Nadia Finer is on a mission to help softly spoken people find their voice.
She is the UK’s leading shyness expert and coach, host of the Shy and Mighty podcast and the author of two books about shyness. She is a regular speaker in schools around the country and also runs a school-based program to help shy kids feel more comfortable to be themselves.
Nadia's book Quiet Riot: True Tales of Shy Superheroes Who Changed the World is an inspiring, helpful celebration of shy and successful men and women who have achieved great things. Through the stories of the shy but mighty Beyoncé, Greta Thungberg, Lionel Messi, David Bowie and more, Nadia encourages young readers to find inner confidence and make their voices heard.
Q. What drives your passion to support shy children?
When I was younger, I was really shy — mostly because I felt self-conscious about my little voice. I worried that people would laugh at me or think I was weird, so I didn’t speak up or talk to anyone I didn’t already know. Feeling shy can make us think we’re the only one who gets nervous about speaking up or stepping into new situations. I never told anyone how I felt, and because I kept all those feelings inside, I ended up feeling even more alone. We don’t tend to talk about shyness — because, well, we’re shy! We don’t like to make a fuss or draw attention to ourselves. But over time, I realised that being shy wasn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s just a part of who I am. And now, I want to help other shy children see how special they are too. Shy kids have brilliant ideas, kind hearts, and powerful imaginations — they just need a little encouragement to shine in their own quiet way.
Q. What are the key messages from your book Quiet Riot?
Quiet Riot is all about showing that shy, softly spoken, and quiet people can do amazing things. The book shares real-life stories of people — from scientists to singers, racing drivers to footballers, artists and writers — who also felt shy when they were children. It helps kids see that being quiet doesn’t mean you can’t be confident. You don’t need to shout to be heard. Quiet people have power inside them too. You can make a big difference in the world just by being exactly who you are.
Q. In what practical ways do you hope children and adults will be helped by your books?
I hope children feel braver and more confident in themselves after reading my books. I want them to know that feeling shy is completely okay — it’s just part of being human. The world needs all kinds of people. If everyone was loud and outgoing, it would be noisy chaos! I hope shy children see that their voice matters, and that they find the courage to share their brilliant ideas, insights, and gifts with the world — in their own quiet way. For adults — especially parents, teachers, and others who might not feel shy themselves — I hope my books help them understand what shyness really is. Shy children don’t need to be "fixed" — they need to be understood. They often just need a little time, space, and encouragement to shine.
Q. How does shyness coaching work?
Shyness coaching is like having a friendly guide who helps you feel more confident in your own skin and build your bravery muscles bit by bit. We talk about what situations make you feel shy (like speaking in class or making new friends), and then we gently work through those feelings together. I share fun tools and tips to help children feel calmer, stronger, and more comfortable being themselves — without changing who they are.
Q. Tell us about your work in schools, and the talks and workshops that are available.
I visit schools to talk to children about shyness and quiet confidence. In my assemblies and workshops, I share stories from my books and introduce children to real-life “Shy Superheroes” — people who were once quiet kids and grew up to do amazing things. My aim is to help children feel proud of who they are and realise that being shy is not a weakness — it can even be a strength. In our sessions, we chat about big feelings, do fun activities, and learn simple tools to build self-esteem and confidence in gentle, non-scary ways. Whether I’m reading from Quiet Riot, answering questions, or leading a confidence workshop, I always make sure every child feels safe, included, and valued — especially the quietest children.
Q. Who are the most surprising Shy Superheroes in your book?
There are so many! Did you know that Beyoncé was really shy when she was little? Her singing teacher had to bribe her with money just to get her to sing in front of people! Footballer Lionel Messi felt very shy too — he was smaller than all the other boys, and when he first joined Barcelona, he hardly spoke at all. Author Emily Brontë was so socially awkward that she hardly ever left the house. When visitors came over, she would sometimes hide behind doors… or even under the table! And Albert Einstein — one of the most brilliant scientists in the world — didn’t speak in full sentences until he was about four years old. It just goes to show: shyness comes and goes, but shy people often have secret superpowers. Even if you feel shy, you can still be quiet, kind, and totally powerful.
Q. Leave us with three tips on ways to overcome shyness.
�� 1. Take tiny brave steps. You don’t need to do big, scary things all at once. Start small — like saying hello, joining a game, or asking a question — and build up from there. Every brave step counts!
�� 2. Breathe like a superhero. When you feel nervous, take slow, deep breaths. It helps calm your body and your brain, so you feel more ready to face the moment.
�� 3. Talk about your feelings. Shyness grows in silence, but it shrinks when we talk about it. If you're feeling shy, try telling someone you trust — a teacher, a parent, or a friend. You’re definitely not the only one who feels that way.
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Read our full review for Quiet Riot, and download the first chapter here.
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