Introversion isn’t a barrier — it’s an advantage with Jennifer Kahnweiler
Jennifer B. Kahnweiler is a bestselling author, podcast host and one of the leading experts on introverts at work. Her pioneering books, The Introverted Leader, Quiet Influence, The Genius of Opposites, and Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces have been translated into 18 languages. The Introverted Leader was named one of the top 5 business books by The Shanghai Daily. Jennifer has partnered with leading organizations like NASA, Amazon, Merck, Kimberly Clark, Bosch, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. She holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation, awarded to a small percentage of speakers, and serves as a mentor to many professional women.
HOST
Matt Poepsel, PhD
Vice President & Godfather of Talent Optimization
GUEST
Jennifer Kahnweiler
Author, The Introverted Leader (3rd Ed.)
In this episode, bestselling author and introvert-at-work expert Jennifer Kahnweiler joins the show to reframe how we think about leadership, presence, and performance in the workplace. Drawing from her updated book The Introverted Leader and years of coaching introverted professionals, Jennifer pushes back on the extrovert-biased norms that dominate many workplaces, from meeting culture to hiring and promotion.
She makes the case for creating introvert-friendly environments, where silence isn’t mistaken for disengagement and preparation is treated as a strength. From her 4 Ps framework (Prepare, Presence, Push, Practice) to strategies for balancing team energy, Jennifer shares research-backed insights and practical tactics for managers and individual contributors alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Introverts lead best when they can prepare and reflect.
- Simple tools like agendas and breakouts create inclusion.
- Bias, not ability, often holds introverts back.
- The 4 Ps help introverts lead with confidence.
- Trust starts with 1:1 connection and thoughtful design.
Additional Resources:
Jennifer Kahnweiler
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Introverted-Leader-3rd-Building-Strength/dp/B0DHWS7K35
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkahnweiler/
Website: https://jenniferkahnweiler.com/
Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/
Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/
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