The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

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 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? 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 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? 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

Dan Chuparkoff, an AI educator and former tech leader at Google and McKinsey, shares his insightful views on the intersection of AI, ethics, and productivity. He reveals how AI note takers can revolutionize meetings and idea tracking while emphasizing the ethical implications of AI use. Dan discusses AI as a tool for self-awareness, effective writing, and research, advocating for thoughtful engagement with technology. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on harnessing AI's potential in a way that supports authenticity and energy management, especially for introverts.

Have you ever felt trapped in a life that looks great on paper but leaves you feeling unfulfilled? Making a major change can feel terrifying - but what if fear isn’t a stop sign, but a signal that you're on the right path?My guest on this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® is Meg Trucano Ph.D. - a developmental psychologist and confidence coach who helps ambitious women navigate major life and career changes. After spending 15+ years leading high-profile research for U.S. government agencies, she experienced burnout and realized external success didn’t equal fulfillment. Now, she empowers women to reclaim their time, energy, and self-trust while building careers and lives that align with their true desires.Meg shares her personal journey from high-achieving corporate leader to entrepreneur, breaking down the misconceptions around life transitions and what it really takes to make a big change. We also dive into the psychology of flow states, outdated work narratives, and how simplifying your approach to success can lead to more energy and fulfillment. Meg is also a private client of mine, so we also dive into the changes she’s seen as an introvert working with an introvert-specific coach!Big career changes can feel terrifying - but courage is acting despite fear Flow happens when skill meets challenge, and more flow may lead to more successThe outdated work beliefs that are keeping us stuckSuccess isn’t one-size-fits-all - if fact, Meg found more impact (and energy) by focusing on only what actually worked for her.Forget perfect plans - just take the next step. Spoiler alert - clarity comes from action, not overthinking. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re ready to make a change, this episode is for you.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Meg Trucano Website◾️Meg Trucano LinkedIn◾️Meg Trucano Instagram◾️Changeology◾️Clifton Strengths◾️Diary of a CEO◾️Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi◾️Stephen BartlettCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

Have you ever thought bravery was something some people were just born with? That it only shows up during a crisis - or that it's not really relevant to your everyday life or work? My guest on this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® is here to challenge all of that!Jim Moorhead is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Drawing from his background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and law firm partner, he’s developed a powerful framework for building and modeling bravery - both personally and organizationally. His book, The Instant Survivor: Right Ways to Respond When Things Go Wrong, is a go-to guide for responding to adversity with grounded, intentional action.In this episode, Jim breaks down the biggest myths around bravery, how leaders and teams can cultivate it (yes, it’s learnable!), and why consistent small brave actions matter far more than one-off heroics. Whether you’re leading a business, working in a team, or simply trying to show up more fully for yourself, you’ll take something away from this conversation.Tune in to hear:Bravery isn’t innate - it’s a skill you can build over timeMisconceptions about bravery that are holding people and companies backHow companies that talk about, model, and reward bravery create space for innovationWhy naming and celebrating bravery helps reinforce it across teams and culturesWays to be brave every single day - no crisis required!If you've ever told yourself you're "just not brave", this episode is your invitation to rethink that entirely.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Jim Moorhead Website◾️ Jim Moorhead LinkedInCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

Maegan Megginson, a Business Mentor and Licensed Therapist, discusses the evolving nature of burnout, emphasizing that it's not just about exhaustion but overwork. She highlights the financial impact of burnout on businesses and the connection between trauma responses and susceptibility to burnout, particularly for introverts and highly sensitive people. Maegan also explores how capitalism fuels overworking and stresses the importance of aligning work with natural rhythms, urging listeners to redefine success and prioritize rest.

What if having the right team was the secret to launching big ideas - without burning out? In this episode, I chat with Jen Kem, a Forbes-recognized brand strategist who’s worked with powerhouse brands like Oprah Winfrey Network, Oracle, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She’s also an introverted, 8-figure entrepreneur of 2 decades who knows a thing or two about leading with energy and intention.Jen shares insights from her new book, Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success, breaking down how to build a collaborative, high-performing team that brings your vision to life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just someone who wants to stop doing all the hard things alone, this episode is for you.We’ll also be discussing my own Unicorn Leadership Type Assessment (ULTA®) results so you can see how my own strengths fit into my career and business so far! Tune in to hear:The Unicorn Innovation Model - how top leaders build teams that actually get things doneThe Three Leadership Energies: Visionizer, Strategizer, Mobilizer - and why knowing your score is a game-changerWhy introverts can be incredible leaders - and how to harness your natural strengthsHow to navigate AI and automation shifts - without losing the human touch in businessJen’s #1 tip for owning her energy while running an 8-figure business and raising a familyLINKS AND RESOURCES:Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success by Jen KemJen Kem’s WebsiteConnect with Jen on LinkedInCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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 expectationsHow implementing intentional work strategies (like fewer meetings and blocked time) improves company performanceThe Seven Pillars of Cultural Success - Chris’s proven framework for transforming company cultureHow to shift from CEO-led decision-making to empowering employees for sustainable successWhy employee autonomy is essential for growthResources 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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7/https://x.com/ChrisPDyerhttps://chrisdyer.com/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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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 BookMultipliers BookConnect 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/emmalouparkesSign 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? Learn more and apply here.