In this solo episode, I delve into the process of finding the right next step in life, especially when it feels like you need to have all the answers before moving forward. I reflect on my own experiences of overthinking and the pressure to please others, and how that led me to miss the joy of simply being curious and exploring the unknown.

Through this episode, I share how reconnecting with my younger self has allowed me to embrace my authentic self and take the next step in my journey with confidence. This practice of self-acceptance, compassion, and deep inner work is a powerful tool for introverts and quiet achievers, especially those navigating the challenges of perfectionism and the need for external validation.

This episode is an invitation to take the time to sit with your younger self, offer the compassion and support you may not have received, and embrace your authenticity. If you're ready to go beyond intellectual understanding and do the deeper work needed for lasting transformation, reach out to me for support.

If you found this episode helpful, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast to help us reach more quiet achievers who are ready to step into their power and embrace their authentic selves.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

• The Power of the 7 Emotional Needs: Dr. Mehran explains how unmet emotional needs are the root cause of depression and anxiety, and how identifying and fulfilling these needs can lead to emotional healing.
• Reframing Depression: Depression is not an illness, but a signal that something is missing in our lives. By addressing the core emotional needs, we can overcome this feeling of emptiness and live more vibrantly.
• Introverts and Quiet Achievers: Dr. Mehran discusses how introverts and quiet achievers can unlock their true potential by addressing emotional needs like connection, self-expression, and belonging—without having to "fit in" or silence their voice.
• Practical Steps for Healing: Learn how small, consistent actions—referred to as "micro actions"—can create lasting change and help us reconnect with our true selves.
• The Importance of Reparenting: Dr. Mehran emphasizes the need for reparenting ourselves by healing past wounds and creating a nurturing environment for our inner child.

• Dr. Ardeshir Mehran’s book: You Are Not Depressed, You Are Un-Finished
• Follow Dr. Ardeshir on LinkedIn for valuable content on mental health and personal growth

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Resources mentioned:

Gay Hendricks, The Big Leap | Conscious Luck | Your Big Leap Year

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Learn how to create a personalized approach to conferences and workshops that honours your needs while still allowing you to fully participate and learn.

Highlights:

• The advantages of arriving early.

• Taking regular movement breaks.

• Staying hydrated.

• Intentional breaks. Connecting with nature during breaks to calm the nervous system.

• Packing appropriate snacks.

• Using earphones during breaks create a personal bubble of calm.

• Setting realistic social expectations allows you to focus on learning.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.

Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Meet Dr. Chloe Lim—a molecular biologist turned entrepreneur, educator, and balloon artist. Chloe shares how pursuing an academic career in biomedical science led her to discovering a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship.

We discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome, redefining success, and embracing unexpected career pivots. We also dive into how parents can nurture curiosity and an interest in the sciences in children (even if they don’t have a STEM background), the power of self-reflection, and how micro steps can help us build confidence in the face of fear.

If you've ever felt that creativity is only for people who are naturally artistic, or that creativity and logic cannot co-exist, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Chloe transitioned from being a scientist to a creative entrepreneur
✅ The power of self-reflection and defining success on your own terms
✅ Why curiosity is key—and how parents can encourage it in their children
✅ How to push past imposter syndrome and stay in your own lane
✅ The importance of growth mindset, adaptability, and resourcefulness in career shifts
✅ Chloe’s experience on Blow Up, an Australian reality TV show for balloon artists

Guest Bio:

Dr. Chloe Lim is a molecular biologist, regulatory scientist, and entrepreneur who combines her love of science with creativity. She’s the founder of Giggly Wiggly Balloons, where she uses balloon art to inspire and educate. She also hosts CALD Voices in STEM, a podcast that highlights culturally and linguistically diverse women who are breaking barriers and making their mark in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Connect with Dr. Chloe Lim:

Dr. Chloe Lim’s website
Giggly Wiggly Balloons
Twistyfic
CALD Voices in STEM Podcast
What Makes You Unique book
Instagram | LinkedIn

If You Enjoyed This Episode:

Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Leave a review — it really helps us reach more quiet achievers like you!
Join The Visible Introvert community for introvert wisdom from the head + heart.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

In this quietly inspiring dialogue of The Quiet Warrior podcast, Serena Low chats with Jawaria Mahmood, a dynamic advocate from Perth, Western Australia. Jawaria shares her inspiring journey from being an engineer in Pakistan to becoming a trailblazer for bilingual storytime sessions in Australian libraries, a champion for STEM education for young girls, and a dedicated advocate for cyber safety in diverse communities. Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Jawaria’s experience as a migrant woman starting over in Australia
• The spark behind her bilingual storytime initiative and how it grew into a national project
• Her work in promoting STEM careers for young girls, especially from migrant backgrounds
• The challenges and importance of cyber safety education for children and vulnerable communities
• Jawaria’s advice for advocates: Start where you are, stay persistent, and keep your purpose in mind

Memorable Quotes:

“A quiet warrior is someone who doesn’t give up when things aren’t working, but looks inward, adapts, and tries again.” – Jawaria Mahmood

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Jawaria Mahmood on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Professional Migrant Women Network and the Undefeated book

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction
02:15 – Jawaria’s journey from Pakistan to Australia
08:30 – The birth of bilingual storytime sessions
15:50 – Advocating for STEM careers for young girls
22:45 – Cyber safety challenges and education
30:10 – Advice for new migrants and building support networks
38:20 – What makes a good advocate and a quiet warrior

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share The Quiet Warrior podcast so more introverts and quiet achievers can find their path to success. Thank you for being here with us – see you in the next episode!

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

Impostor Syndrome is something most of us struggle with, and people who are conscientious and have high standards of performance and achievement - like introverts and quiet achievers - seem to struggle with it more. Even outwardly successful individuals have admitted to having Impostor Syndrome at some point in their career.

On days when your energy is flat, your mood is low, and you’re unable for whatever reason to believe that you are wise and capable and competent, I want to share a simple tip I learned, that you can put into practice straight off listening to this episode.

It’s called having a Smile File (credit to Thea Orozco for the first time I heard the term).

In short, it’s collating and documenting evidence of your competence every time you receive some kind of external validation e.g. a text message of thanks from someone you helped, a client testimonial, a 5- star Google review of your services or podcast, someone resharing your LinkedIn post.

Any time you are recognized by someone for being yourself or some positive difference you made, take a screenshot and add it to your Smile File.

Listen in to find out what else you must do to solidify and embody this empowered version of you, that was inside you all along.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The Quiet Warrior Podcast on your listening app. Your support helps inspire more introverts and quiet achievers in our communities.

Connect with Serena:

• Subscribe to The Visible Introvert newsletter for weekly tips and stories of how to amplify your quiet strengths without having to act extroverted.
• Join me on LinkedIn where I actively share empowering ways to show up professionally and socially as my highest introverted self.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

• Foster resilience and mental well-being in their families and communities.
• Learn strategies for breaking cycles of trauma and creating safer environments.
• Understand how introverted strengths can lead to profound societal change.
• Gain practical tools and insights for conscious parenting and advocacy.

• The Role of Quiet Leadership in Advocacy: Why introverts possess unique strengths, such as deep listening and thoughtful action, that make them effective agents of change.
• Breaking Generational Cycles: Deborah’s deeply personal journey of healing from trauma and her commitment to raising her son with empathy and accountability.
• Empowering Boys and Men: Addressing the stigma around male vulnerability and the importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and respect.
• Creating Safer Families: Practical tips for fostering resilience and positive family dynamics while navigating the challenges of modern parenting.
• The Power of the Village: How collaboration, community, and shared values can transform individual efforts into widespread societal change.

• Deborah’s Book: Raising Resilient Families is available on Amazon, Booktopia, and directly through Deborah on Instagram or Facebook.
• Deborah’s Radio Shows:
  • Mindful Moments – An English-language program addressing mental health and societal change.
  • Vaanisai Tamil Radio – Celebrating Tamil language and culture.
• Connect with Deborah:
  Instagram: @DeborahSugirthakumar
  Facebook: Deborah Sugirthakumar

Stay tuned for the next episode, and remember: quiet strength changes lives.

This episode was edited by Aura House Productions