The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast

• 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 We also dive into the psychology of flow states, outdated work narratives, and how simplifying your approach to success can lead to more energy and fulfillment.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- but courage is acting despite fear Flow happens when skill meets challenge, and more flow may lead to more successThe outdated work beliefs that are keeping us stuckSuccess isn’t one-size-fits-all - if fact, Meg found more impact (and energy) by focusing on only what actually worked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.

  --------  

  41:21
• Episode 212: How to Build a Braver Life (and Team) with Jim Moorhead

  Have you ever thought bravery was something some people were just born with? That it only shows up during a crisis - or that it's not really relevant to your everyday life or work? My guest on this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® is here to challenge all of that!Jim Moorhead is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Drawing from his background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and law firm partner, he’s developed a powerful framework for building and modeling bravery - both personally and organizationally. His book, The Instant Survivor: Right Ways to Respond When Things Go Wrong, is a go-to guide for responding to adversity with grounded, intentional action.In this episode, Jim breaks down the biggest myths around bravery, how leaders and teams can cultivate it (yes, it’s learnable!), and why consistent small brave actions matter far more than one-off heroics. Whether you’re leading a business, working in a team, or simply trying to show up more fully for yourself, you’ll take something away from this conversation.Tune in to hear:Bravery isn’t innate - it’s a skill you can build over timeMisconceptions about bravery that are holding people and companies backHow companies that talk about, model, and reward bravery create space for innovationWhy naming and celebrating bravery helps reinforce it across teams and culturesWays to be brave every single day - no crisis required!If you've ever told yourself you're "just not brave", this episode is your invitation to rethink that entirely.LINKS AND RESOURCES:🌐 Jim Moorhead Website◾️ Jim Moorhead LinkedInCONNECT 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.

  --------  

  33:18
• Episode 211: Escaping the Burnout Trap: Work, Rest & Rethinking Success with Maegan Megginson

  Burnout is shifting - it’s not just exhaustion anymore, but overworking to the point of depletion. In this episode, I talk to Maegan Megginson, a Business Mentor, Licensed Therapist, and host of Deeply Rested, to unpack what burnout really looks like today and why high achievers (especially introverts and highly sensitive people) may be more susceptible to it.We explore the trauma response connection to burnout, why capitalism and patriarchal narratives fuel overwork, and how aligning your work with natural rhythms can help you break free. Plus, Maegan shares her personal burnout and recovery journey, offering insights, strategies, and a sensitive introvert’s perspective on success, rest, and resilience.Tune in to hear:How burnout symptoms are changing - why overwork, not just exhaustion, is the new red flagThe financial cost of burnout - how it’s costing companies millions per yearThe trauma response link to burnout - why some people (especially HSPs & introverts) are more vulnerableHow to untangle burnout from capitalism & patriarchal conditioning - so you can redefine success on your own termsWhy connecting with nature can help combat burnout - and how to align your work and life with natural rhythmsIf you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of pushing, striving, and overworking - this episode is a must-listen. Maegan brings a holistic approach to success that prioritizes rest, alignment, and breaking free from societal burnout traps.🎧 Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!LINKS AND RESOURCES:🎧 Deeply Rested Podcast📖 Maegan’s Website📧 Read the Deeply Rested NewsletterCONNECT 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.

  --------  

  51:37
• Episode 210: Lead Like a Unicorn with Jennifer ‘Jen’ Kem

  What if having the right team was the secret to launching big ideas - without burning out? In this episode, I chat with Jen Kem, a Forbes-recognized brand strategist who’s worked with powerhouse brands like Oprah Winfrey Network, Oracle, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She’s also an introverted, 8-figure entrepreneur of 2 decades who knows a thing or two about leading with energy and intention.Jen shares insights from her new book, Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success, breaking down how to build a collaborative, high-performing team that brings your vision to life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just someone who wants to stop doing all the hard things alone, this episode is for you.We’ll also be discussing my own Unicorn Leadership Type Assessment (ULTA®) results so you can see how my own strengths fit into my career and business so far! Tune in to hear:The Unicorn Innovation Model - how top leaders build teams that actually get things doneThe Three Leadership Energies: Visionizer, Strategizer, Mobilizer - and why knowing your score is a game-changerWhy introverts can be incredible leaders - and how to harness your natural strengthsHow to navigate AI and automation shifts - without losing the human touch in businessJen’s #1 tip for owning her energy while running an 8-figure business and raising a familyLINKS AND RESOURCES:Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success by Jen KemJen Kem’s WebsiteConnect with Jen on LinkedInCONNECT 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.

  --------  

  55:17
• Episode 209: Leadership, Company Culture & The Power of Introverts with Chris Dyer

  In this episode of The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Dyer, a globally recognized expert on company culture and remote work. As a former CEO leading thousands of employees, Chris has built award-winning workplaces, earning recognition as a 5-time Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company and a Best Place to Work for over 14 years.Chris shares his insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the surprising ways he found introverts thrive in customer service roles. This key data led to a staggering increase in NPS scores from the mid-40s to an incredible 93, and Chris is sharing the how. We also look at his Seven Pillars of Cultural Success, a framework that has helped countless companies transform their work environments, empower employees, and drive business growth.Tune in to hear:Exactly why introverts excel in customer service roles - and how they outperformed expectationsHow implementing intentional work strategies (like fewer meetings and blocked time) improves company performanceThe Seven Pillars of Cultural Success - Chris’s proven framework for transforming company cultureHow to shift from CEO-led decision-making to empowering employees for sustainable successWhy employee autonomy is essential for growthResources Mentioned in the Episode:📖 The Power of Company Culture by Chris Dyer📖 Remote Work by Chris Dyer📖 The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhymes Connect with Chris:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdyer7/https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisdyer.comhttps://www.instagram.com/chrispdyer7/https://x.com/ChrisPDyerhttps://chrisdyer.com/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.

  --------  

  36:52

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Ambitious Introvert® Podcast