Home Podcasts Influential Introvert: Communication Coaching for Professionals with Performance Anxiety
Influential Introvert: Communication Coaching for Professionals with Performance Anxiety

Influential Introvert: Communication Coaching for Professionals with Performance Anxiety

Communication & Mindset Coach Sarah Mikutel 127 Episodes Mar 27, 2026

The Influential Introvert is a podcast for professionals with performance anxiety, especially business owners and leaders who want to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in social situations. The show teaches essential verbal and non-verbal skills to elevate presence and charisma, while also helping listeners manage their mind and body to reduce anxiety and increase confidence when speaking up, being decisive, and connecting with others.

Episodes

Is Being Late Rude? Cultures Disagree on What Time Is and How to Use It Mar 27, 2026 948 Do you ever feel like people are too blunt – or not direct enough? Do you live by the clock, or are you free with your schedule? Do you like to cut to the chase and get to work, or do you need to warm up first? These are not just individual preferences – they are cultural norms. In this episode, I explore why we are the way we are, and what happens when different cultures collide.Read the article.
Jantelagen: What a Swedish Flatmate Taught Me about Fitting In versus Standing Out Mar 15, 2026 689 There's an unwritten rule in Swedish culture called the Law of Jante: Don't think you're special. Don't stand out. Blend in. It’s the opposite of American individualism – and both sides have a shadow. In this episode, I explore what a Swedish flatmate, living in Italy, and years of coaching have taught me about fitting in versus standing out, and why it matters for anyone worki
The Wrong Way to Listen Mar 7, 2026 501 Turns out there’s not just one way to listen – there are four, at least according to the authors of Adaptive Listening: How to Cultivate Trust and Traction at Work.In this episode, I share when to use each level of listening, plus the question you should always ask yourself before opening your mouth. Read the article. Read Adaptive Listening. ***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mi
Happy People Fall in Love with Strangers More Feb 22, 2026 726 Love isn't what most people think it is. It’s not a bond between partners or family, according to Dr. Barbara Fredrickson – it’s a micro-moment of positivity that resonates in your body when you connect with someone, even with strangers. And the research is clear: The more of these moments you create, the happier and healthier you’ll be. Read the article.Love 2.0 book***I’m your host, Sarah M
Don't Quit. Try This. Feb 7, 2026 596 The hardest part of starting something new is feeling like you're failing. Before you quit, try the three ideas in this episode to help you get through this "conscious incompetence" phase. You'll learn how to build lasting confidence, and how to recognize the progress you're already making.Read the transcript.***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coa
Mind Reading Isn't a Sign of Love Dec 13, 2025 290 Have you ever thought: “If they really loved me, they’d just know without me having to say it.”But expecting someone to intuit your needs isn’t romantic – it’s magical thinking. In this episode, I talk about why unspoken expectations lead to disappointment, the shift you need to make for real connection, and why clarity is one of the most generous things you can offer in a relationship.Read the tr
I Cried During a Knitting Lesson Dec 7, 2025 425 I cried in my first knitting class and I didn’t know why – it’s not like I’m emotionally invested in making potholders out of yarn.In this episode, I explore the quiet pressure we put on ourselves without realizing it, and how we can give ourselves more grace.Read the transcript***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your v
Feel More at Ease When All Eyes are on You Nov 22, 2025 1633 My guest today, Sunalie, is a warm and gifted journalist – and also a former client of mine.During our time together, she had so many meaningful wins. Hearing about the specific shifts she made will help you strengthen your own confidence and communication skills – including how to feel more at ease when all eyes are on you. Sunalie has been with her partner for over 20 years, but they never got m
Virtuous Procrastination: When ‘Doing Good’ Becomes an Avoidance Tactic Nov 7, 2025 524 Are you procrastinating more than you think you are? In this episode, I’m talking about virtuous procrastination – the act of avoiding discomfort, uncertainty, or purposeful risk by busying yourself with work that appears responsible, generous, and good. Volunteering. Overcommitting. Over-preparing. It looks admirable, but sometimes it’s just a sneaky distraction from what’s most important to you.
Your Comfort Addiction is Costing You Oct 25, 2025 546 Comfort can quietly cost you the life you really want. When we play it too safe in the name of avoiding unpleasant thoughts or feelings, we drift away from our values and the things that bring meaning, energy, and connection. The Stoics offer a way back through intentional action, self-inquiry, and showing up with integrity – even when it’s uncomfortable.***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communic
Get to the Point Oct 10, 2025 661 We often have something meaningful to say – but the way we say it can get in the way. We overload our listener with backstory, hoping to make them understand, and end up muddying the message instead. In this episode, I explore why this happens and how a small shift in how we speak can make a big difference.***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping
Cut Carrie Some Slack: Stoic Musings on Sex and the City Sep 19, 2025 507 Carrie Bradshaw used to feel relatable. Now we accuse her of being unhinged.But maybe that says more about us than it does about her.Read the article.***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun.As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and j

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