In this episode of Biz & Life Done Well, Peter sits down with Michael Thompson, author of "Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out." Michael shares his journey from a shy, stuttering child to a successful career coach and author.

Key topics they discussed:

- Michael's background and motivation for writing "Shy by Design"
- The power of curiosity in personal and professional growth
- Building meaningful connections through small, intentional actions
- Embracing one's natural tendencies rather than trying to fit a preconceived mold
- Strategies for networking and relationship-building, especially for introverts
- The value of lifting others up as you progress in your own career

Michael weaves in personal stories that bring his principles to life. He shared one story about a meeting with an influential author that illustrates the unexpected impact of perseverance and kindness in networking:

"I was leaving a comment on his blog, and we met for breakfast and I completely bombed it. I just had a kid. I was exhausted. I forgot my wallet. I asked him to breakfast. I think at one point I even said to him, 'How do you live with your wife?' after he told me a story about her. Just a bad day. And I got home, my wife put my smiling baby on my lap and I cried saying I'm never gonna hear from that guy again. Two months later, I published something on WordPress and he saw it, and he left a comment. 'This is good.' Like a month afterwards, 'This one's great.' And he helped me to get that into Fast Company."

This story beautifully encapsulates Michael's message about the power of authentic connections and the importance of not giving up after initial setbacks.

Michael's book, "Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out" offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and embrace their introverted nature while making a lasting impact in their personal and professional lives.

Find the book on Amazon [link]
Michael Thompson's Website