In this episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of extraversion bias and its impact on mental health. Many introverts grapple with a world tailored to extrovert ideals, often leading to feelings of misalignment and pressure to fit in. We know that this societal preference can significantly affect someone's mental well-being, leaving we introverts feeling inadequate at various stages of our life. I share my perspective on how aligning with dominant role models who exude confidence can exacerbate conformity bias and contribute to an environment that feels oppressive.

I explore strategies for recognising these biases and avoiding 'comparison'-itis; the habit of unhealthy self-comparison that fuels anxiety. I then share why reciprocal support networks are important for maintaining our mental wellness.

*** Key Points ***

• Recognise Extraversion Bias
• Avoid 'Comparison'-itis at all costs
• Build intentional support network
  

#MentalHealth #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

In this episode, I unpack the common misconceptions and mislabelling of introverts. As a leadership trainer and coach, I often encounter scepticism about my own introversion due to widespread misunderstandings that equate/conflates it with traits like shyness, social anxiety, or even arrogance. These labels can significantly impact mental health and self-esteem, especially for those lacking resilience. Through this discussion, I aim to shed light on these myths and provide clarity around what being an introvert truly means.

Dear listener, introversion is not synonymous with negative stereotypes such as lack of ambition or antisocial behaviour. We introverts have unique strengths including deep thinking and thoughtful listening, which are often undervalued in society's extraversion-biased lens. By understanding these distinctions better, we empower ourselves to harness our quiet power effectively both personally and professionally, and flourish without societal constraints.

*** Key Points ***

• Introversion is often misunderstood, mislabelled, conflated
• Empower ourselves to overcome societal biases
• Advocating for accuracy

#MythsAboutIntroverts #Introverts #FlourishingIntroverts

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

In this episode, I explore the significance of valuing and managing energy as an introvert. Using the metaphor of 'energy beans', I illustrate how we introverts begin their day with a finite amount of energy, unlike extraverts who recharge through social interaction.

I venture into how toxic workplaces can deplete this precious resource and stress the need for mindfulness in conserving our energy without being overly frugal.

Let's be real, redefining productivity to focus on deep work over busyness can transform workplace dynamics. By setting personal boundaries and advocating for supportive environments, we create space for we introverts to flourish authentically. My hope is that you dear listener will reassess traditional management practices and embrace strategies that protect our valuable energy currency.

*** Key Points ***

• Redefine productivity around deep work.
• Set clear personal/workplace boundaries.
• Advocate for inclusive office environments.

#SelfAware #EnergyBoundaries #FlourishingIntroverts

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Emotions are part of what makes us human, and in this episode I explore the sometimes problematic relationship between emotions and the workplace.

I explore the extent to which it is acceptable to express emotions like tears or anger at work given the increasingly macho leadership styles that demand emotional suppression.

This leads me to share my perspective about low emotional intelligence among leaders and the personal costs of suppressing emotions, such as increased stress levels. Drawing from my own experiences, I share strategies for managing emotions responsibly in professional settings.

Fostering environments where it is both safe and encouraged to express emotions requires sufficient emotional intelligence and maturity.

Through reflective practices, we can determine if our feelings are genuinely ours or absorbed from others - and these practices contribute to healthier workplace dynamics.

*** Key Points ***

• Importance of emotional intelligence
• Strategies for responsible emotional regulation
• Impact of emotional contagion

#FlourishingIntroverts #Introvers #Emotions

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Say DEI and you'll be ruffling many feathers these days. In this episode I am taking a deep dive into how we can flourish in these anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) times. As disappointing as it is for us to see a sudden rollback from DEI Initiatives, I suspect 'they' do not realise what a rude awakening they are in for. Very few of today's generation and switched on workforce is going to sit back and accept it.

While broligarchs are trumpeting the anti-DEI noises, thankfully many organisations big and small are finding innovative ways to sustain DEI efforts without attracting negative attention. As someone deeply involved in learning and development, I stress embedding sustainable changes into company cultures while guarding against the barriers being raised by 'the trumpeters'.

I say, let us use our frustration to fuel our advocacy for DEI, visibly and covertly, as we can.

*** Key Points ***

• Keep the DEI advocacy happening
• Reframe if we need to
• Innovate to counteract anti-DEI rollbacks

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Productivity, Productivity, Productivity - the word is being thrown around by the broligarchs who are pushing the hustle-grind with unreasonable deadlines, back to back meetings and a way to put human needs at the backburner.

I talk about how brobsession with efficiency over effectiveness leads to toxic productivity, undermining our well-being and ignoring their duty of care towards their teams. But efficiency has never been as powerful as effectiveness, and then these latest diktats … and you'll find me having a laugh but the matter is serious nonetheless.

I highlight why toxic productivity compromises our wellbeing and forcing us to participate in a work culture that's helping no one. Then there are 'influencers generously sharing their way' but what's the real cost of falling for that?

We need to redefine success to include genuine contributions and impact over mere activity, and create inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives.

*** Key Points ***

• Balancing efficiency with effectiveness.
• Prioritise genuine contribution over busyness.
• Advocate for our wellbeing.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

For those who believe introverts do not talk because they have nothing to say, the 260 Episodes and 22 Seasons of this podcast prove they couldn't be more wrong. And 65,000+ downloads across 58 countries speak for themselves that introverts are listening, and supporting the mission I am on - to rattle the cages of bias towards the extravert ideal in workplaces and our communities.

Oh I was afraid, but I put my fear to good use by making it the fuel for my mission. Despite all the scepticism and external resistance that heightened my own internal resistance, I remain committed to advocating for we introverts through this podcast and other expansive work I am actively involved in.

Let us continue dismantling the biases against we introverts as we encourage understanding, inclusivity and collaboration all around.

*** Key Points ***

• Celebrate the wins of we introverts
• Defy resistance with resilience in journey of advocacy
• Inclusion is an ongoing journey not a destination

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

I was in my 30s when I first realised and understood that I am neither broken nor abnormal but just an introvert. Oh, how wonderful it would have been if I knew that in my younger years. Better even if the adults around me understood my introversion.

Through this episode, I want to highlight the significance of nurturing young introverts by drawing on my extensive experience in learning and development to help today's generations provide the right support to empower the future generations. In particular it would be helpful for them to understand introversion, about the impact of extravert bias and about power of inclusion.

Let's help our future generations know head-on that their introversion isn't something that need fixing. Instead, it is their power and their introvert strengths can truly set them up for success. We have the ability to enable that by creating environments that support their needs. Let's together raise a generation of empowered individuals who are comfortable as their true selves.

*** Key Points ***

• Empower young introverts as future leaders
• Importance of building self-esteem early
• Creating supportive and inclusive environments

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.