As this year draws to a close, this final episode of Quietly Visible is an invitation to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention rather than pressure.I share some personal reflections on the year that’s been — including goals I didn’t complete, lessons I’ve taken from that, and how revisiting purpose can reignite motivation. We explore why some goals stick while others fall away, and what makes change more sustainable, particularly for reflective, thoughtful people.Drawing on coaching psychology and lived experience, I talk about:✔️ The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation✔️ Why values-aligned goals are easier to sustain✔️ The importance of having a meaningful “why”✔️ Accountability, self-compassion, and realistic goal-setting✔️ How to respond when life disrupts even the best intentionsThis is not about pushing harder or doing more. It’s about choosing goals that matter, letting go of unnecessary self-criticism, and approaching the year ahead in a way that feels grounded and human.If you’re ending the year feeling reflective, unfinished, or quietly hopeful about what’s next, this episode is for you.Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in 2026.Take the Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵©️Julie Anne Smith
In this uplifting conversation, host Carol Stewart, founder of Abounding Solutions, is joined by Melanie Elsbeth, founder and host of MAMA! What’s Next?. Melanie shares her powerful journey from shy East German teenager to navigating adulthood in Australia, finding her voice in corporate spaces, and later redefining her purpose after becoming a mum.
Melanie opens up about growing up feeling unheard, pushing herself into challenging situations to grow her confidence, and learning the difference between shyness and introversion. She reflects on the moments that shaped her, including the bold move to Australia in her early 20s, thriving in new cultures, and recognising the importance of belonging and psychologically safe workplaces.
Carol and Melanie explore the deep shifts that motherhood can bring — shifts in identity, values and priorities — and how this led Melanie to create MAMA! What’s Next?, a platform dedicated to helping mothers rediscover themselves and move into work and lives that feel meaningful and aligned. Together, they discuss confidence, cultural expectations, spirituality, and the importance of listening to your inner voice when shaping your next chapter.
Key takeaways
The difference between shyness and introversion — and why understanding this matters.
How stepping outside your comfort zone can be a catalyst for confidence and self-belief.
Why belonging and psychological safety influence how introverts show up and thrive.
The identity shifts many mothers experience, and how to navigate “what’s next?” with clarity.
The power of intention, purpose, and spiritual connection in guiding career and life changes.
Why being open and curious can reveal opportunities you didn’t know existed.
This episode is perfect for introverted women who are navigating transitions, considering career shifts, or seeking greater alignment and fulfilment — especially mothers exploring their next chapter.
🔗 Connect with MelanieInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mamawhatsnext/Website https://mamawhatsnext.com/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this uplifting and honest conversation, Carol speaks with writer, educator, and anti-racism activist Sharon Hurley Hall about what it truly means to model showing up as an introvert. Sharon shares her journey from journalism to activism, how she learned to embrace her introversion with confidence, and why being “intentionally visible” matters for quiet leaders.
They explore how introverts can raise their visibility through writing, share strategies for setting boundaries and avoiding burnout, and discuss the importance of creating introvert-friendly spaces. Sharon also talks about her Self-Expression Immersion and her upcoming masterclass Seven Secrets of Introvert Success: A Masterclass for Quiet Revolutionaries, designed to help introverts show up authentically and thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- How Sharon learned to turn introversion into a strength, not a deficit
- The power of visibility for introverted women and leaders
- Practical ways to raise your profile through writing
- Why self-knowledge and boundaries are vital for introvert success
- Creating spaces that honour quiet energy and authenticity
This inspiring episode is perfect for introverted women who want to lead with confidence, creativity, and calm.
Connect with Sharon Hurley Hall:
https://sharonhh.com
Anti racism Newsletter
LinkedIn
Join Sharon’s masterclass: Seven Secrets of Introvert Success: A Masterclass for Quiet Revolutionaries
Join here https://luma.com/q2o6jc38
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this thought-provoking episode, Carol speaks with Kate Lowry, CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. Together, they unpack a timely and often unspoken topic — fear-based leadership — and explore how to navigate, survive, and even thrive under leaders who lead through control and intimidation.
