Black & Brown Tech Nerds Unite to Form Voltron
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The Pragmatic Disruptor Podcasts
Even though around half of any population identify as introverts, this is one aspect of diversity and inclusion that is often overlooked. Every Thursday join flourishing introvert and TEDx speaker Joanna Rawbone MSc, as she explores the costly challenges that introverts face on a regular basis. With her typically pragmatic approach, Joanna’s show includes a mix of 10-minute topics, interviews with inspirational introverts and episodes on how to get the best from introverts. If you are an int ...
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Apparently, some numpty thinks we introverts cannot be cool. And worse still, they said it to a huge audience as if it were fact. Cue my John McEnroe moment: you cannot be serious. In this episode I call out the lazy research, the extraversion bias and the sloppy definitions that keep throwing we introverts into the uncool bucket. I also share what…
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Like it or not, office politics is not optional. Declaring that you do not do politics is not a noble choice, it is a naïve and frankly dangerous one. Silence gets mistaken for agreement and before long we introverts find ourselves overlooked, undervalued, or plain irrelevant. In this episode I challenge the myth that opting out keeps us safe and i…
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To we introverts, small talk can feel pointless at best and like a trap at worst. Yet what if we have it all wrong. Small talk is not the enemy of meaningful conversation, but the currency of connection and the gateway to the deeper exchanges we long for. In this episode I shine a light on why it matters, why avoiding it can leave us misunderstood …
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Mark Twain once said find a job you enjoy and you’ll never work a day in your life. Lovely idea but let’s be honest, it feels more fairy tale than fact in today’s world. So what is the best job for introverts really? Spoiler alert, it is not hiding away with spreadsheets just because someone decided introverts do not do people. Absolute tosh. In th…
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How often do we let our past dictate the shape of our future? Too Often! We introverts replay old wounds and slip into comparison, rejection or shame until we start to believe they define us. In this episode I invite you to loosen the grip of yesterday and step into a future that reflects your real value and potential. We look at how to heal reject…
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How often have we introverts bent ourselves out of shape trying to fit a version of success that was never meant for us? It is time to call 'poppycock' on the damaging practice of pretzelising and remind ourselves that our quirks are not flaws to hide but the raw material of our growth. I share a slice of my own rebellious journey and why generic d…
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If your life feels like something you need to escape from or recover from every weekend, my friend, that is not living. That is surviving. And you are here for far more than that. This episode calls out the ways we introverts hand over our choices to others and play small while convincing ourselves it is safer that way. It is my rallying cry for yo…
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You don’t have to shout to shake the system. In this episode, I am reclaiming the word disruptor and inviting you to lead change in your own quietly powerful way. Disruption doesn’t need drama. It needs depth, clarity and conviction. If you have ever felt the call to act but weren’t sure how to begin, this is your invitation. Stop waiting for permi…
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If you have thoughts whipping around your mind at 3am or during the day come to that, so you're frequently exhausted by being caught up in the tornado of ideas, this episode is for you. I explore the power of emotional contagion, the swirl of analysis paralysis, and why your inner storm is not the enemy. It is time to stop ghosting your needs and s…
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Let’s not beat around the bush - people-pleasing is not kindness, it is quiet self-erasure. There I said it! This episode is a shout-out and a call-in for my fellow introverts still living as though being agreeable is their best currency. It isn’t. You will get the mindset shifts and power moves needed to baffle your burnout and stop editing yourse…
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Criticism lands more heavily for introverts. In this episode, I unpack why we’re so deeply affected by it. More importantly, how to spot the difference between feedback and unfiltered opinion, and how to stop swallowing other people’s words whole. You will hear why the term constructive criticism is well past its sell-by date, and how to build your…
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Ep 280 Public Speaking, The Introvert Way
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Wait, who said introverts can't speak in public? That tired myth has silenced too many powerful voices for too long. This episode calls time on the idea that presence is pure performance. Public speaking isn't about being loud, comedic or extraverted. It is about being heard with impact. Whether you're leading a meeting, recording a podcast, or spe…
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In a world obsessed with faster, louder, shinier, this is your reminder that you are not behind. You ar unfolding at just the right rhythm for you. I am calling time on the shi**y shoulds and blueprint nonsense that push us to outsource our growth. Instead, I invite you to reclaim your pace, your path, and your power. I am sharing the model that ch…
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In this episode, I am calling time on the nonsense that needing a break means you’re lazy, weak, or somehow letting the side down. Honestly, if I had a pound for every introvert who has felt guilty for needing to recharge, I’d be recording this from my Tuscan villa. So let’s straighten this out. I’m unpacking the difference between rest, recharge, …
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Ep 277 Authenticity Isn’t a Get-Out-of-Growth-Free Card
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In this episode I’m calling time on a sneaky little trap that keeps many of we introverts small: The Authenticity Trap. Yes, I said it. You see, while being true to yourself is vital, too often authenticity gets misused as an excuse to dodge discomfort or avoid change. And that, dear listener, is not flourishing. It is hiding in plain sight. Let's …
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It is time to tackle the myth that being a 'team player' means squashing your quirks and blending into the beige. Spoiler alert: IT DOES NOT, and it SHOULD NOT. I explore how we introverts often feel pressured to conform in team settings where extraversion reigns supreme, and what truly inclusive team dynamics look like. Together, let's dive into T…
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Ep 275 Navigating Social Media as an Introvert
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Apparently, if you talk to your colleagues or don’t hate everyone, you are not a 'real' introvert. Who knew? Social media, it seems, is full of experts; except that they do not have the lived experience of reality of introversion, nor took the time to sit with one to know enough. I explore the strange world of online introvert spaces: the myths, th…
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Ep 274 The Invisible Drain of Digital Clutter
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Let us not even pretend that the online world we spend so much of our time in is harmless. Or, the endless emails, slack/teams messages, not to mention the calendar invites. They are all chipping away at your sanity one beep at a time. In this episode, I am naming the quiet chaos that is digital clutter: draining your energy, focus, and calm. Are y…
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If people can hate for no reason, then we can love. And yet, we rarely love or are kind to ourselves assuming it is akin to a sin. In this episode, I share the moment I was finally able to gaze at my image with more kindness to the point where I could love what I saw, which led to me being able to love and celebrate who I am. For me, it involved wo…
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Ep 272 Power of Asynchronous Collaboration
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The relentless pressure to reply-now, meet-now, decide-now is exhausting. And not just for we introverts, but for anyone who thinks deeply, works best with time to reflect, or just wants to actually do their job without being dragged into the daily ping-fest. In this episode, I explore the quiet power of contributing in our own time, not just in re…
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Let's reflect on the quiet courage it takes to change your mind. Yup, you read it right. Especially when the path you're on no longer feels aligned. Whether it’s a goal, a job or a relationship, course-correcting isn’t failure, it’s feedback. A favourite parable brings home why true leadership lies in the willingness to pivot, especially in unpredi…
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Let us explore the often-overlooked power of silence, particularly in the context of introverted communication. Just how often so many around us assume that being verbose equates to value and influence; however, I share my perspective on how intentional quiet can actually be a profound demonstration of confidence. Introverts frequently face pressur…
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In this episode, I reflect on something personal, poignant, and increasingly precious: what it means to celebrate another birthday; not as a tally of years, but as an intentional pause to honour hindsight, insight, and foresight or as I call them - reflections. As someone who’s lost people far too soon, I simply can’t buy into the anti-ageing narra…
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In this episode, I explore a question that’s long since intrigued me: why do some alliances flourish while others unravel? As an open-introvert who doesn’t hate people (yes, hi, I am right here, I exist!), I’ve come to realise it’s not about being opposites but about understanding the behaviours that trigger we introverts and learning to work with,…
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In this episode, I share the pivotal moment that changed everything for me: discovering my personality type through the MBTI framework. Far from boxing me in, it offered language, understanding, and a sense of belonging I never knew I needed. This is not about labels or excuses but about insight and responsibility for we introverts. I further explo…
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Ep 266 Extraversion Bias and Mental Health
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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…
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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 an…
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Ep 264 Your Energy is a Precious Currency
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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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 …
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Ep 260 Rattling Cages, Fuelling Change and Flourishing!
