Quietly Visible

Carol Stewart

The Quietly Visible Podcast aims to inform and inspire introverted women who are senior leaders (or aspiring leaders) to be leaders of influence and impact whilst living their best lives. It is for introverted women who want to thrive as leaders and in life. Join Carol Stewart, The Coach for High Achieving Introverted Women and guests, as they share insights from their personal experience, or that which falls within their area of expertise.

  1. 1d ago

    Overcoming the Perfection Trap: Authentic Communication for Introverted Women Leaders

    Joining Carol on this episode is the brilliant Brooke Hargraves, a highly experienced media and communications strategist and former political media advisor. Brooke is the founder of Trellis Media, where she helps leaders become confident and authentic communicators on camera, behind microphones, and in front of live audiences. With over 20 years of experience spanning journalism, political communications, public relations, and executive coaching, she has advised senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises, and high-profile public moments. Carol and Brooke explore why introverted leaders often feel anxiety when put on the spot without sufficient time to process information. Brooke shares her wealth of expertise, observing that true confidence isn't about ensuring everything will be perfect; rather, it is about developing a mindset where you know you will be okay even if things do not go flawlessly. They discuss the immense pressure women often face in leadership roles, highlighting the heightened scrutiny female leaders experience compared to their male counterparts. In this episode, you'll hear about:Why waiting for the perfect words can hold introverted leaders back from sharing their valuable insights. How to build the self-belief required to handle differing opinions and gracefully accept that not everybody will agree with you. The stark contrast in media scrutiny between female and male leaders, and how to navigate these additional pressures while remaining grounded. Why displaying your authentic self—even with quirks and stumbles—builds far more trust than relying on an artificially perfect script generated by AI. The empowering lesson we can learn from political exit speeches about dropping the weight of expectation and revealing your true self. The concept that confidence is a muscle that strengthens every time you bravely choose to speak up and back yourself. This episode is a must-listen for introverted women leaders, aspiring executives, or anyone who wants to lead with influence, impact, and authenticity. If you are ready to let go of unrealistic expectations, embrace your unique strengths, and confidently share your voice with the world, this conversation will provide you with the exact strategies and inspiration you need to step fully into your power. Connect with Brooke HargravesWebsite: Discover Brooke's frameworks to help you grow your own way at trellismedia.com.au. Recommended Resource: Brooke highly recommends the book Where the Light Gets In by Ben Crowe to help you master the vital stories you tell yourself about yourself. Take Carol's Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    Overcoming the Perfection Trap: Authentic Communication for Introverted Women Leaders
  2. Jul 17

    Don't Let Your Authority Leak

    In this insightful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Oge Okosieme, leadership advisor and executive coach, to explore what happens when our authority disappears in high-pressure moments—and, more importantly, how to stop it happening. Many introverted leaders don't struggle with knowing what to say. The real challenge often comes when they're questioned, challenged, or unexpectedly placed under the spotlight. Oge introduces the concept of an "authority leak"—those moments when our nervous system takes over, we lose our grounding, and we begin to over-explain, apologise, or pull back from our own expertise. Drawing on both her own experiences and years of working with senior leaders, Oge explains why these reactions aren't a confidence problem—they're a biological response to perceived threat. Together, she and Carol unpack practical ways to recognise your triggers, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and remain calm, clear, and credible when it matters most. In this episode, you'll hear about:- What an "authority leak" is and why it happens - How your nervous system responds before you're even aware of it - Why over-explaining, apologising, and second-guessing yourself are common leadership responses - Recognising your personal triggers and body cues - How to stay grounded when your ideas or expertise are challenged- Practical techniques to interrupt automatic reactions and strengthen your executive presence - Why authentic authority comes from staying connected to yourself under pressureIf you've ever left a meeting wishing you'd handled it differently, or found yourself shrinking just when you needed to stand tall, this episode offers practical insights that will help you stay present, composed, and confidently in your authority. Connect with Oge Okosieme Website: https://iamoge.comLeadership Diagnostic: https://iamoge.com/diagnostic LinkedIn: Oge Okosieme https://www.linkedin.com/in/oge-okosieme/ Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/ 🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith #introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    Don't Let Your Authority Leak
  3. Jul 3

    Leading Under Pressure

    In this honest episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Rashmi Airan—former attorney, Wall Street investment banker, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose. Together, they explore what happens when ambitious leaders find themselves operating under intense pressure and how seemingly small decisions can lead us away from our values if we're not paying attention.Rashmi shares her personal journey—from building a successful legal career and growing a thriving business to serving time in federal prison following decisions she made during the lead-up to the 2009 financial crisis. Through vulnerability and wisdom, she reflects on the lessons learned about accountability, resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of questioning the stories we tell ourselves.Together, Carol and Rashmi discuss the realities of leadership under pressure, the dangers of operating on autopilot, and why slowing down to reflect is one of the most important leadership skills we can develop.In this episode, you'll hear about:- How pressure, fear, and urgency can narrow our thinking and influence decision-making- Why successful people are not immune to making poor choices- The importance of listening to your intuition and inner voice- Rashmi's "Clarity Loop" framework for making better decisions- The role of accountability, self-awareness, and reflection in effective leadership- Why slowing down can help leaders navigate complexity and uncertainty- How adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose, and transformationThis is a thought-provoking conversation for leaders who want to lead with integrity, make better decisions under pressure, and create success without losing sight of what matters most.📘 Featured Book:All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to PurposeConnect with Rashmi Airan🌐 Website: https://rashmiairan.com🌐 Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    Leading Under Pressure
  4. Jun 5