Kate shares insights from her extensive experience in Silicon Valley, including her research into trauma psychology and the behavioural patterns that drive fear-based leaders. She offers compassionate yet practical advice on how to protect your wellbeing, maintain your authenticity, and create psychological safety for yourself and your teams — even when working within toxic systems.
💡 Key takeaways:
How to recognise the signs of fear-based leadership and its emotional impact.
Why fear-based leaders are often driven by insecurity and learned behaviour.
Practical strategies to stay grounded, set boundaries, and preserve your sense of agency.
How introverted women, in particular, can harness quiet strength and resilience in challenging workplaces.
Why understanding these dynamics helps you lead with empathy, courage, and integrity.
This episode is a must-listen for introverted women leaders, anyone working under a difficult boss, or those committed to fostering healthier, more authentic leadership cultures.
🔗 Connect with Kate Lowry:
https://www.katelowry.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579366067469
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by award-winning leadership coach, hypnotherapist, and keynote speaker Amy Green Smith. Together, they explore the powerful theme of fear—how it shows up in our lives, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how we can navigate it with courage.
Amy shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a career rooted in purpose, as well as her experience of being an “outgoing introvert” and how that has shaped her work. She introduces the idea of becoming fear-optimised—recognising fear as a natural part of life and learning how to use it to our advantage rather than letting it paralyse us.
You’ll hear about the four basic fear responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how these show up in modern life as anxiety, procrastination, people-pleasing, and more. Amy offers practical ways to reframe these patterns, build self-worth, and establish boundaries that support both personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways:
Fear is not the enemy—courage exists because of fear.
Understanding the modern versions of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn helps us identify what’s really holding us back.
Outgoing introverts often get mistaken for extraverts, but learning how you truly recharge is key to thriving.
Boundaries and self-worth go hand in hand in avoiding burnout and leading authentically.
Community and connection remind us that we are not alone in our experiences.
This inspiring conversation is for introverted women leaders—and anyone—who wants to stop letting fear dictate their choices and instead step forward with quiet courage and confidence.
🔗 Connect with Amy Green Smith: amygreensmith.com
https://amygreensmith.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode of Quietly Visible, Carol Stewart welcomes Yvonne Okiyo, EDI specialist and holistic menopause coach, for a rich and inspiring conversation on leadership, well-being, and gender equity.
Yvonne shares her journey into equity, diversity and inclusion work, her passion for supporting marginalised groups, and how her lived experiences shaped her commitment to helping women thrive.
She opens up about embracing her strengths as an introverted leader, showing how qualities such as deep thinking and empathy are invaluable in driving change.The discussion also explores menopause in depth – at work and beyond.
Yvonne highlights why supportive policies and awareness are vital, while also sharing practical steps women can take to advocate for themselves. She offers valuable insights into holistic nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management as key tools for navigating this stage of life.
Key takeaways:
This episode is perfect for introverted women leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting women’s well-being and leadership impact.
Connect with Yvonne Okiyo
Instagram & TikTok: @realhealthwithyvonne
LinkedIn: Yvonne Okiyo https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-okiyo-a83b0021/Take
Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this solo episode of Quietly Visible, Carol reflects on her personal journey from self-doubt to self-confidence, sharing how she learned to embrace her introversion and turn it into a strength.
She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome throughout her career—whether navigating organisational change, stepping into leadership roles, or writing her book—and how aligning her 'why' with her values helped her succeed.
Drawing on her own experiences as well as her MSc research into belonging and psychological safety, Carol explores:
✔️Why introversion is not a lack of confidence but a different way of leading and connecting
✔️How to recognise and address specific areas of self-doubt rather than writing yourself off as 'not confident'
✔️Practical strategies to manage imposter syndrome and reframe self-perceptions
✔️The role of environment, values, and personal motivations in building lasting confidence
This episode is both personal and practical, offering encouragement and tools for anyone who has ever felt held back by self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the belief that they need to be someone else to succeed.
