Part of what I love about the end of the year is the reflective mood we all embrace. We take a few minutes to look back on the wins and losses, births and deaths, and turning points of the last 12 months. It’s a way of recognizing how far we’ve come, and it gives us a hint of where we’re headed.
Plus, we all seem to be suckers for Top 10 lists of any size, shape or color. We love to rank, judge, measure and crown winners and losers. My version of this is to do a shout-out for introverts who made a difference in 2010; like the year, some have had their highs and lows, yet they have undeniably changed the world.
Jeff Bezos: As founder of Amazon.com, Bezos joins the ranks of introvert gazillionaires Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey and Mark Zuckerberg as having a profound influence on our society. He’s changed the way we shop online and introduced innovations such as the Kindle that have moved the publishing industry firmly into the digital age. Bezos was named Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2010 Executive of the Year, which called out his being “adept at quantifying things and looking several steps ahead” and “his complex leadership style: someone highly focused on metrics, but willing to let projects take years to mature; a visionary who understands technology and makes a habit of turning conventional thinking on its head; and a leader who is both the public face of his company and the driving force of innovation within it.” It’s interesting that recent studies have shown that introverts tend to take the long view when it comes to reward and gratification, which sounds very much in line with Bezos’ modus operandi.
Francesca Gino: Gino, a Harvard Business School researcher, may or may not be an introvert (I couldn’t find any references), but she definitely is advancing the idea that introverts make great leaders. She found that while 50% of the population demonstrates an extroverted personality, executive and manager level positions are held disproportionately by extroverts, to the tune of 96%! She led a team that performed surveys and experiments that highlighted some differences between introvert and extrovert leaders, and how they responded to proactive and passive employees. They found, among other results, that introverts were excellent leaders of proactive employees. Overall, I’m excited by the research and am grateful for the conversation it’s started. However, I hope we can move away from generalizations such as a statement in the Harvard Business Review piece, “While it’s often true that extroverts make the best bosses…” (How do you define “best bosses”? What does “often true” mean? According to whom? What I read was that extroverts are more likely to be found in the C-Suite, which is a statement about quantity, not quality.)
Laurie Helgoe: Hooray for Dr. Helgoe! Introverts enjoyed some time in the media spotlight when she published “Revenge of the Introvert” in the Sept/Oct issue of Psychology Today. This article joins the still-popular March 2003 The Atlantic article, “Caring for Your Introvert” as a clarifying and affirming statement about what it means to be an introvert. These high-profile stories further people’s understanding and give introverts everywhere a place to point and say “See, choosing and wanting to spend time alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely, misanthropic or shy! Hrrmph!” It’s also wonderful that another leader in the Introvert Empowerment movement, Nancy Ancowitz, is quoted extensively in the article. (Nancy’s Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead
is a great read if you’re looking to boost your confidence and be inspired by success stories.) And I was especially excited for this article’s publication, because I got to throw in my two cents about “what not to say to an introvert”!
Oprah Winfrey: Who doesn’t know Oprah?!? But how many people know she’s an introvert? She’s actually the same Myers-Briggs type as me – an INFJ. The “Oprah Effect” is well-known, so giving a laundry list of how she’s made a difference in the world could occupy a dozen blog posts. As Robin Givhan writes, “Winfrey has become our national confessor, our friendly, neighborhood billionaire philanthropist, the wizard who sprinkles magical dust over every author, entrepreneur, do-gooder and politician within her orbit.” 2010 was particularly significant, however, because of three things: she announced that her flagship show would be having its 25th and final season in 2010-2011… she launched her OWN television network… and she was among those recognized at The Kennedy Center Honors on December 28. Some love her, some couldn’t care less, and her influence is undisputed. As a coach, I’m particularly grateful for her focus on personal and spiritual development, for her quest to elevate the importance of taking care of and honoring yourself. The fact that she’s an introvert? That’s icing on the cake. 
Mark Zuckerberg: Zuckerberg – co-creator of the world’s largest social networking site, focus of a critically acclaimed movie, Time’s Person of the Year 2010, number 1 on Vanity Fair’s 2010 list of the Top 100 “most influential people of the Information Age” - is absolute living proof that introverts can be social connectors. The irony is that introverts tend to value their privacy, yet if there’s any criticism about Facebook, it centers around how it affects our privacy. Rather than go down that bumpy road, I prefer to reflect on how Facebook has blown open the pathways between people, especially for introverts. Social media is perfect for us: we can look before we leap, be discerning about what we share and don’t, do that sharing on our own time and in our own space, let people in or keep them at a distance, stalk (although, we introverts call that “research” ) and put ourselves out there in a relatively measured, controlled way. Zuckerberg has revolutionized the way we connect with one another, and the ripple effects will be felt for decades to come, even after Facebook has gone the way of My Space.
Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades, founder, Power Chicks International. Lynn has been planting seeds for The Power Chicks since 2009, and 2011 is the year things start to bloom! Lynn’s passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and providing resources to help them be successful on their own terms. Her enthusiasm brings people (men and women alike!) to her, and her authenticity keeps them coming back for more.
Arden Clise, founder, Clise Etiquette. How do I know Arden is going places? She’s my twice-weekly accountability partner, and she inspires me with her persistence, passion and graciousness. She makes the calls, books the speaking engagements and makes etiquette fun. Arden made her TV debut in December; I’m sure it’s the first of many more appearances to come, and her star will continue to rise and shine (and write lots of thank you notes along the way!).
Judy Dunn, Blogging Coach & Copywriter, CatsEye Writer. Judy walks her talk. She regularly dispenses exactly-what-I-need-to-read-right-NOW! tips about writing and blogging, and her efforts are being recognized on a national level. Her most recent win? Being named as one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers, out of more than 500 nominees! Her love of teaching and writing clearly comes through in each post.
