In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self. Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of influence.In this episode, we explore:Why so many introverts feel most energised by quiet, nature, and solitudeThe surprising link between improvisation and confidenceWhat “presence” really means when speaking or leadingWhy confidence comes from experience — not personalityThe importance of embracing the learning curve (and the dip)How humour and lightness create connection, even for serious thinkersThe difference between influence and persuasionWhy authenticity isn’t oversharing — it’s self-ownershipHow to build influence without pretending to be extrovertedWhat quiet achievers need to remember when stepping into visibilityMemorable Quote“The best speakers aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. Influence comes from being real, not from performing.”— John BallKey Takeaways for Quiet AchieversYou don’t need to be loud to be impactful — presence speaks louder than volumeConfidence grows through practice, not perfectionBeing authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means being grounded in who you areInfluence is built through warmth, clarity, and self-trustThe audience is usually rooting for you more than you thinkGrowth requires patience — and compassion for yourself along the wayAbout John BallJohn Ball is a keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast. He helps speakers, coaches, and leaders move from competent to captivating by developing confidence, presence, and authentic communication.Learn more about John and his work at:https://presentinfluence.comEnjoyed the Episode?If this conversation resonated with you:Leave a 5-star review to help more introverts discover the podcastShare it with someone who’s finding their voiceSubscribe to The Visible Introvert Newsletter at https://serenalow.com.auThis episode was edited by Aura House Productions