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 - From £275
A 60 minute Session on Understanding and Working with Shyness
In this engaging and empowering 60-minute 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.
SHY SUPERHEROES - A Quiet Riot Book Reading & Interactive Session - from £275
In this engaging 60-minute session, I will bring Quiet Riot to life by sharing inspiring stories of shy superheroes—real-life trailblazers who have achieved incredible things, not in spite of their shyness, but because of it. Through storytelling, I will introduce students to softly spoken yet mighty individuals from the worlds of sport, science, music, activism, and beyond—showing them that being quiet doesn’t mean they can’t make a big impact.
Together, we will explore the key themes of Quiet Riot, from dreaming big to staying true to yourself, and reflect on the unique strengths that come with being shy. The session will include interactive discussions and thought-provoking coaching questions to help students feel more confident in their own voices.
Ahead of my visit, students will have the opportunity to pre-order their own copy of Quiet Riot, which I will personally sign on the day. This gives them a chance to take home a book filled with inspiring stories and practical strategies to help them embrace their quiet power.
At the end of the session, there will be a Q&A where students can ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect with the stories in a meaningful way. I will also be available for book signings, ensuring each student receives a personalised message of encouragement.
In addition, schools will receive a complementary copy of Quiet Riot signed by the author, for the school library.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF: Confidence Workshop - from £350
Speaking up can feel scary, but your voice matters! Speak For Yourself is a fun, interactive 60-minute 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 - From £275
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
"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.