Quietly Visible

Leading Without the Mask: How Introverted Women Can Lead Audaciously with Mahlena-Rae Johnson
Many introverted women in senior leadership roles feel pressured to adopt an extravert persona just to be seen, heard, and valued. But constantly performing as an extravert is exhausting, unsustainable, and chips away at your self-confidence.
In this episode, host Carol is joined by speaker, comedian, and 6-time author Mahlena-Rae Johnson to explore why introverted leaders don't need to conform to traditional extravert moulds to achieve long-term success. Together, they discuss the power of authenticity over assimilation, managing cognitive energy, navigating networking on your own terms, and having the audacity to lead as your true self.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
The exhaustion of putting on an extravert persona in leadership
Why assimilation is easy, but authenticity is sustainable
How introverts can express their voice without traditional gatekeepers
Protecting your energy and avoiding burnout at conferences and events
Recharging strategies: understanding energy depletion and recovery
The audacity to lead authentically and work with your natural strengths
Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahlena
If you found this conversation valuable, please like, comment, and subscribe to AboundingSolutions for more insights on authentic leadership and introversion.
Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:
https://aboundingsolutions.com
🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

You've got the promotion or landed the new role. You've worked hard to get there and other people clearly believe you're capable. So why are you now wondering whether you're actually good enough?

That feeling of “What if they've made a mistake?” is something I experienced myself when I was promoted into a senior leadership role. I found myself waiting for the phone call or email telling me they'd got it wrong.

But when I stopped and looked more closely at what was behind my self-doubt, I realised it wasn't that I couldn't do the job. There were two specific areas of my new responsibilities where I didn't yet feel confident about what was expected of me. Once I'd identified them, I could do something about them.

In this short episode of the Quietly Visible podcast, I explore why stepping into a bigger role can trigger feelings of being an imposter, and how identifying what's really behind those feelings can help you move forward.

Because sometimes the problem isn't that you're not good enough. You're simply dealing with new responsibilities, unfamiliar territory and the uncertainty that comes with them.

They believed you were good enough to give you the role. It's time to believe it yourself.

🎵 Music ©️Julie Anne Smith

Menopause isn't just a physical change—it's a whole new beginning.
In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend of over 40 years, Elaine Freeman. Elaine shares her deeply personal journey through menopause, from the shock of the first symptoms at age 50 to thriving today at 58.
We dive into the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of self-advocacy when facing a diagnosis like ADHD or depression, and how menopause can often heighten existing neurodivergent traits. Elaine’s story is a powerful reminder that while this stage of life can feel overwhelming, it is also an opportunity to find a sense of freedom, creativity, and self-care.
In this episode, we discuss:
The "birthday present" from the body: When menopause symptoms start at 50.
Navigating the workplace without adequate support.
Why self-advocacy is crucial when talking to GPs.
The link between menopause and heightened ADHD symptoms.

Finding hope and a "new beginning" post-menopause.
Connect with Elaine Freeman: Follow Elaine’s community on Instagram: @pushingthroughmenopause

The Secret Diary of Menopausal Women by Jacqueline Goldin
Take the Free Assessment: Are you an introverted woman looking to increase your confidence, influence, and impact? Head to aboundingsolutions.com to complete our free leadership assessment.
Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a woman who needs to hear this today.
#Menopause #WomenInLeadership #ADHD #SelfAdvocacy #QuietlyVisible #IntrovertedWomen #HolisticHealth

🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

In this episode, Carol is joined by Janine Friston, the founder of the Female Business Network. Janine’s community is dedicated to supporting introverted and quietly confident women who are building businesses, generating real income, and cultivating authentic relationships entirely on their own terms.
Networking is often viewed as a vital component for career advancement and business growth, yet it frequently presents significant challenges for introverted women. The traditional expectation of walking into a large, noisy room to make small talk with dozens of strangers can be deeply overstimulating and draining.
Janine shares her personal journey of navigating this reality, reflecting on her 20-year corporate background in customer service. Working her way up to senior management, she often found herself as the quieter leader surrounded by highly extraverted management colleagues. Rather than forcing herself into uncomfortable moulds, Janine realised she was naturally networking all along by seeking out individuals in other departments for deeper, one-to-one conversations.
When she launched her own business in 2018, she initially tried to attend massive networking events with hundreds of people, only to realise that connecting with just a few individuals in a smaller setting was far more effective and authentic to her nature.
In this episode:
Why traditional networking events can feel overstimulating and draining for introverted leaders.
The immense value of one-to-one connections and building deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
Practical ways to network without attending large, unstructured social gatherings, such as through digital messaging and small groups.
How to protect your energy by deliberately scheduling recovery time before and after demanding events.
Inclusive strategies for hosting large events that support quieter attendees, including buddy systems and pre-event introductions.
Connect with Janine Friston
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-friston-connector-and-small-business-mentor/
Instagram: @FemaleBusinessNetwork
Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment: https://aboundingsolutions.com
Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

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 Hargraves
Website: 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

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

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 transformation
This 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 Purpose
Connect with Rashmi Airan
🌐 Website: https://rashmiairan.com
🌐 Carol Stewart & Free Confidence, Influence & Impact Assessment:
👉 https://aboundingsolutions.com
🎵 Music: ©️ Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

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