Loud doesn’t equal leader. Greg Weinger joins us to unpack why quiet professionals can become some of the most effective leaders in the room—and how to get there without faking extroversion or burning out. We dig into the real difference between introversion and shyness, the energy mechanics that shape how people think and speak in groups, and the small, repeatable steps that turn hesitation into confident presence.
Greg shares the pivot from “performing extrovert” to authentic leadership, including the meeting moves that keep ideas from getting lost when the conversation sprints ahead. You’ll hear practical ways to influence beyond the moment—smart follow-ups, written clarity, and narrating your thought process so conclusions land with weight. For managers and HR leaders, we outline simple design changes that elevate team decisions: sending agendas early, building quiet think time, using temperature checks instead of hot-seat prompts, and inviting multiple channels of contribution so every brain gets heard.
We also talk about nerves and purpose. If your heart races before a presentation, you’re not broken; your body is priming to perform. Greg reframes anxiety as activation and pairs it with a purpose-first mindset that makes discomfort worth it. Along the way, we explore how culture shapes what gets rewarded, why deep listening is a competitive advantage, and how to champion quiet talent without forcing them into a loud mold. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not a leader because I’m not the loudest,” this conversation gives you tools, language, and proof that your path is not only possible—it’s powerful.
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Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact [email protected] or connect below!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
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Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com