Career Conversations with Patricia Q Jenkins

The Traveling Introvert

02-05-2023 • 23 mins

On this episode of The Traveling Introvert, we speak to a successful entrepreneur who runs a podcasting business. Patricia shares their journey of building their business from scratch without a strong tech background and how they manage to indulge in something they love. The conversation revolves around the importance of making connections and attending events, as well as the challenges of being an introvert, as the speaker prefers one-on-one conversations to big gatherings. There's also a discussion about the evolution of the podcasting industry and how one can get started. The episode concludes with valuable insights on self-care, the importance of taking breaks, and having conversations about the division of labor at home. Tune in to get tips on how to make connections and build a successful podcasting business as an introvert.

Patricia Q Jenkins values focused energy and giving her full attention to people or tasks at hand. She finds introversion to mean focused attention on what's important and can become overwhelmed and scattered if pulled in too many directions. Patricia struggles with large groups and the dynamic energy that comes with them, preferring instead to connect with individuals on a deeper level.

[00:00:47] Introversion = focused attention on what's important. Large groups drain energy.

[00:02:57] Self-employment as a podcast creator is satisfying but challenging, with the risk of burnout if not managed well. Building a brand and receiving recognition is an amazing feeling.

[00:04:24] Plan breaks even if you're not busy. Take public holidays off and have someone to discuss business with. Don't work on holidays.

[00:05:44] Make time for self-care and indulge in hobbies unrelated to work. Communicate with partners about division of labor at home. Attend meetups and business meetings to build connections, even as an introvert.

[00:08:46] Meeting her partner led to becoming an expat, a traveling spouse, and building a podcasting business. Meeting a kind lady while in the US who understood the expat experience was also life-changing.

[00:11:13] Person says no to many social activities, especially crowded ones, due to living in a small place and not wanting to introduce themselves to big groups. Energy levels dictate whether they attend events.

[00:12:38] The writer loves meeting new people but prefers one-on-one conversations because they can give it the energy and thought it deserves. They find it more restful and relaxing.

[00:13:54] Overwhelming experience at Podcast Movement led to seeking a quiet space in lady's bathroom.

[00:18:31] Podcast editing requires minimal equipment and misconceptions about earning exist, but friendly competition exists and entry barriers have lowered thanks to innovative software.

[00:20:47] The origin of the sandwich is unclear but it may have been invented to allow a gambler to continue playing while eating.