How Highly Sensitive Introverts Can Lead With Confidence (Without Burning Out)
Nina Khoo on turning high sensitivity into a leadership strength—without pretending to be someone you’re not.
If you’ve ever walked into a meeting already overstimulated…
or felt yourself shutting down just as the conversation was heating up…
or wondered why you burn out faster than your peers…
There’s a reason for that.
And it’s not because you’re “too sensitive.”
It’s because you’re wired differently — and powerfully.
In this week’s episode of The Introverted Leader, psychologist and coach Nina Khoo breaks down what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), why so many introverted leaders mistake sensitivity for a flaw, and how to turn your wiring into a true leadership asset.
Nina’s story will feel familiar to a lot of us.
For years, she pushed through overwhelm, questioned her abilities, and wondered why she didn’t thrive in the environments where others seemed perfectly fine. It wasn’t until she discovered she was highly sensitive — and that there was nothing “wrong” with her — that everything finally made sense.
This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt:
Overwhelmed in fast, loud, high-pressure settings
Hesitant to speak up even when you have something valuable to say
Misunderstood as “quiet,” “reserved,” or “overly emotional”
Unsure how to lead without burning out
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How high sensitivity actually works — and why it’s far more common than you think
Daily practices to prevent overwhelm and protect your energy
Why sensitive introverts make exceptional leaders
How to use your voice with calm authority when it matters most
If you’ve ever doubted your capacity to lead because of your sensitivity, this episode will help you see it in a completely new way.