The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

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: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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 you have big goals and dreams and feel like they’re a long way out of reach, it’s hard NOT to get discouraged.The flip side of being ambitious is that we also feel frustrated when we feel like we’re failing (though as I remind my clients we never really are failing - we’re simply getting closer to the dream incrementally!)In this episode I’m sharing what I do when those thoughts creep in - and providing you with some actionable tips to flip ‘I’m failing!’ into ‘I’m a step closer every day!’Episode Resources:The Gap and The Gain BookCONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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.

My inner child is delighted with the topic of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast this week, where I’m joined by Amale Ghalbouni talking all things Serious Play® - and specifically, Lego!Amale is a former strategy and innovation consultant turned executive coach, and founder of The Brick Coach. She’s passionate about experiential play based coaching and facilitation, helping teams work better together by building trust, psychological safety, and alignment on a common vision. Who knew the humble Lego brick could be a powerful business and personal development tool!We chat about:What Serious Play® means and how it was bornAmale’s personal journey discovering how powerful the practice isThe benefits of Serious Play® for both teams and individualsWhy it’s so inclusive for everyone regardless of learning type, personality or neurodiversityHow it can be utilised outside of the workplaceCONNECT WITH AMALEWebsite: www.thebrick.coach http://amale.co/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amaleghalbouni/CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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.

With SO many options available to help you reach your potential, it can be overwhelming to know the type of support is best for YOU. Hiring professionals is a big time, energy and financial investment, so it’s important to make the right choice. As an introvert you want to make sure your energy is being spent for the most ROI.That’s why I’m diving into exactly what you can expect from four of the most common methods of 1:1 support - therapy, coaching, mentorship and consulting.Tune in to hear what each one entails, how they often get mixed up, how they can sometimes overlap, and indicators of which one is right for you right now.CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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.

Caring about others is a good thing - until it isn’t. But did you know that over-caring, and using too many of our personal resources worrying about others, can have a detrimental effect on our physical and mental health, and our own performance?On the podcast this week I’m talking to Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer Teresa Vozza about the fine line between empathy and compassion fatigue. As a fellow sensitive introvert Teresa is familiar with this herself, and she shares her own story (and how it led her to become a HeartMath trainer.We chat about:The line between caring and caring too much (and how to spot it)The integration of modern leadership principles with neuroscience and spiritualityThe common traits Teresa sees in her high achieving clientsThe HeartMath system, and how it helps users to become regulated and resilient Episode Resources:The HeartMath InstituteCONNECT WITH TERESA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-vozza-chrl-cca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresavozzacoaching/Website: https://www.teresavozza.ca/CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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.

Discovering and understanding your strengths is a pivotal step toward unlocking your full potential. In a world that often emphasises overcoming weaknesses, recognising and harnessing your innate talents helps you to truly ‘Own Your Energy’ as an introvert when it comes to creating your version of success. And in a competitive landscape, where leveraging your strengths is the key differentiator, it can have a massive impact on your career, business and life.My talented friend Marjan Mahoutchian wears many hats - including Independent Global Leadership Team Advisor, an ICF accredited coach and Business Transformation Specialist. But for this episode of The Ambitious Introvert Podcast she’s sharing her expertise as a certified Gallup® coach - which you may be familiar with as CliftonStrengths®Tune in to hear us talk about:How knowing and leaning into your strengths can have a positive impact on your wellbeing as well as your business or careerHow CliftonStrengths® compares to more spiritual ways of understanding ourselves, such as human design (and how it can complement them beautifully)Why cultivating the right conditions for ourselves to thrive is similar to baking a cake!Bonus - you’ll get a good laugh at me using the wrong terminology too!CONNECT WITH MARJANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjan-mahoutchian/Learn more about CliftonStrengths®: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: 👉🏼 Join Introvert 2.0 this September - the small group mastermind created just for ambitious introverts like you 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.