The Power of Introversion in Consulting Leaders with Gayle Lantz

In this thoughtful and energizing episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer Kahnweiler sits down with longtime friend and leadership consultant Gayle Lantz, founder of WorkMatters, Inc. Gayle has spent decades working with leaders from organizations of all sizes—from startups to giants like NASA and Microsoft—helping them navigate change, lead with intention, and cultivate clarity.

While Gayle has long avoided labels, she now embraces her introverted qualities and shares how they’ve become foundational to her consulting and coaching approach. Listening deeply, taking time to reflect, and staying present with her clients have become her superpowers—especially in a fast-paced world that often prioritizes quick answers over meaningful insight.

Jennifer and Gayle explore how introversion can be a powerful force in leadership, especially when paired with thoughtful facilitation and a willingness to keep evolving. They also delve into how Gayle balances the roles of coach and consultant, offering not just space for clients to think—but also the benefit of her own hard-earned wisdom and experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Gayle’s introverted strengths—like reflection, presence, and deep listening—help her clients find clarity and confidence
  
  

• The subtle but powerful difference between coaching and consulting—and how Gayle blends the best of both
  
  

• Practical strategies for creating inclusive group dynamics that engage quieter voices
  
  

• Why Gayle believes sharing your own struggles and stories can make you a more effective ally and advisor
  
  

• How experimentation and reinvention keep her work meaningful and fresh
  
  

• Why her award-winning podcast CEO on the Go has remained such a vital part of her business—and personal development
  
  

Gayle also shares smart techniques she uses in group settings to make space for introverted participants, including pre-seeding questions, allowing time to write before sharing, and normalizing the idea that not everything has to be perfectly polished before it’s voiced. These small shifts, she says, create environments where everyone feels seen and valued.

On the power of presence:

“Listening isn’t just waiting to talk. It’s reflecting, clarifying, and showing someone that you’re truly with them in the moment. That’s where trust and insight begin.”

On the value of reinvention:

“You have to let go of some things to make room for what’s next. When something no longer energizes you, it’s okay to close the loop and try something new.”

Fun fact: When she’s not helping leaders reimagine their organizations, Gayle is lifting barbells, walking on her hands, and even reconnecting with her love for piano. Her commitment to staying curious, active, and joyful is all part of her personal and professional philosophy.

Connect with Gayle Lantz:
🌐 WorkMatters.com
🔗 LinkedIn
🎧 CEO on the Go Podcast

 

About Gayle Lantz:
Gayle Lantz is the Founder and CEO of WorkMatters, Inc., a leadership consultant, author, and host of the CEO on the Go podcast—ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally. She works with CEOs and senior executives to drive meaningful change through strategic planning, visioning, and leadership development. Her clients range from major organizations like NASA, Microsoft, and Protective Life to small and mid-sized firms.

With over two decades of experience, Gayle is known for helping leaders think differently, challenge the status quo, and create lasting impact. She is the author of Take the Bull by the Horns and creator of The Leadership Journal. Gayle is also a Certified Reinvention Practitioner and long-time facilitator of CEO peer groups.