Quietly Visible

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

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 authenticity
This inspiring episode is perfect for introverted women who want to lead with confidence, creativity, and calm.
Connect with Sharon Hurley Hall:
https://sharonhh.com
Anti racism Newsletter
LinkedIn
Join Sharon’s masterclass: Seven Secrets of Introvert Success: A Masterclass for Quiet Revolutionaries
Join here https://luma.com/q2o6jc38
Take Carol's Free Assessment to improve your impact and influence
https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/
🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

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/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579366067469
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 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.com
https://amygreensmith.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith/
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 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 assets
• The importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in leadership and well-being
• Practical ways employers can support staff going through menopause
• Holistic nutrition and lifestyle habits to ease menopausal symptoms
• How 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

In this solo episode of Quietly Visible, Carol reflects on her personal journey from self-doubt to self-confidence, sharing how she learned to embrace her introversion and turn it into a strength.

She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome throughout her career—whether navigating organisational change, stepping into leadership roles, or writing her book—and how aligning her 'why' with her values helped her succeed.

Drawing on her own experiences as well as her MSc research into belonging and psychological safety, Carol explores:

✔️Why introversion is not a lack of confidence but a different way of leading and connecting

✔️How to recognise and address specific areas of self-doubt rather than writing yourself off as 'not confident'

✔️Practical strategies to manage imposter syndrome and reframe self-perceptions

✔️The role of environment, values, and personal motivations in building lasting confidence

This episode is both personal and practical, offering encouragement and tools for anyone who has ever felt held back by self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the belief that they need to be someone else to succeed.

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

📷Julie Anne Smith

#introvert #empowerment #impostersyndrome #introvertedwomenleaders #confidence

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 music
• How perfectionism differs from the pursuit of excellence
• The role of self-compassion in overcoming fear and self-doubt
• How introverted leaders can thrive by lowering the bar and starting messy
• Practical tools to embrace play, experimentation, and risk-taking
  

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

In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by consultant psychotherapist, writer, and founder of Stilled Therapy & Consultancy, Monique Thomas. Together, they explore what it means to lead with grace and why this is such a powerful approach for introverted women in leadership.

Monique shares her personal journey from teaching and performing to psychotherapy, weaving in lessons about authenticity, stillness, and the importance of connection. She unpacks how leaders can move beyond performance and pressure, create psychologically safe environments, and thrive without pretending to be someone they’re not.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• Grace in leadership means moving away from performance-driven cultures and embracing authenticity.
• Stillness isn’t about inactivity—it’s about finding safety, acceptance, and deep connection even in motion.
• Authenticity is powerful—real change begins when we accept ourselves as we are.
• Connection is essential—introverts need belonging and safe spaces just as much as anyone else.
• Challenging performance culture can prevent burnout and help leaders lead with compassion and sustainability.
  

This is an inspiring listen for introverted women leaders who want to thrive by leading with authenticity, compassion, and courage—without losing themselves to performance pressures.

Connect with Monique:[email protected]

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-thomas-ma-5541b429/

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

🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders

One of the areas many of my clients struggle with is networking. For introverts, traditional networking can feel overwhelming and draining, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Networking is less about “working the room” and more about building meaningful connections that align with your values and energy levels.In this episode, I share:✨Why introverts often find networking exhausting — and how to reframe it.✨Real-life client stories of overcoming self-limiting beliefs about networking.✨Practical strategies such as using open-ended questions, active listening, and connecting beforehand.✨How to plan and approach events so you feel more at ease and get the most from them.Whether you see networking as a chore or simply want to do it in a way that feels authentic and sustainable, this episode will give you tools and inspiration to approach it differently.👉🏾 Take my free Confidence, Influence, and Impact Assessment at https://aboundingsolutions.com/taketheimpactassessment/ to identify areas to strengthen your leadership.🎵 Julie Ann Smith ©️

Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Lynise Green, integrated wellness and leadership consultant, wellness strategist, and award-winning expert. Together, they explore how introverted women in leadership can reclaim their energy, authority, and authenticity without giving in to performative expectations.

Dr. Green shares her fascinating journey from engineer to naturopath to consultant, and how her own experiences with burnout shaped the work she does today.

She unpacks the myths around productivity, visibility, and hustle culture, showing why sustainable success isn’t about always being “on” but about managing and optimising your energy.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The danger of performative leadership and why authenticity is more impactful

• How burnout shows up physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
• Why presence and intentional energy are more powerful than constant hustle

• Practical strategies for setting boundaries without guilt
• How introverted leaders can thrive by valuing quality over quantity in their visibility
• Why managing energy—not just time—is the key to living and leading well

This episode is a must-listen for introverted women who want to lead with impact, protect their energy, and build a leadership style rooted in clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

Connect with Dr. Lynise Green:
https://www.wellwithl.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lynisegreennd

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

🎵 - ©️Julie Anne Smith
#introvert #Empowerment #IntrovertedWomenLeaders