The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena Low

113. Invisible to Influential: How to Build Credibility and Stay Relevant with Kathryn Sandford

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Kathryn Sandford, seasoned personal brand and leadership coach, to explore what it truly means to go from invisible to influential. Kathryn draws on her rich background in teaching, recruitment, and government to show professionals—especially introverts and quiet achievers—how to find their voice, build credibility, and shine without being loud.We talk about the power of energy in communication, why self-trust and self-kindness are the foundations of influence, and how relevance is a muscle we can train at every stage of our careers. Kathryn also shares practical networking tips, storytelling strategies that help you stand out, and the affirmation she lives by: “I am enough.”If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots, project confidence without people-pleasing, or become visible in a noisy world while staying true to yourself, this episode will encourage you to take that courageous next step.Episode HighlightsKathryn’s introvert–extrovert balance and reframing the idea of a “social butterfly.”Lessons from teaching: energy awareness, clear boundaries, and credibility in communication.The turning point that led Kathryn out of teaching and into leadership coaching.How to pivot careers with courage and strategy, especially later in life.Building a personal brand through self-awareness, storytelling, and reputation.Why asking others to describe you in three words can unlock your strengths.The “relevance muscle” and how to strengthen it for future success.Key TakeawaysEnergy speaks louder than words — how you show up is as important as what you say.Boundaries build trust — being clear and consistent creates credibility and influence.Self-trust is the foundation of leadership — start by believing I am enough.Personal brand = reputation + influence + impact — know your story and tell it well.Relevance is a muscle — it needs ongoing practice, upskilling, and self-reflection.Networking made simple — approach one or three people, never two.Storytelling sets you apart — ordinary stories, told with authenticity, make you memorable.Memorable Quotable“The most powerful thing you can say to yourself is: I am enough.” — Kathryn SandfordResources & LinksConnect with Kathryn Sandford on LinkedIn.Learn  about Kathryn Sandford’s programs: Invisible to Influential and 1:1 Leadership Coaching.Follow Serena on LinkedIn. Visit serenalow.com.au for the first step to ending your visibility struggle.Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe to The Quiet Warrior Podcast and leave a 5-star review—it helps us reach even more introverts and quiet achievers who are ready to step into visibility with confidence.This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

112. Why Empathy (Not “Nice-ness”) Drives Performance with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller joins Serena to challenge the myth that empathy is a “soft” extra. She shares her journey from French horn professor to empathy-in-leadership researcher after a toxic workplace experience, then breaks down the different types of empathy and how leaders actually apply them—especially in tough conversations and high-pressure environments. Key TakeawaysEmpathy is multi-dimensional. Beyond “I feel what you feel,” leaders can (and must) use cognitive empathy (perspective-taking) and self-empathy (self-awareness and reflection). These forms help you understand others even without shared experiences. Empathy takes work—and courage. Many avoid it because stepping into someone’s world can be uncomfortable; only about a third will choose the empathy-requiring path. The “dual-route” model matters. Emotional empathy is fast and instinctive; cognitive empathy is slower and chosen. Effective leaders use both. Boundaries ≠ lack of empathy. Self-empathy means knowing your capacity and keeping boundaries so you can truly show up for others. Kind vs. nice. Empathy isn’t people-pleasing. It may require hard conversations (e.g., honest performance feedback) done with care so people can grow. Business case: When leaders genuinely employ empathy, productivity, innovation, and profit rise; performative “buzzword” empathy backfires and erodes trust. Empathy first, then EI tools. Consider empathy the precursor that helps you choose the right emotional-intelligence skill for the moment. Start with self-empathy. You can’t sustain empathy for others without it. Practical Takeaways for Introverted & HSP LeadersUse cognitive empathy prompts in 1:1s: “What might this look like from their side?” (choose to perspective-take). Check capacity before deep talks: if depleted, set a boundary and reschedule—this is self-empathy in action. Replace “nice” with “kind + clear”: deliver honest feedback that enables growth; skip people-pleasing. Lead with empathy, then select the EI tool (communication, motivation, etc.) that fits. Memorable Quote“Empathy is not always very nice—but it’s always kind.” About the bookThe Empathic Leader: How EQ via Empathy Transforms Leadership for Better Profit, Productivity, and Innovation — a primer on what empathy is (and isn’t) and how to apply it in today’s AI-shaped workplaces. Next StepsFIND OUT MORE about Melissa’s work:https://eqviaempathy.com/SHARE this episode with a colleague who’s leading change.WORK WITH SERENA:I help introverted professional women be visible and valued without performing extroversion.Book a private Zoom call HERE.This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

111. From Shy Introvert to “That Security Lady”: Dione Chan on Boundaries, Courage, and Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry

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 leadershipThe surprising lessons she learned from working in the security industry as an introverted womanWhy setting boundaries is essential—and how to do it with compassionHow cultural upbringing and people-pleasing patterns can hold introverts backThe power of healthy anger and why it’s necessary for self-protectionDione’s SAFE framework for handling challenging situations with clarity and courageWhy putting yourself first is not selfish, but essential for authentic leadershipAbout Dione ChanDione 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_ladyFacebook: @That Security LadyLinkedIn: Dione Aaliyah ChanWebsite: www.icpgroupaustralia.com.auNext StepsIf 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

110. Imposter Syndrome, Trust, & the Theory of Constraints: A Guide for Introverted Leaders (Simon Copsey)

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.auHelp 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/id1635834564Thank you for your support!This episode was edited by Aura House Productions

109. 5 C’s of a Well-Crafted Story That Converts Leads to Sales with Dr. Danny Brassell

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 EpisodeDanny’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 LinksFree 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