The Traveling Introvert

Hosted by The Career Introvert

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Episodes

275

Latest episode

Jul 2025

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About the show

A bite-sized podcast about traveling while running a business and being an introvert. Not knowing what introversion was until my 30s, I feel that I wasted some of my early years by not really understanding myself. An inspiration for my business is that I want to help others understand themselves better, earlier on in their careers and their lives. Introversion is a very misunderstood area – introverts can suffer mentally and physically because people typecast them or act negatively towards them. It’s not nice to be trapped in a little box. When you label somebody, they tend to act like that label, which stops people from achieving their true potential. I don’t let being an introvert define me, I let it guide me. If you are looking for some career coaching or just want to reach out contact me at janice@thecareerintrovert.com or check out the website https://thecareerintrovert.com/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 15, 20255 min

Why Introvert Burnout Goes Unnoticed

This episode dives into the hidden and gradual nature of burnout, especially as it affects introverts. It breaks down the 12 stages of burnout, explaining how it’s not a sudden switch but a slow process that often goes unnoticed until it's severe. The stages include feeling the need to prove oneself, working harder, neglecting personal needs, displacing conflict, revising values (where work takes over everything), denial of problems, isolation, noticeable behavioral changes, feeling detached, experiencing inner emptiness, depression, and complete mental and physical burnout.The episode highlights how burnout can be harder to spot in introverts because signs like withdrawal and neglecting needs often look like normal behavior rather than red flags. Introverts may also hide burnout well by creating systems to appear productive or by downplaying their struggles. It also addresses why people ignore the warning signs, linking it to societal expectations and the tendency to overcompensate for being quiet.The solution isn’t big productivity hacks but rather quiet structure, boundaries, micro-recharges, and support that actually works for introverts' needs. The key message is to recognize burnout early and make small, continuous changes to prevent it from worsening.

July 8, 20255 min

The Power of Moving On for Your Wellbeing

This episode shares a story about someone who left a job because it didn't support their preferred working style, specifically their need to wear headphones to stay focused. Despite good pay and interesting work, a co-worker’s complaint about the headphones led to an unresolved situation with management failing to provide support or clarity. Recognizing the workplace wasn’t a good fit, the individual proactively updated their resume, networked, and found a new position where their needs were respected. The episode highlights the importance of seeking work environments that align with your personal and professional needs, and encourages listeners to look for cultural clues and ask the right questions during interviews to ensure a better fit.

July 1, 20255 min

Advocates When You Need Them Most

This episode focuses on the power of having advocates and allies in the workplace, especially for introverts. It highlights how support can come in many forms, from standing up for a colleague when a sensitive topic is brought up, to using body language and key phrases to set boundaries and protect others. The episode encourages listeners to identify people who can be their champions—those who will speak up for them when they're not present—and to consider how they can do the same for others. The importance of open communication, setting clear expectations with advocates, and the unique impact of third-party support are emphasized. Listeners are also challenged to reflect on boundaries they want respected and to practice advocating for themselves and others, underscoring the importance of mutual support and appreciation in building a positive work environment.

June 24, 20255 min

Building a Resilient Network as an Introvert

This episode explores effective networking strategies tailored for introverts, moving beyond typical approaches like broad, superficial networking that can feel overwhelming. Instead, it highlights the power of two complementary styles: the "Deep Diver," who builds a few strong, meaningful connections based on trust and loyalty, and the "Thought Partner," who collaborates thoughtfully and shares valuable insights with others. By combining these two methods, introverts can cultivate a resilient, supportive network rooted in authenticity, consistency, and mutual respect—leading to genuine relationships, high-quality referrals, and sustainable professional growth. The episode encourages embracing these natural strengths for a more comfortable and impactful networking experience.

June 17, 20255 min

Travel Mistakes to Avoid at 30,000 Feet

This episode focuses on things travelers should avoid during long-haul flights to ensure their own comfort and be considerate of others. Some key points include not clipping toenails on the plane, avoiding new or untested outfits and materials that may turn out to be uncomfortable, and not trying new medications for the first time while flying. It's also important to move around during the flight to prevent circulation issues like deep vein thrombosis, and if you take your shoes off, keep your socks on or wear slippers—never go barefoot in the cabin.Travelers are advised against using a new neck pillow or face mask for the first time during a flight, as they might cause discomfort or allergic reactions. Unscented products are recommended to avoid bothering others. Lastly, restrictive clothing should be avoided since the body can swell at altitude, making tight clothes even less comfortable. These reminders aim to make flying more pleasant for everyone on board.

June 10, 20255 min

Bali’s Enchanting Day of Silence

Nyepi, also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, marks the Balinese New Year and is a unique spiritual and cultural event observed in Bali. Taking place each year following the new moon in March, the entire island completely shuts down for 24 hours—no lights, no music, no transport, and everyone, including tourists, must stay indoors. The day is dedicated to reflection, meditation, and self-purification, providing an opportunity to disconnect from daily chaos and embrace stillness. People prepare by stocking up on food and water beforehand, and some may choose to fast during this period. With no light pollution, the stars become particularly visible and beautiful. All businesses, including the airport, close, creating an atmosphere of profound peace and introspection throughout the island.

June 3, 20255 min

Leading Without a Title

This episode explores the true meaning of leadership, emphasizing that it's more about trust than titles, authority, or formal positions. Leadership can be demonstrated by anyone—regardless of whether they hold an official leadership role—through consistent, thoughtful actions and integrity, especially during challenging times. The episode highlights how introverts often lead not by dominating, but by quietly building trust and guiding others with care and clear communication. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they want others to feel when being led, the types of leadership they respond to, and what qualities or actions in leaders they find unhelpful or exclusionary. Ultimately, leadership is presented as something you embody through authenticity and self-knowledge, rather than something you simply pursue for status.

May 27, 20255 min

Guarding Your Leadership Energy

This episode focuses on the importance of protecting your energy as an essential part of leadership, especially for introverts. It highlights how taking on leadership roles often brings increased visibility, more meetings, and greater decision-making demands, which can be particularly draining for those who thrive in quieter, more focused environments.To manage this, the episode suggests creating personal systems to safeguard your capacity, such as blocking out time for deep work, leaving space between meetings, and practicing saying no to avoid overcommitment. The importance of honoring your energy as much as any other work commitment is emphasized.Listeners are encouraged to identify what tasks, people, or situations drain their energy and why, as well as what restores it. Reflecting on physical sensations of stress and the impact on productivity helps in understanding when to step back and create breathing room. The episode wraps up by reminding listeners that effective leadership comes from taking care of one’s own energy first.

May 20, 20255 min

The Hidden Flaws of Workplace Personality Testing

This episode discusses the misuse of personality tests in organizations, especially when they're used as gatekeepers in the hiring process rather than as tools for understanding team dynamics and individual strengths. Many companies have begun using these tests to filter candidates early on, potentially overlooking qualified individuals simply because their test results don't fit a certain mold. This often disadvantages introverts and those whose personalities don't match the perceived ideal. The real value of personality tests should be to help managers understand how people think, set goals, and collaborate—not to make hiring or promotion decisions. Misapplying these tests can lead to missed opportunities for diversity, reduced morale, and a disconnect between test results and actual capabilities. Ultimately, organizations should avoid using personality tests as a shortcut for meaningful interviews and instead use them thoughtfully to better support their teams.

May 13, 20255 min

Don't Resent Your Introversion

The episode discusses how many introverts experience resentment because they feel their introversion holds them back. This feeling often stems from societal misconceptions and the negative portrayal of introversion in culture. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s true nature and seeing introverted traits as strengths rather than constraints. It encourages introverts to be vocal about their needs, such as requiring breaks between meetings or needing agendas in advance, to function at their best. The key message is to build a supportive environment and recognize that introversion can be an asset rather than a limitation.