Quietly Visible

Do you ever find yourself reacting to stressful situations in ways that no longer serve you, despite knowing intellectually how you want to respond? In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, host Carol Stewart is joined by Teresa Lear Levine—founder of Becoming More Me, international bestselling author, EFT master practitioner, and hypnotherapist. Teresa shares her journey from chronic pain...

Leading Without the Mask: How Introverted Women Can Lead Audaciously with Mahlena-Rae Johnson Many introverted women in senior leadership roles feel pressured to adopt an extravert persona just to be seen, heard, and valued. But constantly performing as an extravert is exhausting, unsustainable, and chips away at your self-confidence. In this episode, host Carol is joined by speaker, comedian, and...

You've got the promotion or landed the new role. You've worked hard to get there and other people clearly believe you're capable. So why are you now wondering whether you're actually good enough? That feeling of “What if they've made a mistake?” is something I experienced myself when I was promoted into a senior leadership role. I found myself waiting for the phone call or emai...

Menopause isn't just a physical change—it's a whole new beginning. In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend of over 40 years, Elaine Freeman. Elaine shares her deeply personal journey through menopause, from the shock of the first symptoms at age 50 to thriving today at 58. We dive into the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance o...

In this episode, Carol is joined by Janine Friston, the founder of the Female Business Network. Janine’s community is dedicated to supporting introverted and quietly confident women who are building businesses, generating real income, and cultivating authentic relationships entirely on their own terms. Networking is often viewed as a vital component for career advancement and business growth, yet...

Joining Carol on this episode is the brilliant Brooke Hargraves, a highly experienced media and communications strategist and former political media advisor. Brooke is the founder of Trellis Media, where she helps leaders become confident and authentic communicators on camera, behind microphones, and in front of live audiences. With over 20 years of experience spanning journalism, political commun...

In this insightful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Oge Okosieme, leadership advisor and executive coach, to explore what happens when our authority disappears in high-pressure moments—and, more importantly, how to stop it happening. Many introverted leaders don't struggle with knowing what to say. The real challenge often comes when they're questioned, challenge...

In this honest episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Rashmi Airan—former attorney, Wall Street investment banker, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose. Together, they explore what happens when ambitious leaders find themselves operating under intense pressure and how seemingly small decisions can lead us away from our...

In this inspiring episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Shelley-Ann Pieterse, Executive Alignment Coach and former Managing Director at Accenture, to explore what happens when ambition, perfectionism, and the need for validation collide with authenticity and wellbeing. Drawing on her own experience of navigating leadership as an introverted woman from a previously disadvantag...

In this eye-opening and essential episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Dr. Manna Semby—former Goldman Sachs VP turned naturopathic physician, TEDx speaker, and author of The Perimenopause Broken Rung (launching 15th June). Together, they unpack a critical but often overlooked issue: why so many high-achieving women step back or leave their careers at their peak—and how perim...

In this episode of the Quietly Visible podcast, Carol discussed strategies for managing anxiety and improving confidence when speaking in high-stakes situations. She explained how public speaking can trigger communication apprehension, particularly for introverts, and outlined four key techniques to address this: thorough preparation beforehand, practicing box breathing exercises to calm nerves, p...

In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Jinesha Jain, a data strategist and real estate entrepreneur, for a powerful conversation on redefining leadership through strategic stillness. Jinesha shares her journey from high-achieving, hustle-driven success to a moment of deep reflection sparked by a simple yet profound question from her mother: “Are you happy?” What follow...

Visibility is one of the topics that comes up often in my work with introverted women leaders — and it's easy to understand why. If being in the spotlight doesn't come naturally to you, the idea of putting yourself forward can feel uncomfortable, even unnecessary. But the reality is, research shows that extraverts get more opportunities at work because their performance is more visible. Th...

In this insightful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by high-performance coach Alex Davids to explore a powerful and often overlooked concept: managing cognitive energy, not just time. Drawing on her background in psychology, neuroscience, and leadership coaching, Alex shares how understanding the brain’s energy system can transform the way we work, lead, and live. Together,...

In this important and thoughtful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by employment discrimination attorney Brittany Stevens, a multi-award-winning partner at Phillips & Associates. Together, they explore the realities of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace — a topic that still affects a significant number of women globally. Brittany shares insights from h...

In this episode of the Quietly Visible Podcast, Carol Stewart discussed three ways for introverted women to grow their influence without performing confidence they don't feel. She emphasised the importance of getting clear on one's purpose before high-stakes meetings, using strategic visibility by consistently showing up in key spaces, and letting one's track record speak for itself wi...

In this thoughtful and affirming episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Karla Packham-Corteil, an introverted leader, researcher, and leadership development professional with a deep curiosity about what helps people truly thrive at work. Karla shares her personal journey as an “accidental leader” and reflects on how being labelled quiet shaped her confidence from childhood thr...

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Nick Elston, award-winning keynote speaker, mental health specialist, and founder of Forging People. Nick shares his lived experience of OCD, anxiety, burnout, and breakdown—and how those challenges became the foundation for a career helping leaders find their voice without pretending to be someone they’...

Carol delivered a powerful message about authentic leadership, particularly for introverted and multiply marginalised leaders. She outlined three key steps for leading with courage: knowing oneself through self-awareness, accepting oneself despite societal expectations, and believing in oneself to take action. Carol emphasised that authenticity isn't just a style preference but requires courag...

In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carole Stewart is joined by Sharon D Brown, self-care strategist, licensed mental health professional, and founder of Self Care U Academy. Together, they explore why self-care is not a luxury but a vital foundation for sustainable leadership — particularly for introverted women navigating demanding roles. Drawing on Sharon’s personal journey and over two de...

As this year draws to a close, this final episode of Quietly Visible is an invitation to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention rather than pressure. I share some personal reflections on the year that’s been — including goals I didn’t complete, lessons I’ve taken from that, and how revisiting purpose can reignite motivation. We explore why some goals stick while others fall away, and what m...

In this uplifting conversation, host Carol Stewart, founder of Abounding Solutions, is joined by Melanie Elsbeth, founder and host of MAMA! What’s Next?. Melanie shares her powerful journey from shy East German teenager to navigating adulthood in Australia, finding her voice in corporate spaces, and later redefining her purpose after becoming a mum. Melanie opens up about growing up feeling unhear...

In this uplifting and honest conversation, Carol speaks with writer, educator, and anti-racism activist Sharon Hurley Hall about what it truly means to model showing up as an introvert. Sharon shares her journey from journalism to activism, how she learned to embrace her introversion with confidence, and why being “intentionally visible” matters for quiet leaders. They explore how introverts can r...

In this thought-provoking episode, Carol speaks with Kate Lowry, CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author of Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders. Together, they unpack a timely and often unspoken topic — fear-based leadership — and explore how to navigate, survive, and even thrive under leaders who lead through control and intimidation. Kate shares insights from her extensive expe...

In this episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by award-winning leadership coach, hypnotherapist, and keynote speaker Amy Green Smith. Together, they explore the powerful theme of fear—how it shows up in our lives, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how we can navigate it with courage. Amy shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a career rooted in...