Empowerment strategies for introverted women

Let me be very honest with you. Please STOP trying to be more extroverted. Do this instead: Lean fully into your introvert skills. They are your superpowers. Here is how: ↳ Identify your strengths, your superpowers - Get clear on what you excel at and how it benefits others. - Find ways to deliberately apply those strengths every day. ↳ Do an energy audit - Know what fuels you and what drains you. - Start saying no to what does not serve you. ↳ Protect your zone of genius - Identify what you do best and guard it like gold. ↳ Make a recharge cheat sheet - Write down what helps you recover and use it often. Too often, I see introverts treating their introversion like a problem to be fixed. I get it. There is still so much stigma. Extroverted behavior seems to get all the rewards. So we try to act less introverted, and it does not work. Of course it doesn’t. Here is the thing about strengths: They come naturally to us. That is why they are strengths. And they are harder for others to master. The reverse is true too. Trying to be more extroverted means working twice as hard for half the results. So stop. 🛑 Stop trying to fix what is not broken. Look at successful introverts out there. What do they have in common? ✅ They embrace who they are. ✅They use their strengths with intention and confidence. If you want to do the same, start by understanding your own introvert superpowers. And then lean into them fully. You got this! ————— Who in your network would benefit from reading this today? ————— PS: I am Sven, and I have spent years building a strengths-based coaching platform. Today, my mission is to help introverted entrepreneurs and professionals thrive as who they are while protecting their energy to build their dreams. Want to know more? Check my profile or feel free to reach out anytime. #introvertsunite #introvert #introversion #strengths #superpowers #personalgrowth

Your competence at work is judged in seconds. Even when you over-deliver, you can be underestimated. Every day, false assumptions about you are made: — Polite = Weak — Older = Not agile — A foreign accent = Less capable — Introverted =  Not a strong leader — Woman =  Softer voice, less authority It's not just unfair. It's exhausting. So the question is: How do you beat biases without changing who you are? Here’s what I recommend: 𝟭. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 → Speak about impact, not effort. → Articulate your value proposition. →“Here’s the problems I solve. Here's how. Here’s the result."  If no one knows what you bring to the table, they won’t invite you to it. 𝟮. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 Silent excellence is wasted potential. → Speak up when it feels risky. → Build real not just strategic relationships. → Share insights where people are paying attention. You don’t need to be loud. You need to be seen. 𝟯. 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 The traits that trigger assumptions? Those are your edge. → Introverted? That’s deep listening. → Accent? That’s global perspective. Don’t flatten yourself to fit. Distinguish yourself to lead. 𝟰. 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 → Say “I recommend” not "I think.” → Hold eye contact. Take up space. → Act like your presence belongs (even when others haven’t caught up.) Confidence isn’t volume. It’s grounding. Bias is everywhere. But perception can be changed. Don't let other people's false assumptions define you. Do you agree? ➕ Follow Deena Priest for strategic career insights. 📌Join my newsletter to build a career grounded in progress, peace and pay.

As an introvert, I spent years of my life envying my more extroverted co-workers. It just seemed they had an easier time thinking quickly in meetings and speaking up, engaging in a lively debate or always being able to sustain their energy through a long meeting or group event. While I could have spent my time in compare and despair, I realized that wishing I was more extroverted wasn't all that helpful. What I actually had to own was this: I didn't need to be more extroverted to be successful, I needed to be more of my best, authentic self to be successful. Here are three other strategies you can use to contribute intentionally so you can make an impact: 1️⃣ Own your strengths by reflecting on your unique talents. What is the unique skill or point of view that only YOU can bring to the meeting? How will you share it at the right time? 2️⃣ Focus on connection, not perfection. So, instead of worrying about what to say, when to say it and how to say it perfectly, which can lead to silence by analysis paralysis, focus instead on the people in front of you and how you want them to feel. How can you be present with them? 3️⃣ Speak up when it matters by speaking up in alignment with your values. Here is your permission to drop the pressure to speak up on every topic. Focus instead on issues, perspectives and strategies that are truly important to you. TRY THIS NEXT: Challenge yourself to ask a question or offer your unique point of view at the beginning of your next meeting. How could your unique insights set the tone and impact the conversation to follow? What other tips have worked for you? #womenleaders #confidence #leadershipdevelopment #careers

