TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller joins Serena to challenge the myth that empathy is a “soft” extra. She shares her journey from French horn professor to empathy-in-leadership researcher after a toxic workplace experience, then breaks down the different types of empathy and how leaders actually apply them—especially in tough conversations and high-pressure environments.

Key Takeaways

• Empathy is multi-dimensional. Beyond “I feel what you feel,” leaders can (and must) use cognitive empathy (perspective-taking) and self-empathy (self-awareness and reflection). These forms help you understand others even without shared experiences.
• Empathy takes work—and courage. Many avoid it because stepping into someone’s world can be uncomfortable; only about a third will choose the empathy-requiring path.
• The “dual-route” model matters. Emotional empathy is fast and instinctive; cognitive empathy is slower and chosen. Effective leaders use both.
• Boundaries ≠ lack of empathy. Self-empathy means knowing your capacity and keeping boundaries so you can truly show up for others.
• Kind vs. nice. Empathy isn’t people-pleasing. It may require hard conversations (e.g., honest performance feedback) done with care so people can grow.
• Business case: When leaders genuinely employ empathy, productivity, innovation, and profit rise; performative “buzzword” empathy backfires and erodes trust.
• Empathy first, then EI tools. Consider empathy the precursor that helps you choose the right emotional-intelligence skill for the moment.
• Start with self-empathy. You can’t sustain empathy for others without it.

Practical Takeaways for Introverted & HSP Leaders

• Use cognitive empathy prompts in 1:1s: “What might this look like from their side?” (choose to perspective-take).
• Check capacity before deep talks: if depleted, set a boundary and reschedule—this is self-empathy in action.
• Replace “nice” with “kind + clear”: deliver honest feedback that enables growth; skip people-pleasing.
• Lead with empathy, then select the EI tool (communication, motivation, etc.) that fits.

Memorable Quote

“Empathy is not always very nice—but it’s always kind.”

About the book

The Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation — a primer on what empathy is (and isn’t) and how to apply it in today’s AI-shaped workplaces.

Next Steps

FIND OUT MORE about Melissa’s work:
https://eqviaempathy.com/

SHARE this episode with a colleague who’s leading change.

WORK WITH SERENA:
I help introverted professional women be visible and valued without performing extroversion.

Book a private Zoom call HERE.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

What happens when an introverted woman steps into one of the most male-dominated industries and learns to stand tall in her quiet strength?

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Dione Chan, a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. From growing up shy with severe eczema to finding her voice in the security industry, Dione’s story is one of courage, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead as an introvert.

She shares how a viral encounter with rapper Drake became the catalyst for teaching others about boundaries and self-respect, and how her SAFE framework (Scan, Acknowledge, Find, Engage/Escalate) is helping introverts and women hold their ground with quiet confidence.

This episode is full of practical wisdom for anyone who has ever struggled with people-pleasing, cultural conditioning, or the fear of speaking up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dione transformed childhood shyness and self-doubt into resilience and leadership
• The surprising lessons she learned from working in the security industry as an introverted woman
• Why setting boundaries is essential—and how to do it with compassion
• How cultural upbringing and people-pleasing patterns can hold introverts back
• The power of healthy anger and why it’s necessary for self-protection
• Dione’s SAFE framework for handling challenging situations with clarity and courage
• Why putting yourself first is not selfish, but essential for authentic leadership
  
  

About Dione Chan

Dione Chan is a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. With experience across safety, security, and training, she has built a career in spaces where women are rarely seen. Drawing on her own journey from self-doubt to self-leadership, Dione now speaks and teaches on boundaries, resilience, and quiet confidence—helping others become their own first responders.

Instagram: @that_security_lady

Facebook: @That Security Lady

LinkedIn: Dione Aaliyah Chan

Website: www.icpgroupaustralia.com.au

Next Steps

If you’re ready to become visible without acting extroverted, follow me on LinkedIn for introvert-friendly strategies to grow your career.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena interviews Simon Copsey, a delivery and transformation consultant who helps organisations solve complex problems through scientific thinking and modern management theory.

Simon shares his journey from software developer to consultant and opens up about experiencing imposter syndrome when stepping into advisory and leadership roles. Together, they explore how introverts and quiet achievers can thrive in consulting environments that require communication, relationship-building, and collaboration across different personalities and levels of seniority.

A central theme of the conversation is the Theory of Constraints, a practical framework for clarifying organisational goals, identifying obstacles, and making assumptions visible so teams can work together more effectively.

