“Say YES to yourself first.” – Jenny Toh
As an introverted woman in tech, I’ve faced my share of challenges when it comes to being heard in meetings and stepping into leadership roles. For the longest time, I thought I had to be louder, more assertive, or even change who I was to succeed. But over time, I realized that embracing my introversion—not fighting it—was my biggest leadership advantage.
That’s why I was so excited to speak with Jenny Toh, certified positive psychology coach and founder of River Life Coaching, on the latest episode of From a Woman to a Leader. Jenny is passionate about helping introverted women like herself lead with quiet confidence, without pretending to be someone they’re not.
In this powerful conversation, we explored how to overcome limiting beliefs, build unshakable confidence, and navigate male-dominated environments—while staying authentic.
Key Highlights from the Episode
1. You Deserve a Seat at the Table
Jenny shared that many introverted women doubt whether they belong in leadership roles, especially in meetings dominated by extroverted personalities. Her advice? Shift your mindset.
“If you’re invited to the meeting, you belong there—period. You don’t need anyone’s permission to be valuable.”
💡 Pro Tip: Before every meeting, set an intention. Ask yourself: “What do I want people to take away from this meeting?” This simple mindset shift will boost your confidence and help you contribute meaningfully.
2. Advocate for Yourself Without Feeling Like You’re Bragging
Many women feel uncomfortable talking about their achievements, fearing they’ll come off as boastful. But Jenny reframed this beautifully:
“If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? Talking about your work isn’t bragging—it’s making sure your contributions are seen and recognized.”
💡 Action Tip: Start small. In one-on-one conversations, highlight what your team accomplished and how you contributed. This keeps the focus on your work’s impact while showcasing your leadership.
3. Build Relationships—Even If You’re an Introvert
Building professional relationships can feel daunting, especially in remote work environments. Jenny’s advice: Focus on what’s in your control.
“You can’t control how someone responds—but you can control reaching out.”
💡 Try This: Send a short, thoughtful message to a colleague or mentor. Mention something specific you appreciate about their work or ask for advice. Even one meaningful conversation can change how you’re perceived.
4. Speak Up—Even When It’s Hard
What happens when meetings feel overwhelming, with people talking over each other? Jenny shared this powerful reminder:
“Interrupting isn’t rude if it helps the conversation stay on track.”
💡 Strategy Tip: Practice saying something like, “I hear what’s being said, but I’d like to bring us back to [key point].” It’s assertive yet respectful—and keeps the meeting focused.
5. Believe You Are Enough
Jenny closed the episode with a message that hit home for me:
“You are enough as you are today. You don’t need to wait for someone else to see your value—you already belong.”
Ready to Lead with Quiet Confidence?
This conversation with Jenny was incredibly empowering—and we barely scratched the surface here.
👉 Listen to the full episode now: https://limorbergman.com/podcast
You’ll walk away with practical tips, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories that will help you thrive as an introverted woman in tech—without changing who you are.
About Jenny:
Jenny’s passion for introspection and reflection shines through her work, whether writing for her LinkedIn newsletter, “Currents of Change,” or guiding introverts through challenges like networking and public speaking. Her approach is rooted in gratitude, empathy, and the belief that introversion is a strength, not a limitation.