Ever feel like your brain just works differently - like how you need more space, more quiet, or more time to think? In this solo episode of The Ambitious Introvert®, I’m diving into some fascinating (and science-backed) reasons why that’s not just in your head - it’s actually how your brain is wired.

We’ll explore three key ways introverts process, respond, and recharge that set us apart - not in a “fix yourself” kind of way, but in a “ohhhh, that’s why I do that!” kind of way. If you’ve ever second-guessed the way you work or wondered why other people seem to thrive on things that drain you, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why dopamine floods can feel overwhelming, and which neurotransmitter is the introvert’s secret weapon for calm focus.
• The surprising way introverts use more brain energy, and what it means for your fatigue levels and social battery.
• What really happens when you pause before speaking, and why your slower processing is actually a strength.
• How your brain’s default mode influences decision-making, reflection, and creativity by taking the long road

Whether you’re an introvert wanting to better understand your own patterns or someone who leads or lives with one, this episode will help you reframe how you think about energy, focus, and expression.

MENTIONED STUDIES:

◾️ Laney, M. O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage – explains dopamine sensitivity and acetylcholine rewards

◾️Johnson, D. L., & Wiebe, J. S. et al. (1999). Cerebral Blood Flow and Personality: A PET Study. Am J Psychiatry, 156(2), 252–257. (PMID 9989562)

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

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What if the hardest thing you've ever faced ended up being the biggest gift of your life?

My guest on The Ambitious Introvert® this week is Krista Ryan – a Workplace Performance expert, speaker, coach, and former HR director who brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to her mission of helping individuals and organizations thrive through change. But this conversation isn’t just about leadership - it’s about resilience, presence, and how a stage 3 cancer diagnosis changed everything.

Krista shares how surviving colorectal cancer reshaped her life, her leadership, and her priorities. We talk about what resilience really looks like (hint: it’s not just powering through), why vulnerability is one of the strongest things you can practice, and how living more in the now can create greater impact than chasing future goals ever will.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating a personal challenge, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-paced world, Krista’s wisdom will leave you feeling both seen and inspired.

Tune in to hear us discuss:

1. Why resilience is a practiced skill, not a personality trait - and it starts with pausing before reacting.
2. How vulnerability and asking for help aren’t weaknesses, they’re accelerators for growth and connection.
3. Why the best life is the one happening right now; chasing the future often pulls us out of alignment.
4. The way a single resilient person can shift the energy of an entire organization.
5. How simple daily rituals like solo walks or intention-setting can restore clarity, energy, and focus.

If you're ready to redefine resilience on your own terms, this one’s for you.

https://www.kristaryan.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-ryan-pcc-b91830164/

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.

PREMIUM SUPPORT:

Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.

When one of the world’s top F1 drivers publicly calls social media a “waste of time and energy”, it’s worth paying attention.

In this solo episode, I break down Lando Norris’ decision to step away from social media - not because of burnout, but as a strategic move to protect his focus and performance.

I explore what makes this such a powerful decision, especially for introverts and high-performers, and how you can apply the same thinking to your own energy habits.

I’m sharing:

• Why stepping back isn’t weakness, but next-level self-awareness
• The hidden cost of being “always on” (especially for introverts)
• A framework to replace low-return habits with high-impact energy boosters
• A 3-step “Lando-inspired” challenge to audit your own social media usage.

This episode is for you if you’re ready to protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset and learn from one of the world’s highest performers.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

🌐 The Ambitious Introvert
◾️Lando Norris
◾️McLaren Racing

CONNECT WITH EMMA-LOUISE:

Website: https://theambitiousintrovert.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmalouparkes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouparkes

Sign up to receive my monthly Introverts Only digest, delivering all the best introvert-friendly resources straight to your inbox, minus the scroll here.

PREMIUM SUPPORT:

Interested in working with me 1:1? Learn more and apply here.