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Can Introverts Be Entrepreneurs? I didn’t think so, until I did it anyway. {audio}

Can Introverts Be Entrepreneurs? I didn’t think so, until I did it anyway. {audio}

The introverted part of me has always had an independent streak, so I had a secret desire to create my own work. But the stereotype of the extroverted “entrepreneurial type” never felt like me. So I had my doubts: “Can introverts be entrepreneurs?”

Eventually there were breadcrumbs that led me to self-employment anyway, and it’s interesting to look back on how that happened, and how it worked out despite my initial blocks.

I don’t believe in the idea of an entrepreneurial type anymore. I do think certain things help, but it’s not so much about personality. I think it’s much more about attitudes you can cultivate, like a sense of determination, and being open to support. Heck, I wasn’t good at those things at first, but I learned it along the way.

Can introverts be entrepreneurs? My story of discovering the possibilities.

I described more of what I mean, and my experience in this interview for the “Outgrow the Grind” podcast. We talked about my transition to self-employment, and the surprises I discovered along the way.

I loved this conversation of looking back and having some laughs.

I shared vulnerably in this interview, but I’ve finally gotten used to sharing that stuff despite the vulnerable feeling. (I talked about that challenge too.)

The host, Stacy Raye Kellogg, gave me permission to share the episode right here for you. I hope you find something useful and that you enjoy the conversation too.

You can listen to the episode here (or on Apple Podcasts):

Show Notes

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How I realized I was ready for change (and I did resist).
  • The ways that I second-guessed whether self-employment was for people like me.
  • My journey from the cubicle to my current business, including a bridge job.
  • Can introverts be entrepreneurs?
  • How I shifted my mindset from an employee mindset to a self-employment mindset.
  • My experience of the magic of what’s possible and how good it felt.
  • My biggest fear about self-employment and depression, and what happened.
  • What I had to say no to and the strong words of advice I received that got me moving.
  • How I allowed myself to be and share even more of myself along the way (even though it was a big gulp).
  • My advice for anyone stuck in the grind and what you need to pay attention to.
  • How happy I was to have freedom, even with a pay cut. (I realize a pay cut is not feasible for those who are living on the edge of surviving.)
  • My advice if you’re counting yourself out before considering something new.
  • My favorite plant and why it’s so special to me.

Stacy ended with these reflection questions based on our discussion. I love these:

  1. Where in my life am I taking myself out of the game before even checking out something new?
  2. What small step could I do to explore my idea(s) instead of dismissing them quickly?

Seeds planted in this episode:

  1. You can learn about my coaching and groups and my course, Bridge to Self-Employment.
  2. You can learn about Outgrow the Grind host, Stacy Raye Kellogg, on her website, and follow her podcast on a favorite podcast app (and I hope you’ll leave a review on the app). I truly recommend Stacy’s coaching. She is a life and leadership coach for caring high-achievers so they can honor their needs, do less, and say no so they can invest their time and energy in what matters most.
Val Nelson

Val Nelson

I’ve been a self-employed career/business/purpose coach since 2009. I help introverts and HSPs (like me) who want to make a difference — in a way that fits our practical needs too.
Val Nelson | Coaching | Groups | Courses | Newsletter | LinkedIn

I appreciate feedback, good and bad. You can comment below or email.

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