Complete the free Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
📷Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #empowerment #impostersyndrome #introvertedwomenleaders #confidence
In this episode of Quietly Visible, Carol Stewart is joined by Melissa DinWiddie—Juilliard-trained dancer, jazz singer, improviser, author of The Creative Sandbox Way, and creativity consultant for global brands like Google, Meta, and Salesforce.
Melissa shares her powerful journey from believing she “wasn’t creative” to embracing her artistry and building a career helping leaders and teams unlock their boldest ideas. She opens up about the perfectionism that held her back for years, how self-compassion became her game-changer, and why she now proudly calls herself an “intentional imperfectionist.”
💡 In this conversation:
Melissa’s story is a testament to the fact that creativity lives in everyone—and that letting go of perfection can open doors to joy, innovation, and authentic leadership.
Connect with Melissa DinWiddie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie/
Website: melissadinwiddie.com
https://melissadinwiddie.com/
Instagram: @a_creative_life
https://instagram.com/a_creative_life
You Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFDQEc5Rj6SU3FTprqohLQ
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by consultant psychotherapist, writer, and founder of Stilled Therapy & Consultancy, Monique Thomas. Together, they explore what it means to lead with grace and why this is such a powerful approach for introverted women in leadership.
Monique shares her personal journey from teaching and performing to psychotherapy, weaving in lessons about authenticity, stillness, and the importance of connection. She unpacks how leaders can move beyond performance and pressure, create psychologically safe environments, and thrive without pretending to be someone they’re not.
Key takeaways from this conversation:
This is an inspiring listen for introverted women leaders who want to thrive by leading with authenticity, compassion, and courage—without losing themselves to performance pressures.
Connect with Monique:hello@stlldtherapy.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-thomas-ma-5541b429/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
One of the areas many of my clients struggle with is networking. For introverts, traditional networking can feel overwhelming and draining, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Networking is less about “working the room” and more about building meaningful connections that align with your values and energy levels.In this episode, I share:✨Why introverts often find networking exhausting — and how to reframe it.✨Real-life client stories of overcoming self-limiting beliefs about networking.✨Practical strategies such as using open-ended questions, active listening, and connecting beforehand.✨How to plan and approach events so you feel more at ease and get the most from them.Whether you see networking as a chore or simply want to do it in a way that feels authentic and sustainable, this episode will give you tools and inspiration to approach it differently.👉🏾 Take my free Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/ to identify areas to strengthen your leadership.🎵 Julie Ann Smith ©️
Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Lynise Green, integrated wellness and leadership consultant, wellness strategist, and award-winning expert. Together, they explore how introverted women in leadership can reclaim their energy, authority, and authenticity without giving in to performative expectations.
Dr. Green shares her fascinating journey from engineer to naturopath to consultant, and how her own experiences with burnout shaped the work she does today.
She unpacks the myths around productivity, visibility, and hustle culture, showing why sustainable success isn’t about always being “on” but about managing and optimising your energy.
Highlights from the conversation:
This episode is a must-listen for introverted women who want to lead with impact, protect their energy, and build a leadership style rooted in clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
Connect with Dr. Lynise Green:
https://www.wellwithl.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lynisegreennd
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this candid and insightful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Kai-Nneka Townsend, leadership resilience and burnout consultant. Kai-Nneka shares her personal journey through burnout—how it crept up, the warning signs she missed, and the steps she now teaches leaders to prevent it.
They discuss the reality of exhaustion, cynicism, and self-doubt that can undermine even the most successful leaders, and how unmanageable workloads combined with the pressure to “push through” can take a serious toll on health and confidence. Kai-Nneka offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, asking for help, and managing both professional demands and personal responsibilities.
The conversation also tackles “mum guilt”—why it happens, how it impacts working mothers, and how to balance career ambitions with quality time at home without being consumed by guilt.
💡 Key takeaways:
Recognising the early signs of burnout before it’s too late
Why boundaries are essential for protecting your time, energy, and wellbeing
The importance of defining what success looks like for you at this stage of life
How to have honest conversations at work and at home to get the support you need
Practical tips for managing “mum guilt” and being fully present in both work and family life
This episode is a must-listen for leaders, especially introverted women, who want to protect their energy, thrive in their careers, and still enjoy life beyond work.
🔗 Connect with Kai-Nneka Townsend:
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode, Carol explored the impact of stress on women's health, distinguishing between acute and chronic stress and sharing personal stories to illustrate how stress can manifest physically and emotionally.
She emphasised the importance of recognising early signs of stress and developing resilience as a way to manage stress and improve overall well-being, while also discussing strategies for emotional regulation and building a support network.
Carol concluded by highlighting the benefits of gratitude and self-reflection, encouraging listeners to practice self-care and make time for personal development through various stress management techniques.
Take Carol's Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 ©️Julie Ann Smith
Carol Stewart is joined by Koreen Fader, CEO of QVC UK, to discuss the power of self-awareness and introverted leadership. From her beginnings as an intern to becoming CEO, Koreen shares her personal and professional journey—owning her introversion every step of the way.
Together, they explore how introverted women leaders can succeed without conforming to the traditional, extraversion-favouring leadership style. Koreen shares practical ways she manages her energy in high-demand environments, how she prepares for public speaking and networking events, and why being authentic, rather than performing extraversion, leads to deeper connection and trust.
Highlights include:
Koreen’s rise from intern to CEO and what helped her succeed
Why preparation is a superpower for introverted professionals
Managing energy and avoiding burnout in demanding roles
How to navigate networking when it feels unnatural
The role of empathy, vulnerability and authenticity in leadership
What happens when you lead your team your way, not the traditional way
This episode is a must-listen for introverted leaders and aspiring executives who want to embrace their natural style, make a difference, and thrive, without compromising who they are.
🔗 Connect with Koreen Fader & QVC UK:
📱 Follow Koreen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreen-fader-10a83222/
🏢 QVC UK on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/qvcgroup/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this supportive and enlightening episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart speaks with Joy Langley, a psychotherapist, mindset coach, and author of Navigating Stress.
Together, they explore how introverted women in leadership can manage internal pressures, deal with imposter feelings, and silence the inner critic that too often whispers, “You’re not enough.”
Joy brings her calm wisdom to a conversation about personality, perfectionism, and power. Drawing on her work with high-achieving women, she explains the difference between introversion and extraversion, how personality traits shape our inner dialogue, and why self-compassion is a critical leadership skill.
Highlights from the episode:
Understanding the link between personality traits and stress
Why introverted leaders often feel “not good enough” in extravert-favouring spaces
How to deal with the voice of the inner critic—and turn it into a coach
The myth of “perfectly calm and confident” leadership
How affirmations, journaling, and even embracing “messiness” can build resilience
Tools for rebalancing your nervous system and owning your voice
Whether you're navigating corporate spaces or building your own business, Joy’s compassionate insights will help you give yourself permission to lead, live, and speak with greater ease.
Connect with Joy Langley:
https://joylangley.com/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode, Carol explored the concept of comfort zones and their negative impact on personal and professional growth, sharing examples of how staying within one's comfort zone can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for advancement.
She provided practical advice and strategies for overcoming fears that keep people trapped in unsatisfying jobs, including the importance of self-reflection, seeking support, and gradually stepping out of one's comfort zone through manageable challenges.
Carol emphasised the value of regular self-challenge and personal growth, sharing her own experiences of stepping outside her comfort zone, and encouraged listeners to consider similar opportunities to increase their confidence and impact.
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
Carol Stewart is joined by PR and personal branding expert Ronke Lawal, founder of Ariatu PR. Together, they delve into how introverted women leaders can cultivate a powerful and authentic personal brand, without pretending to be someone they’re not.
Ronke shares wisdom from two decades of helping professionals and entrepreneurs amplify their voices. From wardrobe choices to digital presence, she unpacks practical strategies for owning your identity, communicating with confidence, and making your leadership visible in a way that aligns with your personality, not drains it.
