Ever feel like you're only seeing the highlight reel of other people's success? This episode of The Ambitious Introvert® pulls back the curtain as I chat with Amanda Riffee, an internationally recognised coach for women, event speaker, and host of the Unleashing You Podcast.

Amanda shares her journey of transitioning from 17 years in corporate—marked by burnout and personal tragedies - to creating a business and life she loves, free of burnout and full of intention.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The challenges Amanda faced, and the pivotal moments that sparked her transformation

- How to set boundaries and prioritise balance for better energy and mental health

- Amanda’s insights on being ‘intentionally productive’ and leveraging cycle syncing for peak performance

- Her journey from corporate to coaching, including the limiting beliefs she overcame to thrive (see if you recognise any of these yourself!)

- Why hearing other people’s backstory can inspire you to take the action you’ve been holding back on

If you’ve ever felt stuck with self-doubt, burnout, or fear of change, this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/amandariffee_coaching/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-riffee/

Website:
https://acrprofessionalcoaching.com/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Are you taking aligned, meaningful action toward your goals, or are you stuck in passive ‘dreaming’? In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I explore the difference between active and passive approaches to achieving what you want in life. I’ll share real-world examples of how passive actions can keep you stuck - and how active steps move you closer to success.

I’ll also share why introverts often shy away from action, and how to reframe it in a way that feels good.

Tune in to learn:

• How to understand the key difference between dreaming about your goals (passive) and actively working toward them with intentional steps.
• Real life examples or passive vs active
• What aligned action is (and how to take it)
• Why introverts often fall into the ‘passive’ category
• Why your beliefs around tiredness or Human Design may be holding you back

If you’re tired of waiting for your goals to magically show up, and ready to get into the driver’s seat instead ready for 2025, this episode is for you!

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Ever been told ‘just speak up more’ but weren’t sure how? Or sat in a meeting feeling like you’re happy just observing and don’t want to ‘add to the noise’? If so, this episode is for you!

I interviewed global communication expert and bestselling author Jessica Chen about how introverted professionals can confidently stand out in the workplace. From her new book, Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons, Jessica shares her proven strategies for advocating for yourself without compromising authenticity, or feeling like you need to be loud to be heard. From the Emmy-winning newsroom to her top communication agency, Jessica helps introverts to unlock their natural strengths in business communication.

You’ll learn:

• How Jessica transitioned from Emmy-winning TV journalist to founder of Soulcast Media, where she’s taught over 2 million people how to master communication at work.
• What the "Babble Hypothesis" is, and how introverts can combat self-doubt, reminding us that what’s intuitive to you might not be as obvious to others.
• The 4A Sequence for Speaking Up, to help deliver your ideas with confidence in meetings.
• How to strategically ask for what you need without feeling ‘ick’
• Why managing your professional image is key for introverts, and how to do so in a natural way

CONNECT WITH JESSICA

Book: https://smartnotloudbook.com
Soulcast Media: soulcastmedia.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicachenpage/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

In this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m diving into a topic that sparked a surprising amount of interest—my decision to go sugar-free for September!

A brief mention in my newsletter about losing 2 kilos while doing it led to an influx of questions: Why did I do it? How did I stay on track? And was it difficult? But this episode isn’t about sugar itself—it’s about the mindset and strategy behind successfully making any significant change in your life, especially through a 30-day challenge.

Whether you’re looking to add a new habit or eliminate an old one, I’m sharing the 5 exact steps I use to make any 30-day challenge successful.

Tune in to hear me share:

- The power of keeping it simple - why overcomplicating your goals leads to failure

- How giving your change a catchy name (like "Sugar-Free September") makes it stick

- The importance of telling others, and the 3 benefits that can come from going public on your plans

- Why preparation is key to sticking with a new habit - or breaking an old one

- How adopting the identity of someone who has already succeeded helps you stay motivated

These strategies have helped me navigate not just sugar-free months, but also caffeine-free stretches, daily yoga, personal development practices, consistently marketing my business and more. If you’ve been thinking about making a change, especially with the New Year on the horizon, this episode will give you a roadmap for success!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Podcast Interview with Sarah Elisabeth

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

If you’re an introvert who feels hesitant about showing up on camera, this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast is for you. I’m joined by Shirlee Engel, a former TV correspondent turned entrepreneur and coach, who now helps business owners and professionals develop a magnetic on-camera presence.

