Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 38

Behind the Scenes - Week 38

Nugget of the Week

Maybe I’m noticing more of the small things as gratitude is firmly front of mind for me. So much around us is unnecessary drama, tittle-tattle and complaining. I think I’ll start publicly sharing my 100 days of gratitude practice again.

Thoughts really do become things and if I focus on the negative, I will both notice and attract more of those to me.

No thanks.

Less news and more new experiences is the nugget I am cherishing this week.

This Sh** Really Happened!

I don’t think it unrealistic to do someone the courtesy of paying attention when they presenting do you? Imagine my shock then when I was working with a big client recently and many ‘supposed’ leaders were clearly not attentive as their colleagues were delivering their presentations.

Even if you think you’ve heard it all before, by being inattentive you are choosing to close your mind to learning something new or realising a new perspective. That’s arrogance in my mind.

Here’s my second issue with that kind of behaviour. What message are they sending to their junior colleagues?

Whether they like it or not, they are role models for more junior people. But I bet they’ll complain when those more junior don’t listen to them.

Rant over!

Coming up, Buttercup!

Are you exhausted by the endless ‘lip service’ dished out by so many leaders and businesses? We are too. That’s why something meaningful and straight from heart is on its way, a collaboration that cuts through the noise of empty promises and buzzword culture.

It’s time to reclaim authenticity – no more clichés, no more smoke and mirrors. For this very reason our entire team is involved in research, development and speaking to the stakeholders directly to keep it all real and in-touch with what the audience really needs – not just following so-called ‘trends’. 

For now though, we’re keeping this close to our chest (lips sealed, pun intended) but trust us – when it arrives, you’ll feel the difference. Together, we’ll bring real, genuine action into the spotlight, where it belongs. Stay tuned, the journey back to truth starts soon.

Hot off the Press

This week I am exciting to share with two exciting releases that will benefit every introvert in some way or other. In fact, I believe almost anyone will take away some powerful flourishing nuggets from these. Click on the banner below to watch or listen. 

So, that’s about it from my week full of nuggets, reflection and gentle moments of excitement towards flourrishing future ahead. 

I look forward to you joining me next week, and I promise not to make you dizzy!

The Majesty of Quiet Presence

The Majesty of Quiet Presence

(dropping) Pebbels in the Pond

Season 2, Episode 001

In this episode, we explore the nuanced world where introversion meets presence.  We often misconstrue presence as an attribute reserved for the extraverts and gregarious, but that’s a myth we ought to debunk. 

True presence isn’t about volume; it’s about value. 

I am so thrilled to announce, the show will also feature its very first Flourishing Personality – Helen Ferguson. She is an Integrative Trauma Psychotherapist who works around Childhood, Complex & Sexual Trauma guiding integrative body – mind recovery & healing for children & adults.

Key Points 

  • Presence transcends loud charisma
  • Confidence built on self-awareness
  • Authenticity empowers introverted leaders
Watch on LinkedIn
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About Helen Ferguson

Helen guides individuals on their healing journey from childhood trauma, CPTSD, sexual abuse.

She says, “Just because something bad happened in your life, doesn’t mean you have to hate yourself for the rest of your life“

Helen is a

  • Childhood & Complex Trauma, CPTSD, & Sexual Abuse Expert
  • Clinically Qualified Trauma Psychotherapist guiding you to inner peace
  • Educator & Trainer for health & social care professionals.

In Joanna’s words,

“Helen epitomises Quiet Presence as she’s calm, appropriately boundaried and the kindest soul I know.

Don’t get me wrong, she is strong with a really positive approach and holds space for her clients with grace and compassion.

She is simply one of my favourite people to mingle with.“

– We could not have said it any better if we tried!

Team – Flourishing Introverts

Connect with Helen

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Watch on Facebook

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Gratitude Jar for those ‘down’ days

Create a gratitude jar

and go for a lucky dip on 'down days'

What if there were an instant way to remind us of good memories, positive events and uplifting instances? And what if we had a tangible way of quietening our inner critic?

Well there actually is!

It’s called a ‘Gratitude Jar’ and if you don’t already have one, it’s time to create yours now.

Every single time something positive happens, a good memory is created and our heart is full of joy – let’s write a little gratitude note and drop it in our Gratitude Jar. Keep the jar by your desk, or on the bedside table – really wherever it is easy for you to access and the place where you spend your thinking time.

Being able to remind ourselves of those happy and fulfilling times coupled with the kind words others said about what we mean to them is a pretty foolproof way to reassure ourselves when we doubt or feel down.

Now, every time you are facing a difficult day and the going gets tough, you can reach out and pick one of these ‘lucky dips’ to read – and remind you of a moment when your heart was filled with gratitude and you were smiling ear to ear.

Let your own gratitude, your own words and your own joy from that moment lift you up when you feel dark and discouraged. Let your own memories of a moment when you were so proud of how far you have come, become your reassurance. Let them give you the strength to lift you up and encourage you to move forward regardless of what is currently weighing heavily on your mind.

Let’s make this a practice. Let’s make this a power. Let’s make this one of the most uplifting tools in your toolkit – so you can flip your limiting beliefs in a difficult moment and move from a frustrated to flourishing mindset within moments. Once you recognise and utilise your inner strength and qualities, you’ll have the courage to take your next steps with a renewed sense of purpose.

Let yesterday’s you be the power behind today’s you – a formidable team!

Shall we?

Quietly, and formidably yours,
-Joanna

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 37

Behind the Scenes - Week 37

Nugget of the Week

So curiosity isn’t about being nosey, it’s about asking thoughtful questions, really listening to understand, (as opposed to listening to respond) and staying open to new perspectives.

This is how we as professionals are more likely to uncover valuable yet necessary information, enhance collaborative decision-making, and build stronger, more effective relationships with our clients and colleagues.

What could you do to be more intentionally curious and less ‘jumping to conclusions’ judgemental?

This Sh** Really Happened!

So as you might have gathered, I have a rather different perspective on this segment this week, and it’s a proper OMFG moment, but in a good way.
In the past I have felt really protective and frankly peed off when I’ve seen people use my words without crediting me or worse still, passing them off as their own.

Do you want to know what happened this week? One of my mentors encouraged me to think about sending my content out into the world with love. I was then able to feel how it would be possible to lose the attachment I had to my content, without losing the passion with which I created it.

Then something even more magical happened. One of my team who I work really closely with shared that it was like “letting your children leave home so they can grow … you cannot control what they will do with their lives after they are grown up and left. Good children will bring you more abundance, bad ones will ignore you …. impactful content will bring people back to the source, you.

I am so grateful for that analogy, and blessed to have such a wonderful team member.

So, here I stand now, able to say that I create my content not to stay confined, tethered and limited in reach, but to travel the world, like independent children.

Coming up, Buttercup!

Yes, Season TWO of (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond is right around the corner – and we are taking things up a notch. Team and I are confident you will love it.

In the premiere episode of Season TWO, we explore the nuanced world where introversion meets presence.  We often misconstrue presence as an attribute reserved for the extraverts and gregarious, but that’s a myth we ought to debunk.  True presence isn’t about volume; it’s about value.

I am so thrilled to announce, the show will also feature its very first Flourishing Personality –  Helen Ferguson. She is an Integrative Trauma Psychotherapist who works around Childhood, Complex & Sexual Trauma guiding integrative body – mind recovery & healing for children & adults.

Click on the banner here to tune-in. Make sure to click ‘Notify Me‘ so YouTube alerts you when we broadcast LIVE. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and like and comment during the LIVE broadcast so we can acknowledge and interact with you in real-time.

And oh, in case you cannot tune-in LIVE, we’ve got you covered. The same link works as REPLAY and is FREE for next 100 or so years. LOL!

Also checkout...

So, that’s a spin around parts of my week and on reflection, there was never a dull moment. I look forward to you joining me next week, and I promise not to make you dizzy!

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 36

Behind the Scenes - Week 36

Nugget of the Week

You might think that some workplace situations are not appropriate for bringing out childlike behaviour. Think again.
I was delivering a course on Presentation Skills this week in a client’s office. We had a great day and there were lots of golden nuggets shared as we explored the why, how and what of presenting an often dry subject. At the end, the group gave me a round of applause, and I spontaneously curtsied, just as I would have done as a child. That provoked more laughter, which was a great way to end what had been an insightful and beneficial day.

This Sh** Really Happened!

So, these price hikes then, what if I were to tell you that I’m talking percentage increases in the hundreds, not just the tens! Really. I don’t begrudge anyone increasing their prices – heck I do that myself, and that’s because I’m a business not a charity. But there’s good business and then there’s greedy!

To add insult to injury, I got the email about the latest automatic price hike the day it would be billed! Being customer focused this is NOT!

It smacks of ‘take it or leave it’ arrogance, and I’ll give you two guesses as to what I’ll be doing. Yep – they got an email from me, and regardless of whether they read it or not, I have the right to respond to their notification.

Coming up, Buttercup!

Do you feel ready to unlock your childlike freedom but not sure how? Many of us have some self-limiting beliefs to overcome because we may be too worried about what other think of us. If you really want to flourish and experience life on your own terms, my Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course might just be the right step to get started.

