Soul Sessions | Jungian Coaching Podcast by CreativeMind

Episode: Introverts Guide to Coaching: Big Five Personality Traits
Hosts: Debra Berndt Maldonado & Robert Maldonado, PhD
Date: January 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Debra Berndt Maldonado and Dr. Rob Maldonado explore the concept of extroversion and introversion through the lens of the Big Five personality traits. They tackle how these personality factors affect aspiring coaches—especially those who are naturally introverted—in building their coaching business, marketing themselves, and establishing deep client connections. Drawing from Jungian psychology, the hosts emphasize the importance of individuation and going beyond personality conditioning to authentically serve others through coaching.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Extroversion and Introversion

Timestamp: 01:01–03:27

• Extroversion in the Big Five is measured on a spectrum of comfort with social engagement—public speaking, networking, etc.
• Debra shares her personal journey of realizing she’s more of an introvert, appreciating solitude rather than large social gatherings.
• Many who are drawn to depth coaching/self-exploration are naturally introverted—preferring reading, self-reflection, and quietude over social activities.
• Core insight: Introverts can still succeed as coaches; it's not about changing their nature, but about how they relate to their social energy.

"Introverts ... don't get your energy from people. You ... get fueled by your own self."
—Debra Berndt Maldonado (03:27)

2. Differentiating Healthy Expression from Ego-Driven Motivation

Timestamp: 04:44–06:42

• The problem arises if introversion is used as a protective cocoon (avoiding discomfort or fear of judgment).
• Extroverts can operate from ego if primarily driven by the need for external validation.
• The ideal is to consciously choose when to “put yourself out there” for higher purpose, not from need or ego.
• Jung as an example: Despite being introverted, he lectured publicly to fulfill his mission, not driven by external praise.

"You have to individuate to be able to choose to put yourself out there without feeling that you're betraying your true nature."
—Dr. Rob Maldonado (02:44)

"In order for us to be successful and actually impact lives, we have to cultivate our desire for extroversion ... but it has to be for a higher purpose."
—Debra Berndt Maldonado (04:47)

3. The Persona and Authentic Engagement

Timestamp: 08:05–09:32

• Jungian concept: The Persona (social mask) is not the real self; it's a role we play that can be either introverted or extroverted.
• Coaches should recognize when they're operating from Persona versus true self, and strive for authentic choice, not compulsion.
• Social media can be a tool for introverts to connect without overwhelming real-life social demands.

"The Persona is simply a mask ... it's not the real you, that's simply the role that you're playing in a particular situation."
—Dr. Rob Maldonado (08:05)

4. Impact on the Coaching Relationship

Timestamp: 09:32–11:34

• If a coach is too introverted and withholds their inner life, it can block deep connection with clients.
• Extreme extroverts may overpower sessions, talking more about themselves and forgetting to listen.
• True coaching mastery involves individuation: getting ego out of the way, balancing listening and sharing, and cultivating genuine rapport.

"If you have that rapport with your clients, that will get you further than any theory, any technique ..."
—Dr. Rob Maldonado (10:05)

5. Depth Psychology: Navigating Ego and Shadow

Timestamp: 11:34–13:41

• It's a "house of mirrors": coaches and clients project and reflect off each other's conscious/unconscious material.
• The more self-aware the coach, the more potent the transformation for both parties.
• Integrating strengths and shadows (the opposite pole of one's dominant personality) is essential for growth.

"It's a house of mirrors ... we have to consider our own conscious and unconscious and the client's conscious and unconscious."
—Dr. Rob Maldonado (11:34)

6. Practical Coaching Tips for Introverts

Timestamp: 13:41–17:13

• Listen deeply, but don't disappear—introverted coaches need to assert themselves, interject, and risk asking challenging questions.
• The path forward: transcend personality labels, step out of ego, focus on service and the client’s needs.
• At CreativeMind, most trainees start as introverts and transform into confident, eloquent practitioners ready to be seen authentically.

"Instead of depending on that conditioning about whether I'm an introvert or an extrovert ... understand it's not about me, it's about helping my clients."
—Dr. Rob Maldonado (14:32)

"...when you get your ego out of the way, you're able to be more intuitive, more connected. And the client feels it."
—Debra Berndt Maldonado (15:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Choice vs. Conditioning:
  "It doesn't matter what your personal preference are ... you can reach a point in your development where you see it as a choice..."
  —Dr. Rob Maldonado (05:55)

• On Social Media for Introverts:
  "...social media ... actually easier to post a video or post something than actually go meet people and be extroverted in the 3D world. So it is interesting how we have to make a decision of am I going to be operating from ego or ...?"
  —Debra Berndt Maldonado (07:25)

• On Transformation:
  "...at the end of the year, it's amazing the transformation that occurs ... someone who is kind of shy and quiet ... then they're doing a very eloquent, articulate video ... they've come out of their shell, so to speak, and they feel empowered."
  —Debra Berndt Maldonado (16:23)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 01:01 – Introversion and extroversion defined, personal anecdotes
• 02:44 – The importance of individuation and conscious choice
• 04:47 – Doing “the duty” of sharing your message as a coach
• 05:55 – Jung as an example of the introverted, yet visible, leader
• 08:05 – The Persona as social mask versus authentic self
• 09:32 – Effect of coach's personality style on client relationship
• 11:34 – Depth coaching as a house of mirrors
• 13:41 – Balancing listening and assertiveness in sessions
• 14:32 – Stepping out of ego to focus on the client
• 16:23 – Transformation of introverted coaches in training

Takeaways for Listeners

• Introversion or extroversion is less important than your willingness to individuate—that is, to consciously choose how you engage with others and build your coaching practice.
• Use personality tendencies as tools, not limits; integrate their opposites for authentic growth.
• Focus on serving your clients over protecting your ego. Success comes from genuine connection, not personality labels.
• Transformation is possible—embrace your path, and with the right inner work, you’ll step confidently into your role as a coach.