Quiet Strategies to Increase Visibility and Influence at Work
Stacey Chazin on how introverts can get noticed, speak up with quiet authority, and build influence without pretending to be extroverted.
Have you ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “I had something important to say… I just couldn’t find the moment”?
Or felt invisible in a room full of louder personalities who seem to get credit simply for taking up space?
If so, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not imagining it.
Only 2–4% of senior leaders in corporate America are introverts. Not because introverts lack talent or leadership potential, but because the workplace is built on extroverted norms: speaking quickly, thinking out loud, dominating meetings, and projecting confidence through volume.
Today’s guest, Stacey Chazin, has dedicated her career to helping introverts rise despite these systemic biases. She’s a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of iFactor Leadership — and she’s one of the clearest voices I’ve heard on the topic of quiet, authentic influence.
This conversation isn’t about “fixing” introverts.
It’s about revealing — and reclaiming — the strengths we already have.
Why Introverts Get Overlooked (and What You Can Do About It)
Stacey breaks down how traditional leadership norms were shaped by extroversion—and why introverted professionals often end up running twice as hard to get half the recognition.
She also shares the personal turning point that changed everything for her: a moment at a conference where she realized she had spent years forcing herself into roles and situations that didn’t align with who she truly was.
Her aha moment is one many of us will recognize:
“I need to stop saying yes to things that drain me — and start leading in a way that honors who I am.”
From that moment forward, she committed to building a leadership career around her natural strengths — and now helps others do the same.
3 Quiet Strategies You Can Start Using Today
Here are three of the most powerful insights from our conversation:
1. Speak Up (the Quiet Way)
Introverts excel when we have time to think.
But fast-paced meetings reward instant talkers.
Instead of forcing yourself to match that pace, Stacey recommends signaling your thought process:
“This is something I’ve given a lot of thought to…”
“I’d like to add a perspective here…”
“I’d like to finish my thought before we move on.”
These simple openings shift attention, signal presence, and reframe your quiet processing as thoughtful leadership.
2. Visibility Without Performance
You don’t need to “be louder” to be noticed.
You need to be more intentional.
Stacey shares several introvert-friendly approaches:
Send concise follow-up notes after meetings
Share ideas in writing before discussions
Schedule one-on-one relationship-building time
Highlight wins and progress in writing before check-ins
This builds influence through clarity — not volume.
3. Manage Your Energy Like a Leader
Most introverts don’t thrive in back-to-back meetings.
Stacey encourages task batching, structured breaks, and designing your day around your cognitive rhythms.
It’s not about avoiding people — it’s about showing up with the energy and presence your leadership deserves.
The Bigger Picture: Quiet Leaders Are Needed More Than Ever
Our world is noisy — but introverted leadership is rooted in depth, empathy, and clarity.
Stacey’s message is simple:
Quiet leadership isn’t a limitation. It’s an advantage — when you stop fighting your wiring and start leaning into it.
This episode is a roadmap for that shift.
Listen to the Full Conversation
🎧 Podcast Episode: Quiet Strategies to Increase Visibility and Influence at Work
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerfulintrovert
🎧 Spotify:
If this resonated…
If today’s episode helped you see your quiet strengths more clearly, consider sharing it with one introvert in your life who needs encouragement today.
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