Quiet Messenger: Redefining leadership & messaging for introverts & sensitive souls

When you’re a coach, the right support is key to growing your business. And when you’re a leader, the right support will help you unlock your voice and share your message with the world.  I’ve spent several years leading programs for quiet leaders and a decade navigating business programs, coaches, and courses as a sensitive, introverted leader in the online biz world. During that time, I’ve learned that crowded spaces where everyone has to shout over each other are NOT where I (or other quiet folks) thrive.  And that’s okay.  It just means we have to recognize what we do need when we’re looking for support. There are 4 important needs sensitive, introverted leaders have that often get overlooked – especially when it comes to coaching containers. In episode 188 of Quiet Messenger, I break down what to look out for to find support that fits your needs. Because if you’ve felt invisible, ignored, or overwhelmed in business programs, I want you to know that you’re not the problem.  The problem is that the container wasn’t designed for you. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Have you ever been in a space that didn’t fit you? What did you need to thrive? Let me know on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Have you ever noticed that there’s an assumption society makes that introverts and quiet folks MUST be followers? I had an aha moment while watching Nikki Ling’s TEDx talk “Quiet Confidence: Follow the Introverted Leader” where words were put to a bias that now seems so obvious.  But, you know what I’ve noticed?  Sensitive biz owners are actually born rule breakers. This is a consistent theme I see in the folks I work with. (And in myself – yes, even me in all my Virgo Capricorn-ness.) As thoughtful, deep feeling introverts who like to reflect and let things percolate, we have a heightened need to break free of “do this” marketing advice – formulas, templates and 10-step strategies.  Part of the superpower of sensitivity is that we’re really tuned into whether something feels right.  Or whether it feels off.  It may be inconvenient in that it’s harder for us to just follow plug-and-play business advice. But it’s actually a gift in being able to navigate our own way…if we’re just given the space and guidance to bring our voice to the surface. That’s why a huge part of the work I do in my Messenger Masterminds is helping Messengers tune into what’s true for them. And why it’s extra important for you and me to stay really aligned and really CLEAR.  It’s time to reconnect to the Messenger part of you that doesn’t need more rules and trust the part of you that already knows. That’s what we dig into in episode 187 of Quiet Messenger. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Where has your sensitivity given you intuitive clues that a strategy or do-this marketing tactic wasn’t for you? Let me know on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

If you’ve gotten a lot of solid, smart marketing advice from business programs BUT have been listening to your intuition and it’s telling you… That some of the strategies you were given don’t actually mesh for you.  That what you were being told to do felt like putting on a persona. That the copy you created from that advice doesn’t really feel like you. That the guidance didn’t jive with your introvertedness, your sensitivity. Today’s episode of Quiet Messenger is for you. And also… When something feels off or performative to you, I see that as wisdom. That’s the wisdom of your sensitivity. It’s not something to be bypassed or pushed through. It’s not a sign you’re not enough of a badass boss or that if you just do it this way it’ll work.  In this episode, I’m talking about where the line is between clarifying a cohesive brand message — and focusing on being “on brand” in your messaging.  Because I’ve found being “on brand” really doesn’t work for Quiet Messengers, introverted leaders and sensitive souls. In fact, it can be damaging, especially for those of us wanting to shed what society says we should be and embrace who we truly are.  Let this episode be your guide in showing up more yourself than being “on brand” ever could achieve.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. If this show is landing for you, I’d love to hear. I invite you to share in a quick review on iTunes. (At the link simply click “Listen on Apple Podcasts.”) Reading those means the world to me! Warmth, Adria