I created this course with practical strategies that will help you edit the script on self-doubt and encourage you to build a stronger, sassier and confident mindset, while remaining your true quiet-self. Irrespective of where in life you are at this moment, this course offers the tools to break free from the barriers that holding you hostage to fear, shame or gaslighting from within or out.

Begin your journey today towards a more liberated, confidently childlike and sassier you. Rediscover your potential and reignite your sense of wonder.

Click here to sign-up.

Also checkout...

So, that’s a spin around parts of my week and on reflection, there was never a dull moment. I look forward to you joining me next week, and I promise not to make you dizzy!

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 35

Behind the Scenes - Week 35

Nugget of the Week

I have found my ability to be vulnerable to be transformative. As a deep thinker who craves authenticity, this has to include showing up fully as who I really am. We are surrounded by glossy facades that can have the best of us feeling inferior.

 

But as Eleanor Roosevelt so wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent“. Once you have found your interiority as Caroline McHugh calls it, you will have the courage to be perfectly imperfect.

It’s how I manage to pursue my mission in life, and it can be the key to your future too.

 

This Sh** Really Happened!

I know that being able to hold space so someone can open up can be challenging, but it’s part of the responsibility of any manager or leader. And, it’s what you’re paid to do.

I remember one of the first management models I was introduced to many, many years ago, was Adair’s Action Centered Leadership model and whilst it’s pretty dated now, the principles still hold good. There premise is that there are three ‘action’ centers that a leader or manager needs to balance – Task, Team & Individual.

If you’re a manager or team leader, of course you have your own objectives to meet but without a team who know how to work together and with you, without individuals who feel able to be vulnerable, who have the psychological safety they require to show up fully, you’re never going to build a high performing team who demonstrate the commitment, loyalty and productivity to be successful.

And guess what? This means you’ll have to show some vulnerability as a leader too. Behaviour breeds behaviour.

Coming up, Buttercup!

Team and I have been working for quite a few months now to expand the variety and options on how we deliver flourishing resources to you. New shows, events, exciting vibe in existing ones, is coming your way soon!

We wanted to not only add variety in terms of number of options you can choose from but also opportunities to learn from industry professionals from all walks of life. 

So you will soon have option to watch two different LIVE Video shows, listen to two different podcasts, or participate in LinkedIn Audio Events. Then there will also be multiple self-paced short courses, and my flagship Frustrated to Flourishing Programme. And this is just the beginning – but I’ll share more as things happen..

because..

True to my messaging, I am all about sassy rebellion, or in this case expansive growth together in a calm, quiet, gentle yet unapologetically flourishing introvert style!

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 34

Behind the Scenes - Week 34

Nugget of the Week

Ok – so I accept that you may feel a little like a jailor carrying around so many key(s), so think of it like this – making keys when you have the resources, the time and when you are inspired, increases the likelihood that you’ll have the relevant key when you need it most.

And, if you have keys to spare, you can offer them to others who could use them. After all, generosity of spirit is a beautiful thing and when we lift each other up, we all flourish.

Now how wonderful a world it will be when everyone flourishes without bias and exclusions?

How wonderful our world will be when everyone flourishes free from experiencing bias and exclusions?

This Sh** Really Happened!

I do get it because we all want our emails to reach and impact the people they are designed for, and I’m no different in that respect. However, deliberately manipulative click-bait subject lines that trick me into opening just leaves me cold and uninspired.

And I particularly mean the subject lines that are designed to raise concerns, invite worry or even trigger a panic response. I could say so much about it not only from an ethical perspective, but also from a wellbeing, mental health and common decency angle. Maybe I will one day!

Subject lines need to be properly informative and sincere as most of us prioritise what we open and in what order by the subject line. That’s why I feel so strongly about this underhand tactic. In fact, I pinky-swear to never trick you, in any way.

Coming up, Buttercup!

You know that feeling when an idea needs to be ‘birthed’? That’s what happened this week and the process of labour ended up being really quick. So, my co-founder, Szebastian Onne G. S. and I introduced our new synergy to the world.

 

We have been working behind the scenes on our joint-venture ‘Intent to Flourish’  and last night, we launched the name-sake show ‘Intent to Flourish’ LIVE on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. 

We invite you to engage as it finds its feet for the first time. In the premiere stream, we explored, how INTENTION can lead to FLOURISHING when SYNERGY is at the heart of our ACTIONS.  You can watch the REPLAY HERE. 

 

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 33

Behind the Scenes - Week 33

Nugget of the Week

We sometimes hear that introverts are not good friends as they don’t communicate freely or honestly. We are accused of being anti-social, disinterested and disconnected.

I disagree. And here’s why.

This is just one of the myths around introversion that because we’re not speaking all of the time, we don’t speak when it matters. We do, provided there is a strong enough bond or an important enough reason. If not, then nah! I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.

When introverts have strong relationships, they can be the MOST honest ‘critical friend’. You know, the one who tells you not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.

That’s the type of conversation I had with one of my best friends this last week. I held the silence as he digested my words.

I didn’t appease.

I didn’t change what I’d said.

I held the space whilst he reflected. It was powerful and we both commented about how we value that we can have these conversations without worrying about our friendship.

This approach plays to our strengths of listening empathically and not filling the silence, so give it a go.

This Sh** Really Happened!

If you’ve followed me and my work for a while, you will know quite a lot about Gladys and her antics. She’s a handful to say the least, and not in a good way!

I have done so much work to understand what she’s trying to keep me safe from (the role of all inner critics) and we normally have a great working relationship now.

BTW, don’t believe anyone who tells you that you can ‘turn’ your inner critic into a fan – it doesn’t work like that. Anyway, Gladys snuck up on me when I was least expecting it this week and her intervention knocked me for six. 

I started doubting myself and my work – was it making the difference I intended?

It was and it is as testimonials routinely demonstrate.

So, with the help of my brilliant team I thanked her for keeping a watchful eye and packed her off again, to enjoy the last of the summer.

Ice creams all round? Actually, make mine an Aperol Spritz!

Coming up, Buttercup!

As you know, at the House of Flourishing Introverts, we are celebrating August as the ‘Introvert Celebration Month’ – and as part of that celebration I am offering once in a life time, never to repeat again bonuses with my Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course.

I understand just too —a lifetime of feedback can leave us feeling ‘less than’ in some way.

However, we are far from ‘less than.’ When we recognise that we are ‘more than,’ we unlock our potential to create a life we love, to believe in ourselves, and to intentionally hold firm boundaries.

My course is designed to guide you on this flourishing journey, empowering you to take control and make meaningful, lasting changes.

If you’re tired of thinking you can’t and ready to say ‘watch me’, it’s time to consider the Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course.

Offer ends on August 20. Sign-up!

–

Got a question? Contact my team at quietly@flourishingintroverts.com  

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 32

Behind the Scenes - Week 32

Nugget of the Week

Choosing to see things through a different lens and perspective changes the whole picture. What could you reframe for a better outcome? It is easy for we introverts to get caught up in overthinking and catastrophizing, letting self-doubt cloud our judgment.

Our inner-critic, mine is called Gladys – can get us ruminating and making mountains out of molehills. However, if we intentionally and consciously reframe how we look at challenges and obstacles, we can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Instead of focusing on how we might fail, if we invest ourselves in recognising our strengths and uniqueness that has helped us succeed in the past, we can truly change the game.

We introverts need to reframe our perspective to look at challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience. Less anxiety, more power, just exactly what we need.

This Sh** Really Happened!

Well, this week I also want to share two testimonials in ‘This Shi* Really Happened!’ because there is ‘Shi*’ and there is ‘Good Shi*’ and what I am about to share is some GREAT SHI*!

A company's VP called about my Podcast

Remember the person who gave me the feedback on my podcast?

It was the VP of an Australian Consulting Firm operating across 4 continents, who was touched by the ripples of my work. To my absolute surprise, the VP directly called me to say this..

“I handled ‘The Difficult’ with all project leaders as well as the CEO, equipped with clarity and a decisive action strategy by listening back to your episode 3 times this morning. Some of the long pending decisions were discussed and finalised in a single 35 minute group call. All I needed was to be ready to deal with the difficult with confidence. Everything is now moving the way I wanted 6 months ago. I have now subscribed.”

I absolutely recognise the significance of a multi-national company’s Vice President taking time out of their day. In that moment, and as the call ended, I knew that the ripples I’m creating have a far reaching effect.

One that I may never know the extent of.

Unexpected Heartwarming Public Testimonial

And as I hinted in the Reflections newsletter 02 of August 2024, it amazes me that wherever I go, someone is excited to tell me about how my work has positively impacted them, and it still gives me a little tingle which in turn inspires me on my mission.

A little while ago, at the start of a business retreat, we were doing our initial introductions around the table and I saw the woman sat opposite fix her gaze on me.

She then asked “Are you the Joanna who creates the Flourishing Introvert Talks podcast?”.

I said yes quietly.

She then said so excitedly and what was a completely heartwarming testimonial in front of whole audience, “I can’t begin to tell you how much your podcast has helped me. I’m here today on this retreat because you gave me the confidence to start my own business.”

I was struggling to hide my happy tears, and the introvert in me wanted to hide but in that moment I celebrated her kind testimonial with utmost gratitude.

The two real-life and unsolicited testimonials I shared above, are shared with a curious blend of pride and humility.

Evidence of more ripples!

And the BAD Shi*!

Finally, the ‘oh what!‘ kinda shi* that happened – I was lied to by an agent when buying a tech service, so I escalated issue, booked a call with their ‘coach’, got a refund and a spectacular deal.

But it gets worse!!! I found out the following day that the problem hadn’t been completely sorted so when I called again, a third agent tried to get me to unpick what the second had done.

Fortunately, they transferred me to the ‘termination’ department who confirmed that the second agent had given me the right advice and they just needed to do one more thing their end!

As you can imagine, I was tearing my hair out by this point, but credit where it was due, calmness saved the day. Let that be a reminder to us all.

Shi* happens but it can usually be sorted out with time, patience and good intentions.

Coming up, Buttercup!

As you know, at the House of Flourishing Introverts, we are celebrating August as the ‘Introvert Celebration Month’ – and as part of that celebration I am offering once in a life time, never to repeat again bonuses with my Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course.

I understand just too —a lifetime of feedback can leave us feeling ‘less than’ in some way.

However, we are far from ‘less than.’ When we recognise that we are ‘more than,’ we unlock our potential to create a life we love, to believe in ourselves, and to intentionally hold firm boundaries.

My course is designed to guide you on this flourishing journey, empowering you to take control and make meaningful, lasting changes.

If you’re tired of thinking you can’t and ready to say ‘watch me’, it’s time to consider the Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course.

Offer ends on August 20. Sign-up!

–

Got a question? Contact my team at quietly@flourishingintroverts.com  

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 31

Behind the Scenes - Week 31

Nugget of the Week

When we start to be intentional & choose to notice what we’re actually doing on automatic pilot, we have some decisions to make. What stays and what changes?

To flourish as an introvert doesn’t happen by accident. It requires us to be intentional in actively deciding our day-to-day routine and being conscious about our behaviour, as well our habits if we truly wish to liberate ourselves from a default auto-pilot life.

Taking note of our own actions, evaluating the impact of our choices, and ensuring they are in alignment with our authentic-self and our inner-purpose, feeds us the clarity we need.

When we operate from this place of self-awareness our choices are more intentional and in-sync with our values. It helps us decide if we need to let go of a habit, behaviour, possession, or person. This helps us grow and flourish with integrity, authenticity and confidence.

This Sh** Really Happened!

Recently, my PR Team noticed something odd and hence I attended the presentation of someone I had been in touch with and noticed that it felt flat and uninspiring. If the delivery style wasn’t monotonous and mechanical enough already, the content truly made it a challenge to stay awake – and I kid you not!

I rarely say something negative about anyone because I believe we are all different and we all have value to offer in our own unique way. But this chap had a fairly large following yet not much traction, and going by his delivery (content and style) I was surprised if not shocked, as to how he had this following yet next to nil engagement.

This all left me feeling a bit wobbly, (watch out – comparisonitis alert!) as I was left wondering how such a (dare I say) uninspiring individual could have such a large following, yet despite so many people constantly telling me how inspiring and helpful they find my content – I have a far, far smaller following. 

Fortunately, an industry professional I personally know and trust explained to me, with evidence, that this chap has been buying the ‘views’ and ‘followers’, hence making himself appear more successful and in-demand than he really is. 

I cannot tell you how disappointed I felt that people literally fake their success, and not because of impostor syndrome, but because they intentionally want to mislead people. But in the very same moment I felt relieved and was reminded of the compliments and thank you messages I receive both in-person and via emails and chats, telling me how my work has been impacting people’s professional and personal lives on the ground. 

I felt immense gratitude to come out on the other side of my wobble with my integrity intact and confidence reignited. 

Coming up, Buttercup!

Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re not capable of making our next career move, shifting our priorities, or making significant life changes. I understand—a lifetime of feedback can leave us feeling ‘less than’ in some way.

However, we are far from ‘less than.’ When we recognise that we are ‘more than,’ we unlock our potential to create a life we love, to believe in ourselves, and to intentionally hold firm boundaries. My course is designed to guide you on this flourishing journey, empowering you to take control and make meaningful, lasting changes.

If you’re tired of thinking you can’t and ready to say ‘watch me’, it’s time to consider the Flip Your Limiting Beliefs course.

Offer ends on August 20. Sign-up!

–

Got a question? Contact my team at quietly@flourishingintroverts.com