The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

• Episode 217: How the Introvert Brain Really Works (And Why It Matters)

  Ever feel like your brain just works differently - like how you need more space, more quiet, or more time to think? In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m diving into some fascinating (and science-backed) reasons why that’s not just in your head - it’s actually how your brain is wired.We’ll explore three key ways introverts process, respond, and recharge that set us apart - not in a “fix yourself” kind of way, but in a “ohhhh, that’s why I do that!” kind of way. If you’ve ever second-guessed the way you work or wondered why other people seem to thrive on things that drain you, this one’s for you.Here’s what we cover:Why dopamine floods can feel overwhelming, and which neurotransmitter is the introvert’s secret weapon for calm focus.The surprising way introverts use more brain energy, and what it means for your fatigue levels and social battery.What really happens when you pause before speaking, and why your slower processing is actually a strength.How your brain’s default mode influences decision-making, reflection, and creativity by taking the long roadWhether you’re an introvert wanting to better understand your own patterns or someone who leads or lives with one, this episode will help you reframe how you think about energy, focus, and expression.MENTIONED STUDIES:◾️ Laney, M. O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage – explains dopamine sensitivity and acetylcholine rewards◾️Johnson, D. L., & Wiebe, J. S. et al. (1999). Cerebral Blood Flow and Personality: A PET Study. Am J Psychiatry, 156(2), 252–257. (PMID 9989562)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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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• Episode 216: The Real Power of Resilience: Thriving Through Life’s Toughest Moments with Krista Ryan

  What if the hardest thing you've ever faced ended up being the biggest gift of your life?My guest on The Ambitious Introvert® this week is Krista Ryan – a Workplace Performance expert, speaker, coach, and former HR director who brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to her mission of helping individuals and organizations thrive through change. But this conversation isn’t just about leadership - it’s about resilience, presence, and how a stage 3 cancer diagnosis changed everything.Krista shares how surviving colorectal cancer reshaped her life, her leadership, and her priorities. We talk about what resilience really looks like (hint: it’s not just powering through), why vulnerability is one of the strongest things you can practice, and how living more in the now can create greater impact than chasing future goals ever will.Whether you're leading a team, navigating a personal challenge, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-paced world, Krista’s wisdom will leave you feeling both seen and inspired.Tune in to hear us discuss:1. Why resilience is a practiced skill, not a personality trait - and it starts with pausing before reacting.2. How vulnerability and asking for help aren’t weaknesses, they’re accelerators for growth and connection.3. Why the best life is the one happening right now; chasing the future often pulls us out of alignment.4. The way a single resilient person can shift the energy of an entire organization.5. How simple daily rituals like solo walks or intention-setting can restore clarity, energy, and focus.If you're ready to redefine resilience on your own terms, this one’s for you.https://www.kristaryan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-ryan-pcc-b91830164/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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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• Episode 215: What Lando Norris’ Social Media Exit Teaches Us About Quiet Power

  When one of the world’s top F1 drivers publicly calls social media a “waste of time and energy”, it’s worth paying attention.In this solo episode, I break down Lando Norris’ decision to step away from social media - not because of burnout, but as a strategic move to protect his focus and performance.I explore what makes this such a powerful decision, especially for introverts and high-performers, and how you can apply the same thinking to your own energy habits.I’m sharing:Why stepping back isn’t weakness, but next-level self-awarenessThe hidden cost of being “always on” (especially for introverts)A framework to replace low-return habits with high-impact energy boostersA 3-step “Lando-inspired” challenge to audit your own social media usage.This episode is for you if you’re ready to protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset and learn from one of the world’s highest performers.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 The Ambitious Introvert◾️Lando Norris ◾️McLaren RacingCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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• Episode 214: AI, Ethics & Productivity: A Smarter Way to Work with Dan Chuparkoff

  We hear a lot about AI replacing humans, but what if it could actually help us become more human in the best possible ways?In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m joined by Dan Chuparkoff - one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. With decades of experience leading tech transformation at companies like Google and McKinsey, Dan is known for making complex technology feel practical, approachable, and surprisingly empowering. His grounded optimism about the potential of AI is seriously refreshing.Dan believes AI can support productivity, deepen self-awareness, but that being ethical with technology is not optional, but essential. Whether you're tech-curious or tech-cautious, this conversation will help you reframe what AI really means for your work and your life.Here’s what we cover:How AI note takers are revolutionizing productivity - how they’re a game-changer for meetings, podcasts, and idea trackingThe truth about AI ethics - why the danger isn’t the technology itself, but how we choose to use itAI can be a mirror for self-awareness - how Dan uses it for reflection and deeper insightWhy context matters when prompting AI - and how to get smarter responses with fewer headachesUsing AI to simplify writing and research - and how introverts can stay authentic while working smarterThis is a must-listen if you're curious about how to use AI with integrity - to support your goals, protect your energy, and thrive in a world where we’re experiencing rapid change.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Dan Chuparkoff Website◾️Dan Chuparkoff LinkedIn◾️Dan Chuparkoff Youtube◾️ChatGPT◾️Wolfram Alpha◾️The Catcher in the RyeCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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• Episode 213: Meet My Clients: The Psychology Behind Big Change with Meg Trucano Ph.D

  Have you ever felt trapped in a life that looks great on paper but leaves you feeling unfulfilled? Making a major change can feel terrifying - but what if fear isn’t a stop sign, but a signal that you're on the right path?My guest on this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® is Meg Trucano Ph.D. - a developmental psychologist and confidence coach who helps ambitious women navigate major life and career changes. After spending 15+ years leading high-profile research for U.S. government agencies, she experienced burnout and realized external success didn’t equal fulfillment. Now, she empowers women to reclaim their time, energy, and self-trust while building careers and lives that align with their true desires.Meg shares her personal journey from high-achieving corporate leader to entrepreneur, breaking down the misconceptions around life transitions and what it really takes to make a big change. We also dive into the psychology of flow states, outdated work narratives, and how simplifying your approach to success can lead to more energy and fulfillment. Meg is also a private client of mine, so we also dive into the changes she’s seen as an introvert working with an introvert-specific coach!Big career changes can feel terrifying - but courage is acting despite fear Flow happens when skill meets challenge, and more flow may lead to more successThe outdated work beliefs that are keeping us stuckSuccess isn’t one-size-fits-all - if fact, Meg found more impact (and energy) by focusing on only what actually worked for her.Forget perfect plans - just take the next step. Spoiler alert - clarity comes from action, not overthinking. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re ready to make a change, this episode is for you.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Meg Trucano Website◾️Meg Trucano LinkedIn◾️Meg Trucano Instagram◾️Changeology◾️Clifton Strengths◾️Diary of a CEO◾️Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi◾️Stephen BartlettCONNECT 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 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? Learn more and apply here.

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