The Quiet Warrior Podcast with Serena Low
Are you an introvert who is tired of hearing that you're too quiet, need to speak up more, or that you lack executive presence and are not ready for promotion? Your host is Serena Low, and her life’s purpose is to help quiet achievers become Quiet Warriors who can speak - lead - and act decisively when called upon, without changing the essence of who you are. As a trauma-informed introvert coach, certified Root-Cause Therapy practitioner, certified Social + Emotional Intelligence Coach, and author of the Amazon Bestseller, The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life One New Chapter at a Time, Sere...
140. From Burnout to Happiness: 12 Steps to a More Joyful Life with Todd Patkin
⚠️ Content note: This episode contains references to suicide. Please take care of yourself as you listen.
What does it really mean to be happy — and why do so many high-achieving, outwardly successful people struggle to feel it? In this deeply honest and practical conversation, happiness coach Todd Patkin joins host Serena to explore the hidden cost of perfectionism, the systemic roots of burnout, and the 12 steps he developed to help people move from surviving to genuinely thriving.
After growing a family auto parts business by 20% year-on-year and working 70–80 hours a week, Todd hit a wall a...
139. How To Reclaim Your Voice and Advocate For Yourself Through the Intention-Perception-Action Model (Dr. Patricia Timerman)
⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide loss. Please take care while listening.
What happens when a confident communicator suddenly loses her voice?
In this deeply moving conversation, Serena Low sits down with psychotherapist, author, and communication expert Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva (“Dr. T”) to explore the life-changing experience that shaped her work: immigrating to the United States at 14 without knowing English and finding herself unable to express herself.
Together, they unpack the complexities of communication, grief, cultural identity, boundaries, and self-advocacy. Drawing...
138. You’re Not Broken: How to Flip the Switch on Anxiety and Depression by Rewiring Your Brain (Mike Wood)
What happens when you've built a successful career, ticked every box on the list society gave you - and you're still miserable?
That's where Mike Wood found himself at 45. A former COO who helped scale Jarrett Companies from $2.5 million to over $100 million in revenue, Mike had achieved everything he was supposed to want. Yet beneath the success, 30 years of anxiety and depression were still screaming.
In this deeply honest conversation, Mike shares the five-year inner journey that led him to become a consciousness coach — and why he now takes those same tools into ma...
137. What's Wrong vs. What's Strong: A Strengths-Based Approach to Career and Caregiving | Rosemary Gattuso
What if the career that looked right on paper was quietly draining you — and the one you almost overlooked turned out to be exactly where you were meant to be?
Family mediator and restorative justice practitioner Rosemary Gattuso joins Serena to share the pivotal moment she walked away from legal practice and into mediation — not out of failure, but out of a growing self-awareness that law amplified her weaknesses, while mediation brought her natural strengths to life.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt slightly out of place in their career, stru...
136. Quietly Powerful Leadership: Megumi Miki on How Introverts and Quiet Achievers Thrive in Workplaces
Serena Low sits down with leadership expert Megumi Miki to explore what it means to be a quietly powerful leader — and why organisations in Australia and beyond can no longer afford to overlook quiet talent.
Megumi is the award-winning author of Quietly Powerful: How Your Quiet Nature is Your Hidden Leadership Strength and a leadership, culture, and diversity consultant with over 20 years of experience. In this episode, she challenges the outdated “hero leader” model and reveals how spaciousness, presence, and humility are reshaping what effective leadership looks like in today’s uncertain world.
W...
135. The Quiet Power of Healing, Identity, and Coming Home to Yourself (Soreya James)
What happens when life asks you to let go of an old identity and become someone entirely new?
In Episode 135 of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena sits down with Soreya James to explore healing, identity, introversion, trauma, nervous system safety, and the quiet courage it takes to come home to yourself.
Soreya shares the powerful story behind changing her name after surviving childhood trauma, and how reclaiming her identity became an act of liberation, healing, and rebirth. Together, Serena and Soreya explore the layers of conditioning that cause so many people — es...
