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-responsibility
Why validation-seeking can lead to burnout
Navigating leadership as an introverted woman in a male-dominated environment
Building credibility and influence without pretending to be someone you're not
The importance of mentors, sponsors, and supportive networks
How to recognise when your career is no longer aligned with your values
Taking small, intentional steps towards a more fulfilling and sustainable future
Whether 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 Pieterse
Website: https://klimacoaching.com
LinkedIn: 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-guide
Glimmer Snapshot https://www.glimmercoaching.com/glimmer-snapshot
Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:
https://aboundingsolutions.com
Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

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 15th
The Perimenopause Broken Rung: The Hidden Threat to Women’s Brains and Careers
The 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

In this episode of the Quietly Visible podcast, Carol discussed strategies for managing anxiety and improving confidence when speaking in high-stakes situations.

She explained how public speaking can trigger communication apprehension, particularly for introverts, and outlined four key techniques to address this: thorough preparation beforehand, practicing box breathing exercises to calm nerves, parking worrisome thoughts for later reflection rather than ruminating on them, and staying present in the moment.

Carol shared a personal example from delivering her TEDx talk to illustrate how applying these techniques can help maintain composure and confidence during challenging presentations.

Take the confidence, influence, and impact assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/

🎵©️Julie Anne Smith

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 unfulfilled
The hidden cost of constant hustle and overachievement
How strategic stillness can improve clarity, focus, and leadership presence
The science behind breathwork and its impact on the nervous system
A simple breathing technique to reset and regain control in high-pressure moments
Why self-awareness is the true leadership advantage in today’s fast-paced world
How introverted leaders can lead powerfully without being loud or fast
This 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 Jinesha
Instagram @Jineshajain
TedX Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV-KwDyhcgQ
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

Visibility is one of the topics that comes up often in my work with introverted women leaders — and it's easy to understand why.

If being in the spotlight doesn't come naturally to you, the idea of putting yourself forward can feel uncomfortable, even unnecessary.

But the reality is, research shows that extraverts get more opportunities at work because their performance is more visible. That's not a character flaw in introverts — it's a systemic gap that requires a strategic response.

In this short episode, I explore why visibility matters for your career progression, your leadership credibility, and your team's trust in you — and why being visible doesn't mean being loud, gregarious, or self-aggrandising.

It means being strategic about who needs to know you, what you want to be known for, and how you show up for the people who matter.

You don't have to change who you are. You just have to be seen.

Want to increase your confidence, influence, and impact? Take the free assessment to improve your impact and influence

⁠https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/⁠

🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith

#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

In this insightful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by high-performance coach Alex Davids to explore a powerful and often overlooked concept: managing cognitive energy, not just time.

Drawing on her background in psychology, neuroscience, and leadership coaching, Alex shares how understanding the brain’s energy system can transform the way we work, lead, and live.
Together, Carol and Alex unpack why so many leaders—especially introverts—find themselves exhausted despite working hard, and how modern work environments and constant digital distractions are quietly draining our mental capacity.

This conversation offers both awareness and practical strategies to help you protect your focus, boost your effectiveness, and avoid burnout.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Why cognitive energy—not time—is your most valuable resource
- The surprising limit of just ~4 hours of deep focus per day
- How constant interruptions and “continuous partial attention” drain your brain
- Why introverts may experience faster energy depletion in high-stimulation environments
- Simple ways to recharge your brain throughout the day (without needing long breaks)
- How leaders can create healthier, more sustainable workplaces by modelling better habits
- The importance of aligning your most demanding work with your peak energy times
This episode is ideal for introverted leaders, knowledge workers, and anyone feeling mentally stretched by the demands of modern work. If you’re ready to work with more clarity, calm, and intention—this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how to do just that.
🔗 Connect with Alex
https://www.linkedin.com/in/high-performance-coach-alexandra-davids-neperform/

https://nextevolutionperformance.com/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence

https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

In this important and thoughtful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by employment discrimination attorney Brittany Stevens, a multi-award-winning partner at Phillips & Associates. Together, they explore the realities of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace — a topic that still affects a significant number of women globally.
Brittany shares insights from her work advocating for employees who have experienced harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. The conversation explores why so many incidents go unreported, how power dynamics can make it difficult for women to speak up, and what steps individuals can take if they find themselves in this situation. Carol and Brittany also discuss the emotional impact of workplace harassment and the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to raise concerns.
This episode offers practical guidance as well as reassurance for anyone navigating difficult workplace dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Sexual harassment remains widespread: Many women experience unwelcome behaviour at work, yet a significant number of cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or damage to career prospects.
Power dynamics matter: Harassment often occurs where there is a strong imbalance of power, making it especially difficult for early-career professionals to speak up.
Documentation can be powerful: Keeping records, messages, and written complaints can help support a claim if someone decides to report harassment.
Retaliation is unlawful: Employees have legal protections when they raise concerns about harassment, although retaliation can sometimes appear in subtle forms.
Workplace culture matters: Organisations must actively enforce policies and create environments where employees feel safe reporting inappropriate behaviour.
If you’ve ever wondered what your rights are, how to navigate a difficult workplace situation, or how organisations can better support their people, this episode provides valuable insight and encouragement.
🔗 Connect with BrittanyWebsite https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/our-team/brittany-a-stevens/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-stevens-alper/
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, Carol Stewart discussed three ways for introverted women to grow their influence without performing confidence they don't feel.

She emphasised the importance of getting clear on one's purpose before high-stakes meetings, using strategic visibility by consistently showing up in key spaces, and letting one's track record speak for itself without boasting.

Carol also discussed the STAR framework to help introverted women naturally discuss their achievements and suggested keeping a success folder to easily recall and share their accomplishments.

Complete the free Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/

🎵 - ©️Julie Ann Smith

In this thoughtful and affirming episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Karla Packham-Corteil, an introverted leader, researcher, and leadership development professional with a deep curiosity about what helps people truly thrive at work.
Karla shares her personal journey as an “accidental leader” and reflects on how being labelled quiet shaped her confidence from childhood through to senior leadership roles.

Drawing on her postgraduate research, she explores how perceived introvert mistreatment – being ignored, overlooked, or dismissed – impacts well-being, leadership self-belief, and aspirations.
Together, Carol and Karla challenge common misconceptions about introversion, assertiveness, and leadership. They unpack why many introverted leaders are far more assertive than stereotypes suggest, and why environments that favour extraversion can quietly undermine confidence – even for capable, experienced leaders.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- Why being quiet is often misunderstood – and unfairly framed as a weakness
- How perceived introvert mistreatment affects well-being and leadership self-belief
- The critical role of leadership self-efficacy in sustaining ambition and progression
- Why assertiveness is not an extravert-only trait
- How psychological safety and authenticity help introverted leaders flourish
- What organisations can do differently to support diverse personality styles
This episode is especially valuable for introverted women leaders, aspiring leaders, coaches, HR professionals, and anyone interested in creating workplaces where people can succeed without pretending to be someone they’re not.
🔗 Connect with Karla

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlapackhamcorteil/
https://substack.com/@kpc182
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeadersTeil

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 therapeutic
This 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 Elston
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickelston/
Take the Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment at
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders