Helpful tips and personal stories. Exploring career challenges and successes when you’re feeling socially anxious, shy and not good enough. You are not alone.
Quietness can bring so much value to a workplace. Yet, many of us have grown up believing that being reserved, reflective, or softly spoken means we’ll be overlooked, underestimated, or left behind. These two workshops, led by Lara Hayward, ex-lawyer and Strategic Lead for Creative Careers & Sustainability at Oxford University, invite us to see…
In the bustling and often overwhelming environment of modern organisations, it can be challenging for introverted, sensitive, shy, and socially anxious individuals to find their footing. However, the concept of flourishing within organisations offers a beacon of hope. Drawing from the latest research and theories, we can uncover strategies and mindsets that enable everyone, regardless…
In the world of leadership, extraversion often appears to hold the winning cards. Charismatic speeches, high-energy meetings, and an outwardly assertive presence seem to dominate the narrative of what it means to be a successful leader. However, Kim Cameron’s book “Positively Energizing Leadership” sheds light on a different, equally powerful path—one that introverted individuals might…
In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, it’s easy to wonder if introverts can truly shine in leadership roles. The image of a successful leader is typically one of a charismatic, extroverted individual who commands attention with ease. But what if quiet strength and thoughtful reflection could be just as effective, if not…
When you think of a typical leader, you might imagine someone charismatic, outspoken, and constantly in the limelight. However, research and real-world examples are increasingly showing that introverts can excel in leadership roles, often bringing unique strengths and perspectives that make them highly effective leaders. In our community at Quiet Connections, we celebrate these quiet…
One of the more challenging aspects of life for those of us who are quieter and more introverted, is often our career. When we’re in job search mode, it can feel like our introversion seems to disqualify us for many jobs, or at least makes it hard to get past the interview stage. Job adverts talk…
Secret lockdown relief Five months ago at the office, after just a week and half at my new job in the heart of London, I was being told: “A lockdown has been imposed and you’ll need to work from home indefinitely”. What I actually heard was: “You are saved from the stifling anxiety of dealing…
When you think of a woman who founded a successful global company, what do you see? Now add presenting at conferences, delivering training workshops and working with high-profile organisations. You probably picture a person full of extroverted confidence, who must never struggle to speak, network, or feel doubtful, don’t you? It’s easy for us to…
Hi there! Have you ever felt held back in your career by social anxiety or imposter syndrome? Or perhaps you stop yourself from pursuing your dream career because you feel like you’re too introverted and not outgoing enough? Well, you’re not alone. We have been mentoring people who are exploring a new business idea and are…
At 7 years old, I felt so terrified when doing a ‘weather forecast’ at school, I nervously farted in front of my class. At 26, I froze during a 3-minute presentation whilst on a ‘Projecting Professional Confidence’ workshop; feeling unable to finish I ran back to my seat and held back tears as my body…
Job interviews can feel daunting, especially if you naturally prefer to listen rather than speak, or if being in the spotlight makes you uneasy. It’s normal to feel tension build before an interview, wondering how you’ll come across and whether you’ll find the right words in the moment. In this video, Amy Cuddy, a social…
You know how it is when you get talking to someone and that quiet excitement bubbles up inside because they feel so aligned with where you are and it’s almost like the universe has sent them your way? Well, I was lucky enough to have one of those awesome connections yesterday. It’s funny to think…