The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

Many coaches focus on solving problems, but my clients aren’t struggling - they’re striving for more. They seek growth in areas of life such as career, business, spirituality, and finances - not because they have to, but because they want to.In this solo episode, I share about rethinking my 1:1 coaching model, and reflect on the clients I love working with and the transformations they experience through working together. I’m talking about:What makes a coaching relationship truly fulfilling and how I identify clients who are ready to make the most out of their coaching journey.How my top strengths of Strategic and Maximizer can elevate your journey from good to exceptional, pushing beyond the ordinary to achieve extraordinary results.Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation, and how to determine if your drive for success comes from within. Are you pursuing greatness for yourself, or to prove something to others?This episode is perfect for Ambitious Introverts who are already doing well but want to push the boundaries of what’s possible, not for validation or ego, but for the sheer joy (mixed with a little fear!) of growth and learning. Tune in to learn more! CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Are you someone who LOVES taking a quiz or test to learn more about yourself? Or do you think it’s too prescriptive to be put in a box and told ‘how’ you should be?Either way it’s safe to say that personality tests aren’t going away anytime soon. And in this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® I’ll be sharing my own thoughts and experiences in using some of the most popular personality assessment tools out thereWhether it’s the MBTI, Clifton Strengths® or something more spiritual like Human Design, I’m covering:The pros and cons of the 7 most widely used testing toolsWhy these assessments can be disempowering if used incorrectly, andHow to leverage your results for increased self awareness, personal strengths and choosing the right support or team.CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Being ambitious means doing things. And doing things means being busy - right?!I’ve had SO many conversations with clients over the years about their relationship to busyness, and how it shows up (good and bad) in their career, business or everyday life.The question is - are we in a healthy relationship with our to do lists?On this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing some powerful coaching exercises you can do to gain a clearer understanding of how you think and feel about ‘busy’. Self awareness is the key to any change, so listen in to give yourself the space to reflect and see what comes up for you to explore.CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Us ambitious people LOVE the thrill of working towards something big. Having purpose in our actions. And of course looking forward to that much-desired result at the end.But what happens when all that hard work pays off and instead of fireworks it feels more, well… underwhelming?(As a coach, I can tell you I see this happen ALL THE TIME!)On this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing the reasons you may feel meh about your success, or struggle to feel proud of what you’ve achieved. I’ll also be giving you a powerful framework to use so you can not only identify why it’s happening, but take action to prevent it ruining your future celebrations too!CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Some might think ‘introverted leader’ is a bit of an oxymoron… However those of us who deeply understand introverts aren’t surprised at all that they excel in this type of role!After doubting his abilities for many years, an unexpected public speaking event set Terrance Lee on a path he could never have imagined. Today he’s an authority on introverted leadership, the author of two books on the subject with management and leadership experience in multiple Fortune 500 companies.I was lucky enough to meet Terrance in person earlier this year, and it was a pleasure to connect with him again for this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast.Tune in to learn:What led Terrance to understand that introverts make great leadersHis own journey of discovery around his introversion, and how that changed in different season of lifeHow a growth mindset and being willing to go outside of his comfort zone has allowed him to create a business on his termsHow owning his strengths not only created a successful business but also helped him reclaim the fun of childhood tooWhat Terrance really feels about small talk…And the number one energy saving practice that’s enabled him to balance a high pressure career, a young family and write two books (and begin a third!) without burning himself outIf you’re ready to be inspired to achieve more without sacrificing your personality and needs, this episode is for you!Episode References: Quiet by Susan CainThe Highly Sensitive Person by Dr Elaine AronCONNECT WITH TERRANCE Website - www.terrancelee.comInstagram - @TheIntrovertLeaderPodcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-introvert-experience/id1669340474CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Ever felt like doing something ‘crazy’? Something that ‘doesn’t make sense’ or is ‘bad on paper’?Often when we feel like that the energy that’s driving the decision can be just too hard to ignore, and impossible to logic our way out of.And as introverts, learning to trust ourselves when making big changes is vital.This week on The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing some different ways our energy guides us in life, and also how we can avoid getting ‘led astray’ by shoulds and other people’s opinions.And I’m also sharing a big decision I’ve made recently about this podcast - tune in to learn what, and hear me share the process of listening to my energy and my thoughts, then deciding which one to follow!CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Having high standards is one thing, but if you’re aiming to make everything in your life and work ‘perfect' you're fighting an impossible battle. This week on The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I interviewed Leadership Coach, Women's Health Advocate and mom of four Chana Ross. She’s sharing her lifelong journey of perfectionism and the practices she’s implemented to overcome it.We chat about:How Chana developed perfectionism tendencies as a child, and the ways we’re conditioned by society to act this wayWhy, ironically, trying to do everything perfect prevents us being in a growth mindsetHow intentional scheduling can help prevent over-focussing on specific tasks, and ensure you make time for self care habits tooThe number one habit Chana prioritises for her mental health and wellbeing, that positively impacts everything she doesEpisode ResourcesQuiet by Susan CainThe Six Phase Meditation Method by Vishen LakhianiListen to my interview on Chana’s podcast She Has The AudacityCONNECT WITH CHANAwww.chanaross.comhttps://vitalphysiotherapy.com/https://chanaross.com/podcast CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

