You don’t need to be loud to lead
Sport14.04.2025
I’ve never been the loudest person in the room. And sometimes that made me wonder if that meant I wasn’t cut out for leadership roles.
In a world that often equates leadership with charisma, volume, and visibility, quiet leaders can be easily overlooked—or worse, doubt themselves. I know I have. I’ve felt unsure about whether I should put myself forward. And yet, time and time again, I’ve learned that being a quiet leader isn’t a liability. It’s a strength.
As a front end player on my curling teams, I often led in quieter ways. I listened. I observed. I tried to understand what my team needed. Listening can sometimes be confused with inaction, but I’ve found that giving others space to share—and taking the time to think before I speak—has allowed me to contribute powerfully in moments when it mattered most. A well-timed question or thoughtful perspective can shift the energy of a conversation or the direction of a game.
I carried that same mindset into my role as Chef de Mission at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games. Part of the role was to be a vocal cheerleader, but I also saw it as my job to be a quiet and trusted presence. One of my core philosophies during that experience was to meet people where they are. That meant paying attention to each athlete’s emotional state and energy level, and adjusting my approach accordingly. Whether someone needed encouragement, space, a quiet check-in, or a celebratory high five, I tried to respond in a way that made them feel seen and supported. I tried to connect with athletes in a way that felt honest and authentic—because I know not everyone reacts to situations in the same way.
Reading Quiet by Susan Cain in university was a turning point for me. It gave me language for the things I was already feeling—that introversion isn’t a weakness, and that quiet people bring depth, reflection, and clarity to teams and organizations. As Cain writes, “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
Another idea that resonated deeply was Cain’s belief that “everyone shines, given the right lighting.” Quiet leaders don’t always thrive in loud environments—but when given space to lead in their own way, they shine just as brightly. I’ve seen this over and over again in my own journey and in those I coach.
In coaching, I often work with athletes and professionals who feel unsure about their leadership potential because they aren’t the loudest voice. I remind them that their presence, perspective, and way of making others feel seen are forms of leadership too. We need more leaders who are listening, paying attention, and leading with intention.
So if you’ve ever felt out of place in traditional leadership spaces because your style is more reserved—know this: quiet leadership is just as impactful.
You don’t need to be loud to lead. You just need to show up as yourself, speak with conviction, and trust that your way of leading is valid, powerful, and enough.
