Quietly Visible

Carol Stewart
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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. Leading Without the Mask: Energy, Mental Health & Finding Your Voice

    FEB 6

    Leading Without the Mask: Energy, Mental Health & Finding Your Voice

    In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Nick Elston, award-winning keynote speaker, mental health specialist, and founder of Forging People.Nick shares his lived experience of OCD, anxiety, burnout, and breakdown—and how those challenges became the foundation for a career helping leaders find their voice without pretending to be someone they’re not. Together, Carol and Nick unpack what it really means to lead authentically as an introvert in a noisy, performative world.This conversation explores the emotional and mental load many introverted leaders carry, from imposter syndrome and people-pleasing to fear of rejection and the pressure to “show up louder.” Nick reframes introversion as an energy management strategy, not a confidence issue, and shares practical ways to protect your energy while still being visible and influential.In this episode, you’ll hear about:- Why introversion is about energy, not ability- The link between mental health, burnout, and performative leadership- How to overcome fear of rejection and imposter syndrome- Building a personal “playbook” to manage energy before and after high-pressure situations- Owning your story instead of being owned by it- Why finding your voice can be both transformational and therapeuticThis episode is essential listening for introverted leaders who want to thrive on their own terms—without masks, burnout, or performance.Find out more about Nick Elston: https://nickelston.com LinkedIn: Nick Elstonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nickelston/Take the Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment athttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    40 min
  2. 3 Practical Steps for Finding the Courage to Lead as Yourself

    JAN 23

    3 Practical Steps for Finding the Courage to Lead as Yourself

    Carol delivered a powerful message about authentic leadership, particularly for introverted and multiply marginalised leaders. She outlined three key steps for leading with courage: knowing oneself through self-awareness, accepting oneself despite societal expectations, and believing in oneself to take action. Carol emphasised that authenticity isn't just a style preference but requires courage to challenge decades of cultural conditioning that favor extroverted leadership. She shared personal insights about how understanding systemic barriers rather than personal limitations can empower leaders to embrace their true selves. Complete the Confidence, Influence, & Impact Assessment https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment Subscribe to the Quietly Visible LinkedIn newsletter Quietly Visible LinkedIn newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6600753811223035905/

    8 min
  3. Breath, Reflection and Self-Care for Introverted Women in Demanding Roles

    JAN 9

    Breath, Reflection and Self-Care for Introverted Women in Demanding Roles

    In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carole Stewart is joined by Sharon D Brown, self-care strategist, licensed mental health professional, and founder of Self Care U Academy.Together, they explore why self-care is not a luxury but a vital foundation for sustainable leadership — particularly for introverted women navigating demanding roles. Drawing on Sharon’s personal journey and over two decades of clinical experience, the conversation centres on the power of rituals and how rest, reflection, breath, and rhythm help leaders remain grounded, resilient, and authentically themselves.Sharon gently challenges the idea that rituals are rigid or restrictive, reframing them instead as supportive anchors that protect wellbeing, regulate the nervous system, and prevent burnout long before crisis hits.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why self-care often gets pushed aside — and the cost of doing soHow rituals help introverted women manage overstimulation and decision overloadThe role of breath, reflection, and the body in emotional regulationHow daily, repeatable practices support clarity, presence, and better leadership decisionsSimple ways to begin creating rituals that feel personal, nourishing, and sustainableThis episode is especially valuable for introverted women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to protect their energy, lead with intention, and build success without sacrificing their wellbeing.Connect with Sharon📌 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-d-brown/📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sharondbrownselfcarepreneurTake Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    39 min
  4. Unfished, Reflective, and Still Moving Forward

    12/19/2025

    Unfished, Reflective, and Still Moving Forward

    As this year draws to a close, this final episode of Quietly Visible is an invitation to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention rather than pressure.I share some personal reflections on the year that’s been — including goals I didn’t complete, lessons I’ve taken from that, and how revisiting purpose can reignite motivation. We explore why some goals stick while others fall away, and what makes change more sustainable, particularly for reflective, thoughtful people.Drawing on coaching psychology and lived experience, I talk about:✔️ The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation✔️ Why values-aligned goals are easier to sustain✔️ The importance of having a meaningful “why”✔️ Accountability, self-compassion, and realistic goal-setting✔️ How to respond when life disrupts even the best intentionsThis is not about pushing harder or doing more. It’s about choosing goals that matter, letting go of unnecessary self-criticism, and approaching the year ahead in a way that feels grounded and human.If you’re ending the year feeling reflective, unfinished, or quietly hopeful about what’s next, this episode is for you.Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in 2026.Take the Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/ 🎵©️Julie Anne Smith

    19 min
  5. When Life Shifts: Navigating Identity and Intuition as an Introverted Mum

    11/28/2025

    When Life Shifts: Navigating Identity and Intuition as an Introverted Mum

    In this uplifting conversation, host Carol Stewart, founder of Abounding Solutions, is joined by Melanie Elsbeth, founder and host of MAMA! What’s Next?. Melanie shares her powerful journey from shy East German teenager to navigating adulthood in Australia, finding her voice in corporate spaces, and later redefining her purpose after becoming a mum.Melanie opens up about growing up feeling unheard, pushing herself into challenging situations to grow her confidence, and learning the difference between shyness and introversion. She reflects on the moments that shaped her, including the bold move to Australia in her early 20s, thriving in new cultures, and recognising the importance of belonging and psychologically safe workplaces.Carol and Melanie explore the deep shifts that motherhood can bring — shifts in identity, values and priorities — and how this led Melanie to create MAMA! What’s Next?, a platform dedicated to helping mothers rediscover themselves and move into work and lives that feel meaningful and aligned. Together, they discuss confidence, cultural expectations, spirituality, and the importance of listening to your inner voice when shaping your next chapter.Key takeawaysThe difference between shyness and introversion — and why understanding this matters.How stepping outside your comfort zone can be a catalyst for confidence and self-belief.Why belonging and psychological safety influence how introverts show up and thrive.The identity shifts many mothers experience, and how to navigate “what’s next?” with clarity.The power of intention, purpose, and spiritual connection in guiding career and life changes.Why being open and curious can reveal opportunities you didn’t know existed.This episode is perfect for introverted women who are navigating transitions, considering career shifts, or seeking greater alignment and fulfilment — especially mothers exploring their next chapter.🔗 Connect with MelanieInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mamawhatsnext/Website https://mamawhatsnext.com/Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    45 min
  6. Showing Up Introverted — And Thriving

    11/14/2025

    Showing Up Introverted — And Thriving

    In this uplifting and honest conversation, Carol speaks with writer, educator, and anti-racism activist Sharon Hurley Hall about what it truly means to model showing up as an introvert. Sharon shares her journey from journalism to activism, how she learned to embrace her introversion with confidence, and why being “intentionally visible” matters for quiet leaders. They explore how introverts can raise their visibility through writing, share strategies for setting boundaries and avoiding burnout, and discuss the importance of creating introvert-friendly spaces. Sharon also talks about her Self-Expression Immersion and her upcoming masterclass Seven Secrets of Introvert Success: A Masterclass for Quiet Revolutionaries, designed to help introverts show up authentically and thrive. Key Takeaways:- How Sharon learned to turn introversion into a strength, not a deficit- The power of visibility for introverted women and leaders- Practical ways to raise your profile through writing- Why self-knowledge and boundaries are vital for introvert success- Creating spaces that honour quiet energy and authenticityThis inspiring episode is perfect for introverted women who want to lead with confidence, creativity, and calm.Connect with Sharon Hurley Hall:https://sharonhh.comAnti racism NewsletterLinkedInJoin Sharon’s masterclass: Seven Secrets of Introvert Success: A Masterclass for Quiet RevolutionariesJoin here https://luma.com/q2o6jc38Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    39 min
  7. How to Stay Empowered When Leadership Turns Toxic

    10/31/2025

    How to Stay Empowered When Leadership Turns Toxic

    In this thought-provoking episode, Carol speaks with Kate Lowry, CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. Together, they unpack a timely and often unspoken topic — fear-based leadership — and explore how to navigate, survive, and even thrive under leaders who lead through control and intimidation.Kate shares insights from her extensive experience in Silicon Valley, including her research into trauma psychology and the behavioural patterns that drive fear-based leaders. She offers compassionate yet practical advice on how to protect your wellbeing, maintain your authenticity, and create psychological safety for yourself and your teams — even when working within toxic systems.💡 Key takeaways:How to recognise the signs of fear-based leadership and its emotional impact.Why fear-based leaders are often driven by insecurity and learned behaviour.Practical strategies to stay grounded, set boundaries, and preserve your sense of agency.How introverted women, in particular, can harness quiet strength and resilience in challenging workplaces.Why understanding these dynamics helps you lead with empathy, courage, and integrity.This episode is a must-listen for introverted women leaders, anyone working under a difficult boss, or those committed to fostering healthier, more authentic leadership cultures.🔗 Connect with Kate Lowry:https://www.katelowry.com/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579366067469Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    40 min
  8. Navigating Fear, Boundaries, and Burnout as an Introverted Leader

    10/17/2025

    Navigating Fear, Boundaries, and Burnout as an Introverted Leader

    In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by award-winning leadership coach, hypnotherapist, and keynote speaker Amy Green Smith. Together, they explore the powerful theme of fear—how it shows up in our lives, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how we can navigate it with courage.Amy shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a career rooted in purpose, as well as her experience of being an “outgoing introvert” and how that has shaped her work. She introduces the idea of becoming fear-optimised—recognising fear as a natural part of life and learning how to use it to our advantage rather than letting it paralyse us.You’ll hear about the four basic fear responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how these show up in modern life as anxiety, procrastination, people-pleasing, and more. Amy offers practical ways to reframe these patterns, build self-worth, and establish boundaries that support both personal and professional growth. Key Takeaways:Fear is not the enemy—courage exists because of fear.Understanding the modern versions of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn helps us identify what’s really holding us back.Outgoing introverts often get mistaken for extraverts, but learning how you truly recharge is key to thriving.Boundaries and self-worth go hand in hand in avoiding burnout and leading authentically.Community and connection remind us that we are not alone in our experiences.This inspiring conversation is for introverted women leaders—and anyone—who wants to stop letting fear dictate their choices and instead step forward with quiet courage and confidence.🔗 Connect with Amy Green Smith: amygreensmith.comhttps://amygreensmith.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith/Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    44 min
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5
out of 5
11 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Stewart
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carol Stewart
  • Show Website
    Quietly Visible