As an introvert, the thought of large professional gatherings can be overwhelming. However, you know that networking is crucial for career growth and professional success. One strategy that has worked for me is leveraging online platforms to build meaningful connections. Sites like LinkedIn allow for thoughtful engagement without the immediate pressure of in-person events, making it easier for introverts to connect and engage. By creating and sharing content, you can attract connections naturally. Platforms like Medium, YouTube, GitHub, and X also offer great opportunities to expand your reach and showcase your expertise. Start by joining online communities related to your field and contributing valuable insights. This approach not only helps you build your network but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Online networking allows you to take your time crafting messages and engaging in conversations at your own pace. It breaks down the barriers to the hardest part of networking: meeting a large volume of people. For introverts, this method is more manageable and comfortable, opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships. Do you consider yourself an introvert? If so, how have you thought about effectively networking? #Networking #Introvert #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Two years into my role at a nonprofit, I was watching everything fall apart. Our CEO was brilliant—incredible at fundraising, visionary thinking, and external relationships. But internally? High turnover. Burnt-out volunteers. A toxic environment that was failing the first-generation immigrant students we served. When my program co-creator quit, I had a choice: Leave like everyone else, or stay and figure out how to change things. Here's what I realized as the only Black woman in a 100-person organization: The CEO wasn't a bad leader—she was a misplaced one. Her strengths were external. Her struggles were internal operations and people management. And that's exactly where I excelled. So I made a decision that terrified me: I would pitch myself for a role that didn't exist. Vice President. Her number two. The fear was real: → I was introverted in an extroverted leadership culture → I'd never created my own role before → Students' futures hung in the balance → As the only Black person there, I felt the weight of representation For three months, I couldn't work up the courage. But watching the organization struggle while knowing I had the solution? That pushed me forward. Every night for weeks, I practiced my bathroom mirror. One hour. Sometimes two. Working on my tone, my business case. The day came. Sweating, shaking, I sat across from her and made my pitch: "You focus on what you do best—external growth. I'll handle what I do best—internal operations and people leadership." She didn't say yes immediately. She asked questions. Thought about it for a week. Then we went to the board together. The result? From part-time hire to VP in two years. Here's what followed: → Tripled our student impact → Doubled our staff → Earned national recognition → Created sustainable programs that lasted Here's the lesson I want every Black introverted woman to hear: Your quiet observation skills—they can work to your advantage. You see gaps others miss. You understand systems others overlook. That thing you've noticed at work? That problem everyone complains about but no one addresses? That's your promotion waiting to happen. The key steps: 1. Identify the real problem (not just symptoms) 2. Map your unique strengths to the solution 3. Prepare (practice matters more than perfection) 4. Present the benefits to the business (not just your desires) 5. Stay committed to the mission over personal comfort You can be quiet AND be the most valuable in the room too. Sometimes the biggest leadership moves happen in bathroom mirrors at 9 PM, when you're preparing to advocate for solutions only you can see. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙖𝙥 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚? **** Hi👋. I'm Nicole. And I'm here to help you get your next leadership promotion and change corporate. #promotions #professionaldevelopment #womenatwork #leaders

Networking isn’t about being extroverted. Here are 3 introvert-friendly strategies that work. I used to think I had to be loud. Be bold. Be “on” all the time. Truth is, I’m not built that way. And that’s okay. You don’t need a big voice. You need a better approach. These helped me network quietly—but effectively: ➤ Default to curiosity Don’t pitch. Don’t push. Just ask. A simple “What drew you to your role?” works. People remember listeners, not just speakers. ➤ Choose your battlefield Hate events? Skip them. Prefer thoughtful writing? Send a message. You don’t have to show up everywhere. Show up where you shine. ➤ Lead with value No need to brag or overshare. Offer help. A suggestion. A resource. Even a kind follow-up can build trust. Most people chase numbers. Introverts build relationships. And that’s the long game. You don’t need 10,000 followers. You need 10 people who believe in you. You don’t need a spotlight. You need a strategy. So if you’ve ever felt too quiet... Too slow… too behind… Let me tell you something I wish I knew: You don’t have to change yourself. You just have to change your approach. Your calm is a strength. Your thoughtfulness is your superpower. Use it.