This episode highlights the importance of trust, curiosity, and understanding different perspectives at work — especially for introverted professionals who prefer thoughtful, reflective approaches to problem-solving.

Key message:

People are good. They act for a reason. And curiosity creates connection, clarity, and influence.

As Simon says:
“Be curious before furious.”

Connect with Simon Copsey:

Landing page: https://curiouscoffee.club/

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

For insights that light up your career and relationships without forcing you to change who you are:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter: https://serenalow.com.au

Help more introverts find The Quiet Warrior Podcast by rating and writing a review:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-quiet-warrior-podcast-with-serena-low/id1635834564

Thank you for your support!

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this uplifting episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Danny Brassell—international keynote speaker, coach, author of 19 books, and co-founder of The Well-Crafted Story Workshop. Known as the “Jim Carrey with a PhD” for his humour and energy, Danny has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and helps entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals transform their presentations into powerful business and life opportunities.

Danny shares how he pivoted from journalism to teaching, survived financial devastation, and built a thriving speaking career during one of the world’s toughest economic downturns. Most importantly, he shows us that speaking is a teachable skill—not an inborn talent—and anyone (even introverts and quiet achievers) can learn to tell a compelling story that moves both hearts and business outcomes.

Together, we explore why storytelling matters more than statistics, why humour wins over tragedy when telling a story, and why humour and vulnerability are essential tools for connection. Danny also walks us through his signature 5 C’s process for creating a well-crafted story that inspires audiences to take the next step with you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Danny’s journey from journalist to educator to international speaker and coach.
• Why laughter is more powerful than tragedy on stage.
• The 5 C’s of a well-crafted presentation: Clarity, Connection, Content, Call-to-Action, and Close.
• Why speaking is a teachable skill—even if you’re introverted or fearful of the stage.
• How to use self-deprecating humour and vulnerability to connect with any audience.
• The importance of having one clear call-to-action instead of confusing your audience.
• A simple exercise to uncover your own stories and connect them to universal themes like love, loyalty, and perseverance.

Resources and Links

Free Story Guide: Get your own Well-Crafted Story Blueprint at freestoryguide.com.

Learn more about Dr. Danny Brassell’s work: dannybrassell.com.


For more tips and resources for introverts and quiet achievers, subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.


If this episode inspired you, please leave a 5-star rating and review so it can reach more introverts and quiet achievers.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Dr. Evette Rose—author, speaker, trauma recovery expert, and creator of Metaphysical Anatomy and Metapsychology Coaching.

Evette shares her remarkable journey from studying law and working in male-dominated corporate environments to becoming a globally recognized healer, author of 21 books, and teacher of trauma-informed modalities. She opens up about overcoming childhood wounds, facing her fear of public speaking as an introvert, and discovering how emotional pain shows up in the body.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on using their strengths in times of stress, how subconscious beliefs impact health (especially for women), and why even the smallest act of presence can create powerful ripple effects.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The turning point: How Evette went from corporate life and atheism to rediscovering spirituality and healing.
• Overcoming fear as an introvert: Her struggle with public speaking and how focusing on her why and strengths helped her keep going.
• Strengths-based resilience: Why identifying and leaning on your strengths can reduce fear and build confidence in stressful situations.
• Stress and Women’s Health: The hidden link between “pushing through” stress, hormonal imbalances, and common health conditions.
• Healing subconscious patterns: Understanding how inherited beliefs about lack and struggle can keep us stuck.
• Writing as healing: Why each of her 21 books began as a personal journey through pain and how writing can be cathartic for introverts.
• Multiple purposes: How embracing different purposes across your life can be liberating and empowering.
  
  

Resources and Links

• Visit Dr. Evette Rose’s website: metaphysicalanatomy.com
• Free gift: Restoring the Emotional Body (eBook + guided meditation) – available under the Books tab on metaphysicalanatomy.com
• Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at SerenaLow.com.au.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and review to help more introverts and quiet achievers find The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

After more than 20 years in senior HR and organisational development roles, a life-changing cancer diagnosis inspired Ros Cardinal to step out of corporate and into her true calling: transforming leaders and reshaping the way organisations handle change.

Ros is an award-winning executive coach, author of The Resilient Employee, and creator of the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model, now used worldwide to help women discover and embrace their authentic leadership strengths.

In this inspiring conversation, Ros shares her journey from “accidental HR” professional to leadership mentor, her research into women’s leadership styles, and why introverts and quiet achievers are uniquely positioned to lead with authenticity, courage, and wisdom.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Change begins at the top – organisational culture and transformation only last as long as leaders remain invested.
• Women in leadership still face barriers – from outdated expectations around work–life balance to systemic structures that don’t support those with families or outside commitments.
• Introverts can be powerful leaders – their thoughtful, measured approach often leads to deeper impact and stronger trust.
• Too much / not enough paradox – women in leadership are often labelled either too loud and bossy or not assertive enough, making self-trust and resilience vital.
• The Women’s Leadership Archetypes model – eight archetypes (four empowered, four shadow) that reveal both the strengths and challenges women experience in leadership.
• Trauma responses at work – patterns like overachieving, people-pleasing, or withdrawing often trace back to childhood conditioning; awareness allows leaders to interrupt these cycles.
• Energy management for introverts – pacing, picking your battles, and choosing when to speak up are essential to sustaining leadership presence.
• Creating psychologically safe workplaces – leaders must integrate humanity back into work, allowing people to bring their whole selves instead of leaving emotions at the door.

Connect with Ros Cardinal

• Shaping Change
• Women’s Leadership Archetypes
• LinkedIn: Ros Cardinal

Enjoyed the Episode?

• Leave a 5-star review to help more introverts discover the podcast
• Share it with someone who’s finding their voice
• Subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at https://serenalow.com.au
  
  

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.

John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self.

Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of influence.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why so many introverts feel most energised by quiet, nature, and solitude
• The surprising link between improvisation and confidence
• What “presence” really means when speaking or leading
• Why confidence comes from experience — not personality
• The importance of embracing the learning curve (and the dip)
• How humour and lightness create connection, even for serious thinkers
• The difference between influence and persuasion
• Why authenticity isn’t oversharing — it’s self-ownership
• How to build influence without pretending to be extroverted
• What quiet achievers need to remember when stepping into visibility

Memorable Quote

“The best speakers aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. Influence comes from being real, not from performing.”
— John Ball

Key Takeaways for Quiet Achievers

• You don’t need to be loud to be impactful — presence speaks louder than volume
• Confidence grows through practice, not perfection
• Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means being grounded in who you are
• Influence is built through warmth, clarity, and self-trust
• The audience is usually rooting for you more than you think
• Growth requires patience — and compassion for yourself along the way

About John Ball

John Ball is a keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast. He helps speakers, coaches, and leaders move from competent to captivating by developing confidence, presence, and authentic communication.

Learn more about John and his work at:
https://presentinfluence.com

Enjoyed the Episode?
If this conversation resonated with you:
Leave a 5-star review to help more introverts discover the podcast
Share it with someone who’s finding their voice
Subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at https://serenalow.com.au

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Serena is joined by Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent, psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script. With more than two decades in the entertainment industry and a PhD in psychology, Albert brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and psychological insight into how self-sabotage, trauma, and unconscious “scripts” shape our lives.

Together, Serena and Albert explore how the stories we unconsciously inherit—often from childhood—can quietly dictate our behaviour, confidence, and sense of worth. While Albert’s work focuses on actors and performing artists, his insights resonate far beyond the stage, especially for introverts and quiet achievers navigating visibility, leadership, and self-belief.

This episode is a powerful invitation to slow down, notice the inner narratives running our lives on autopilot, and begin the courageous work of rewriting them—with compassion rather than force.

In this episode, we explore:

• What self-sabotage really looks like—and why it’s often unconscious
• How introverts and highly sensitive people can thrive in visible, high-pressure roles
• The concept of “scripts”: where they come from and how they shape identity
• Why procrastination can be a trauma response, not a character flaw
• The link between generational trauma, identity, and self-doubt
• How actors—and non-actors—can embody a new identity, not just think it
• Why change requires being comfortable with discomfort
• The role of accountability, coaching, and emotional clearing in real transformation
• How to expand your comfort zone gently, without abandoning yourself
  
  
  

What to remember:

“You can change the script at any time. The moment you realise it’s a script—and not ‘just the way things are’—you take your power back.”

Connect with Albert Bramante:

http://www.albertbramante.com/

Support The Quiet Warrior Podcast:

If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a five-star rating or review—it helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

Find fellow introverts to network with:
For resources, reflections, and community, join The Visible Introvert community at serenalow.com.au.

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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions