Thriving As An Introvert: Miriam Groom Of MindfulCareer On How Introverts Can Thrive & Succeed In A…

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Thriving As An Introvert: Miriam Groom Of MindfulCareer On How Introverts Can Thrive & Succeed In A Society That Seems To Favor Extroverts

Advocate for Yourself. Introverts can sometimes be overlooked because they don’t naturally seek the spotlight. Learning to assertively communicate their ideas and achievements is crucial. For example, I coached a client to write a monthly email to her manager summarizing her accomplishments. This helped her gain visibility and ultimately led to a promotion.

In a world that often rewards outspokenness and social networking, introverts can sometimes feel sidelined or overlooked. The workplace, educational institutions, and even social settings can often seem engineered to suit the strengths of extroverts, leaving introverts searching for a space to flourish.

However, introversion comes with its own set of unique strengths — deep thinking, the ability to focus, empathy, and keen observational skills — that are invaluable but often underestimated. The question then becomes: how can introverts not only survive but also thrive and succeed in environments that seem skewed towards extroversion? In this interview series, we are talking to introverts, business leaders, psychologists, authors, career coaches, organizational leaders, and other experts in the field who can talk about “How Introverts Can Thrive & Succeed In A Society That Seems To Favor Extroverts”. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Miriam Groom Of MindfulCareer.

At the forefront of a career transformation revolution stands Miriam Groom, the trailblazing founder of MindfulCareer. With over fifteen years of invaluable experience, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology specializing in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Miriam has collaborated with Fortune 500 firms and held leadership roles in a national recruitment firm. A luminary in behavioural profiling, career strategies, and talent acquisition, she seamlessly integrates professional life with personal calling.

Miriam’s visionary approach has earned her recognition from esteemed platforms such as CTV News, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review. As the architect of MindfulCareer’s distinctive methodology, she combines industrial psychology with a personalized touch. This unique technique unveils and nurtures individual strengths, guiding them toward their true vocational calling. Miriam’s strategy has illuminated the paths of countless individuals, leading them to job satisfaction, purposeful living, and the realization of their career aspirations.

Over the years, Miriam has expanded her team, assembling a cadre of registered therapists and psychologists. Each team member reflects the company’s commitment to excellence, delivering award-winning career counselling underpinned by robust psychological expertise. Together, they uphold MindfulCareer’s mission, fostering a culture of transformation and success through advanced behavioural profiling and psychological acuity.

Thank you so much for your time! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in Montreal, a vibrant city known for its diversity and rich cultural heritage. My upbringing was shaped by a strong sense of curiosity and a love for understanding people. My parents, both hardworking and compassionate individuals, instilled in me the importance of empathy and resilience.

As a child, I was an observer. I found joy in understanding how people interacted and how their choices shaped their lives. This fascination with human behavior stayed with me, influencing my academic and career choices. I was also deeply creative, spending hours painting, journaling, and nurturing my love for interior design.

Growing up in a bilingual city also gave me a unique perspective on communication and cultural nuances. It taught me how to adapt, empathize, and find connection across different viewpoints — skills that would later become invaluable in my career.

While I was naturally introverted, I found solace in deep conversations and meaningful relationships, which helped me navigate a world that often celebrated extroversion. These formative experiences laid the foundation for my passion for psychology and career counseling, as they fueled my desire to help others navigate their own paths with confidence and clarity.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?

I am the founder of Mindful Career and a career psychologist dedicated to helping individuals uncover their true potential and align their professional lives with their authentic selves. At Mindful Career, our mission is clear: to help people live and work with purpose and fulfillment by unveiling their unique strengths and aligning them with their ideal career paths.

With over 20 years of experience in human capital strategy, psychological behavioral profiling, and strategic career development, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Fortune 500 leaders during my tenure as an Executive Director at KPMG in Human Capital Advisory and as the head of a national recruitment firm for over 15 years. My educational background, which includes a Master’s in Psychology and Counseling and certification as a registered naturopath, allows me to combine corporate expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior and holistic wellness.

This mission is deeply personal to me. I experienced a period of severe burnout and felt a profound disconnect with my career. That challenging phase forced me to reflect on what truly mattered and led me to rediscover my own purpose. This transformative journey inspired me to help others do the same.

At Mindful Career, we’ve developed a proprietary career guidance methodology that uniquely blends organizational psychology with a compassionate and holistic approach. Endorsed by platforms like CTV News, NBC News, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review, this methodology magnifies individual strengths, motivations, and values, guiding them toward meaningful and satisfying roles.

This work is not just a career for me — it’s my calling. Every day, I am privileged to empower individuals to find their unique paths, achieve job satisfaction, and lead purpose-driven lives.

Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion about Thriving As An Introvert. In order to make sure that we are all on the same page, let’s begin with a simple definition. What does “Introvert” mean to you?

To me, being an introvert means drawing energy from solitude and finding fulfillment in meaningful, thoughtful engagement rather than constant external stimulation. It’s a personality trait that reflects how someone recharges and interacts with the world — not a sign of social discomfort or inadequacy.

Unfortunately, introversion is often misunderstood. Many people confuse being introverted with being depressed or having low self-esteem. While it’s true that introverts may prefer smaller social settings or need time alone, these preferences stem from how they process energy, not from a lack of confidence or emotional well-being.

Introverts are often introspective and enjoy deep, reflective thinking. This doesn’t mean they’re unhappy; rather, they find joy and inspiration in moments of quiet or personal exploration. Similarly, while introverts may not seek the spotlight as naturally as extroverts, this doesn’t mean they lack confidence. In fact, many introverts exude quiet confidence and are incredibly self-assured in their areas of expertise.

It’s important to separate personality from emotional states. Introversion is a natural and healthy way of engaging with the world, whereas depression or low self-esteem are challenges that require attention and care. When introverts are allowed to embrace their nature and lean into their strengths — like deep listening, empathy, and creativity — they can thrive in ways that are every bit as impactful as their extroverted counterparts.

Can you help articulate a few of the challenges that come with being an introvert?

While introverts bring unique strengths to the table, there are several challenges they may face, especially in environments that favor extroverted behaviors:

Misunderstanding and Stereotyping
Introverts are often misunderstood as being shy, antisocial, or lacking confidence. This misrepresentation can lead to unfair assumptions about their abilities or willingness to contribute, especially in professional settings. For example, an introvert who prefers listening and reflecting during meetings may be perceived as disengaged, even though they are deeply processing the discussion.

Navigating Extroverted Workplaces
Modern workplaces often reward outspokenness, networking, and group collaboration, which can feel overwhelming for introverts. Open office plans, frequent team meetings, and the expectation to always be “on” can drain their energy and limit their productivity.

Networking Fatigue
Networking events, which are often geared toward quick, high-energy interactions, can be particularly challenging for introverts. They may find it difficult to navigate these environments or feel out of place in settings that prioritize surface-level conversations over meaningful connections.

Undervalued Communication Style
Introverts typically prefer thoughtful, deliberate communication, which can sometimes be overshadowed in environments where fast-paced or loud voices dominate. As a result, their ideas may not always be heard or given the attention they deserve, despite their value.

Pressure to Conform to Extroverted Norms
Society often celebrates extroverted traits like charisma and assertiveness, leading introverts to feel pressured to act against their natural tendencies. This can result in burnout or a sense of inauthenticity as they try to “keep up” with extroverted expectations.

Energy Depletion in Social Settings
While introverts can enjoy socializing, large or prolonged gatherings can quickly drain their energy. This makes it challenging to fully engage in events or environments that don’t allow for breaks or moments of solitude.

I’m sure that being an introvert also gives you certain advantages. Can you tell us a few advantages that introverts have?

Deep Thinking: Introverts excel at thoughtful analysis and problem-solving because they take the time to process information thoroughly.

Empathy and Listening Skills: Introverts often have exceptional listening abilities, making them approachable and trustworthy in personal and professional relationships.

Focus and Independence: Their preference for solitude allows introverts to work independently and focus deeply on tasks, often leading to high-quality outcomes.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being an introvert? Can you explain what you mean?

“Introverts are antisocial.” This is false — introverts value meaningful connections and can be highly social in the right environments, just not in large, high-energy gatherings.
“Introverts lack confidence.” Many introverts are confident but express it quietly through their work and expertise rather than overt displays of charisma.
“Introverts can’t lead.” Introverts make excellent leaders because they are reflective, empathetic, and skilled at empowering others rather than seeking the spotlight.

Do you have any role models who are also introverts? What have you learned from them that can help introverts navigate the challenges and benefits of introversion?

One introverted role model I admire is Albert Einstein, who famously said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” His groundbreaking work in physics shows how introverts can thrive in intellectual pursuits by embracing solitude and deep focus.

Another inspiring example is Rosa Parks, whose quiet strength and resolve played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. She exemplified how introverts can create monumental change through thoughtful action and steadfast determination.

From these figures, I’ve learned that introverts don’t need to be loud to be impactful. By leaning into their natural strengths — such as reflection, observation, and resilience — they can navigate challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

Based on your experience and success, what are the “Five Things Introverts Need To Thrive & Succeed In A Society That Seems To Favor Extroverts”?

  1. Embrace Your Strengths
    Introverts excel at deep thinking, listening, and empathy. By owning these strengths, they can bring unique value to any environment. For example, I once worked with a client who felt overlooked in her team meetings. By highlighting her ability to synthesize complex ideas and provide thoughtful feedback, she became a go-to problem-solver, earning respect and recognition.
  2. Create Recharge Time
    Society often demands constant interaction, but introverts need solitude to recharge. Scheduling quiet time, even during busy days, helps maintain energy and focus. I’ve implemented this in my own life by creating “no-meeting blocks” in my schedule to focus on deep work, which has significantly improved my productivity and well-being.
  3. Leverage One-on-One Connections
    Introverts tend to excel in meaningful, one-on-one interactions rather than large group settings. A client I worked with transformed her networking approach by prioritizing coffee chats and targeted outreach rather than attending large events, leading to several career opportunities through deeper connections.
  4. Prepare for Social Settings
    Introverts can feel drained in social or professional settings, but preparation can help. For instance, I recommend setting specific goals, like meeting three new people or preparing a few conversation starters. A client used this strategy during a conference and left feeling confident and accomplished rather than overwhelmed.
  5. Advocate for Yourself
    Introverts can sometimes be overlooked because they don’t naturally seek the spotlight. Learning to assertively communicate their ideas and achievements is crucial. For example, I coached a client to write a monthly email to her manager summarizing her accomplishments. This helped her gain visibility and ultimately led to a promotion.

How should an introvert navigate social relationships and networking, activities that are often touted as extroverts’ forte? Do you have any advice for introverts in these areas?

Introverts can excel at networking by focusing on building deep, meaningful connections rather than casting a wide net. Here are some tips:

  • Start with smaller settings: Opt for one-on-one meetings or smaller group events where you can engage more personally.
  • Prepare ahead of time: Research attendees and have a few topics or questions ready to ease conversation.
  • Follow up thoughtfully: Sending a personalized thank-you email or LinkedIn message after meeting someone leaves a lasting impression.

One of my clients thrived by attending smaller industry meetups rather than large conferences. She focused on quality over quantity and created lasting professional relationships.

What are some practical tips you can offer to introverts who want to succeed in the workplace, which is often geared towards extroverted behaviors?

  • Leverage your strengths: Introverts are excellent at deep thinking and problem-solving. Highlight these skills in meetings or projects.
  • Schedule quiet time: Block time in your calendar to focus without interruptions, ensuring high productivity.
  • Speak up strategically: While introverts may not dominate conversations, preparing key points ahead of time ensures your voice is heard in important discussions.
  • Build trust through reliability: Consistently delivering high-quality work helps establish credibility without needing constant self-promotion.

Have you noticed any specific ways that being an introvert affects mental health or overall well-being? Any tips for introverts to maintain good mental health?

Introverts may feel drained by constant social interaction, leading to stress or burnout if they don’t have time to recharge. They are also more prone to internalizing emotions, which can sometimes lead to overthinking.

Tips to maintain mental health:

  • Prioritize alone time daily to recharge.
  • Practice mindfulness or journaling to process emotions.
  • Set boundaries around your availability to avoid overextending yourself socially or professionally.
  • Seek supportive communities where you feel understood and valued.

In your opinion, are societal views on introversion changing? If so, how do you think this impacts introverts positively or negatively? Can you please explain what you mean?

Yes, societal views on introversion are evolving. Books like Quiet by Susan Cain have sparked conversations about the value introverts bring to the table. There’s a growing recognition that success isn’t defined by being the loudest voice in the room but by the quality of one’s contributions.

Positive impacts:

  • More workplaces are embracing flexible work environments that cater to introverts’ preferences, like remote work or quiet spaces.
  • Increased awareness of diverse personality types fosters inclusivity and understanding.

Negative impacts:

  • Some stereotypes still linger, such as equating introversion with shyness or a lack of ambition.
  • As society values collaboration, introverts may still feel pressure to conform to extroverted norms in certain environments.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” — Brené Brown

This quote resonates deeply with me because, as an introvert, I often felt pressured to act like an extrovert to fit societal expectations. Embracing my natural tendencies allowed me to find my purpose and thrive authentically. It’s a reminder that our unique traits are strengths, not flaws.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I am already living it! I started Mindful Career to change the world by helping individuals discover their ideal careers and true purpose in life. Work is such a significant part of our lives, and when people are in roles that align with their strengths, values, and passions, the ripple effect is profound.

Not only do they experience personal fulfillment, but their happiness and sense of purpose positively impact their families, communities, and workplaces. Through Mindful Career, I’ve created a methodology that combines psychology, behavioral profiling, and career strategy to help people unlock their potential and live a life of meaning.

This movement is about empowering individuals to take control of their lives, embrace who they are, and thrive both personally and professionally. Watching this transformation in my clients every day is proof that this work truly makes a difference.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

Thriving As An Introvert: Miriam Groom Of MindfulCareer On How Introverts Can Thrive & Succeed In A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.