Some Well-known Introverts With Enormous Power

Many introverts believe the trait will hold them back in life, but it can in fact be the very ticket to greatness. Introverts tend to be more thoughtful, more considered in their decisions and well-placed to get the best from people. Some of the most successful people on the planet are, and have been, self-confessed introverts.

Take Bill Gates. Regularly ranked as the wealthiest man in the world, Gates has used introversion to his advantage and has said that 'If you're clever you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert'. To balance his introversion, he's also said he hires plenty of extroverts to ensure a good mix of people in his closest teams.

Another highly successful introvert, Elon Musk has spoken in the past about how hard he found it to speak in front of large groups of people. He's described himself as an 'introverted engineer', but as head of several major companies, that can't be a bad thing.

Co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, was the introvert Yin to Steve Jobs extrovert Yang. He has said that embracing introversion is critical to becoming a good leader, and he's a case in point. He's also suggested that nothing revolutionary has ever been invented by a committee… Work alone – not on a committee. Not on a team'.

Outside of the business world, Barack Obama exhibits a lot of introverted qualities, such as being a deep thinker and highly self-reflective. He's also admitted that he works best when he's alone, with just peace and quiet rather than people.

I could also point to a few celebrities who are highly successful introverts and very much in the public eye. Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, JK Rowling, Michael Jordan and Elton John have all described themselves or been described as shy and introverted behind the scenes. Many famous people can put on an act and still prefer being on their own and out of the limelight.

Introverts can and very often do become the best leaders and most respected, successful public figures. They know the importance of putting on a show when it's needed, and their calm, level-headedness works in their favour. If you count yourself as an introvert, then you could be up there with some of the greats. Look for the advantages and the benefits of introversion, and never let it hold you back.