    From Burnout to Aligned Success: Leading Authentically with Shelley-Ann Pieterse

    In this inspiring episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Shelley-Ann Pieterse, Executive Alignment Coach and former Managing Director at Accenture, to explore what happens when ambition, perfectionism, and the need for validation collide with authenticity and wellbeing.Drawing on her own experience of navigating leadership as an introverted woman from a previously disadvantaged background, Shelley-Ann shares the challenges of trying to fit into environments where she felt different—and the personal cost of constantly striving to prove herself.Together, Carol and Shelley-Ann discuss the pressures many high-achieving women place on themselves, the impact of burnout, and why sustainable success starts with self-awareness and alignment. Shelley-Ann candidly reflects on her journey through multiple episodes of burnout, the loss of her partner, and the powerful realisation that success means little when it comes at the expense of your health, values, and happiness.💡 In this episode, you'll hear about:The hidden impact of perfectionism and over-responsibilityWhy validation-seeking can lead to burnoutNavigating leadership as an introverted woman in a male-dominated environmentBuilding credibility and influence without pretending to be someone you're notThe importance of mentors, sponsors, and supportive networksHow to recognise when your career is no longer aligned with your valuesTaking small, intentional steps towards a more fulfilling and sustainable futureWhether you're climbing the corporate ladder, questioning your next career move, or feeling stuck on the hamster wheel of achievement, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating success on your own terms.🔗 Connect with Shelley-Ann PieterseWebsite: https://klimacoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-ann-pieterse/Glimmer Guide specifically for podcast listeners and it isn’t available as a direct link on the site. https://www.glimmercoaching.com/glimmer-guideGlimmer Snapshot https://www.glimmercoaching.com/glimmer-snapshotCarol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:https://aboundingsolutions.comMusic: ©️ Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    From Burnout to Aligned Success: Leading Authentically with Shelley-Ann Pieterse
  5. May 22

    The Hidden Impact of Perimenopause on Women’s Careers

    In this eye-opening and essential episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Manna Semby—former Goldman Sachs VP turned naturopathic physician, TEDx speaker, and author of The Perimenopause Broken Rung (launching 15th June). Together, they unpack a critical but often overlooked issue: why so many high-achieving women step back or leave their careers at their peak—and how perimenopause may be the hidden factor behind it. Dr. Manna shares her powerful personal journey from Wall Street to medicine, revealing how her own experience of burnout, brain fog, and hormonal changes led her to uncover what she calls the “Perimenopause Broken Rung”—a biological challenge that is quietly impacting women’s confidence, cognition, and career progression. In this episode, you’ll hear about:- Why burnout isn’t always what it seems—and what might really be going on- The early (and often missed) signs of perimenopause, especially brain-related symptoms- How hormonal changes impact memory, focus, sleep, and decision-making- Why so many women blame themselves instead of understanding the biology- The link between women leaving leadership roles and midlife health changes- Practical steps women can take to regain energy, clarity, and control Dr. Manna also challenges the silence and stigma around women’s health, calling for greater awareness, education, and support—both individually and within organisations.This episode is a must-listen for women navigating midlife, leaders who want to retain top talent, and anyone ready to challenge outdated narratives around burnout and performance. 📘 Book Launch – Out June 15thThe Perimenopause Broken Rung: The Hidden Threat to Women’s Brains and CareersThe first book to connect perimenopause symptoms with career derailment—and what we can do about it.🔗 Connect & Resources🌐 Website: https://arunamed.com🧠 Free Assessment:👉 https://arunamed.com/pbr💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/manna-semby/🌐 Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    The Hidden Impact of Perimenopause on Women’s Careers
  6. May 1

    How Strategic Stillness Transforms Leadership

    In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Jinesha Jain, a data strategist and real estate entrepreneur, for a powerful conversation on redefining leadership through strategic stillness. Jinesha shares her journey from high-achieving, hustle-driven success to a moment of deep reflection sparked by a simple yet profound question from her mother: “Are you happy?” What followed was a shift in how she viewed success, ambition, and leadership—moving away from constant busyness towards intentional calm and clarity. Together, Carol and Jinesha explore how introverted leaders can harness the power of silence, challenge the pressure to always be “on”, and cultivate a more grounded, impactful way of leading. Jinesha also introduces a simple yet transformative breathing technique that helped her reconnect with herself and enhance her focus, confidence, and decision-making. Key Takeaways:Why traditional definitions of success can leave us feeling unfulfilledThe hidden cost of constant hustle and overachievementHow strategic stillness can improve clarity, focus, and leadership presenceThe science behind breathwork and its impact on the nervous systemA simple breathing technique to reset and regain control in high-pressure momentsWhy self-awareness is the true leadership advantage in today’s fast-paced worldHow introverted leaders can lead powerfully without being loud or fastThis episode is perfect for introverted women leaders—and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly do more—who are ready to lead with greater calm, clarity, and authenticity.🔗 Connect with JineshaInstagram @Jineshajain TedX Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV-KwDyhcgQTake Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    How Strategic Stillness Transforms Leadership
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Quietly Visible Podcast aims to inform and inspire introverted women who are senior leaders (or aspiring leaders) to be leaders of influence and impact whilst living their best lives. It is for introverted women who want to thrive as leaders and in life. Join Carol Stewart, The Coach for High Achieving Introverted Women and guests, as they share insights from their personal experience, or that which falls within their area of expertise.

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