The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

From launching my business in 2019 as a total social media avoider, to now running a globally downloaded podcast and coaching high-performing introverts, my approach to visibility has evolved a lot. And being visible as a business owner in 2025 is very different to how it was even just a few years ago.This episode isn’t about algorithms or trends. It’s about being intentional with how and where you show up, based on YOUR business and clients.I dive into:Why visibility means different things at different stages of businessHow your energy, not the algorithm, should determine where you show upThe difference between reach-based visibility vs. relationship-based visibilityWhy “going viral” doesn’t always lead to clients (and what does)What I’ve learned about deep content - and how it builds long-term trustThe #1 question I ask clients who feel drained by content creationIf you’ve ever wondered whether your version of visibility is enough, or if you’re trying to find a more sustainable way to be seen, I hope these unfiltered thoughts spark something for you!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 does it really take to stay solid and grounded when the stakes feel high?In this solo episode, I’m sharing how I think about performing under pressure - drawing from almost 2 decades in one of the world’s most stressful jobs and 6 years coaching ambitious entrepreneurs.I explore:How calm confidence is actually a competitive edge in leadershipWhy, believe it or not, introverts often thrive in high-pressure environmentsThe difference between pressure and stress (and how I avoid tipping over)Why owning “enough” is more powerful than doing “everything”Why pressure becomes easier with practiceWhy your ability to deal with pressure isn’t fixed - and how rituals, routines and ‘tools in the box’ are what really separates those who perform well from those who don’t🎧 Tune in now and rethink what it means to perform at your best when it matters most in your business.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.

As an introverted business owner and success coach for ambitious introverts, I’m never not thinking about energy - it’s the foundation of everything I do to help my clients get results.In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I share how I think about energy as the most valuable and strategic asset in my business. You’ll hear how this lens influences everything from how I coach, to how I structure offers, to how I spend my time - and why I truly believe protecting your energy is your fastest path to sustainable success.I share:Why energy (not time) is the real currency of high performanceThe truth about introversion - and why the “label” can be deeply empoweringReal-life examples of different offers and models that all work for different peopleGood tired vs. bad tired - and how to tell the differenceWhy most productivity advice is designed for extroverts (and how to spot it)The Olympic analogy that will reframe how you use your energy for the long haulWhether you’re running a high-touch service business, scaling a low-ticket offer, or building a software empire, this episode will shift how you think about energy as the foundation that supports your business.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.

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.