holding on out of fear of seeming flaky or indecisive. I unpack why we introverts often cling to consistency even when it costs us dearly.

    'How do I let go' can be your most authentic, powerful question and decision yet. I promise, you are not betraying your past; instead you are honouring your evolution.

    ** Key Points **

    Change shows deep thinking Certainty is overrated Quiet courage matters

    #ChangeIsCourage #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    #QuietRebellion #ShowUpAuthentically #IntrovertVoices

    #IntrovertWisdom #IntrovertStrength #Clarity

    *** Resources ***

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

  • Let us explore the often-overlooked power of silence, particularly in the context of introverted communication.

    Just how often so many around us assume that being verbose equates to value and influence; however, I share my perspective on how intentional quiet can actually be a profound demonstration of confidence.

    Introverts frequently face pressure to adopt extraverted behaviours just to blend in. It only leads to frustration and burnout. How about we celebrate our natural rhythm, often 'think, say, think' for we introverts, which I believe is the key.

    I unpack strategies that help reclaim confidence through measured silence.

    ** Key Points **

    Embrace Natural Rhythm Power Through Silence Intentional Communication

    #PowerOfSilence #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I reflect on something personal, poignant, and increasingly precious: what it means to celebrate another birthday; not as a tally of years, but as an intentional pause to honour hindsight, insight, and foresight or as I call them - reflections.

    As someone who’s lost people far too soon, I simply can’t buy into the anti-ageing narrative. Ageing, to me, is a gift; one I intend to honour with gratitude, self-belief, and purpose. I share stories of those who nudged me out of the shadows, helped me peel back layers of self-doubt, and opened doors to a life that feels truly mine.

    With each trip around the sun, I grow more reflective. I’ve come to see that living on purpose doesn’t mean hustle; it means alignment. And celebrating your existence isn’t vanity, to me it is sacred.

    Let's live more fully, tread more softly, and refuse to let fear or comparison rob us of the life in our years. Shall we?

    ** Key Points **

    Ageing is a gift, not a problem Self-belief is layered, but lasting Purpose is quiet, aligned, and powerful

    #Introverts #PurposefulLiving #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I explore a question that’s long since intrigued me: why do some alliances flourish while others unravel?

    As an open-introvert who doesn’t hate people (yes, hi, I am right here, I exist!), I’ve come to realise it’s not about being opposites but about understanding the behaviours that trigger we introverts and learning to work with, not against, our differences.

    I share a variety of alliances and explore how they have helped me grow, learn and evolve, while some fizzled out due to unspoken frustrations or unmanaged differences. The game-changer? Recognising that most conflict isn’t about personality, but behaviour.

    Let's reflect on how we introverts can build alliances that stretch, support, and help us evolve as individuals; without draining your precious energy.

    *** Key Points ***

    Introvert–extravert partnerships work Conflict is behaviour-based Shared purpose over similarity

    #IntrovertExtravertAlliance #ThoughtfulCollaboration #BehaviourNotPersonality

    #Introverts #Extraverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    #IntrovertVoices #OppositesThatWork

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I share the pivotal moment that changed everything for me: discovering my personality type through the MBTI framework. Far from boxing me in, it offered language, understanding, and a sense of belonging I never knew I needed. This is not about labels or excuses but about insight and responsibility for we introverts.

    I further explore why knowing your type is just the starting point, not the full story. I challenge the idea of hiding behind introversion and invite you to see your personality as one piece of your self-awareness puzzle. This episode is for anyone ready to move beyond 'that's just the way I am' and step into choice, growth, and owning both strengths and struggles.

    *** Key Points ***

    Personality tests aid initial understanding Introversion is not excuse Self-awareness builds choice

    #PersonalityTests #Introverts #SelfAwareness

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of extraversion bias and its impact on mental health. Many introverts grapple with a world tailored to extrovert ideals, often leading to feelings of misalignment and pressure to fit in. We know that this societal preference can significantly affect someone's mental well-being, leaving we introverts feeling inadequate at various stages of our life. I share my perspective on how aligning with dominant role models who exude confidence can exacerbate conformity bias and contribute to an environment that feels oppressive.

    I explore strategies for recognising these biases and avoiding 'comparison'-itis; the habit of unhealthy self-comparison that fuels anxiety. I then share why reciprocal support networks are important for maintaining our mental wellness.

    *** Key Points ***

    Recognise Extraversion Bias Avoid 'Comparison'-itis at all costs Build intentional support network

    #MentalHealth #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I unpack the common misconceptions and mislabelling of introverts. As a leadership trainer and coach, I often encounter scepticism about my own introversion due to widespread misunderstandings that equate/conflates it with traits like shyness, social anxiety, or even arrogance.

    These labels can significantly impact mental health and self-esteem, especially for those lacking resilience. Through this discussion, I aim to shed light on these myths and provide clarity around what being an introvert truly means.

    Dear listener, introversion is not synonymous with negative stereotypes such as lack of ambition or antisocial behaviour.

    We introverts have unique strengths including deep thinking and thoughtful listening, which are often undervalued in society's extraversion-biased lens.

    By understanding these distinctions better, we empower ourselves to harness our quiet power effectively both personally and professionally, and flourish without societal constraints.

    ** Key Points **

    Introversion is often misunderstood, mislabelled, conflated

    Empower ourselves to overcome societal biases

    Advocating for accuracy

    #MythsAboutIntroverts #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

  • In this episode, I explore the significance of valuing and managing energy as an introvert. Using the metaphor of 'energy beans', I illustrate how we introverts begin their day with a finite amount of energy, unlike extraverts who recharge through social interaction.

    I venture into how toxic workplaces can deplete this precious resource and stress the need for mindfulness in conserving our energy without being overly frugal.

    Let's be real, redefining productivity to focus on deep work over busyness can transform workplace dynamics. By setting personal boundaries and advocating for supportive environments, we create space for we introverts to flourish authentically. My hope is that you dear listener will reassess traditional management practices and embrace strategies that protect our valuable energy currency.

    *** Key Points ***

    Redefine productivity around deep work. Set clear personal/workplace boundaries. Advocate for inclusive office environments.

    #SelfAware #EnergyBoundaries #FlourishingIntroverts

    *** Resources ***

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

  • Emotions are part of what makes us human, and in this episode I explore the sometimes problematic relationship between emotions and the workplace.

    I explore the extent to which it is acceptable to express emotions like tears or anger at work given the increasingly macho leadership styles that demand emotional suppression.

    This leads me to share my perspective about low emotional intelligence among leaders and the personal costs of suppressing emotions, such as increased stress levels. Drawing from my own experiences, I share strategies for managing emotions responsibly in professional settings.

    Fostering environments where it is both safe and encouraged to express emotions requires sufficient emotional intelligence and maturity.

    Through reflective practices, we can determine if our feelings are genuinely ours or absorbed from others - and these practices contribute to healthier workplace dynamics.

    *** Key Points ***

    Importance of emotional intelligence Strategies for responsible emotional regulation Impact of emotional contagion

    #FlourishingIntroverts #Introvers #Emotions

    *** Resources ***

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

  • Say DEI and you'll be ruffling many feathers these days. In this episode I am taking a deep dive into how we can flourish in these anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) times. As disappointing as it is for us to see a sudden rollback from DEI Initiatives, I suspect 'they' do not realise what a rude awakening they are in for. Very few of today's generation and switched on workforce is going to sit back and accept it.

    While broligarchs are trumpeting the anti-DEI noises, thankfully many organisations big and small are finding innovative ways to sustain DEI efforts without attracting negative attention. As someone deeply involved in learning and development, I stress embedding sustainable changes into company cultures while guarding against the barriers being raised by 'the trumpeters'.

    I say, let us use our frustration to fuel our advocacy for DEI, visibly and covertly, as we can.

    *** Key Points ***

    Keep the DEI advocacy happening Reframe if we need to Innovate to counteract anti-DEI rollbacks

    *** Resources ***

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

  • Productivity, Productivity, Productivity - the word is being thrown around by the broligarchs who are pushing the hustle-grind with unreasonable deadlines, back to back meetings and a way to put human needs at the backburner.

    I talk about how brobsession with efficiency over effectiveness leads to toxic productivity, undermining our well-being and ignoring their duty of care towards their teams. But efficiency has never been as powerful as effectiveness, and then these latest diktats … and you'll find me having a laugh but the matter is serious nonetheless.

    I highlight why toxic productivity compromises our wellbeing and forcing us to participate in a work culture that's helping no one. Then there are 'influencers generously sharing their way' but what's the real cost of falling for that?

    We need to redefine success to include genuine contributions and impact over mere activity, and create inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives.

    *** Key Points ***

    Balancing efficiency with effectiveness. Prioritise genuine contribution over busyness. Advocate for our wellbeing.

    *** Resources ***

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

  • 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.