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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 i…
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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…
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I believe most of us are changemakers in one or other way, however in this episode I am focusing on the empowering journey for introverts intentionally aspiring to be change makers. With my background and qualification in change agent skills and strategies, I know with certainty that being a change maker is more about mindset and intention than for…
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Oh the myths about we introverts are endless, unfortunately though it happens with our continued collusion. In this episode, my invitation is for we introverts to recognise and utilise our voices to effectively so we confidently debunk these myths while showing up as our authentic and unapologetic self. Our well-thought through and clearly presente…
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With so much noise around us in both work and social settings, how do we quieter ones function effectively? Drawing from my nearly 50 years of corporate experience, I discuss societal biases towards the extravert ideal that starts in childhood and extends through education and professional environments. It's these settings and other's expectations …
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In this episode, I explore the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) for we introverts who are either climbing the career ladder or seeking a more fulfilling life. We explore the origins of EI that was then popularised by Daniel Goleman. It would be remiss of me to talk origins in this way without mentioning Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multipl…
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Let's talk about the confidence-building strategies specifically crafted for we introverts. Drawing from personal experience, I recount receiving feedback that suggested a lack of confidence, a common misconception about we introverts often compared unfairly to extraverts. I also explore what true confidence entails, aligning with Dr. Rob Yeung’s d…
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Ep 253 (Introverts) Prioritising their Self-Care
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What does genuine self-care for introverts look like? Often misconstrued as superficial indulgences, true self-care requires a deeper understanding of our 'wants' versus our 'needs'. While 'wants' are akin to icing on a cake, nice for sure, but essential? Not really! The real substance lies in addressing our core needs. In this episode I to help yo…
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This I believe is the right time for this episode for we introverts with festive season at its peak. I explore how we socialise on our own terms during the high-energy, high expectation festive season. As an introvert myself, I've often faced misconceptions that I'm antisocial, shy or arrogant. Apparently, introverts avoid people. We do not. It is …
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The very first ally we need is ourselves. This could not be more true for we introverts as well. In this episode, I explore the concept of self-allyship for we introverts and how it differs from advocacy. Previously, I discussed advocating for system-level change to support introverts. However, self-allyship is about providing personal support and …
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Celebrating Episode 250 together, can you believe it? Do I, an Open Introvert, have any strengths to offer in a world of loud, confident, and spontaneous extraverts, that anyone will take notice of or find valuable? Having been there and asked that question of and for myself I take a deep dive into some of the unique strengths and inherent gifts th…
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Join me as I proudly share the empowering concept of being unapologetically introverted. Growing up in England, where apologising was almost second nature, I've come to embrace my introversion without apology and that is no small-shift. This shift has significantly boosted my confidence and self-belief - more so now that I understand and take pride…
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To be an Introvert Advocate, I feel it is important that I share my own journey of becoming one. Having faced systemic biases towards the extravert ideal from school to business and everywhere else, I have learned that effective advocacy begins with self. By sharing my personal experiences of the extravert bias and the pressures to conform to extra…
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This week I explore an intriguing question posed by a client of mine: Can introverts truly influence others? In this episode I dive into the nuanced distinctions between being an influencer and being influential, especially from the perspective of we introverts. The perception by introverts themselves and others, is that we introverts lack influenc…
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Ep 246 Powerful Storytelling for Introverts
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*** Summary *** Dear fellow introverts, this episode is a little nostalgia, little learning and a lot of emphasis on power of storytelling for we introverts. In this episode, I take you back to the autumn of ’87, sharing how a nervous pre-interview night with my cat Chumley kicked off a lifelong journey of storytelling. Yup, you read that right. Le…
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Ep 245 Handling Introvert-Extravert Conflicts
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*** Summary *** None of us is a stranger to conflicts. Conflicts between introverts and extraverts have a challenging world of their own though. As someone who has always shied away from conflict, especially when it turns heated, I have come to appreciate that when approached with emotional maturity, these disagreements can actually lead to enhance…
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*** Summary *** In this episode, I confront the stubborn myth the return-to-office is the only way for business and teams to thrive. It is time we accept that hybrid workplaces are here to stay and I urge leaders to be inclusive in exploring the new ways of working that prioritise employee well-being and, crucially, introvert inclusion. The outdate…
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Is presence, and being present one and the same thing? In this episode I explore the curious concept of presence and being present from an introvert's perspective. I am choosing to explore this from the lens of negotiation. Through introspection and reflection on personal significance, impact on personal brand, and internal conflicts, I take you to…
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Ep 242 Negotiation Skills Introverts Need
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Summary Negotiation, Negotiation, Negotiation - it is happening everywhere and at all stages of our lives. I explore negotiation skills specifically tailored for introverts and how we already negotiate in our day to day lives. More importantly, how and why being more intentional in our negotiation skills serves us well. I debunk the myth that negot…
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