Listen to the article
By Jacqueline Shaulis, Chief Investigative Journalist, Nefertiti Network
(WASHINGTON, DC – February 10, 2025) “When I walk into a new place of employment, you see my brown face first. When we aren’t saying much, when we have a low-key calm demeanor, we are immediately misunderstood,” reflects Dr. Jeri Bingham, host of the HushLoudly podcast and creator of Black Introvert Week. “They can’t figure us out.”
But what others mistake for being “hard to read” is actually calculated observation in action. As Black Introvert Week (February 8-15) kicks off, research is revealing what successful Black introverts have always known: that the ability to observe deeply before speaking isn’t just a personality trait – it’s a leadership superpower.
As discussed in my forthcoming book From Imposter to Empress, when introverts direct their inward-facing energy outward with laser focus, they create immeasurable impact. Our research at the National Center for Intersectional Studies shows that introverted Black women often face a “triple jeopardy” where their thoughtful demeanor is misinterpreted through lenses of race, gender, and the intersection of these identities, particularly in the workplace. Yet it’s precisely this intersection that invokes extraordinary leadership capability.
Photo credit: Dr. Jeri Bingham
Transform being “unreadable” into being unstoppable:
1. Master the Strategic Pause
“I can give you an answer now, but my best answer will come in 24 hours,” shares Dr. Bingham. This simple phrase transforms what others perceive as hesitation into a trademark of thoughtful leadership.
2. Build Your Influence Strategy
“Find your cheerleader,” advises Dr. Bingham. “Every place I’ve worked, there’s always an extravert who loves to support you. Without you saying ‘I need you to toot my horn,’ they will shout it to the world.”
3. Own Your Analytical Edge
“When I say something, people think it’s profound,” she shares. “I’m not a genius. It’s just that I’ve listened and processed while everyone else was talking.” This ability to see patterns others miss becomes an unmatched leadership advantage.
Your introversion isn’t a trait to decode – it’s your edge in a world of surface-level interactions. Like pioneering introverted leader Condoleezza Rice, who notes “I’m an introvert, so I like to prepare, I like to think before I talk,” your measured approach creates impact through depth rather than volume.
The transformation of leadership is here, and you’re three steps ahead. Your perspective, shaped by your intersectional experience and introverted nature, isn’t just valuable – it’s revolutionary. More than ever, the world needs leaders who see deeply, think critically, and act intentionally.
Share which unstoppable technique you will use this week.
