Today on The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves — leadership strategist, consultant, coach, facilitator, historian, and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. With more than 25 years in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Jodi brings both scholarship and lived wisdom to the conversation.
This episode is a gentle but powerful exploration of leadership for introverted, values-driven women — especially those working inside imperfect systems. Jodi shares how her own career journey moved from the pursuit of knowledge to the pursuit of connection, what she learned about navigating large groups as an introvert, and why values-driven leadership is essential for creating inclusive, compassionate workplaces.

Together, we explore:

• How introverts can thrive in leadership by honouring their energy, creating boundaries, and trusting the process
• Context awareness as a powerful (and often overlooked) leadership strength — especially for women and women of colour
• Why idealistic women need a different kind of leadership guidance than what mainstream corporate literature offers
• The emotional agility and relational intelligence women bring to organisational life
• How values-based decisions become catalysts for courage, clarity, and career direction
• The importance of intergenerational wisdom, and why Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z have more to learn from each other than we think
• Jodi also shares remarkable stories from her book, including moments when women took a stand for their values — sometimes at the cost of their job — and how these choices shaped their leadership identities.

One Thing Jodi Wants You to Remember

“Standing up for your values — even in small moments — is what builds the courage to make bigger, life-changing decisions later on.”

Resources & Links

Get Jodi’s Book:

Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women

Learn more about Jodi’s work:

Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves | JVD Consulting LLC

Join The Visible Introvert Community for resources to help you thrive as an introvert: serenalow.com.au

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Please leave a 5-star rating and review to help us reach more introverts, quiet achievers, and idealistic leaders around the world.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Dyslexia touches as many as 15–20% of learners, yet most families still hear “wait and see.” Russell Van Brocklen flips that script. As the Dyslexia Professor, he translates structured-literacy methods—proven most effective for struggling readers—into bite-size actions parents can use tonight.

What if the way you think—often seen as a challenge—was actually your greatest productivity advantage?

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Russell Van Brocklen, an entrepreneur and advocate for dyslexic and neurodivergent thinkers. Russell shares his personal journey of navigating education and business as a dyslexic, and how he discovered that the very traits that once made him feel “different” are the ones driving his creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial success.

We dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the way introverts, dyslexics, and deep thinkers approach productivity—making work not only more efficient, but more aligned with their natural strengths. Russell offers practical examples of using AI to simplify complex tasks, manage energy, and create space for high-impact work.

If you’ve ever felt like the traditional way of working wasn’t designed for you, this conversation will inspire you to work with your brain, not against it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Russell’s journey from academic struggles to entrepreneurial success as a dyslexic
  
• Why dyslexia is not a weakness, but a different way of processing information
  
• The surprising parallels between introverted productivity and dyslexic problem-solving
  
• How AI can act as an “external brain” for planning, writing, and decision-making
  
• Specific AI tools that help neurodivergent and introverted thinkers thrive
  
• How to design a workday around your energy patterns, not just your to-do list
  
• The mindset shift from “overcoming limitations” to “leveraging unique strengths”
  

Whether you’re dyslexic, introverted, or simply looking to improve productivity in a way that feels sustainable and authentic, this episode offers fresh, empowering insights.

Connect with Russell Van Brocklen:

Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Book reference:

Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz M.D.

Postwar Japan as History

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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Serena speaks with Tigrilla Gardenia — nature-inspired mentor, certified life coach, and host of the Reconnect with Plant Wisdom Podcast. Tigrilla shares how her extraordinary journey into plant intelligence reshaped her understanding of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to thrive as an introvert.

Together, they explore:

• Tigrilla’s extraordinary journey into plant consciousness
• How plant neurobiology and ecosystem thinking help us understand ourselves
• Why introverted traits are powerful when viewed in context
• The freedom that comes from self-advocacy and honouring your needs
• How to thrive without labels, shame, or pressure to be someone you’re not
• Practical ways leaders can create spaces where introverts flourish

Tigrilla’s message for introverts:

“There is nothing wrong with you. Every trait you have is a superpower—you just need to know where it fits in your ecosystem.”

Connect with Tigrilla:

tigrillagardenia.com
https://www.facebook.com/tigrillagardenia/
https://www.instagram.com/tigrillagardenia/

For more resources on becoming quietly visible, join The Visible Introvert Community: serenalow.com.au.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review so more introverts and quiet achievers can discover the show!

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

What does it take to step out of the safe and familiar into a life that truly lights you up? Are passion and purpose reliable guides to the work you love?

I sit down with Agi Keramidas, a former dentist turned podcaster, author, and coach, who helps people create lives aligned with their purpose and passion. Agi’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and reinvention — a journey from professional burnout to clarity about what matters most.
We discuss the mindset shifts needed for a career change or career pivot, how to reconnect with your inner compass, and why public speaking can be a powerful tool for introverts to share their message. Agi also opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the practices that help him stay grounded through transitions.

In this episode, we explore:

• The inner work required to navigate transitions with confidence
• How to find clarity in moments of uncertainty
• Building a career around your purpose and passion
• Lessons from leaving a secure profession for a calling you can’t ignore
• Why public speaking can be transformative for introverts
• Strategies to overcome self-doubt during a career pivot
• How to stay resilient when the outcome isn’t yet clear

If you’re at a crossroads in your career or life, this episode will give you both the inspiration and practical insights to take that next courageous step.

Connect with Agi Keramidas:

• Website: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com
• Book: 88 Actionable Insights for Life

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for tips, tools, and inspiration at
https://serenalow.com.au

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

What if the patterns that keep us stuck in pain, overwork, or disconnection could finally be healed? I speak with Nicola Beer, an international relationship transformation coach who helps individuals and couples heal from trauma, addiction, and burnout. Nicola shares her personal and professional journey: how she went from struggling in her own relationships to guiding others through profound transformation.

We discuss the hidden emotional wounds behind workaholism, the toll of unhealed trauma, and how burnout is often a sign that something deeper needs attention. Nicola’s compassionate yet practical approach shows us that real healing is possible—and that it starts with self-awareness, self-compassion, and a willingness to rewrite the story we’ve been living.

We explore:

• How unhealed trauma shapes our patterns in love and work
• The connection between addiction (including workaholism) and emotional avoidance
• Practical steps for breaking free from burnout cycles
• Why self-worth is the foundation for lasting relationship change
• The role of daily habits and boundaries in protecting emotional health
• How to approach conversations about change with a partner
• Stories of individuals who rebuilt connection and trust after years of disconnection

Whether you’re navigating a challenging relationship, recovering from burnout, or seeking a path to emotional healing, this episode offers both hope and tangible tools.

About Nicola Beer:

Nicola Beer is a trauma-informed relationship therapist with over 20 years’ experience helping people heal from childhood wounds, betrayal, and the quiet pain of feeling unsafe in love. She works with individuals and couples to release old patterns and build steady, connected relationships. Nicola also facilitates plant medicine retreats, guiding people to let go of stored pain and return to inner calm and clarity. She is the host of two podcast shows The Relationship Revival Podcast and Healing with Psychedelics podcast

Connect with Nicola Beer:

Relationship Revival Podcast

https://podcast.nicolabeer.com

Healing with Psychedelics

https://podcast.plantmedicinepower.com/

Websites

www.nicolabeer.com

www.plantmedicinepower.com

For more from Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for insights, reflections, and resources at https://serenalow.com.au

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Serena speaks with Betsy Pepine, a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Pepine Realty, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the USA. Betsy shares her journey from being the “black sheep” in a family of physicians to building a thriving real estate empire — and how embracing her introversion became a superpower rather than a setback.
She also opens up about breaking free from family expectations, the courage to choose authenticity over approval, and how her philosophy of “who, not how” helps her lead and scale as an introverted CEO.

Key Takeaways

• Breaking the Boxes We Inherit

Betsy explores how invisible “boxes” — from family, gender, and culture — shape who we think we’re supposed to be, and how freeing ourselves from them can open the door to real purpose and joy.

• Redefining Introversion

Discover how reading Quiet by Susan Cain helped Betsy see introversion not as a weakness, but as a strength rooted in self-awareness and energy management.

• Boundaries and Authentic Leadership

Betsy shares how honoring her need for downtime has made her a more effective leader — and how setting clear boundaries gives permission for her team to do the same.

• From Corporate Layoff to Entrepreneurial Success

Learn how a layoff and a divorce became the catalysts that propelled Betsy into entrepreneurship and eventually toward national recognition in the real estate industry.

• Introverts in Sales

Contrary to popular belief, introverts can thrive in sales. Betsy explains how empathy, deep listening, and genuine connection are what make clients trust and return.

• Building a Business That Honors Your Energy

Betsy shares her “Who, Not How” philosophy — focusing on what you do best and delegating what drains your energy. For early-stage entrepreneurs, she offers creative ways to build support, from bartering to joining mastermind groups.

Memorable Quotes

“When you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. If I said yes to being a physician, I was saying no to me.” — Betsy Pepine

“Introverts are not less than — we just derive energy from within.” — Betsy Pepine

“If we’re not going to stand up for ourselves, how can we expect others to?” — Betsy Pepine

“Embrace where you are on the spectrum — honor it, and set boundaries so you can operate at your best.” — Betsy Pepine

Connect with Betsy Pepine
Website: betsypepine.com
Social Media: @betsypepine on all major platforms
Book: Breaking Boxes — available via her website


Join The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly reflections and resources curated specially for introverts and quiet achievers

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Meet Nic Nierras, founder of the Worthy, Authentic, and Abundant Method — a framework that merges quantum consciousness, spiritual science, and somatic reprogramming to help people unlock their highest potential.

A former chartered accountant turned transformation catalyst, Nic shares how a life-altering divorce, a global pandemic, and an awakening of self-worth propelled her from the corporate world into a journey of soul-aligned entrepreneurship.

We explore what it truly means to detach self-worth from achievement, navigate the tension between control and surrender, and embrace the beauty of living life with no regrets. Nic also opens up about the importance of feminine energy, cycles, and reclaiming our worth in a world that prizes productivity over presence.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Redefining success: How Nic’s Asian upbringing shaped her drive — and how she redefined success on her own terms.
• From corporate to consciousness: The pivotal moment that led her to leave accountancy and embrace spiritual entrepreneurship.
• The illusion of control: Letting go of rigid timelines and trusting divine timing.
• Feminine and masculine energy balance: Why burnout is often a symptom of ignoring our natural rhythms.
• Living without regrets: What it means to choose courage over comfort and purpose over predictability.
• Collapsing timelines: The quantum concept of becoming your future self now.

Memorable Quotes

“If I’m not attaining something, that doesn’t mean I’m not worth anything.” — Nic Nierras

“Our intuition is the higher intelligence that is always there to guide us — if only we take time to listen.” — Nic Nierras

Connect with Nic Nierras

• Website: https://thenicnierraswholisticlifestyle.com/
• LinkedIn: Nicolette Nierras
• Podcast: Worthy, Authentic, and Abundant
  
  

Connect with Serena Low

Join The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly reflections and resources curated specially for introverts and quiet achievers

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Serena Low speaks with Kanika Vasudeva, a Radiant Empowerment Coach and Akashic Records Reader who helps spiritual entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers break through invisible ceilings and embody more — more radiance, more freedom, and more soul.

Kanika opens up about the personal tragedy that became the turning point in her journey — the stillbirth of her daughter — and how it awakened her to the vastness of life, the illusion of control, and the unconditional love of Spirit. Through her story, she shares how she learned to find peace, forgiveness, and purpose by connecting with her soul and understanding her soul contracts.

Together, Serena and Kanika explore how our deepest pain can become the portal to transformation, how to free ourselves from “good girl” conditioning, and why surrendering to the universal flow allows us to live with more authenticity, joy, and trust.

This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about coming home to who you truly are.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Turning Pain into Awakening – Kanika shares how the loss of her daughter became her soul’s wake-up call and how pain, when faced with grace, becomes a teacher of light.
• Soul Contracts & Akashic Records – What they are, how they influence our relationships and life experiences, and how understanding them helps us heal at the deepest level.
• The “Good Girl” Conditioning – How cultural expectations to please and conform can keep women trapped in unhappiness, and what it means to choose your own happiness as an act of courage and love.
• Healing Triggers and Inner Children – Why we get triggered by others, how every person in our life mirrors what needs to be healed, and how to reclaim lost energy by meeting our younger selves with compassion.
• The Power of Surrender – Letting go of control, trusting the universal flow, and allowing life to unfold with ease and alignment.
• Grounding Practice for Self-Love – Kanika guides listeners through a soothing earthing meditation to release heavy emotions and reconnect to unconditional love and safety.
  

Memorable Quotes

“Our first duty, our first karma, is to ourselves — to live our purpose and choose happiness.” — Kanika Vasudeva

“Healing begins when we stop blaming others and look within. Everyone in our life is a mirror showing us where we need to grow.” — Kanika Vasudeva

“The more we heal ourselves, the more energy and light we bring back into our lives.” — Kanika Vasudeva

Connect with Kanika Vasudeva

• Website:artoflifecenter.com
• Book a session: artoflifecenter.com/call
• Instagram / LinkedIn:@kanikaenergycoach

Connect with Serena Low

• Newsletter:The Visible Introvert
• Website:serenalow.com.au

If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world who are ready to lead, live, and shine — quietly and powerfully.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions