Susan Cain
Susan Cain is one of the most prominent authors and thought-leaders on introversion and its important role in society. As the author of the worldwide bestseller, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Cain’s aim is to give introverts the confidence and inspiration to succeed, as well as to help our culture better understand and appreciate this personality type.
Cain, who was born and raised in Chicago, has had a passion for writing and exploring psychology since early childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Princeton University in 1989, then worked as a corporate lawyer and as a negotiation consultant. In 2006, she began researching and writing what would become the foundation of Quiet. After making the decision to leave her corporate job and pursue writing full-time in 2010, Cain released Quiet in 2012.
Quiet presents a compelling case for why it’s essential for society to shift its focus from extroversion to introversion. Cain illustrates how far our culture has moved away from recognizing the strengths and potential of introverts, and she offers solutions for how to bridge this gap. Her book also dives deep into examining the consequences of introversion being undervalued in the workplace and school systems.
Since the release of Quiet, Cain has become an active writer and speaker on the topic of introversion. Her TED Talk, “The Power of Introverts,” which has over 15 million views and counting, proves her appeal to the masses, yet her insights and opinions hold true to her academic research. She has been awarded the Washington Post’s distinction of Global Thought Leader, and she has been featured in countless high-profile interviews and articles, including the New York Times, Time magazine, and Forbes.
Cain also uses her writing and research to help real people. She has written two more bestsellers, including Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts and Quiet: The Power of Introverts for Parents, Teachers, and Leaders. She also founded the Quiet Revolution, a community centered on giving voice to the power of introverts, which offers online and in-person learning experiences meant to empower introverts of all ages. The company further develops the insights from Cain’s research, proving both her tenacity and her commitment to advancing the cause of introversion.
The most powerful tribute to Susan Cain’s work is that she has influenced many of the world’s leading institutions. Facebook, Google, and other companies have embraced Cain’s mission and are actively working to create spaces and systems that are conducive to introverts. Her message of acceptance and equality for introverts has pushed our culture towards embracing this personality type, furthering the tenets of the Quiet Revolution.
Ultimately, Susan Cain’s writing, research, and advocacy has become an invaluable source of strength and guidance for introverts around the world. By unveiling the importance of introversion, Cain has put language to the unique gifts and power of the introverted experience. Her impact on the world of psychology, literature, and beyond is undeniable, further cementing her legacy as one of the most influential authors on the topic of introversion.