Ann Lewis
Since 2003, I’ve been helping professionals develop as leaders through one-to-one coaching. I found that many of my clients were like me, quieter, more thoughtful souls at heart, wanting to function better in a world geared towards an extrovert ideal.
Introverts are, by and large, reflective folk.
We take time to make considered decisions, especially when it matters. And when the demands of our jobs and our lives deplete our energy, we need quiet ‘down time’ to recharge. Extroverts, who refresh their energy by being with others (the more the merrier), may find our need for quiet a bit odd, and have been known to tell us that there is something wrong with us. Well, there isn’t – we’re just different.
Up to half of the population is introverted. Neither introversion nor extroversion is abnormal, though in Western cultures, being extrovert is considered more desirable, and introverts are often encouraged to ‘be more outgoing’. While we do need to understand both temperaments, it’s worth noting that many Eastern cultures value thoughtful, gentle souls.
If you are an introvert,
I can help you show up at your best in this extroverted world, to get your point across with authenticity, and to value your quietness and use it powerfully. Especially if you’re in transition, perhaps into a new phase of your life, or into a position or situation that demands more from you, I offer you a place to expand, reflect and connect with your inner wisdom, so that you can go forward with more self-awareness, more confidence, and greater capacity to work with the extroverts in your life and bring out the best in them too.
If you find it hard to support your quiet space, I can help you build and maintain effective boundaries without appearing aloof or defensive. If you’ve ever been told you were too sensitive, or that you should be more outgoing, then you’re in the right place.
And if you have been knocked off balance
by workplace bullying, stress, overload, or anything else at work that has left you feeling diminished and disconnected, you’ll find inspiration and resources at
What People Say
"Thank you for all your support of the Watts Gallery team. You have done a wonderful job in keeping everyone on board and developing their potential. I feel immensely honoured to work with such a brilliant team, and you have played an important role in their development and growth."
Perdita Hunt, Director, Watts Gallery
"(Coaching) was a superb experience for me at a time when I needed it most… It gave me time to reflect and focus on areas most important for my own development. The coaching relationship needed to be open and real, and it worked."
Paul Young, Chief Executive, Off the Fence Trust
"For me (coaching) was valuable: what long term benefit it brings is now really up to me. I think the key thing was that you helped, and maybe guided, me towards finding and designing my own tools and approaches, that work for me. They are mine, and if I’m going to benefit long term, I’m sure that will be the reason I can keep using them."
Senior Manager, charity sector
"I would describe it as a very useful experience, one which for me was quite surprising because with just an hour and some questions it is amazing what catalysts are put to work. It’s strange…how much can be achieved or set in motion in so little time. I would most definitely recommend you as a coach."
Liz Hall, Editor, Coaching at Work
"It has provided a framework for ring-fenced time to think about my role and ways of working rather than operational or strategic demands. It has enabled me to review my engagement with the organisation. It has made me also think about my future and deal with some (specific) issues …in contemplating the options."
Senior Manager, public sector
"I felt comfortable and secure with Ann, and able to articulate the issues we discussed without fear or any sense of having to be defensive."
public sector senior manager