If you’re not thinking of yourself as a brand, you may be doing yourself a huge disservice - whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee.Personal branding goes WAY deeper than colours, fonts and fancy photographs - and this week’s guest Marielle Legair is an absolute expert in the field. Marielle is a Speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice 2023 and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. Her background as a publicity and executive visibility professional combined with her experience as an entrepreneur, positions her with a unique skill set to help individuals and companies thrive. Global brands including bp, Diageo, EY, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Macquarie, Red Bull and Yale University hire her to deliver transformative talks and training workshops.She’s joining me on The Ambitious introvert® to discuss the why and how of personal branding for success.Tune in to hear:The unexpected impact Marielle’s previous appearance on the podcast had (hint: it had nothing to do with the topic we discussed!)Why your personal brand is essential for career progression, and how to start cultivating oneWhy global companies WANT their high potential hires to have identifiable brands (and how it’s mutually beneficial when you do so)Marielle’s tried and tested method for personal brand creationHow understanding her own energy type changed Marielle’s business for the betterThis episode has so many tips and actions you can take away and implement today, so be sure to listen all the way through!Episode Resources:Marielle’s previous appearance on the showCONNECT WITH MARIELLE:Website: http://www.mariellelegair.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlegair/CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

Habits are the foundation of success - unless the ones that are deeply ingrained are actually exhausting you. People pleasing became such an automatic response for this week’s podcast guest, Dr Clare Emma Wild, that it became hard for her brain to even recognize she was doing it!Clare is ​​an academically certified and internationally accredited coach who’s passionate about helping Quiet Leaders to overcome imposter syndrome and people-pleasing. She also happens to be a long term client of mine, so in this episode she’s not only sharing her expertise, but also her own growth journey of becoming a coach and growing her business as an Ambitious Introvert.We chat about:Clare’s first experience with The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, and what it’s like to 180º from being a listener to a guestHer decades-long experience with people pleasing, which led to multiple burnouts, but ultimately set her on the path to what she’s doing todayWhy so many sensitive, empathic leaders try to avoid negative emotions, and how Clare’s somatic method of coaching supports clients in ‘feeling’ them insteadWhy habit change required repetition, and Clare’s own experience of this in her own development journeyWhy the ‘no is a complete sentence’ advice may do some people pleasers more harm than goodClare’s incredibly simple tip for Owning her Energy (and it came from me!)CONNECT WITH CLARE:LinkedInWebsiteFree Resource: How to Say No Confidently (even when it feels scary) CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

How often do you TRULY take time alone? While the idea is blissful to most of us introverts it can also be tough to turn inwards and be honest about what you want from life - as today’s podcast guest Melissa Unsell-Smith discovered.Melissa is a serial entrepreneur, 2 x tech founder and most recently the brain behind Catalytic Icon, a community that helps women create ‘authentic connections and dreamy lifestyles’. It was one of Melissa’s ‘solitude retreats’ that enabled her to reconnect with her lifelong strengths and create the community. Tune in to hear more about that, and also:How a part time student job led Melissa to a life of entrepreneurshipWhy an experience with burnout in 2018 changed everything for herThe importance of time alone, and protecting our energy so we can do our best workWhy morning routines down have to be a chore (and how to make them spacious and luxurious instead)Why rarity is a good thing, and how to use it to your advantage when it comes to your personality typeCONNECT WITH MELISSAhttps://www.catalyticicon.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaunsell-smith/CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE: Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkesSign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only emails, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.PREMIUM SUPPORT: Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.