I’m Nadia Finer, and I’m on a softly spoken mission to help shy people be more mighty. I'm the UK’s leading shyness expert; the author of three books about shyness – Shy and Mighty (published by Quercus) Shy and Mighty for Kids, (published by DK), and Quiet Riot (Launching April 2025 published by Watkins) and a coach specialising in shyness.
I know what it’s like to struggle with shyness. You see, all my life I’ve had a little voice. Really little. The kind of voice that makes random people tell me that I should be a cartoon voice-over actress. A voice so little that when strangers ring my house phone, they ask me to put my mum on the phone. It’s no wonder I’m often shy and self-conscious!
I believe that shyness is not a weakness, or a shameful secret. We are not broken. And we don’t need to change who we are. We have so many talents and gifts; it’s time for us to step out of the shadows, because the world needs to hear our voices.
EXPERIENCE
I have over 15 years experience in helping children and adults build their confidence and self esteem and specialise in writing for shy and quiet people.
I’m a regular speaker and trainer in schools and organisations around the country. I give talks and run workshops for children in key stages 2 and 3, parents, carers and teachers.
I have also featured as a key note speaker at events such as Thinking Digital and have been featured in a documentary as one of the Uncertainty Experts. I've also been invited to speak for organisations such as EY, Lego, BT and Mercedes.
EXPERTISE
I am available for expert comment, key note speaking and author events on the following subjects:
- Shyness - Your shyness is a superpower
- Helping shy children to shine
- Confidence
- Raising your profile / increasing visibility
MEDIA
I have appeared on Radio 4 Saturday Live, Woman’s Hour and the ITV News. I’ve been in the Times, Guardian, the Telegraph, The Telegraph, The Independent and in Good Housekeeping.
For more information, please click here.
NEWS!
Quiet Riot launches on 30th April 2025. Be among the first to read this wonderful new book celebrating the achievements of shy and quiet people from all over the world.
SERVICES
SHYNESS IS A SUPERPOWER - TALK / ASSEMBLY
In this engaging and empowering session, Nadia helps young people navigate the challenges of shyness and discover how to embrace their authentic selves while stepping into their full potential. Designed for both primary and secondary students, this session can be delivered as a school assembly or as a classroom workshop or talk, either in person or via Zoom.
Students will gain practical strategies they can implement immediately to take control of their shyness, build confidence, and participate more fully in school and life. Beyond benefiting shy students, this session raises awareness among their peers, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive school environment. With a focus on empowerment, not change, Nadia inspires students to step out of the shadows and shine on their own terms.
Nadia's talk will be followed by a Q&A session and a book signing, if desired.
In addition, schools will receive a complementary copy of Quiet Riot signed by the author, for the school library.
QUIET RIOT - A Quiet Riot Book Reading & Interactive Session
In this interactive workshop, Nadia brings Quiet Riot to life by sharing the inspiring stories of shy superheroes—real-life trailblazers who have achieved incredible things, not in spite of their shyness, but because of it.
Together, we’ll explore what shyness and bravery feel like, and how we all have different sides to ourselves. The children will then have the chance to plan and write their own Quiet Riot story, encouraging them to explore their own feelings of shyness and courage.
Nadia will also offer guidance on overcoming fears, finding your voice, and sharing tips on how to become an author and the writing process itself.
The session will include interactive discussions and thought-provoking coaching questions, helping students feel more confident in expressing themselves and embracing their unique voices.
At the end of the workshop, there will be a Q&A session where students can ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect with the stories in a meaningful way.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF: Confidence Workshop
Speaking up can feel scary, but your voice matters! Speak For Yourself is a fun, interactive workshop designed to help students build confidence, overcome nerves, and express themselves with greater ease.
Many young people struggle with speaking in front of others—whether it’s answering a question in class, presenting their ideas, or standing up for what they believe in. This workshop provides practical strategies to help students manage their fears, develop self-assurance, and feel more comfortable speaking up in everyday situations.
Through engaging activities, group discussions, and simple confidence-building techniques, students will learn how to:
✅ Overcome nerves and self-doubt
✅ Speak clearly and with confidence
✅ Manage anxious thoughts before and during speaking
✅ Express their ideas without fear of judgment
✅ Take small, manageable steps towards being heard
The session is designed to be supportive, uplifting, and empowering—helping students realise that confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about believing in their own voice.
By the end of the workshop, students will walk away with practical tools they can use immediately to speak for themselves—whether in class, social situations, or beyond.
PARENT WORKSHOP - Helping Shy Children to Shine
How can I help my shy child?
This online workshop/ webinar will help parents understand shyness and support their shy children. Our aim is to help young people step out of the shadows, and achieve their full potential, without changing who they really are.
Perfect for helping students navigate the transition from primary to secondary school, as well as the general challenges shyness presents.
Learn strategies that parents can implement right away to support their shy children. Discover tips and techniques that shy young people can use to take control of their own shyness, making their lives happier now, and for the future.
60 min online webinar
"Nadia visited our school and gave an emotional, relatable and well-crafted speech that really made us all consider what shyness was. Nadia made the importance of all voices being heard very clear and her message was especially powerful for some of the shy year 7 girls in the audience. She also answered our students’ questions brilliantly and really inspired them – we wish she could speak to all of our shy students and take away their fears!”
Mr Quilter, Teacher, Monk's Walk School
"Just a quick message of thanks for Nadia. Logan (our son) came home from school today and was very excitedly and told me he met an author today and wants me to get your book. Praise indeed as he NEVER comes out excited like that. Thank you for giving him the inspiration to read more. Genuinely he never retains or regurgitates info back to me like that. Thank you!"
Russell, parent.
"Nadia Finer is a phenomenal inspiration for young people. I loved hearing her techniques for re-framing your fears and embracing the thing that makes you unique. Her talk was especially moving for those who struggle to find a space for their quiet voice to be heard.”
Emma Russo, Teacher, South Hampstead High School
"Lovely speaker on a topic not normally covered. Picked up lots of tips to support my kids, and also for myself as a shy adult!"
Sara, parent.