The Awfully Quiet Podcast

Meet me on Cringe Mountain for a soft (and slightly nervous) reveal.

This week, I’m talking about why self-expression can feel so weirdly hard, especially for those of us who process deeply, speak slowly, and sometimes get stuck between knowing what we bring… and finding the words to say it.

If you’ve ever felt like your brilliance doesn’t quite translate out loud, this one’s for you.

I’m also finally sharing something I’ve been building behind the scenes. It’s raw, honest, and way overdue.

Thanks for letting me say...

Gen Z quietly clocked what the rest of us are just now realizing: Success doesn’t have to be loud, linear, or soul-draining.

I’m joined by Sophie Hirst — former Google senior manager turned Gen Z coach and founder of Workbaby — for a conversation that unpacks how a new generation (and anyone quietly ambitious) is rewriting the rules of work, visibility, and self-worth.

We talk behind-the-scenes life at Google, managing up without burning out, and how to build a career you actually want to live inside — one that’s energy-aware, values-led, and not built entirely on LinkedIn opt...

This wasn’t meant to be an episode.

It was a voice note in motion — one I almost left in my drafts.

But the week was loud.

Two dream interviews on the mic.

Big stakes behind the scenes.

And that quiet discomfort that sneaks in when you’re expanding faster than you can explain.

So I pressed record.

No tidy insights. No plan. Just a reflection from the middle of it —

where things feel raw, real, and still in rehearsal.

If you want...

What if your most fulfilling path isn’t the fastest one?

This week, I’m joined by Chloe Linn — the founder of Slow Self, a thoughtful online platform inspiring people to grow at their own pace. Chloe’s work is rooted in unlearning toxic productivity and embracing the slower, more intentional rhythms of life and work.

In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to grow slowly — how rushing often sends us climbing the wrong mountain, and how success without alignment can feel quietly hollow. We explore the idea that a career isn’t a straight...

What if you could hit restart on your career? In this episode, I’m sharing the moves I’d make if I were starting from scratch.

From building quiet influence to getting senior leadership to advocate for me. This is what I wish someone had told me when I was trying to fit into a mold of being “extroverted, outgoing, out there” and failing miserably.

If you’ve ever felt like your personality wasn’t made for performance reviews or that your best work happens after the meeting ends—this one’s for you. Grab a flat white, po...

This episode is about the skills that actually move the needle: The very real, very underrated ability to be human at work.

I’m joined by Hayley Dawson, founder of Let’s Talk Human Skills, who helps people develop the kind of presence, trust, and clarity that gets you hired, remembered, and respected, without faking it.

We get into what human skills actually are (spoiler: not fluff), how to show up with quiet confidence in interviews and conversations, and why deep thinkers and good listeners might already have the upper hand. Hayley shares frameworks, real stor...

You’re doing the work. Making moves.

And still—the doubt hits. Loud.

This episode is a soft landing for that in-between.

A quiet check-in on ambition, identity, and what it means to build something slow, sharp, and real.

If you’ve ever questioned your pace, your path, or whether you’re “doing enough”—you’re not alone.

This is the part we don’t post about. But it matters.

The second half? A 6-minute grounding track.

No mindset hacks. No pressure.

Just something solid to...

If you're the type who'd rather think than speak, process slowly, and say “I’ll circle back” instead of jumping in... this one’s for you. We’re flipping the script on the idea that loud = powerful. Spoiler alert: sometimes, the quietest voice in the room is the one that actually shifts the conversation.

We’ll break down what “low-key loud” actually looks like, why it works (especially if you’re introverted), and how to practice it in meetings, emails, and moments where you usually overthink your way into silence.

Hit play if you're over proving yourself a...

Do you feel invisible at work? Like you're doing the work, but no one really *sees* you?

In this episode, we’re talking about the invisible weight of being an introvert in a loud workplace. Not being seen doesn’t mean you’re not worthy, but it *does* mean it’s time to shift how you’re showing up, in a way that still feels like you.

I’ll walk you through:

- Why invisibility often starts before we even enter the workplace

- The difference between quiet resentment and quiet power

...

Have you ever stopped to consider that the key to your success isn’t just what you do, but how you treat yourself in the quiet moments? We’re taught to push harder, to prove our worth through effort and external validation. But what if the real game-changer is something simpler—and more profound—than that?

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Faith Graham—children's book author and therapist—who’s here to flip the script on what success actually means. Self-love isn’t some fluffy idea; it’s a career flex.

The way you treat your...

Personal branding sounds… exhausting.

Like it’s made for people who love the spotlight and never miss a chance to “circle back.” But here’s the twist: the strongest personal brands? They don’t shout. They hum. They stick with you—without doing the most.

In this video, we’re talking about building a personal brand that does the talking for you—so you don’t have to constantly pitch yourself or push for visibility. Because let’s be honest: that’s not your vibe.

Here’s what we’re getting into:

✔️ Why personal branding isn...

Networking feels pointless… until it’s the reason a door opens for you. The wild part? The biggest career moves often trace back to small, quiet connections you didn’t think much of at the time.

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca van Dijk, founder of Peer Suite, to talk about networking in a way that actually works, especially if you’d rather do anything else.

We get into:

If you’re an introvert who isn’t gunning for the CEO seat but still wants to make a real impact, this one’s for you.

We’re cutting through the noise and getting to the real question: what do you actually want from your career? Not what looks good on paper. Not what you should be chasing. But what actually feels right for you.

In this episode, I’ll share question prompts that hit different—the kind that make you pause, rethink, and finally see the career path that’s been waiting for you all along. No...

I thought getting promoted meant I had to be tougher. Tougher at defending my ideas. Tougher at protecting what I thought was right.

So, I leaned in. Spoke up. Made sure people knew I had a seat at the table. But instead of feeling like a leader, I just felt… off. Instead of influence, I got resistance. Instead of respect, I got pushback.

One conversation changed everything.

In this episode, we’re talking about a lesson I wish I’d learned sooner: real leadership isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about presence. If you’ve ever s...

Sitting across from a senior leader with your mind going blank? You’re not alone. Coffee chats can feel awkward if you don’t know what to say—but done right, they can open doors you didn’t even know existed. The good news? You don’t need to impress or prove yourself. You just need a game plan.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to prep, what to say, and how to make these convos actually valuable (without the cringe or try-hard energy). From the one mindset shift that changes everything to the exact questions th...

You might be sitting on a secret strength—something that makes you stand out—but here’s the catch: you’re probably the last to see it. We all have blind spots, not because our strengths are hidden, but because they feel so natural we assume everyone has them. Spoiler: they don’t.

Today, we’re breaking out the Johari Window, a simple but underrated tool to help you spot what others already see in you. No fluff, no overthinking—just a clear way to recognize what makes you you.

And let’s be real—asking for feedbac...

Burnout doesn’t have to be the price of success. In this episode, I sit down with Julia Arndt, TEDx speaker, corporate well-being expert, and founder of the Peak Performance Method. We dive into the often-overlooked truth: you can actually have it all without running yourself into the ground. Julia shares how high achievers can reach the top without the endless grind that leads to burnout.

Julia’s approach? It’s all about scaling sustainably. She’s coached over 10,000 people at top companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon—and her method proves that success isn’t about hustling har...

Your weekly 1:1 isn’t just a status update—it’s your best chance to make your work seen (without feeling like you’re self-promoting). 

In this episode, I’ll break down exactly how to structure these convos so your manager actually gets your impact—without you having to oversell, overexplain, or feel awkward.

P.S. Want the cheat code for standing out without shouting? Grab my FREE guide → https://hannahsosa.myflodesk.com/subtle-self-promotion

✨ Loved this episode? Leave a rating—it’s like a little “thank you” that helps more people discover the pod. 

📩 Got thought...

If your LinkedIn headline is just a job title + buzzwords, you’re probably blending in with everyone else.

Here’s the thing: Trying to be “searchable” can actually make you forgettable. But there’s a simple fix—just a small tweak—and your headline can start doing the work for you.

In this episode, I’ll reveal:

✔️ The one thing most people get wrong with their LinkedIn headline

✔️ How to stand out without feeling awkward or cringey

✔️ The subtle change that will actually make hiring managers stop scrolling

Hit play and find out how...

You’re great at what you do, but if no one sees it, does it even count? You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to get recognized—you just need the right strategy.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the "Introvert Dilemma" into 3 simple moves:

No fake networking. No shouting. Just low-key influence that actually works.

Hit play & let’s make your work speak...

Anne Mühlethaler went from running global comms at Louboutin (yes, the red soles) to redefining what it means to lead as an introvert. Now, she’s helping people own their quiet power with her Story of You methodology.

We’re diving into how Anne thrived in an extroverted industry, why introverts are secretly the ultimate storytellers, and how you can stand out without shouting.

If you’ve ever felt like “too quiet” could hold you back, this episode is your sign: it’s not a flaw—it’s your edge.

⭐️ Rate the pod: Because quiet conf...

Let’s get real: Hard work isn’t your golden ticket to success—and if you’re an introvert like me, that truth hits hard.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the myth that “hard work speaks for itself” (spoiler: it doesn’t) and sharing my corporate wake-up call. I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I went from being overlooked and underestimated to building a reputation that finally got me noticed—for all the right reasons.

We’ll unpack:

Erika de Pellegrin is our guest this week and this episode couldn't come at a better time. Erika is the host of The Balance Theory Podcast, where she gets real about how to master your mindset, find balance, and actually live up to your potential.

Her take on balance? It’s not your typical vibe. Erika’s approach is raw, refreshing, and most importantly—realistic. She’s built a killer career, mastered her version of work-life balance, and runs one of the top self-development podcasts out there.

In this episode, we’re talking career fulfillment, life align...

If you’ve ever been told, “Just wait, your time will come,” I’ve got news for you: it won’t—unless you take control and make it happen.

In this episode, we’re calling BS on this tired corporate classic. I’ll break down why you’re hearing it (especially if you’re an introvert), what it really means, and how to dodge it like a pro.

Plus, I’m sharing a personal career story that proves the key to success isn’t waiting—it’s figuring out how to open the damn door yourself.

Let’s start...

Feeling stuck in that weird limbo between Christmas and New Year’s? Forget the pressure to reinvent yourself. This 10-minute episode is your personal send-off into 2025—with a twist.

If you’re over the cliché resolutions and want something grounding, calming, and actually meaningful, this one’s for you. 

Find a quiet spot, take a breath, and let’s set the tone for a successful 2025—without the “new year, new me” BS.

⭐️ Rate the pod: If this episode resonates, please leave a rating wherever you listen! It helps get the word out that being awfully quiet is...

What do we do when the holidays get too loud? Hide, obviously. And I’m here to give you 7 minutes of pure calm to recharge.

In this episode, we’re hitting pause on the chaos and diving into a quick, calming reset. I’m talking 7 minutes of literally doing nothing—no noise, no pressure, just a breather. So whether you’re locked in the bathroom or in desperate need of a mental timeout, this is your moment to recharge without guilt.

So grab your headphones, find a quiet spot, and reclaim your peace before diving back into...

Ever feel like your job is constantly pulling you into spaces that scream extrovert energy, and you’re like… absolutely not?

This episode is for anyone feeling torn between stepping up and not playing small, but also not wanting to lose yourself by extroverting too much. It's about navigating the fine line between pushing past your comfort zone and knowing when to protect your energy in a world that's always demanding more. 

Join me for a raw, no-BS conversation on embracing discomfort, setting boundaries, and finding success on your own terms—without losing yourself in the pro...

It’s funny how being the underdog can actually be your secret weapon. Let’s talk about how being “the one they didn’t notice” can turn into your ultimate advantage.

In this episode, I’m diving into what it really means to be underestimated. People questioning your abilities? Not being the obvious talent? Trust me, it’s all part of the journey. I’ll break down how I went from being the one no one took seriously to landing one of the most prestigious roles in the organization. Spoiler: it wasn’t about loud self-promotion, but quiet consistency...

Ugh, “Tell me about yourself.” The dreaded question that feels like a trap every time it’s lobbed your way. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to feel like a one-way ticket to awkward-town? In this episode, we’re flipping the script on this anxiety-inducing moment and showing you how to turn it into your ultimate mic-drop opportunity.

Forget the stale advice and overcomplicated methods you’ve heard before. This is about crafting a killer answer that’s equal parts authentic, concise, and seriously memorable. You’ll learn how to inject personality into who you are, bri...

Ever feel like the corporate world wasn’t built for introverts? Tanja Sternbauer gets it. As the Co-founder of the female factor, a global mentoring platform for future female leaders, Tanja has built empires and thriving communities—all while staying true to her introvert roots. From launching her first startup at 25 to being named a “Female Role Model in Europe,” Tanja’s journey proves that quiet confidence can lead to massive impact.

In this episode, we unpack how introverts can not only lead but build communities that feel authentic and aligned. Tanja shares her unconventional strategies for navigating...

Let’s get real: introverts are wildly underrepresented in leadership—and it’s time we changed that. Ever felt like your ideas, your thoughtful approach, and that low-key genius way you lead are lost in the noise? Same. Today, I’m breaking down the mission to get more introverts into decision-making roles where they belong. Think fewer useless meetings, smarter email habits, and offices designed for, oh, actually getting work done.

We’re talking about owning your quiet power, turning meetings on their head, and why companies need to stop obsessing over extroverts if they want real innovation...

Feel like you’re always stuck with the boring tasks? If you’re just starting out in a new career or constantly having to prove yourself, those entry-level assignments can feel like a dead end. But what if you could actually flip them to work in your favor?

In this episode, we're getting real about building a reputation that makes senior leaders come to you for the cool stuff. I’m sharing some low-key, no-BS ways to get noticed without pretending to be something you’re not—so you can stay true to yourself while building a brand they...

Killing it in meetings isn’t about being the loudest or taking up the most airtime.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to be present and visible in meetings—without forcing yourself to “extrovert” or speak up when you have nothing to say. We’ll dive into introvert-friendly, subtle strategies for showing up and adding value, without the noise.

If you’re someone who hides off-camera and on mute, hoping to skate through calls unnoticed—this is your nudge. Because your voice and perspective matter, and this episode is all about making sure they’re heard, n...

Networking sucks, especially if you're introverted. But guess what? That quiet, awkward vibe you’ve been hiding—it’s actually your superpower. In this week’s episode, we’re flipping the script on traditional networking advice. No more “fake it till you make it” or pretending to be someone you're not. We’re all about embracing awkward authenticity.

This episode is your cheat sheet for surviving (and thriving) in social settings and job interviews without faking extroversion. We’ll cover real tips—like how owning the awkward can break the ice, and how pausing before answering questions shows confidence. Ba...

Think LinkedIn is just a brag-fest for extroverts? Think again. In this episode, we bring back Personal Branding coach and LinkedIn strategist Abbey Naylor to flip the script on how introverts can quietly leverage the platform. If the idea of self-promotion makes you cringe, Abbey’s got the antidote—subtle strategies to help you get noticed, get promoted, and build influence without shouting from the rooftops.

Whether you’re looking to raise your profile at work, pivot industries, or grow that side hustle, Abbey reveals how LinkedIn is actually an introvert’s best friend. From hidden features to authe...

Building a business or podcast without a big platform or network can feel impossible. Comparing yourself to others killing it doesn’t help either. This one’s for the corporate girlies who are grinding, pouring their heart into a side hustle and still waiting on results.

Welcome to the messy middle, where success stories are still under construction.

Tune in for a raw take on being stuck before the big break. And seriously... send help.

Hannah Šoša (Host):

Awfully Quiet Podcast

Subtle Careers

I’m excited to sit down with the incredible Melody Wilding. As the best-selling author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work, she’s been recognized as one of Business Insider’s Most Innovative Coaches for her work with Sensitive Strivers.

With an impressive client list that includes CEOs and executives from Fortune 500 giants like Google and Amazon, Melody truly understands workplace dynamics. Her insights have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and beyond. Plus, she brings a wealth of experience as a licensed social worker and professor...

In this episode I get personal about a recent career conversation and how it gave me clarity about what I didn’t want in my career moving forward.

Join me on this candid episode and learn how to trust your instincts, question traditional career paths, and gain the insight needed to confidently shape your future. 

If you're feeling uncertain about your next move, this episode is for you.

Hannah Šoša (Host):

Awfully Quiet Podcast

Subtle Careers

Ready to challenge your ideas about introverts at work?

In this episode, we’re uncovering why introversion doesn’t mean being anti-social or lacking leadership skills. Discover how introverts excel in quieter, reflective environments and why their deep listening abilities are major assets.

Whether you’re introverted yourself or work with someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Tune in now and learn more about introverts at work!

Hannah Šoša (Host):

Awfully Quiet Podcast

Subtle C...

In this episode, we dive into how introverts can totally crush it as exec leaders, despite the common misconceptions that often hold them back.

With nearly half the population identifying as introverted, it’s surprising that only 25-30% of today’s CEOs are introverts. We’ll explore the unique strengths introverts bring to leadership and how you can actually outshine extroverts in areas like team management, strategy, and long-term vision.

You'll get practical advice on building real connections, finding advocates who support your growth, and embracing your introversion as a leadership asset. If you’re aiming f...