Often as introverts and sensitive folks in a loud, outward-focused world, we have needs that get overlooked or make us feel weak or “too much” in some way.  Whether it’s a need to leave early from a social situation when we’re tapped out, or to retreat to private space to ride an emotional wave, or to have less work tasks in a day to ease overwhelm and fully focus on each, those needs matter. We are allowed to set up our businesses and our work around the needs we have as sensitive introverts. The problem happens when all we see are leaders who are “on” all the time, who answer messages instantly and engage vigorously online, who manage 20 clients and five offerings, who always have the loudest voice in the room, who go from meeting to meeting without needing to take the rest of the afternoon off to recharge, who are direct and bold and decisive and fast.  When those are the leaders getting most of the airspace, we may think it’s not possible to be a successful introverted, sensitive, deep processing or quiet leader without changing who we are or living at our depleted edge all the time.  But that’s not the case. It IS possible to do business the way your body & soul need it to be. You just might need to see examples of people like you who are already doing it to understand that it’s possible.  To recognize… “Ahhhh, there IS a way.”  “Oh, I get it. This is what that looks like.” That’s where modeling comes in.  As in Role Models. Specifically Quiet Messenger Role Models.  So how do we find more models of quiet leadership that represent us?  That’s what today’s episode is all about.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Resources for Quiet Messengers  PODCASTS Quiet Messenger – Adria Sophia (me!) The League of Extraordinary Introverts – Katherine Mackenzie Smith The Quiet Rebels Podcast with Mai-kee Tsang The Chronicles of an Introverted Black Woman – Jeanette Hendrix Unapologetically Sensitive – Patricia Young TED TALKS Sarah Corbett – Activism Needs Introverts  Susan Cain – Blueprint for a Quiet Revolution  Marwa Azab – Are You Too Sensitive? Should You Change?  Nikki Ling – Quiet Confidence: Follow the Introverted Leader  BLOGS Introvert, My Dear – introvertdear.com/ The Quiet Revolution – quietrev.com/  What’s your favorite resource for introverted leaders or sensitive souls? Let me know over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

A month ago, I realized that there’s a topic I’ve been dancing around with you for the last two years.  That my work is for sensitive introverts. Quiet Messengers. Big feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing.  We might be vocal and spirited in the small, intimate container of our Messenger Masterminds, but putting things out into the world…that’s different. Especially when we think we need to try to show up the extroverted, bold way that’s been modeled for us since the dawn of online business and leadership.  And while we’re often told we’re not loud enough to be a leader, we also feel like we’re too much in so many other ways. What I’m here to say is this… Quiet doesn’t mean silent. And in a noisy room, it doesn’t have to be the loudest person that gets heard. It can be the clearest person. Clear messaging cuts through the noise without having to shout above the crowd…or contort yourself into some marketing or leadership strategy that wasn’t made for you in the first place.  What we’ll be talking about on Quiet Messenger: Clarity on what you show up for and how to communicate it Making your people feel seen through what you’re saying (and letting them see you) How to convey the true impact of your work Showing up in your thought leadership without burning out or needing to perform as someone you’re not Embracing the superpowers of your sensitivity, your Messenger Archetype, and the nuances of the leader you already are  Listen to this episode for what it means to be a Quiet Messenger and what’s in store for you going forward. And for an audio transmission of lightning fire to activate that deeper pull I know you feel. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Have an idea or request for a future episode? Let me know over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Without being clear in your messaging, you can do a lot of marketing busywork that gets ignored, doesn’t build your community or doesn’t compel people to buy. YET… There’s a lot of messaging out there that is very clear but is also manipulative, selling at all costs and using unethical tactics that don’t leave customers making empowered decisions.  If you’re anything like me… You don’t just want to sell, you want to do it in a way that leaves the world better than when you found it. In this end cap to our season of Values-Based Messaging Foundations, I lay out what it means to be both clear AND connected in your messaging.  And how being clear can actually help you create connection.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of 3-6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Which do you struggle with most – being clear in your messaging or creating connection with your messaging? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

I know you’ve got a big heart and you’re SO GOOD at your work…but in order to keep doing your work, you need paying clients.  That’s where being able to clearly communicate what uniquely positions you comes in.  Because when you are the ONLY one qualified for the job, your dream clients will happily pay you.  Not in a way that’s sleazy or manipulative or about “getting” clients.  In a way that’s totally in service by communicating what you already, in your heart, know about how you’ll be able to help them.  In this episode, I’m going to share with you my personal brand matrix to clarify and communicate what uniquely positions you.  The four S’s. (Listen and you’ll see what I mean!) I talk about: How to get specific on & integrate the 4 key elements into your messaging to own who you are as a coach so the right clients won’t settle for anyone else Why you’ll no longer need to worry about doing the same work as everyone else or having the same message that’s been shared a million times before The story of how I went from a “C” to an “A” in Architecture school (17 years ago!) by uncovering what uniquely positioned me as an architect Deeper support from me: Join us for the Messaging Masterclass I’m leading Friday, March 26, 2021! There’s still a couple of days to catch up! Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. The week of March 22nd, 2021! What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. What unique combo of skills, solution, story and stance makes you a one-of-a-kind Messenger? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Okay…so let’s talk about getting crickets and what it feels like to always be chasing clients.  Ugh, I know. Frustrating stuff. Want to know one of the biggest challenges I see to coaches and leaders reaching their people?  First, let me say that this is not about popularity, likes or followers.  It’s about really reaching your people on a deeper level where they feel connected to what you’re saying and like it’s for them. So what’s the challenge? When what you say is general and generic.  Because when your messaging isn’t specific and relevant to ONE PERSON, it doesn’t connect with anyone.  So how do you let your people know your work is truly for them? And what about if you don’t want to leave anybody out?  That’s what today’s episode of Unforgettable is all about. I talk about: The key to clearly expressing what you say so it lands for your people A visualization to help you build the narrative of who your work is for How to CONNECT through messaging in integrity rather than manipulation Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  What makes your people say “hey, that’s me”? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

If you’re anything like me, there are likely one or two TED talks that have made a big impact on you.  Two for me are Susan Cain’s The power of introverts and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s The danger of a single story. What do they have in common that made them land so powerfully? A clear message.  But if you’re going to use your voice and share your truth, you first need clarity on what you’re saying. Today’s episode is dedicated to helping you tap into your message. (or the next evolution of it) Because even if you KNOW you have something BIG to say… Sometimes you’re just not sure what.  Or you have an idea but it’s fuzzy. Or what you’ve been talking about no longer feels congruent.  Or you’re ready to claim what you want to be known for.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  What’s the message you’re here to share? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Today begins a brand new season of Unforgettable! A season dedicated to taking us back to the foundations of messaging.  Starting with… What is messaging, really? Believe me, I’ve heard a lot of myths and misunderstandings in the past several years I’ve been leading messaging workshops and Masterminds! That it’s all about wordsmithing or dialing in your elevator pitch.  That there’s a “right” way to do it — following formulas and scripts that work for others.  That it’s about selling at all costs and has to feel icky or robotic to be successful.  But when you’re a sensitive Messenger who cares deeply, values-based messaging is where your power lies. Because there’s a difference between simply following copywriting rules and marketing tactics and messaging according to your integrity. So, fresh on the heels of the Speaking to What Matters series, it’s time to re-define what messaging really is.  We start with today’s episode, where you’ll learn the difference between core message and messaging plus how to reset how you think about messaging and start crafting messaging that’s in alignment with your values. You’ll learn Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Links from the Episode: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story  Tiq Milan & Kim Katrin Milan’s TED Talk: A Queer Vision Of Love and Marriage Maysoon Zayid’s TED Talk: I Got 99 Problems…. Palsy Is Just One  #173 Evolving Your Work to Have a Social Justice Lens with Cher Hale #174 Feminist Marketing & Copy That Doesn’t Oppress with Kelly Diels #175 Is My Niche Excluding Marginalized People? With Trudi Lebron #176 Cis-Centering, Pronouns and Leadership with Tamala Poljak #177 Speaking About Issues Without Co-Opting Them with Nisha Moodley #151 Why I Stopped Sacrificing Integrity for Strategy #152 Values-Based Marketing: How to Lead with Integrity Playing Big by Tara Mohr What’s your biggest takeaway about values-based messaging? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria