Ep #:107 The Introvert’s Guide to Speaking Up with Mahlena-Rae Johnson

Summary of the episode

Public speaking can be intimidating—especially for introverts. In this episode of nosey AF: conversations about art, activism, and social change, Stephanie talks with speaker, comedian, and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson, who calls herself the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright.

For more than two decades, Mahlena has helped leaders learn how to communicate clearly and confidently, whether they’re pitching ideas, presenting on stage, or navigating everyday professional conversations. In this conversation, we explore what it means to be an introvert in leadership, why public speaking is so challenging for so many people, and how preparation, self-awareness, and practice can transform presenting into something much more enjoyable.

Mahlena also shares insights from her book Speak Anyway, which encourages people to use their voices—even when fear or self-doubt shows up.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking in front of people, this conversation will remind you that finding your voice is a skill you can learn.

What we talk about

1. What introverted leadership looks like in practice
2. Why public speaking anxiety is so common
3. How preparation and self-awareness improve communication
4. Cultural identity, citizenship, and how they shape how we show up
5. Personal branding and navigating competitive job markets
6. Rethinking genius, education, and how people learn

Chapters

1. 00:28 – Understanding Introverted Leadership
2. 09:12 – The Art of Speaking: Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice
3. 19:22 – Navigating Cultural Identity and Citizenship
4. 32:56 – Navigating Personal Branding in a Competitive Job Market
5. 46:09 – Exploring Genius and Education

Things We Mentioned

1. Speak Anyway by Mahlena-Rae Johnson
2. https://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/2023/11/speak-an.html

All about… Mahlena-Rae Johnson

Speaker, comedian, and six-time author Mahlena-Rae Johnson describes herself as the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright. For more than two decades, she has helped leaders hone the superpower of public speaking and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence.

Her work focuses on helping founders and professionals—especially in the education technology space—develop communication skills that make pitching, presenting, and everyday leadership conversations easier and more authentic.

Mahlena has been featured on CBC Kids, The Great Canadian Woman Podcast, BusinessBecause, and more.

Connect with Mahlena-Rae Johnson

Instagram: @mahlenasguidetolife

Website: https://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/

Book: Speak Anyway

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Episode Credits

Hosted by: Stephanie Graham

Edited By Risha Brown

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick