The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

Us ambitious people LOVE the thrill of working towards something big. Having purpose in our actions. And of course looking forward to that much-desired result at the end.But what happens when all that hard work pays off and instead of fireworks it feels more, well… underwhelming?(As a coach, I can tell you I see this happen ALL THE TIME!)On this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing the reasons you may feel meh about your success, or struggle to feel proud of what you’ve achieved. I’ll also be giving you a powerful framework to use so you can not only identify why it’s happening, but take action to prevent it ruining your future celebrations too!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.

Some might think ‘introverted leader’ is a bit of an oxymoron… However those of us who deeply understand introverts aren’t surprised at all that they excel in this type of role!After doubting his abilities for many years, an unexpected public speaking event set Terrance Lee on a path he could never have imagined. Today he’s an authority on introverted leadership, the author of two books on the subject with management and leadership experience in multiple Fortune 500 companies.I was lucky enough to meet Terrance in person earlier this year, and it was a pleasure to connect with him again for this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast.Tune in to learn:What led Terrance to understand that introverts make great leadersHis own journey of discovery around his introversion, and how that changed in different season of lifeHow a growth mindset and being willing to go outside of his comfort zone has allowed him to create a business on his termsHow owning his strengths not only created a successful business but also helped him reclaim the fun of childhood tooWhat Terrance really feels about small talk…And the number one energy saving practice that’s enabled him to balance a high pressure career, a young family and write two books (and begin a third!) without burning himself outIf you’re ready to be inspired to achieve more without sacrificing your personality and needs, this episode is for you!Episode References: Quiet by Susan CainThe Highly Sensitive Person by Dr Elaine AronCONNECT WITH TERRANCE Website - www.terrancelee.comInstagram - @TheIntrovertLeaderPodcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-introvert-experience/id1669340474CONNECT 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.

Ever felt like doing something ‘crazy’? Something that ‘doesn’t make sense’ or is ‘bad on paper’?Often when we feel like that the energy that’s driving the decision can be just too hard to ignore, and impossible to logic our way out of.And as introverts, learning to trust ourselves when making big changes is vital.This week on The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing some different ways our energy guides us in life, and also how we can avoid getting ‘led astray’ by shoulds and other people’s opinions.And I’m also sharing a big decision I’ve made recently about this podcast - tune in to learn what, and hear me share the process of listening to my energy and my thoughts, then deciding which one to follow!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.

Having high standards is one thing, but if you’re aiming to make everything in your life and work ‘perfect' you're fighting an impossible battle. This week on The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I interviewed Leadership Coach, Women's Health Advocate and mom of four Chana Ross. She’s sharing her lifelong journey of perfectionism and the practices she’s implemented to overcome it.We chat about:How Chana developed perfectionism tendencies as a child, and the ways we’re conditioned by society to act this wayWhy, ironically, trying to do everything perfect prevents us being in a growth mindsetHow intentional scheduling can help prevent over-focussing on specific tasks, and ensure you make time for self care habits tooThe number one habit Chana prioritises for her mental health and wellbeing, that positively impacts everything she doesEpisode ResourcesQuiet by Susan CainThe Six Phase Meditation Method by Vishen LakhianiListen to my interview on Chana’s podcast She Has The AudacityCONNECT WITH CHANAwww.chanaross.comhttps://vitalphysiotherapy.com/https://chanaross.com/podcast 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.

If you’re not thinking of yourself as a brand, you may be doing yourself a huge disservice - whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee.Personal branding goes WAY deeper than colours, fonts and fancy photographs - and this week’s guest Marielle Legair is an absolute expert in the field. Marielle is a Speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice 2023 and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. Her background as a publicity and executive visibility professional combined with her experience as an entrepreneur, positions her with a unique skill set to help individuals and companies thrive. Global brands including bp, Diageo, EY, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Macquarie, Red Bull and Yale University hire her to deliver transformative talks and training workshops.She’s joining me on The Ambitious introvert® to discuss the why and how of personal branding for success.Tune in to hear:The unexpected impact Marielle’s previous appearance on the podcast had (hint: it had nothing to do with the topic we discussed!)Why your personal brand is essential for career progression, and how to start cultivating oneWhy global companies WANT their high potential hires to have identifiable brands (and how it’s mutually beneficial when you do so)Marielle’s tried and tested method for personal brand creationHow understanding her own energy type changed Marielle’s business for the betterThis episode has so many tips and actions you can take away and implement today, so be sure to listen all the way through!Episode Resources:Marielle’s previous appearance on the showCONNECT WITH MARIELLE:Website: http://www.mariellelegair.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlegair/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.

Habits are the foundation of success - unless the ones that are deeply ingrained are actually exhausting you. People pleasing became such an automatic response for this week’s podcast guest, Dr Clare Emma Wild, that it became hard for her brain to even recognize she was doing it!Clare is ​​an academically certified and internationally accredited coach who’s passionate about helping Quiet Leaders to overcome imposter syndrome and people-pleasing. She also happens to be a long term client of mine, so in this episode she’s not only sharing her expertise, but also her own growth journey of becoming a coach and growing her business as an Ambitious Introvert.We chat about:Clare’s first experience with The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, and what it’s like to 180º from being a listener to a guestHer decades-long experience with people pleasing, which led to multiple burnouts, but ultimately set her on the path to what she’s doing todayWhy so many sensitive, empathic leaders try to avoid negative emotions, and how Clare’s somatic method of coaching supports clients in ‘feeling’ them insteadWhy habit change required repetition, and Clare’s own experience of this in her own development journeyWhy the ‘no is a complete sentence’ advice may do some people pleasers more harm than goodClare’s incredibly simple tip for Owning her Energy (and it came from me!)CONNECT WITH CLARE:LinkedInWebsiteFree Resource: How to Say No Confidently (even when it feels scary) 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.

How often do you TRULY take time alone? While the idea is blissful to most of us introverts it can also be tough to turn inwards and be honest about what you want from life - as today’s podcast guest Melissa Unsell-Smith discovered.Melissa is a serial entrepreneur, 2 x tech founder and most recently the brain behind Catalytic Icon, a community that helps women create ‘authentic connections and dreamy lifestyles’. It was one of Melissa’s ‘solitude retreats’ that enabled her to reconnect with her lifelong strengths and create the community. Tune in to hear more about that, and also:How a part time student job led Melissa to a life of entrepreneurshipWhy an experience with burnout in 2018 changed everything for herThe importance of time alone, and protecting our energy so we can do our best workWhy morning routines down have to be a chore (and how to make them spacious and luxurious instead)Why rarity is a good thing, and how to use it to your advantage when it comes to your personality typeCONNECT WITH MELISSAhttps://www.catalyticicon.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaunsell-smith/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.

If you’ve ever felt that traditional productivity rhetoric actually made you less efficient (and way more drained) you’re not alone!When Quiet and Strong founder David Hall dived into the topic he found that it definitely wasn’t catering to introverts. He’s since written a book on the subject and launched a podcast to support introverts in working in a way that works FOR them, not against.Tune in to hear us discuss:How David discovered his introversion over timeWhat he believes are the often-overlooked strengths of introvertsWhy common time management and productivity advice is severely lacking in supporting us (and what we actually need instead)Our personal takes on the societal factors that affect both genders in embracing their introversion (and hear just how different our viewpoints are) This episode backs up everything I preach about introversion being energetic needs, and not traits - I know all you’ll appreciate David’s insights.CONNECT WITH DAVIDWebsite: quietandstrong.comPodcast: quietandstrong.com/podcastBook: https://quietandstrong.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiet_and_strong/X: https://twitter.com/quietandstrongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hall-9466a1143/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.

It’s been far too long since I’ve shared what’s been going on for me personally, and behind the scenes at The Ambitious Introvert® - and the download stats tell me you LOVE these types of episodes! So here’s all the news…Listen in to hear about:What’s happened since I closed all my business programs down last yearMy anti-industry stance on private coachingWhy my November was very un-introvert friendly (and why I was totally ok with that)The health challenges that I’ve had since DecemberWhy February has been incredibly busy (and the exciting things I have planned in March to make up for it)What my numerology has taught me for 2024What’s cooking behind the scenes here in terms of marketing and services Grab a drink, get comfortable, and join me for this episode like you’d catch up with an old friend!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.

Are you clear on your priorities? And, if so, are you protecting your time and energy to really focus on them?Whether you’re a busy exec or an empire-building entrepreneur, it can be all too easy to lose sight of what’s important during the day-to-day busyness of life. This week on the podcast I’m joined by Jordan Gill, founder of Systems Saved Me®, who has become an expert in creating a life and business to suit her limited energy. As a chronic illness sufferer, a projector and a someone who dips into the introverted end of the spectrum, Jordan knows all too well how critical it is to Own Your Energy® for sustainable success - and celebrating 8 years in business this year shows she really walks her talk.Tune in to hear us chat about:What is means to be ‘energy limited’Knowing what’s important to you, and prioritising that firstOvercoming judgement from others when making decisions that work for your energySeasons of businesses and careers - why you may need to pull back after a period of pushHow decisions get easier with the wisdom of experienceHow Jordan uses a surprising marketing strategy that many introverts avoid (with great results)Saying no to ‘good’ opportunities for the sake of your energy (and why keeping control of your calendar is key for introverts) This was such a special conversation, where we managed to cover a broad range of topics but go deep on them too - I know you’re going to enjoy it!EPISODE RESOURCESThe 5 Love Languages by Gary ChapmanFairplay Book and CardsCONNECT WITH JORDANWebsiteInstagramPodcastCONNECT 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.