Quiet thrivers

The team was failing right in front of me.

Circa 2009, I was a newbie manager, a young emerging leader in my company.

During a training on high-performance teams, we were split into groups for an exercise measuring teamwork and effectiveness. The task was clear. The solution? Even clearer—at least to me.

But I didn’t speak up.

As an introvert, I assumed:
❌ The team leader wouldn’t listen.
❌ I wouldn’t be able to convince anyone.
❌ I wasn’t the one to lead.

So instead, I quietly started solving it on my own, right next to them.

Then something unexpected happened.

The team leader noticed. She saw I was doing it right.

And in an instant, she changed course. “Follow her,” she said. The team pivoted, and we won.

In that moment, my deep thinking saved the team.

But looking back, I wonder—what if no one had noticed?

I had assumed too much.
I had underestimated my ability to lead.

How often do we, as introverts, hold back—not because we can’t lead, but because we assume we won’t be heard?

Pop that bubble. Ditch the doubt. Own the room.

Overthinking won’t get you ahead-action will. I help introverted leaders turn quiet strength into high impact.

Let’s talk. 🔗Link in Bio

We take our kids’ World Book Day costumes more seriously than our own ambitions.

Weeks of planning.
Last-minute Amazon scrambles.
And the occasional “Can I pass off last year’s costume again?” debate.

All to make sure our little ones look just right.

In that spirit, if I had to pick a book to dress up as this year, it would be The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

>It’s not a picture book (though I wish it had illustrations for tired adult brains).
>But it is the book that reminds us to stop procrastinating, stop making excuses, and just do the work.

Because resistance is always there—like that one parent who handcrafts a costume from scratch while the rest of us rely on Prime delivery. (Respect.)

Where is resistance showing up for you?
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either.

Drop me a message or u can book a Free Consultation (link in bio)

“What do you need to succeed?”

That’s it. That’s the question.

You’re tempted to jump in, play the hero, and fix everything? Don’t.

Just ask this instead.

It’s like handing your team the keys to their own success—and keeping your sanity intact.

Try it. Works like magic.

What’s your go-to question for empowering others?

“What do you need to succeed?”

That’s it. That’s the question.

You’re tempted to jump in, play the hero, and fix everything? Don’t.

Just ask this instead.

It’s like handing your team the keys to their own success—and keeping your sanity intact.

Try it. Works like magic.

What’s your go-to question for empowering others?

#2025

Join the Quiet Fridays Newsletter where introverted leaders get practical tips to thrive authentically

✨ Subscribe here: https://www.quietthrivers.com/quiet-fridays-newsletter

Introverts, what if I told you that deliberate inaction during chaos is a key leadership skill?

The Stoics believed in the power of stillness and reflection, even when the world around them was anything but calm. This mindset aligns perfectly with introverted leaders, who thrive in thoughtful, measured decision-making.

Want to learn how to lean into this strength? 💡

Join the Quiet Fridays Newsletter and explore the latest edition, where we uncover timeless Stoic wisdom to help you navigate high-pressure situations with calm and clarity.

✨ Subscribe here: https://www.quietthrivers.com/quiet-fridays-newsletter

QUIET FRIDAYS NEWSLETTER — quiet thrivers Join the quiet fridays newsletter for introverted leaders quietly powerful, fiercely authentic What’s in it for you?Insights on the silent struggles of being a quiet leaderInspiration to help you lead in your way Reframes that flip the script on common pain points Reflections that are little reali...

🤫 Quiet leaders, is your strength becoming your kryptonite?

You excel at collaboration and empowerment vs playing power games. It takes serious self-control, self-awareness, and inner calm to pull that off, especially in a cutthroat environment.

But here’s the thing—sometimes, those strengths can turn into roadblocks. If your introverted leadership style is slowing down decision-making, stalling team motivation, or even holding back your own career growth, it might be time for a reset.

If this sounds like you, let’s chat. We’ll make sure your introversion stays your superpower, not your stumbling block. 🚀


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“I don’t think women can have it all. I just don’t think so. We pretend we have it all. We pretend we can have it all.” Indra Nooyi Ex Pepsi CEO
Why is this quote so triggering?

Is she right? Is she saying what needs to be said?

Are we putting too much pressure on ourselves to be supermoms & superwomen?

Maybe there is no right answer because it depends on your choices, your circumstances & how much you are willing to push.

The only thing I have understood in these past 3years, is that you are NOT the same person after becoming a parent. This will mean you will have to recalibrate, develop a new coping mechanism & reprioritise.

No amount of preparation is ever enough because hormones are involved, heart is involved and your brain temporarily turns into mush. 🍭

Therefore, I along with my executive coaching cohort buddy Annabella Smith [Life & Career Coach] will be talking about how working moms can thrive at home & in their careers.

Is the ‘balance’ even possible? Let’s explore together on 15Oct @ 10am UK Time. Join us on Linkedin

Have you all read this one?....this one is for leaders who want to learn how to lean into discomfort.📖
Self-reflection question: Ask yourself ; ‘How would I lead if I knew every challenge made me stronger?’ 💪

Here is a little talk I did with Jini Wimmer (Founder of Women's Empower Network) about why I coach introverted leaders. It will give you a sense how quiet strength is important & how I help reframe their strengths to be authentic.

📺Watch & let me know what you think.

Quiet Strength: Sadaf Javed's Journey to Empowering Introverted Leaders Sadaf Javed, an executive coach, transitioned from a successful career in corporate marketing to helping introverted leaders thrive in extroverted corporate ...