An Introvert's Rotary
by Kirsten Lindsay
I’m one of those people you might assume is an extrovert, but I’m really an introvert (an “introverted extrovert” - or is it an “extroverted introvert”?). In large group events, I tend to arrive toward the end of the “networking” period to minimize social time. I’m more comfortable with “big talk” than small talk. The typical “How are you?” or “How’s work?” followed by the inevitable “Busy!” leaves me drained and scrambling for what to say next.
These days, small talk feels even trickier. Our economic, social, and political climate can make deeper conversations feel like minefields. Stray too far from the weather, and you risk bumping into dangerous territory. In Oklahoma, even college football is dicey. And fifteen years into my career at Francis Tuttle, I have yet to perfect my elevator speech. I love what I do and it’s important work but I can’t sum it up in thirty seconds.
So when I was approached by a long-time friend about joining Rotary, I was intrigued – Rotaries, Club 29 in particular, have an outstanding reputation in our city - but also hesitant: all those high-profile community members and overachievers in one room! All of that talking and networking! It sounded simultaneously exciting and exhausting. READ MORE
