The Introvert’s Guide to Speaking Up with Mahlena-Rae Johnson

Ep #:107 The Introvert’s Guide to Speaking Up with Mahlena-Rae JohnsonSummary of the episodePublic speaking can be intimidating—especially for introverts. In this episode of nosey AF: conversations about art, activism, and social change, Stephanie talks with speaker, comedian, and author Mahlena-Rae Johnson, who calls herself the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright.For more than two decades, Mahlena has helped leaders learn how to communicate clearly and confidently, whether they’re pitching ideas, presenting on stage, or navigating everyday professional conversations. In this conversation, we explore what it means to be an introvert in leadership, why public speaking is so challenging for so many people, and how preparation, self-awareness, and practice can transform presenting into something much more enjoyable.Mahlena also shares insights from her book Speak Anyway, which encourages people to use their voices—even when fear or self-doubt shows up.If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking in front of people, this conversation will remind you that finding your voice is a skill you can learn.What we talk aboutWhat introverted leadership looks like in practiceWhy public speaking anxiety is so commonHow preparation and self-awareness improve communicationCultural identity, citizenship, and how they shape how we show upPersonal branding and navigating competitive job marketsRethinking genius, education, and how people learnChapters00:28 – Understanding Introverted Leadership09:12 – The Art of Speaking: Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice19:22 – Navigating Cultural Identity and Citizenship32:56 – Navigating Personal Branding in a Competitive Job Market46:09 – Exploring Genius and EducationThings We MentionedSpeak Anyway by Mahlena-Rae Johnsonhttps://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/2023/11/speak-an.htmlAll about… Mahlena-Rae JohnsonSpeaker, comedian, and six-time author Mahlena-Rae Johnson describes herself as the Professor X for introverted edtech CEOs with stage fright. For more than two decades, she has helped leaders hone the superpower of public speaking and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence.Her work focuses on helping founders and professionals—especially in the education technology space—develop communication skills that make pitching, presenting, and everyday leadership conversations easier and more authentic.Mahlena has been featured on CBC Kids, The Great Canadian Woman Podcast, BusinessBecause, and more.Connect with Mahlena-Rae JohnsonInstagram: @mahlenasguidetolife Website: https://mahlenaspeaks.blogspot.com/ Book: Speak AnywayConnect with StephanieJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare Nosey AF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsHosted by: Stephanie Graham Edited By Risha Brown Lyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam Fam Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick