You don’t have to fake extroversion to lead.
Michaela Chung is one of the original voices of the quiet revolution—and her story starts with a breakdown in a hookah bar in New Zealand.
Overstimulated, exhausted, and pressured to “stop being so quiet” on a group trip, Michaela shut down. But that low point became a turning point—not just for her, but for thousands of introverts who would later follow her journey.
Michaela is the founder of Introvert Spring, a certified introvert coach, and author of The Irresistible Introvert and The Year of the Introvert. For over a decade, she’s helped introverts build confidence, manage energy, deepen connections, and lead with authenticity—without pretending to be extroverted.
In this episode of Powerful Introvert, Michaela shares her personal story, how she ended up doing stand-up comedy (yes, really), and the practical tools she teaches to help introverts release self-judgment, expand their presence, and thrive as quiet leaders.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
- What overstimulation looks like—and how to recover from it
- The difference between introversion and shyness
- How introverts can thrive in visibility without burnout
- Nervous system regulation tools: EFT, breathwork, movement
- Why confidence grows from the inside out
- The mindset shift that reframes social anxiety
- Michaela’s 3-step method to initiate authentic connection
- How preparation creates presence
- Quiet leadership and communication strengths
📚 Key Lessons from Michaela Chung
- Introversion isn’t a flaw—it’s a different operating system
- Confidence doesn’t come from “faking it”—it starts inside
- You don’t have to heal everything to lead with impact
- Self-judgment is the #1 blocker of confidence
- Energy management is essential for sustained visibility
- Intention matters more than charisma
- Quiet leaders influence through presence, not volume
🔗 Where to find Michaela Chung:
🕒 Episode Breakdown
- (00:00) Michaela’s journey as an introvert and creator
- (04:00) The hookah bar meltdown that sparked a movement
- (07:00) How to recognize and recover from overstimulation
- (09:00) Why an introvert would take up stand-up comedy
- (11:00) Introversion vs. shyness
- (13:00) Why group conversation is harder than public speaking
- (15:00) Building confidence from the inside out
- (18:00) Coaching introverts through career and leadership
- (20:00) Stretching your comfort zone—without snapping
- (22:00) The emotional toll of self-judgment
- (24:00) Tools to shift your state: EFT, forgiveness, movement
- (26:00) Daily rituals to reset your nervous system
- (28:00) Meditation, creativity, and flow
- (29:00) Michaela’s 3 steps: intention, commitment, observation
- (30:00) The future of quiet leadership
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