💡 Key takeaways include:
Why personal branding isn’t about being famous, it’s about building trust
How introverted leaders can show up without faking extraversion
What authenticity really means in today’s attention-driven world
Using fashion and styling as a form of self-expression and confidence
How to develop a legacy-driven brand rooted in purpose and clarity
Actionable tips to elevate your presence both online and in the workplace
Whether you’re hesitant about visibility or unsure how to self-promote authentically, this episode offers guidance to help you be remembered, for all the right reasons.
Connect with Ronke Lawal:
Website: ronkelawal.com https://ronkelawal.com/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Tosin Bowen-Wright, a consultant clinical psychologist, leadership coach, and advocate for women’s wellbeing.
Together, they unpack the myths surrounding resilience and explore how introverted women can lead confidently—without burning out.Tosin shares her own story of navigating senior leadership, pushing through exhaustion, and ultimately redefining what it means to be resilient.
Her experience sheds light on the emotional toll of high-pressure roles, especially for Black women and introverted leaders, and how honouring your boundaries, energy, and emotional needs is key to sustainable success.
Topics include:
The harmful effects of the “push through” narrative in leadership
Recognising the signs of burnout before they take hold
Practical strategies for tuning into yourself and protecting your energy
Setting clear boundaries and embracing self-care as leadership tools
Why resilience is about awareness, not endurance
The difference between introversion and confidence—and how knowing the difference changed her life
This episode is essential listening for any woman navigating leadership in environments that demand visibility, while craving calm and authenticity.
Connect with Dr. Tosin Bowen-Wright:
Website: www.doctortbw.co.uk
LinkedIn: Tosin Bowen-Wrighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tosin-bowen-wright/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders
In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, I delve into a common challenge faced by introverted women leaders—setting and enforcing boundaries.
Whether it's saying yes when you want to say no, avoiding difficult conversations, or overcommitting out of guilt or people-pleasing tendencies, the cost of poor boundaries can be high—emotionally, mentally, and professionally.
I explore:
✔️ Why boundaries are essential for wellbeing, confidence, and effective leadership
✔️ The emotional and societal pressures that stop women from setting them
✔️ What happens when boundaries are absent
✔️ How to communicate and reinforce your boundaries clearly and assertively—without the guilt
You’ll hear practical examples, coaching insights, and simple yet powerful strategies to help you protect your time, energy, and peace of mind.“Your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s. Saying ‘no’ is not selfish—it’s self-preservation.”
📥 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
🔗 Plus, download my free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment at aboundingsolutions.com to explore how you're showing up in your leadership.
🎵 - ©️ Julie Ann Smith
#QuietLeadership #IntrovertedWomen #SettingBoundaries #CarolStewart #QuietlyVisiblePodcast
Carol Stewart speaks with Dr. Sharon Melnick, business psychologist, executive coach, and author of In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others.
Together, they explore how introverted women—especially those in senior executive roles—can reclaim and embody their personal power in workplaces that often favour extraversion and dominance.
Dr. Melnick unpacks what it truly means to be "in your power," sharing practical strategies to move from being a reactive thermometer to a proactive thermostat—the leader who sets the emotional climate in any room.
Highlights from the episode include:
The 3 foundations of personal power: agency, sovereignty, and efficacy
Why introversion is a strength—not a shortcoming—in leadership
How to stay calm and centred under pressure using techniques like cooling breath
How burnout is more about lack of power than workload
What to do when you're the only introverted woman in a male-dominated, extravert-driven environment
How to influence without being the loudest in the room
Whether you're navigating boardrooms, burnout, or bias, this episode is packed with actionable insight to help you reclaim your energy, communicate with intention, and lead powerfully—on your own terms.
Connect with Dr. Sharon Melnick:
Sharonmelnick.com https://sharonmelnick.com/
Try the Power Profile Quiz and download the Burnout-Proof Checklist
Book: In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others
LinkedIn – Sharon Melnick PhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmelnick
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders