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Introvert Ally

Introvert Ally

By: Jennifer B. Kahnweiler
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About this listen

 Welcome to the Introvert Ally Podcast! My name is Jennifer Kahnweiler. Most people size me up as an extrovert. I'm pretty enthusiastic, I talk out what's in my brain and the more people I connect with the better! But, I am also a strong champion for introverts who are often misunderstood and overlooked at work. When we let their quiet strengths surface we unleash more ideas, creativity and new perspectives. I believe that to change cultures we need to have conversations. In this podcast, You will hear me talk with a wide variety of intriguing guests who each have their unique take on introversion. These torchbearers shed light on their experiences and offer concrete tips on what we can do to unleash introvert talent. Thank you for joining the Introvert Ally Revolution!2025 Economics Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Chris Lee Ph.D

    Chris Lee Ph.D
    Jan 29 2026
    In this episode of the Introvert Ally podcast series, the host welcomes Dr. Christopher Lee, an esteemed colleague and expert in human resources. Dr. Lee shares his journey of identifying as an introvert and how this self-awareness has influenced his leadership style and professional decisions. Discussing his diverse experiences in the military and academic sectors, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging one's natural disposition for personal and team success. Dr. Lee also introduces his book 'Performance Conversations,' which advocates for a coaching-based approach to performance management, highlighting its benefits for both introverts and extroverts. The episode delves into the nuances of recruitment, performance management, and the evolving role of AI in hiring processes, making a compelling case for a more human-centered, strengths-based approach in professional environments. 00:00 Welcome to the Introvert Ally Podcast 00:04 Introducing Dr. Christopher Lee 00:53 Chris's Journey with Introversion 01:41 Growing Up as an Introvert 02:25 Introversion in Leadership 04:10 Chris's Military Experience 04:33 Discovering Human Resources 11:10 The Importance of Personality in Leadership 15:54 Performance Conversations: A New Approach 18:34 The Future of Performance Management 23:43 The Magic of Structured Conversations 24:06 Preparing for Effective Conversations 24:49 Building Honest Relationships 25:47 Accountability in Conversations 26:39 Supporting Managers and Performance Conversations 27:29 Addressing Bias in the Hiring Process 28:41 Introverts vs. Extroverts in the Workplace 33:40 The Importance of Context in Hiring 39:42 The Role of AI in Hiring 41:06 The Human Element in Hiring 43:21 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendation
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    49 mins
  • How This Introvert Ally (and Extrovert Gets Along with Introverts)

    How This Introvert Ally (and Extrovert Gets Along with Introverts)
    Nov 4 2025

    In the last episode, the Proxy team asked me to mediate what they called a "cage match" between introverts and extroverts — and wow, did it spark conversation!
    Now, in this bonus episode (offered to Proxy subscribers and YOU, my newsletter subscribers we take it a step further. I share what changes I've made to get along better with the introverts in my life and answer listener questions from the live chat.

    Support "Emotional Journalism"
    If you enjoy Proxy, please consider subscribing and supporting Yowei Shaw's incredible work in "emotional journalism."
    Her storytelling brings humanity, humor, and heart to every episode — and this one is no exception.
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    34 mins
  • The First Ever Extrovert-Introvert Cage Match

    The First Ever Extrovert-Introvert Cage Match
    Oct 30 2025

    What happens when introverts and extroverts form deep friendships?
    In the newest episode of Proxy with award-winning host Yowei Shaw, I was the surprise guest joining a vibrant (and emotional!) discussion about what drives us crazy about each other — and what we secretly envy.

    Together with Ryan Letts (they/them) and Aparna Nancherla, we explored the humor and heart that surface when opposites attract. By the end, there were more than a few tears as we uncovered how these relationships help us grow and understand ourselves better.

    Yowei's thoughtful preparation and masterful editing reminded me why storytelling matters. She took a wide-ranging conversation and wove it into something meaningful.

    🎧 Episode Highlights

    1. Exploring Our Grievances
    It started by naming what gets under our skin — from introverts needing space to extroverts craving engagement. The honesty and laughter in this exchange set the tone for everything that followed.

    2. Why Introverts Ghost
    Ever wonder why an introverted friend might disappear for a while? The discussion unpacked the myth of "ghosting" and reframed it as necessary solitude — a time to recharge, not reject.

    3️⃣ When Extrovert Energy Is Too Much (or Just Right)
    Sometimes an extrovert's enthusiasm can feel like a tidal wave. But when that energy is grounded in empathy, it becomes a bridge, not a barrier.

    4️⃣ Introvert ↔ Extrovert Pet Peeves
    We laughed about the quirks that drive each other crazy — the talker who fills every silence, the quiet friend who never picks up the phone — and recognized the small adjustments that make these friendships thrive. We had fun playing a buzzer game to spot our pet peeves.

    5️⃣ Finding Validation in Friendships
    Our conversation turned tender as we reflected on how friendship with our opposites can validate who we truly are. The episode closes on that emotional note — a reminder that we all need both to share what we truly appreciate about each other.

    Support "Emotional Journalism"

    If you enjoy Proxy, please consider subscribing and supporting Yowei Shaw's incredible work in "emotional journalism."
    Her storytelling brings humanity, humor, and heart to every episode — and this one is no exception.

    Listen here: [Insert episode link]
    Donate or subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ProxyPodcast
    Explore her newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extrovert-and-140824660 — it's awesome and filled with useful insights!
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    44 mins
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