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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Holistic Health and Authentic Leadership for Women

    10/10/2025

    Holistic Health and Authentic Leadership for Women

    In this episode of Quietly Visible, Carol Stewart welcomes Yvonne Okiyo, EDI specialist and holistic menopause coach, for a rich and inspiring conversation on leadership, well-being, and gender equity. Yvonne shares her journey into equity, diversity and inclusion work, her passion for supporting marginalised groups, and how her lived experiences shaped her commitment to helping women thrive. She opens up about embracing her strengths as an introverted leader, showing how qualities such as deep thinking and empathy are invaluable in driving change.The discussion also explores menopause in depth – at work and beyond. Yvonne highlights why supportive policies and awareness are vital, while also sharing practical steps women can take to advocate for themselves. She offers valuable insights into holistic nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management as key tools for navigating this stage of life. Key takeaways: Why introverted leadership strengths such as empathy and reflection are powerful assetsThe importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in leadership and well-beingPractical ways employers can support staff going through menopauseHolistic nutrition and lifestyle habits to ease menopausal symptomsHow confidence, influence, and authenticity enable women to lead and flourish This episode is perfect for introverted women leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting women’s well-being and leadership impact. Connect with Yvonne Okiyo Instagram & TikTok: @realhealthwithyvonne LinkedIn: Yvonne Okiyo https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-okiyo-a83b0021/Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/ 🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith #introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    39 min
  6. The Intentional Imperfectionist: How to Embrace Play and Innovation

    09/26/2025

    The Intentional Imperfectionist: How to Embrace Play and Innovation

    In this episode of Quietly Visible, Carol Stewart is joined by Melissa DinWiddie—Juilliard-trained dancer, jazz singer, improviser, author of The Creative Sandbox Way, and creativity consultant for global brands like Google, Meta, and Salesforce. Melissa shares her powerful journey from believing she “wasn’t creative” to embracing her artistry and building a career helping leaders and teams unlock their boldest ideas. She opens up about the perfectionism that held her back for years, how self-compassion became her game-changer, and why she now proudly calls herself an “intentional imperfectionist.” 💡 In this conversation: Why creativity is much more than painting or musicHow perfectionism differs from the pursuit of excellenceThe role of self-compassion in overcoming fear and self-doubtHow introverted leaders can thrive by lowering the bar and starting messyPractical tools to embrace play, experimentation, and risk-takingMelissa’s story is a testament to the fact that creativity lives in everyone—and that letting go of perfection can open doors to joy, innovation, and authentic leadership.Connect with Melissa DinWiddie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie/ Website: melissadinwiddie.com https://melissadinwiddie.com/ Instagram: @a_creative_life https://instagram.com/a_creative_life You Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRFDQEc5Rj6SU3FTprqohLQ Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influencehttps://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

    41 min
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.