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"When you say something as an introvert, it has weight. It changes the energy of the room."

If you've ever felt like the corporate world wasn't built for quiet leaders, this episode will change your perspective entirely. Many introverted professionals struggle with visibility and authenticity in leadership roles, but what if your natural tendencies are actually your greatest strengths?

In this episode of "Now, Near, and the Future," hosts Quinn Harrington and Naila Mir sit down with Sadaf Javed, Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Quiet Thrivers, to explore why introverted leadership might be exactly what today's chaotic business world needs most.

Sadaf, drawing from her decades of corporate experience at companies like Unilever, reveals the hidden advantages quiet leaders possess and shares practical strategies for thriving without changing who you are. She unpacks why "getting clearer" matters infinitely more than "getting louder."

In this episode, we explore:

• Why introverted leaders often outperform with self-motivated teams
• The visibility trap and how to reframe it as "speaking up in moments that matter"
• How hybrid work environments actually favor introverted leadership styles
• The physical workspace challenges that hinder quiet leaders
• Why organizations need to expand their diversity and inclusion efforts beyond demographics

Key takeaway: "You suffer more in imagination than in reality" - a Stoic philosophy that perfectly captures the internal struggles many introverted leaders face.

Whether you're an introverted leader seeking authenticity or an organization wanting to unlock the potential of all personality types, this conversation offers practical insights for thriving in corporate environments without compromising who you are.