The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

I’m revisiting my popular ‘How I Think About…’ format here on The Ambitious Introvert® for Q4! Today I’m sharing how I actually think about and use AI in my business (and how I don’t). There’s a HUGE difference between using AI as a support tool versus depending on it to make your decisions or drive your creativity - and I’m sharing my thoughts on both as an introverted business owner.You'll hear:Why I treat AI as an accelerator, not a crutchThe specific ways I do use ChatGPT (and where it saves me tons of time)The very real risks of over-relying on AI for business content or strategySome examples of where AI has completely gotten it wrong!Why critical thinking, intuition, and context are still your biggest assetsMy take on what AI can’t replicate - and why that’s good news for entrepreneursWhether you're just starting to play with AI or have already built it into your workflows, this episode will help you gut-check your relationship with it - and help you stay sharp and stand out in a world where sameness is everywhere.Links mentioned:🎧 Episode with Dan Chuparkoff on the ethics of AI CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I’m so behind… My business isn’t working… Today was a waste as I got nothing done,” this episode is for you.In today’s solo episode, I dive into how binary thinking, though comforting on the surface, can quietly sabotage your momentum, ESPECIALLY if you’re a high-achieving introvert. I share how this pattern shows up in my clients, and how to begin shifting into a more powerful, nuanced mindset that actually supports sustainable success.You’ll learn:Why the brain defaults to black-and-white thinking to create certaintyHow to spot all-or-nothing patterns like “success vs. failure,” “productive vs. lazy,” and “ahead vs. behind”The hidden harm of comparing your business journey to a linear curriculumWhat counts as “progress” when the work is invisibleThe trap of misaligned metrics (and what to track instead)A simple mindset shift to move from doubt into trustThis is what you really need to grow a sustainable business - especially when you don’t always see the results right away.CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

In this solo episode I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift inspired by a recent coaching session. If you’ve ever worried that desiring something - clients, success, connection - makes you selfish, this episode will change the way you see things. Through a deeply personal (and slightly unexpected) story about a long-lost IKEA chair, I’m sharing how the things you desire might be looking for you, too. This episode is a reminder that wanting something isn’t a one-way street - it’s an energetic exchange for the good of everyone involved.What You’ll Learn:How introverts can reframe visibility and self-promotionWhy it’s not selfish to want clients, love, or opportunityThe quiet confidence that comes from trusting energetic reciprocity🌟This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. To save a massive 40% on their introvert-friendly bedding and loungewear visit https://cozyearth.com and use the code INTROVERTCONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

The rules of success are shifting - fast. And the traits introverts were once told to “fix” are turning out to be the very ones the future demands.In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m unpacking why deep thinkers, calm communicators, and emotionally intelligent leaders are becoming the real power players in today’s evolving world of work and business.You’ll hear:Why the “fast-talking, always-on” leadership style is losing its edgeThe key mindset shift introverts need to stop adapting and start thrivingWhat true high performance looks like when speed and visibility aren’t enoughHow to leverage your natural wiring for strategic advantage - without faking extroversionIf you’ve ever felt out of step with outdated career advice, or like the game was never built for your brain… this one’s for you.🌟This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. To save a massive 40% on their introvert-friendly bedding and loungewear visit https://cozyearth.com and use the code INTROVERTCONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

Josh Allan Dykstra, a leading authority on Human Energy™ and CEO of The Work Revolution, discusses transforming work from a draining obligation to a source of energy and fulfillment. He shares insights on identifying personal energy drivers and maximizing productivity by tracking energizing tasks through an 'energy journal.' The conversation challenges traditional views of work as burdensome, advocating for a revolutionary approach that prioritizes rejuvenation and meaningful experiences in the workplace, especially in the context of evolving dynamics like AI.

What’s the real cost of broken trust at work? And how do introverts navigate environments that weren’t built with them in mind?In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m joined by Minda Harts — speaker, professor, and bestselling author of Talk To Me Nice. Minda is on a mission to restore trust in the workplace, and she’s created a framework of “trust languages” that can radically shift communication, performance, and inclusion in any organization.Minda shares practical insights on navigating office dynamics, giving and receiving feedback, and creating work environments where everyone can feel seen and supported.Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, this episode is full of ideas  you’ll want to bring to your next 1:1 or leadership meeting.Why trust isn’t optional, it’s foundational. When it’s present, productivity and retention soar.How Minda’s 7 Trust Languages give leaders and teammates a shared vocabulary for building strong relationships.Why introverts thrive when they understand their needs and communicate them clearly (without pretending to be extroverts).Why feedback should be a conversation, not a monologue — and done well, it prevents 80% of avoidable workplace exits.How the future of work is deeply human. Traits like empathy, safety, and trust aren’t soft, they’re strategic.If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsure how to rebuild trust at work, this episode is for you.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Minda Harts' Website◾️ Minda Harts LinkedIn◾️ Minda Harts Instagram◾️ Talk To Me Nice bookThis episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. To save a massive 40% on their introvert-friendly bedding and loungewear visit https://cozyearth.com and use the code INTROVERTCONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

Have you ever felt completely drained by endless notifications, struggled to understand why you're exhausted despite "not doing very much," or overlooked your own massive achievements until someone else pointed them out?In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I'm diving deep into three powerful client stories to highlight common introvert challenges and, importantly, the solutions to them that lead to better performance.You'll learn how to:Break the Cycle of Constant Task Switching: Understand the real cost of distractions, why notifications are secretly sabotaging your energy and productivity, and how setting clear boundaries and communicating openly can dramatically shift your workday.Recognize Invisible Energy Drains: Discover why "not doing much" might actually be exhausting you, how emotional and mental labor quietly impacts your energy, and a simple tool to visualize your bandwidth and prevent burnout.Celebrate Your Wins, the Right Way: Stop underestimating your accomplishments by getting granular. I'll show you why breaking achievements down into their true complexity boosts confidence and helps you fully recognize your growth.If you've ever felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like your introverted energy just isn't aligning with the demands of your work or personal life, this episode is full of strategies to help you reclaim your energy and thrive on your own terms.LINKS AND RESOURCES:◾️ Multitasking doesn't work so why do we keep trying by Freakonomics CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

Ever feel like your brain just works differently - like how you need more space, more quiet, or more time to think? In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m diving into some fascinating (and science-backed) reasons why that’s not just in your head - it’s actually how your brain is wired.We’ll explore three key ways introverts process, respond, and recharge that set us apart - not in a “fix yourself” kind of way, but in a “ohhhh, that’s why I do that!” kind of way. If you’ve ever second-guessed the way you work or wondered why other people seem to thrive on things that drain you, this one’s for you.Here’s what we cover:Why dopamine floods can feel overwhelming, and which neurotransmitter is the introvert’s secret weapon for calm focus.The surprising way introverts use more brain energy, and what it means for your fatigue levels and social battery.What really happens when you pause before speaking, and why your slower processing is actually a strength.How your brain’s default mode influences decision-making, reflection, and creativity by taking the long roadWhether you’re an introvert wanting to better understand your own patterns or someone who leads or lives with one, this episode will help you reframe how you think about energy, focus, and expression.MENTIONED STUDIES:◾️ Laney, M. O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage – explains dopamine sensitivity and acetylcholine rewards◾️Johnson, D. L., & Wiebe, J. S. et al. (1999). Cerebral Blood Flow and Personality: A PET Study. Am J Psychiatry, 156(2), 252–257. (PMID 9989562)CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

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/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.

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-awarenessThe hidden cost of being “always on” (especially for introverts)A framework to replace low-return habits with high-impact energy boostersA 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 RacingCONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, 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.