Shirlee shares how introverts can develop the confidence needed to shine on camera—whether you’re using video for your business, career, or personal brand. She breaks down how the skills needed for camera confidence extend far beyond the screen, helping clients to present themselves with authority in all areas of life.

Tune in to hear Shirlee and I discuss:

- Why camera confidence is a learnable skill, and how introverts can excel with just a few of the right techniques

- The power of body language, voice, and mindset in improving your on-camera presence

- How to engage your audience by combining strategic messaging and delivery skills

- Shirlee’s advice for overcoming camera anxiety (spoiler alert - preparation and consistent practice are key!)

- The role video plays in building trust, visibility, and credibility—no matter your career or industry

If you’ve ever felt nervous or uncertain about putting yourself out there on video, this episode will give you practical tools and insights to help you show up confidently and authentically.

CONNECT WITH SHIRLEE

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@be.camera.confident
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlee-engel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.camera.confident
Website: cameraconfident.ca

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Are you feeling drained, unfocused, or constantly reaching for your phone? In today’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m looking into how our love of a quick dopamine hit could be impacting our mental health and energy levels.

As introverts, we need deeper, more meaningful experiences, yet the lure of instant gratification can pull us into unhealthy habits (hello doom scrolling and late night screen time). I’m sharing how to reclaim your focus, balance your energy, and break free from the dopamine trap, so you can perform at your absolute best.

In this episode, I cover:

- What dopamine is, and why it’s essential for motivation and energy.

- How our instant gratification society and social media are disrupting our natural dopamine levels.

- Why seeking constant dopamine hits is NOT the same as building true self-worth.

- Key questions to ask yourself to reflect on your relationship with dopamine and instant gratification.

- Tips for creating a healthier balance between fulfilling, meaningful activities and dopamine-driven habits.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Jessica Lorimer - Selling To Corporate

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Just how much does your culture impact your perception of others? And can being aware of this really make a positive difference to everyone concerned? Loren Rosario-Maldonardo absolutely believes that cultural intelligence can be the missing piece of the success puzzle, and she’s sharing her expertise on this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast.

Loren is the author of Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence, and hosts The C.H.O.I.C.E. Chats Podcast. With a background in HR and a passion for cross-cultural development and communication, she shares:

• What the term ‘cultural intelligence’ (CQ) means and how it applies in our everyday lives
• How understanding this can greatly impact businesses and interpersonal relationships
• Tips for exploring your own cultural intelligence (including one of my personal favourites - travel!)
• Her way of Owning Her Energy as a busy entrepreneur and introvert

CONNECT WITH LOREN

⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenrosariomaldonado/⁠

⁠Websites: https://www.cultura.global/⁠ + https://www.lorenrosario.com/⁠

Amazon: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Change-Power-Cultural-Intelligence-ebook/dp/B0CPCH31ZK⁠

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LorenRosario-Maldonado

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.

Goal setting for next year may not feel like a priority as we’re just saying goodbye to summer - but what if reverse engineering how you want to START 2025 was the quickest, easiest way to make massive leaps towards success?

In this week’s episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast I’m sharing a super quick and very powerful exercise I recently had a private client carry out. This will give you SO much clarity on your priorities for the rest of the year, and the best part is you need just 15 minutes PER WEEK to make a difference.

If you’re looking to make big strides without exhausting yourself in the process, this bite-sized introvert-friendly method is perfect for you - your future self will thank you for it!

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here

PREMIUM SUPPORT

Interested in working with me 1:1? Start the conversation by completing this short form and I’ll be in touch.