Leslie Irish Evans, Founder, Peeling Mom Off the Ceiling. Leslie’s a “modern day Erma Bombeck,” full of smarts, sass and spirit. She’s a lively presence on Facebook and is a new voice on the I’m Thankful Radio Network, hosting her own syndicated show. And here’s a little secret: her wit and wisdom is powerful for all of us… moms, dads, singles, couples and women like me who refer to their cats as their children.
Nancy Juetten, founder, Main Street Media Savvy. Every time I turn around, Nancy is doing something new and useful for anyone who wants to be seen, heard and celebrated (and compensated!) for their expertise. She takes an idea and develops it to the max, which I find inspiring. I suspect 2011 will see a new burst of activity and success for Nancy and those with whom she works.
Patty K, pajama-wearing motivational speaker, writer of blog. What can I say about Patty K?! She’s been on an inspiring journey that we’ve been fortunate enough to follow through her insightful blog. She is a model for being yourself (hence the PJs) and facing your fears. She’s also a proud introvert and helps people embrace all that they are. Watch for her on stages at events and conferences near you!
Debbie Whitlock, Managing Director, eWomen Network-Greater Seattle Chapter + President, Sound Financial Partners. Debbie’s one of the most centered, grounded people I’ve come across in a while. She brings heart and humor to her work, and she is going to be a remarkable force in her new role with eWomen Network. She set an intention a year ago to have a national radio show, and she made it happen. 2011 is going to be huge!
YOU, CEO, YOU, Inc. YOU are going to have an amazing 2011! You are going to step into your values and honor what’s most important to you in a way that’s more powerful and more confident than ever before. As you embrace your introvert strengths and make choices that support you, you’ll move with more ease, peace and flow. You’ll find energy in all sorts of places: in connection and solitude, reflection and action, excitement and calm. Watch out, world, you’re on the move!!!
Who would you add to this list? How are you going to make a difference – for yourself, for others – in 2011?
Beth, how in the world did you have the time to so fabulously profile all of these amazing folks? Everything you write is funny, engaging, thoughtful, polished, and....well, fabulous.
As for me, I think YOU should be profiled alongside Jeff, Francesca, Laurie, Oprah, and Mark as an inspiring, on-the-move introvert. You're the Introvert's Coach! I think that probably means YOU will be on Oprah soon.
Thanks for the great, well-researched list AND for honoring those Greats in your own backyard.
My recent post What a For-Sale Sign teaches about embracing change
Beth, I'm a fanatic about stalking -- I mean, politely following -- cool, powerful people. And if they're introverts, too, like me? All the better and more encouraging!
I'm ridiculously proud to be included in your backyard introvert section, too. Thanks to you, I love my "innie" self more than ever. Thank you, Beth!
What a list! Who knew Oprah was an Introvert! And Beth, I love the local list. I know that list too (as we are in the same backyard) and I am thankful for them all in my circle. I am thankful that you are in my circle too. And may I just add a big acknowledgment to you for truly finding your lane and embracing it. I am so thrilled to see all that you continually create in the world. Fun fact for me...I get to say "I knew her when"!
Now onto what I learned from Ms. Judy Dunn - stick to one point in my comments. haha
I love the impact the introverts on your lists have made in the world. And as an extreme extrovert, married to an extreme introvert...I appreciate the power that your community shares. I am in awe of the steady hand and fortitude with which decisions are made by introverts. It is something that this extrovert can learn from.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
My recent post Blessings and Musings from 2010
Beth - I love this celebration of introverts far and near. I celebrate your mission to bring visibility to the depth and strengths of introverts.
Our culture worships extroverted charismatic men. I salute your work to call attention to the numerous strengths of introverts.
My favorite thing about introverts: when they decide to participate, it is always worth listening to.
Here's to a great 2011!
My recent post December reflections – looking back at 2010
OMG you nail it every time. Fascinating profiles. Here's another list for you: Beth's #1 fan: ME!
My recent post Persuading Someone Starts with Passion
Hey Beth...I am a bit shocked about that 96% number. Wow. I wouldn't have guessed that the disparity was that large. So glad you're doing something about it....because that needs to be fixed. Big time.
Thanks so much for the shout out. Hope you had a restful holiday and are ready for a huge year.
My recent post Fun and games
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the shout out in this post! I am honored to be referenced among such impressive company. 2011, here we all come. I have a feeling it is going to be our best year ever.
My recent post Happy New Year!
OMG you nail it every time. Fascinating profiles.
Here's another list for you:
Beth's #1 fan: Me!
Beth,
Wow, what a great list of national influencers and celebs. And who knew Oprah was an introvert. Ha! Will wonders never cease! I'm not an Op[rah fan (a little too much ego for me), but I must admit that she has dome great things with her life (and her business).
You have proven here that introverts can be as bright and accomplished as the "outties." And that I am included in the backyard introverts? How cool is that! I have come to see you as an introvert advocate and can't wait to see what things you cook up in the new year. Thanks for all you do.
Now if I could just get rid of that WordPress logo that covers my mouth in my avatar. Make that one of my goals for 2011. : )
My recent post Your 2010 CatsEyeWriter Blog Favorites—and a Few of Mine
Beth,
Once again, I'm blown away by your skillful writing and laser-sharp viewpoint that allows us to see our introverted genes anew. Your skillful coaching, workshops and blog posts help me truly embrace my own quieter nature even while being bold in the "outer" world. And to share a blog post with the likes of Oprah and Zuckerberg? Groovy!
Lynn
[...] her thoughts on 5 introverts who made a difference in 2010 – you can read her full post here – her shout out to the introvert includes, Jeff Bezos, Francesca Gino, Dr. Laurie Helgoe, [...]