Have you ever thought bravery was something some people were just born with? That it only shows up during a crisis - or that it's not really relevant to your everyday life or work? My guest on this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® is here to challenge all of that!

Jim Moorhead is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Drawing from his background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and law firm partner, he’s developed a powerful framework for building and modeling bravery - both personally and organizationally. His book, The Instant Survivor: Right Ways to Respond When Things Go Wrong, is a go-to guide for responding to adversity with grounded, intentional action.

In this episode, Jim breaks down the biggest myths around bravery, how leaders and teams can cultivate it (yes, it’s learnable!), and why consistent small brave actions matter far more than one-off heroics. Whether you’re leading a business, working in a team, or simply trying to show up more fully for yourself, you’ll take something away from this conversation.

Tune in to hear:

1. Bravery isn’t innate - it’s a skill you can build over time
2. Misconceptions about bravery that are holding people and companies back
3. How companies that talk about, model, and reward bravery create space for innovation
4. Why naming and celebrating bravery helps reinforce it across teams and cultures
5. Ways to be brave every single day - no crisis required!

If you've ever told yourself you're "just not brave", this episode is your invitation to rethink that entirely.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🌐 Jim Moorhead Website
◾️ Jim Moorhead LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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Burnout is shifting - it’s not just exhaustion anymore, but overworking to the point of depletion. In this episode, I talk to Maegan Megginson, a Business Mentor, Licensed Therapist, and host of Deeply Rested, to unpack what burnout really looks like today and why high achievers (especially introverts and highly sensitive people) may be more susceptible to it.

We explore the trauma response connection to burnout, why capitalism and patriarchal narratives fuel overwork, and how aligning your work with natural rhythms can help you break free. Plus, Maegan shares her personal burnout and recovery journey, offering insights, strategies, and a sensitive introvert’s perspective on success, rest, and resilience.

Tune in to hear:

• How burnout symptoms are changing - why overwork, not just exhaustion, is the new red flag
• The financial cost of burnout - how it’s costing companies millions per year
• The trauma response link to burnout - why some people (especially HSPs & introverts) are more vulnerable
• How to untangle burnout from capitalism & patriarchal conditioning - so you can redefine success on your own terms
• Why connecting with nature can help combat burnout - and how to align your work and life with natural rhythms

If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of pushing, striving, and overworking - this episode is a must-listen. Maegan brings a holistic approach to success that prioritizes rest, alignment, and breaking free from societal burnout traps.

🎧 Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🎧 Deeply Rested Podcast
📖 Maegan’s Website
📧 Read the Deeply Rested Newsletter

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

What if having the right team was the secret to launching big ideas - without burning out? In this episode, I chat with Jen Kem, a Forbes-recognized brand strategist who’s worked with powerhouse brands like Oprah Winfrey Network, Oracle, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She’s also an introverted, 8-figure entrepreneur of 2 decades who knows a thing or two about leading with energy and intention.

Jen shares insights from her new book, Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success, breaking down how to build a collaborative, high-performing team that brings your vision to life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just someone who wants to stop doing all the hard things alone, this episode is for you.

We’ll also be discussing my own Unicorn Leadership Type Assessment (ULTA®) results so you can see how my own strengths fit into my career and business so far! Tune in to hear:

1. The Unicorn Innovation Model - how top leaders build teams that actually get things done
2. The Three Leadership Energies: Visionizer, Strategizer, Mobilizer - and why knowing your score is a game-changer
3. Why introverts can be incredible leaders - and how to harness your natural strengths
4. How to navigate AI and automation shifts - without losing the human touch in business
5. Jen’s #1 tip for owning her energy while running an 8-figure business and raising a family

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

• Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success by Jen Kem
• Jen Kem’s Website
• Connect with Jen on LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Dyer, a globally recognized expert on company culture and remote work. As a former CEO leading thousands of employees, Chris has built award-winning workplaces, earning recognition as a 5-time Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company and a Best Place to Work for over 14 years.

Chris shares his insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the surprising ways he found introverts thrive in customer service roles. This key data led to a staggering increase in NPS scores from the mid-40s to an incredible 93, and Chris is sharing the how. We also look at his Seven Pillars of Cultural Success, a framework that has helped countless companies transform their work environments, empower employees, and drive business growth.

Tune in to hear:

• Exactly why introverts excel in customer service roles - and how they outperformed expectations
• How implementing intentional work strategies (like fewer meetings and blocked time) improves company performance
• The Seven Pillars of Cultural Success - Chris’s proven framework for transforming company culture
• How to shift from CEO-led decision-making to empowering employees for sustainable success
• Why employee autonomy is essential for growth

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📖 The Power of Company Culture by Chris Dyer
📖 Remote Work by Chris Dyer
📖 The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhymes

Connect with Chris:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7/
https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdyer.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7/
https://x.com/ChrisPDyer
https://chrisdyer.com/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

In this episode, I sit down with Nicky Lowe, CEO of Luminate Group and Founder of Wisdom For Working Mums. Nicky is an award-winning executive coach and leadership consultant who has spent the past 18 years helping leaders in some of the world’s top organisations thrive, both personally and professionally.

But Nicky’s journey isn’t just about leadership in the boardroom - it’s also deeply personal. After experiencing burnout following the birth of her first child, she reimagined her approach to work, life, and motherhood. Now, she’s on a mission to support career-driven women to combine their professional ambitions with family life in a way that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and free from burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Nicky’s career journey from corporate tech to leadership coaching - and how numerous personal experiences shaped her path
• How an empowering leadership style can foster growth, resilience, and wellbeing
• The realities of balancing a career and motherhood, and how burnout became a turning point in Nicky’s life
• Why Nicky’s work has expanded beyond working mums to focus on sustainable leadership for everyone

Key Takeaways:

- Leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about personal sustainability too

- Burnout can be a catalyst for powerful change when we allow it to shift our priorities and redefine success

- Empowering leadership styles aren’t just good for teams—they’re crucial for individual growth and resilience

- Balancing career and family life requires intentional boundaries, self-awareness, and support systems

Episode Resources:

The Body Keeps The Score Book

Multipliers Book

Connect with Nicky Lowe:

🌐 [Luminate Group](https://www.luminategroup.com)

🌐 [Wisdom For Working Mums](https://www.wisdomforworkingmums.co.uk)

📧 [Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-lowe)

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever notice how you're your own worst critic? Do you talk to yourself in ways you’d NEVER speak to another human? This episode is all about self-compassion - what it really means, the latest research behind it, and how it can transform both your mental and physical health.

After reflecting on my own experiences so far this year - as well as what I’ve seen with friends and clients - I realised that self-compassion (or more often, the lack of it) plays a huge role in so many areas of our wellbeing and success. In this episode, I break down why we’re so quick to criticise ourselves, and how shifting to a more compassionate mindset can be life-changing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

💡 What self-compassion actually is - and why it’s VERY different from self-indulgence

🧠 The latest scientific research showing the powerful effects of self-compassion on mental and physical health

🚀 The real impact of self-criticism vs. self-compassion, how it influences your motivation, resilience, and overall wellbeing

💛 Simple ways to practice self-compassion (even if it doesn’t come naturally)

🔍 3 real-life examples of how self-compassion has played an important role in my life, my clients' journeys, and conversations with friends this year

Key Takeaways:

- Self-criticism isn’t a motivator - it’s often a roadblock to success, making challenges feel heavier and harder to overcome (and using more energy…)

- Simple mindset shifts can help you build a more compassionate inner voice and reduce the pressure you put on yourself.

- Self-compassion isn’t about making excuses - it’s about recognising that being kind to yourself fuels long-term growth and success.

If you struggle with perfectionism, harsh self-talk, or feeling like you never quite measure up, this episode is for you!

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I reconnect with my amazing former client Nicole Kepic, almost three years after we worked together. Nicole is a talented copywriter with over 20 years of experience writing for major brands like Kellogg's, Walmart, and Keurig. Today, she helps female coaches and creatives attract their ideal clients and sell out their offers with fun, feel-good sales copy.

But that’s not all - Nicole is also the author of the newly released book Don’t Ask Me to Be Loud: The Introverted Girl's Guide to Online Business. This relatable and practical guide shows introverts how they can build thriving, joyful businesses without being loud or bold. I’m thrilled to share this conversation because her book was a project we coached around back in 2022, and I couldn’t be prouder to see it out in the world. Nicole is opening up and sharing the behind the scenes of how it really feels to go from ‘idea’ to ‘published author’.

What You’ll Learn:

• How even short periods of coaching can create lasting mindset shifts that impact your business and life
• The importance of working in your zone of genius to increase revenue, reduce burnout, and find joy in your work
• The one thing I had Nicole do when she was my client that she hated (but has seen the benefit of for 3 years now!)
• How understanding your unique decision-making style can empower you to run your business & life with confidence and clarity

Resources:

🎧 Ep. 205 with Gay Hendricks

Connect with Nicole:

🌐 https://nicolekepic.com/
📖 Nicole's Book
💌 Nicole on Instagram & LinkedIn

Additional Client Episodes:

🎧Lauren Lea 🎧Kendall Cherry 🎧Dr Clare Emma Wild 🎧Manisha Tare 🎧Emily Walker (& again) 🎧Julia de’Caneva 🎧Lesley Calvo

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever wondered what it really takes to thrive in your “Zone of Genius”? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Gay Hendricks, a true legend in personal growth and relationship transformation. You might know him from his bestselling book The Big Leap, which has gathered a cult following in the entrepreneurial community.

Gay shares the key concepts that have shaped his life and work, including how to uncover your unique genius, tackle the sneaky Upper Limit Problem that holds so many of us back, and rethink the way we manage time. His insights are game-changers for anyone who wants to create more impact, joy, and balance in life. And if that weren’t enough, Gay 100% identifies as an Ambitious Introvert too!

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, Gay’s wisdom will help you break through and move forward with clarity and purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to identify and operate in your Zone of Genius to create meaningful impact.
• The Upper Limit Problem, and how unconscious beliefs can sabotage success.
• Reframing time with the concept of Einstein time for less stress and greater efficiency.
• The power of a simple, consistent meditation practice for mental clarity and energy management.
• How simplifying your daily habits can majorly enhance productivity.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

📖 The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

📖 Your Big Leap Year by Gay Hendricks

🎙️ The Big Leap Podcast

About Gay Hendricks:

Gay Hendricks is a globally recognised expert in personal growth, relationships, and bodymind therapies. With a Ph.D. from Stanford and decades of experience coaching executives and leaders, Gay has authored numerous bestsellers, including The Big Leap. He is also the founder of The Hendricks Institute and Foundation for Conscious Living, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and live in their Zone of Genius.

Connect with Gay:

🌐 http://www.hendricks.com/

http://www.foundationforconsciousliving.org/

🎙️https://bigleappodcast.com/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign 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? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.