134. Conscious Love & Congruent Living: How Introverts Build Deep Relationships | Christian de la Huerta
What does it mean to live, love, and lead congruently—especially as an introvert in a noisy world?
In this deeply reflective conversation, Serena Low and transformational coach and bestselling author Christian de la Huerta explore the quiet, courageous work of authenticity, conscious relationships, and inner freedom.
Together, they unpack what it means to be a modern-day hero—not through grand gestures, but through the everyday choices we make to respond with awareness instead of reaction.
If you’ve ever felt unseen or torn between staying true to yourself and keeping the pe...
133. It’s Not About Willpower: 3 Keys to Transforming Health for Busy Professional Women with Greg Fearon
What if the reason you’re struggling with your health isn’t discipline… but identity?
In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Greg Fearon, creator of the Million Dollar Body Method, to explore a calmer, more sustainable approach to health — one that doesn’t rely on willpower, extreme diets, or doing more.
Together, we unpack why so many high-achieving professionals — especially introverted women — feel stuck in cycles of burnout, low energy, and frustration with their health, despite knowing exactly what to do.
Greg shares why knowledge is not the probl...
132. The Quiet Power of Reinvention with Sabine Hutchison, Queen of Reinvention
In this episode, Serena sits down with Sabine Hutchison — CEO and co-founder of Seuss Plus, author of Beyond the Ladder, host of Cut the Chat Life Science Insider podcast and Be the Ripple podcast, and founder of the Ripple Network.
Known as the ‘Queen of Reinvention’, Sabine shares how she has reshaped her life and career again and again — from chemistry graduate and hazardous waste specialist, to world-touring team member for David Copperfield, to biotech and life sciences leader, published author, and ecosystem builder.
Through candid examples, Sabine reminds us that reinvent...
131: Becoming the Author of Your Own Life with James Walters
In this playful conversation, Serena speaks with photographer, podcaster, mentor, and author James Walters, creator of A Joyful Rebellion and Meditations of the Mundane.
James shares how creativity became his language for connection, how journaling sparked a life pivot at midlife, and why following the “script” others hand us often leads to quietly unfulfilled lives.
Introversion as a “world within a world”
James describes introversion not as shyness, but deep perception.
About being “the person in the corner who’s watching everything as it unfolds” — and the unexpected superpower that becomes.
130. How to End the Brain Hijack and Reclaim Emotional Safety with Diane McDowell
Serena is joined by Diane McDowell, a therapist-turned-coach and leading expert in emotional safety. Diane is the creator of the Brain to Heart Code, a neuroscience-backed method designed to interrupt what she calls the brain hijack—the unconscious survival response that turns moments of connection into self-protection.
Together, Serena and Diane explore why highly sensitive and emotionally intelligent people often over-accommodate, people-please, or shut down in relationships—and why traditional advice around “better communication” often misses the real issue entirely.
This episode is a powerful invitation to stop outsourcing your sen...
129. Rest Isn’t Laziness: The Hidden Cost of Being the Firstborn Daughter with Adaku Mbagwu
[TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to suicide.]
What happens when responsibility is placed on your shoulders before you even have language for choice?
In this honest and illuminating conversation, Serena Low is joined by Adaku Mbagwu, founder of Healed Hero and widely known as The First Daughter Coach. They explore the emotional, cultural, and psychological imprint carried by firstborn daughters — particularly those who grow up over-functioning, over-delivering, and quietly burning out while appearing “capable” and “strong.”
Adaku shares her own journey as a firstborn daughter in a Nigerian...
128. Quiet Ambition: How to Get Promoted Without Self-Promotion (with Patrick Kamba)
In this thoughtful and deeply aligned conversation, Serena sits down with Patrick Kamba—executive leader, global people manager, and author of Quiet Ambition.
Together, they explore what ambition looks like when it’s driven from the inside rather than performed for external validation. Patrick shares how introverts and quiet achievers can build influence, earn promotions, and lead powerfully—without hustling, self-promotion, or abandoning who they are.
This episode is a grounded, practical, and reassuring listen for anyone who wants to be visible and respected at work while staying authentic, calm, and values-led.
K...
127. Mindful Rebellion: How to Play by Your Rules Without Burning Out | Meggi Rombach
What happens when a high-achieving humanitarian leader hits the wall?
In this powerful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Meggi Rombach—former leader at Procter & Gamble and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—to explore burnout, identity, boundaries, and what it truly means to find your voice
With over 20 years of global leadership experience across corporate and humanitarian sectors, Meggi has led complex restructurings, navigated cultural integrations, and managed teams through uncertainty
But behind the success was chronic stress, burnout, and a health crisis that...
126. How to Honour Your Hormones, Build Holistic Self-Awareness, and Redefine Success with Amy Lenius
What if the reason you've been struggling to stay consistent, feeling overwhelmed, or quietly burning out has nothing to do with willpower — and everything to do with how little you've been taught about yourself?
In this episode, host Serena sits down with Amy Lenius — Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, professional speaker, and certified personal development coach — for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes for women to redefine success on their own terms.
Amy shares her personal journey through chronic illness (endometriosis), how that led her to study women...
125: 50, Fabulous, and Free: Midlife Reinvention with Tina Coleman
What if turning 50 wasn’t a decline … but a declaration?
In this empowering episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Tina Coleman—author, speaker, and reinvention advocate—who shares why midlife can be the most vibrant, creative, and liberated chapter of a woman’s life.
After losing both parents and experiencing a life-altering car accident that ended her 20-year career as a massage therapist, Tina chose reinvention instead of resignation
What followed was solo travel, deep healing, a 90-pound transformation through Ayurvedic principles, and eventually a bold move abroa...
124: How Quiet Achievers Can Build Visibility and Lead with Impact — with Carlee Wolfe
Serena Low speaks with Carlee Wolfe — strategist, connector, and coach with over 20 years of experience leading culture and transformation for global brands including Under Armour, Hyatt Hotels, Apollo Education Group, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Carlee reflects on career pivots, leadership, and values-based growth, showing how saying yes to unexpected opportunities can open the door to transformation — both personally and professionally. Together, Serena and Carlee explore what it means to lead quietly, to honor your energy, and to show up authentically in every season of your life.
Key Topi...
123. From Showman to Speaker: Tom Elliott on Building Authentic Stage Presence Without Faking Extroversion
What if powerful communication wasn’t about being louder—but about being more you?
In this episode, Serena Low speaks with Tom Elliott—corporate event host, comedy magician, and public speaking coach—about how introverts and quiet achievers can communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.
You’ll learn why you don’t need to perform extroversion to be impactful, how to become a memorable speaker, and practical techniques to manage nerves and trust your natural voice.
A grounded, encouraging conversation for introverted leaders who want to be seen...
122. From Coma to Clarity: How Shannon Michelle Rebuilt Her Life Through Presence, Acceptance, and Inner Strength
What happens when everything you knew — your memories, your identity, your ability to read — is stripped away in an instant? In this deeply moving conversation, Serena sits with Shannon Michelle, author of Step Into Your Miracle, who survived a life-altering motorcycle accident followed by a two-month coma, multiple surgeries, and a breast cancer diagnosis — all within a span of years.
Shannon's story is not just one of survival. It is a quiet, profound testament to what becomes possible when we stop trying to fix everything and instead choose to be fully present in eac...
121. Quiet Confidence, Cultural Identity & the Power of Big Asian Energy (John Wang)
What does it really mean to be confident — and does it have to look loud? In this rich and deeply personal conversation, we welcome John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, TEDx speaker, and coach to high performers at companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. John shares his journey from a shy, immigrant kid in North America to a globally recognised leadership coach — and the burnout that became his turning point.
Together, we explore the invisible weight so many Asian professionals carry: the conditioning to work harder, stay humble, and never take up too m...
120. Quiet Leaders & the Power of Humility in Organizations (Dr. Diana Jayasauri)
In this episode, host Serena sits down with Dr. Diana Jayasauri — a seasoned expert in organizational change management with nearly 15 years of experience leading innovation, acculturation, and digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and government institutions. Diana shares her unexpected journey into change management (sparked by a chance coffee encounter at the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers), unpacks the real human dynamics at play in workplace transformation, and reveals why quiet leaders may be an organization's most underutilized asset.
About the Guest
Dr. Diana Jayasauri is an organizational change man...
119. Small Steps to Big Change, One Petite Practice at a Time (Dr. Christiane Schroeter)
What if the secret to reaching your biggest goals wasn't about working harder — but about taking smarter, smaller steps? In this warm and wisdom-filled conversation, Serena Low welcomes Dr. Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, professor, and business and wellness coach, to explore how introverts and quiet achievers can break through self-doubt, find their voice, and create meaningful success — one petite practice at a time.
Whether you've been putting off a big goal, shrinking on the stage, or wondering how your quiet strengths translate into real-world impact, this episode is your gentle nudge to begin — today...
118. Creativity Without Ego: A Conversation with Stan Lai, Asia's Most Celebrated Playwright
In this deeply insightful episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena sits down with Stan Lai (Lai Shengchuan) — celebrated playwright, director, and thought leader in modern Asian theatre. Hailed as “the greatest Chinese-language playwright and director of our time", Stan shares his remarkable journey from academic beginnings at UC Berkeley to transforming the landscape of Chinese theatre with works like A Dream Like a Dream and Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land.
Together, Serena and Stan explore:
How accidents and necessity launched his creative careerThe relationship between wisdom and method in cultivating true creativityWhy silen...117. Disrupt the Hidden Codes That Run Your Life (Candice Lyn)
Candice Lyn - disruptor of subconscious programming, and founder of The Frequency Lab - joins The Quiet Warrior Podcast to explore the hidden codes that quietly run our lives — the subconscious beliefs formed in childhood that shape how we show up, love, and seek safety. Drawing from her book Awaken and her own healing journey, Candice reveals how awareness, nervous system regulation, and curiosity can help us break free from survival mode and live from embodied truth.
In This Episode
116. The Science of Good Times: How to Design a Life of Flow and Fulfillment (Christian Schnepf)
In this thought-provoking episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I talk with Christian Schnepf, founder of The Science of Good Times and creator of the Good Times App — the world’s first data-based navigation system for life.
Drawing on years of cross-cultural exploration and PhD-level research at Shanghai University, Christian shares his mission to make the conscious pursuit of good times the number one priority in human life. Blending philosophy, physics, and psychology, he reveals how we can cultivate more flow, joy, and fulfillment — not by doing more, but by learning when to let go...
115. The Samurai Approach to Leadership with David C. Olcott
In this deeply insightful and soulful conversation, I sit down with David C. Olcott, founder and CEO of Samurai Success, Inc., to explore what it truly means to live with awareness, purpose, and spiritual alignment.
Drawing from over three decades of coaching experience, David shares how subconscious programming shapes our lives from childhood—and how we can reclaim our power through conscious choice, self-awareness, and personal ethos.
From his early work with Tony Robbins to the creation of his transformative book Swords of Illumination, David offers wisdom on bridging th...
114. The Quiet Achiever: How Introverts Can Be Visible Without Pretending to Be Extroverts (Tim Yeo)
In this inspiring episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Tim Yeo, author of The Quiet Achiever, coach, and design leader with nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry. Tim has helped hundreds of quiet achievers step into their power—without pretending to be extroverts.
We talk about the challenges introverts face in workplaces dominated by louder personalities, and how separating your identity from your skills can unlock your confidence. Tim shares practical strategies—from mastering public speaking and handling difficult conversations to using short videos as a powe...
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 prac...
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 Takeaways
Empathy 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 take...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 se...
110. Impostor 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 impostor 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...
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...
108. The Body-Mind Connection: Healing Emotional Pain and Trauma with Dr. Evette Rose
In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, Serena Low sits down with Dr. Evette Rose—author, speaker, trauma recovery expert, and creator of Metaphysical Anatomy and Metapsychology Coaching.
Evette shares her remarkable journey from studying law and working in male-dominated corporate environments to becoming a globally recognized healer, author of 21 books, and teacher of trauma-informed modalities. She opens up about overcoming childhood wounds, facing her fear of public speaking as an introvert, and discovering how emotional pain shows up in the body.
Listeners will wa...
107. Shaping Change and Breaking Barriers in Women’s Leadership with Ros Cardinal
After more than 20 years in senior HR and organisational development roles, a life-changing cancer diagnosis inspired Ros Cardinal to step out of corporate and into her true calling: transforming leaders and reshaping the way organisations handle change.
Ros is an award-winning executive coach, author of The Resilient Employee, and creator of the Women’s Leadership Archetypes model, now used worldwide to help women discover and embrace their authentic leadership strengths.
In this inspiring conversation, Ros shares her journey from “accidental HR” professional to leadership mentor, her research into women’s leadership styles...
106. Competent to Captivating: Presence, Influence & the Courage to Be Yourself (John Ball)
In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.
John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self.
Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of...
105. Rise Above the Script: Self-Sabotage, Identity, and Rewriting Your Inner Narrative with Dr Albert Bramante
In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Serena is joined by Albert Bramante, a veteran talent agent, psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script. With more than two decades in the entertainment industry and a PhD in psychology, Albert brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and psychological insight into how self-sabotage, trauma, and unconscious “scripts” shape our lives.
Together, Serena and Albert explore how the stories we unconsciously inherit—often from childhood—can quietly dictate our behaviour, confidence, and sense of worth. While Albert’s work focuses on actors and performing artists, his insights resonate far beyond the stage...
104. How Idealistic Women Can Lead Authentically in Imperfect Systems — with Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves
Today on The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves — leadership strategist, consultant, coach, facilitator, historian, and author of Leading with Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women. With more than 25 years in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Jodi brings both scholarship and lived wisdom to the conversation.
This episode is a gentle but powerful exploration of leadership for introverted, values-driven women — especially those working inside imperfect systems. Jodi shares how her own career journey moved from the pursuit of knowledge to the pursuit of connection, what she learned about navigating large groups as an...
103: How AI Empowers Dyslexic and Introverted Minds – with Russell Van Brocklen
Dyslexia touches as many as 15–20% of learners, yet most families still hear “wait and see.” Russell Van Brocklen flips that script. As the Dyslexia Professor, he translates structured-literacy methods—proven most effective for struggling readers—into bite-size actions parents can use tonight.
What if the way you think—often seen as a challenge—was actually your greatest productivity advantage?
In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Russell Van Brocklen, an entrepreneur and advocate for dyslexic and neurodivergent thinkers. Russell shares his personal journey of navigating education and business as a dyslexic, and how he disc...
102. Plant Wisdom for Introverts: How Nature Teaches Self-Trust, Boundaries & Authentic Living with Tigrilla Gardenia
Serena speaks with Tigrilla Gardenia — nature-inspired mentor, certified life coach, and host of the Reconnect with Plant Wisdom Podcast. Tigrilla shares how her extraordinary journey into plant intelligence reshaped her understanding of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to thrive as an introvert.
Together, they explore:
Tigrilla’s extraordinary journey into plant consciousnessHow plant neurobiology and ecosystem thinking help us understand ourselvesWhy introverted traits are powerful when viewed in contextThe freedom that comes from self-advocacy and honouring your needsHow to thrive without labels, shame, or pressure to be someone you’re notPra...101. How to Align Your Career with Your Passion and Purpose with Agi Keramidas
What does it take to step out of the safe and familiar into a life that truly lights you up? Are passion and purpose reliable guides to the work you love?
I sit down with Agi Keramidas, a former dentist turned podcaster, author, and coach, who helps people create lives aligned with their purpose and passion. Agi’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and reinvention — a journey from professional burnout to clarity about what matters most.
We discuss the mindset shifts needed for a career change or career pivot, how to reconnect with your...
