Hope for the Introvert Podcast

The Hope for the Introvert podcast is a series of conversations with and about introverted leaders, their strengths, and how they apply them in the workplace and other parts of life. Ben Woelk chats with guests about the challenges many of us face as introverts and how we overcome them. These honest and open discussions provide practical strategies for empowering you to be effective leaders and influencers–strategies that leverage your introvert strengths. What strengths do you attribute to your introverted nature?

Ben Woelk is an introverted leader whose passion is mentoring and coaching introverted leaders. He’s had the opportunity to speak across the world about how others can become successful leaders by identifying and actualizing their introvert strengths. Those opportunities led to the creation of Introverted Leadership, a mentoring program that provides coaching services to empower prospective leaders based on the unique abilities your introverted nature provides.

Please consider supporting Hope for the Introvert and the Introverted Leadership program. The Patreon support tiers provide you with the chance to help underwrite the cost to create the podcast, plan and put on Introverted Leadership events, and influence our future direction—you even have the opportunity to join Ben as a guest on the podcast! Don’t worry, there are also many ways to support the podcast while successfully avoiding human interaction.

Become a Patron!

Andrea Childress headshot

Episode 029: Andrea Childress–Building Social Skills and Networking

Episode 029 Show Notes: Andrea Childress Introduction Andrea Childress and Ben Woelk discuss building social skills as an introvert, networking, and the importance of mentoring. Note: Andrea is now UNK Chief Information Officer and University of Nebraska Assistant Vice President for Information Technology Services . Key concepts
  • You can improve social skills by practicing ...
Megan Mack Headshot

Episode 28: Megan Mack–Introverts and Improvisation

Episode 028 Show Notes: Megan Mack Introduction Megan Mack and Ben Woelk discuss the importance of improvisation exercises for introverts and building communication skills. Key concepts
  • Improvisation skills help introverts
  • Improv is about listening and reacting
  • Introverts can be amazing improv facilitators
  • Ben's Introverts and Leadership class includes an improvisation workshop
  • Mirroring helps communicate with ...
Megan Mack Headshot

Episode 027: Megan Mack–Empathy and Meaningful Discourse

Episode 027 Show Notes: Megan Mack Introduction Megan Mack and Ben Woelk talk about empathy, meaningful discourse and countering hate speech, not being the loudest voice in the room, and trusting your instincts. Key concepts
  • Producing a WXXI radio program
  • Advantages of not being the loudest voice in the room
  • Turned your internal monologue off ...
Ben Woelk Headshot

Episode 026: Ben Woelk–Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Episode 026 Show Notes: Ben Woelk Introduction Ben Woelk shares his article, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road: A Leadership Journey to the Emerald City." Ben discusses the leadership lessons from the journey for the Scarecrow, a Rational leader, the Tin Woodman, an Idealist leader, and the Lion, an Artisan leader. Key concepts
  • The Wizard of Oz provides leadership lessons.
  • Rational ...
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Episode 025: Gabby Pascuzzi–Survivor, Vulnerability, and Authenticity

Episode 025 Show Notes: Gabby Pascuzzi Introduction Gabby Pascuzzi and Ben Woelk talk about Survivor, being vulnerable with your emotions, leaning in to who you are, and the need for authenticity in the workplace. Key concepts
  • Scary challenges show you what you're capable of. We are prone to underestimating ourselves.
  • You have to embrace the struggle ...