What happens when an introverted woman steps into one of the most male-dominated industries and learns to stand tall in her quiet strength?

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Dione Chan, a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. From growing up shy with severe eczema to finding her voice in the security industry, Dione’s story is one of courage, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead as an introvert.

She shares how a viral encounter with rapper Drake became the catalyst for teaching others about boundaries and self-respect, and how her SAFE framework (Scan, Acknowledge, Find, Engage/Escalate) is helping introverts and women hold their ground with quiet confidence.

This episode is full of practical wisdom for anyone who has ever struggled with people-pleasing, cultural conditioning, or the fear of speaking up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dione transformed childhood shyness and self-doubt into resilience and leadership
• The surprising lessons she learned from working in the security industry as an introverted woman
• Why setting boundaries is essential—and how to do it with compassion
• How cultural upbringing and people-pleasing patterns can hold introverts back
• The power of healthy anger and why it’s necessary for self-protection
• Dione’s SAFE framework for handling challenging situations with clarity and courage
• Why putting yourself first is not selfish, but essential for authentic leadership
  
  

About Dione Chan

Dione Chan is a Filipino-Australian business owner, keynote speaker, and director of ICP Group Australia. With experience across safety, security, and training, she has built a career in spaces where women are rarely seen. Drawing on her own journey from self-doubt to self-leadership, Dione now speaks and teaches on boundaries, resilience, and quiet confidence—helping others become their own first responders.

Instagram: @that_security_lady

Facebook: @That Security Lady

LinkedIn: Dione Aaliyah Chan

Website: www.icpgroupaustralia.com.au

Next Steps

If you’re ready to become visible without acting extroverted, follow me on LinkedIn for introvert-friendly strategies to grow your career.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena interviews Simon Copsey, a delivery and transformation consultant who helps organisations solve complex problems through scientific thinking and modern management theory.

Simon shares his journey from software developer to consultant and opens up about experiencing imposter syndrome when stepping into advisory and leadership roles. Together, they explore how introverts and quiet achievers can thrive in consulting environments that require communication, relationship-building, and collaboration across different personalities and levels of seniority.

A central theme of the conversation is the Theory of Constraints, a practical framework for clarifying organisational goals, identifying obstacles, and making assumptions visible so teams can work together more effectively.

This episode highlights the importance of trust, curiosity, and understanding different perspectives at work — especially for introverted professionals who prefer thoughtful, reflective approaches to problem-solving.

Key message:

People are good. They act for a reason. And curiosity creates connection, clarity, and influence.

As Simon says:
“Be curious before furious.”

Connect with Simon Copsey:

Landing page: https://curiouscoffee.club/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncopsey/

For insights that light up your career and relationships without forcing you to change who you are:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter: https://serenalow.com.au

Help more introverts find The Quiet Warrior Podcast by rating and writing a review:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-quiet-warrior-podcast-with-serena-low/id1635834564

Thank you for your support!

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this uplifting episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Danny Brassell—international keynote speaker, coach, author of 19 books, and co-founder of The Well-Crafted Story Workshop. Known as the “Jim Carrey with a PhD” for his humour and energy, Danny has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and helps entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals transform their presentations into powerful business and life opportunities.

Danny shares how he pivoted from journalism to teaching, survived financial devastation, and built a thriving speaking career during one of the world’s toughest economic downturns. Most importantly, he shows us that speaking is a teachable skill—not an inborn talent—and anyone (even introverts and quiet achievers) can learn to tell a compelling story that moves both hearts and business outcomes.

Together, we explore why storytelling matters more than statistics, why humour wins over tragedy when telling a story, and why humour and vulnerability are essential tools for connection. Danny also walks us through his signature 5 C’s process for creating a well-crafted story that inspires audiences to take the next step with you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Danny’s journey from journalist to educator to international speaker and coach.
• Why laughter is more powerful than tragedy on stage.
• The 5 C’s of a well-crafted presentation: Clarity, Connection, Content, Call-to-Action, and Close.
• Why speaking is a teachable skill—even if you’re introverted or fearful of the stage.
• How to use self-deprecating humour and vulnerability to connect with any audience.
• The importance of having one clear call-to-action instead of confusing your audience.
• A simple exercise to uncover your own stories and connect them to universal themes like love, loyalty, and perseverance.

Resources and Links

Free Story Guide: Get your own Well-Crafted Story Blueprint at freestoryguide.com.

Learn more about Dr. Danny Brassell’s work: dannybrassell.com.


For more tips and resources for introverts and quiet achievers, subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at serenalow.com.au.


If this episode inspired you, please leave a 5-star rating and review so it can reach more introverts and quiet achievers.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Dr. Evette Rose—author, speaker, trauma recovery expert, and creator of Metaphysical Anatomy and Metapsychology Coaching.

Evette shares her remarkable journey from studying law and working in male-dominated corporate environments to becoming a globally recognized healer, author of 21 books, and teacher of trauma-informed modalities. She opens up about overcoming childhood wounds, facing her fear of public speaking as an introvert, and discovering how emotional pain shows up in the body.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights on using their strengths in times of stress, how subconscious beliefs impact health (especially for women), and why even the smallest act of presence can create powerful ripple effects.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The turning point: How Evette went from corporate life and atheism to rediscovering spirituality and healing.
• Overcoming fear as an introvert: Her struggle with public speaking and how focusing on her why and strengths helped her keep going.
• Strengths-based resilience: Why identifying and leaning on your strengths can reduce fear and build confidence in stressful situations.
• Stress and Women’s Health: The hidden link between “pushing through” stress, hormonal imbalances, and common health conditions.
• Healing subconscious patterns: Understanding how inherited beliefs about lack and struggle can keep us stuck.
• Writing as healing: Why each of her 21 books began as a personal journey through pain and how writing can be cathartic for introverts.
• Multiple purposes: How embracing different purposes across your life can be liberating and empowering.
  
  

Resources and Links

• Visit Dr. Evette Rose’s website: metaphysicalanatomy.com
• Free gift: Restoring the Emotional Body (eBook + guided meditation) – available under the Books tab on metaphysicalanatomy.com
• Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter at SerenaLow.com.au.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and review to help more introverts and quiet achievers find The Quiet Warrior Podcast.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

After more than 20 years in senior HR and organisational development roles, a life-changing cancer diagnosis inspired Ros Cardinal to step out of corporate and into her true calling: transforming leaders and reshaping the way organisations handle change.

Ros is an award-winning executive coach, author of The Resilient Employee, and creator of the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model, now used worldwide to help women discover and embrace their authentic leadership strengths.

In this inspiring conversation, Ros shares her journey from “accidental HR” professional to leadership mentor, her research into women’s leadership styles, and why introverts and quiet achievers are uniquely positioned to lead with authenticity, courage, and wisdom.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Change begins at the top – organisational culture and transformation only last as long as leaders remain invested.
• Women in leadership still face barriers – from outdated expectations around work–life balance to systemic structures that don’t support those with families or outside commitments.
• Introverts can be powerful leaders – their thoughtful, measured approach often leads to deeper impact and stronger trust.
• Too much / not enough paradox – women in leadership are often labelled either too loud and bossy or not assertive enough, making self-trust and resilience vital.
• The Women’s Leadership Archetypes model – eight archetypes (four empowered, four shadow) that reveal both the strengths and challenges women experience in leadership.
• Trauma responses at work – patterns like overachieving, people-pleasing, or withdrawing often trace back to childhood conditioning; awareness allows leaders to interrupt these cycles.
• Energy management for introverts – pacing, picking your battles, and choosing when to speak up are essential to sustaining leadership presence.
• Creating psychologically safe workplaces – leaders must integrate humanity back into work, allowing people to bring their whole selves instead of leaving emotions at the door.

Connect with Ros Cardinal

• Shaping Change
• Women’s Leadership Archetypes
• LinkedIn: Ros Cardinal

Enjoyed the Episode?

• Leave a 5-star review to help more introverts discover the podcast
• Share it with someone who’s finding their voice
• Subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at https://serenalow.com.au
  
  

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.

John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self.

Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of influence.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why so many introverts feel most energised by quiet, nature, and solitude
• The surprising link between improvisation and confidence
• What “presence” really means when speaking or leading
• Why confidence comes from experience — not personality
• The importance of embracing the learning curve (and the dip)
• How humour and lightness create connection, even for serious thinkers
• The difference between influence and persuasion
• Why authenticity isn’t oversharing — it’s self-ownership
• How to build influence without pretending to be extroverted
• What quiet achievers need to remember when stepping into visibility

Memorable Quote

“The best speakers aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. Influence comes from being real, not from performing.”
— John Ball

Key Takeaways for Quiet Achievers

• You don’t need to be loud to be impactful — presence speaks louder than volume
• Confidence grows through practice, not perfection
• Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means being grounded in who you are
• Influence is built through warmth, clarity, and self-trust
• The audience is usually rooting for you more than you think
• Growth requires patience — and compassion for yourself along the way

About John Ball

John Ball is a keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast. He helps speakers, coaches, and leaders move from competent to captivating by developing confidence, presence, and authentic communication.

Learn more about John and his work at:
https://presentinfluence.com

Enjoyed the Episode?
If this conversation resonated with you:
Leave a 5-star review to help more introverts discover the podcast
Share it with someone who’s finding their voice
Subscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at https://serenalow.com.au

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Serena is joined by Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent, psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script. With more than two decades in the entertainment industry and a PhD in psychology, Albert brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and psychological insight into how self-sabotage, trauma, and unconscious “scripts” shape our lives.

Together, Serena and Albert explore how the stories we unconsciously inherit—often from childhood—can quietly dictate our behaviour, confidence, and sense of worth. While Albert’s work focuses on actors and performing artists, his insights resonate far beyond the stage, especially for introverts and quiet achievers navigating visibility, leadership, and self-belief.

This episode is a powerful invitation to slow down, notice the inner narratives running our lives on autopilot, and begin the courageous work of rewriting them—with compassion rather than force.

In this episode, we explore:

• What self-sabotage really looks like—and why it’s often unconscious
• How introverts and highly sensitive people can thrive in visible, high-pressure roles
• The concept of “scripts”: where they come from and how they shape identity
• Why procrastination can be a trauma response, not a character flaw
• The link between generational trauma, identity, and self-doubt
• How actors—and non-actors—can embody a new identity, not just think it
• Why change requires being comfortable with discomfort
• The role of accountability, coaching, and emotional clearing in real transformation
• How to expand your comfort zone gently, without abandoning yourself
  
  
  

What to remember:

“You can change the script at any time. The moment you realise it’s a script—and not ‘just the way things are’—you take your power back.”

Connect with Albert Bramante:

http://www.albertbramante.com/

Support The Quiet Warrior Podcast:

If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a five-star rating or review—it helps The Quiet Warrior Podcast reach more introverts and quiet achievers around the world.

Find fellow introverts to network with:
For resources, reflections, and community, join The Visible Introvert community at serenalow.com.au.

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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

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

If You Enjoyed This Episode…
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