Finding Balance in the Buzz of AoM as a Strong Introvert

Presents Christa's reflections on participating in a big conference as a strong introvert

Christa Sathish - Wed 8 Oct 2025 11:08 (updated Mon 29 Sep 2025 22:28)

“I love it quiet, but also believe in purpose-driven presence”

Attending the Academy of Management for the first time felt like stepping into another dimension of academic life – one that was vibrant, buzzing, and very lively. Like many who completed their PhDs during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had never been to an academic conference before – not to this extent!

My entire PhD journey was shaped by virtual talks, seminars and far too many Zoom meetings, as well as trying to fit into remote communities. I had no other option but to try to build my academic world through screens, in quiet rooms, often alone.

So, walking and finding myself in the buzz at AOM 2025 in Copenhagen was like stepping into a completely different academic universe. It was vibrant, dynamic, very crowded, exciting, and yet overwhelming.

A beautiful but loud start

I arrived with anticipation and curiosity, ready to finally meet the people I had only known online and many new faces who I did not know at all. But within a few hours, I was hit by the sheer intensity of the conference environment – the noise, the scale, the pace and the continuous movement of people and the feeling of ‘I have to network’ constantly.

As a strong introvert, I found the first day especially difficult. My nervous system was in overdrive, and I tried very hard to feel the ground. I questioned whether I belonged in such a loud and fast-moving space, and whether I had what it takes to ‘do’ these kinds of conferences.

BUT I also knew I had come for a reason. I believed in my purpose to lead the PDW ‘Let’s form a PACT: How to be the change you want to see and create more Positive Academia? together with Anne-Wil Harzing, and that belief grounded me. Instead of simply giving up and resisting the conference community, I started to reflect and find a way to look for positivity and a way to integrate myself without breaking down.

Finding my own rhythm

Once I gave myself the permission for pauses, things shifted. I stopped trying to be everywhere and to feel bad about failed engagements during networking, and started focusing on what truly mattered to me. I slowed down mentally. I took breaks – and yes in one instance I had a nap on one of the blue cardboard blocks! I found quiet spaces and times between interactions and sessions – a corner in the Bella Center or at the canal near the metro station, and the nearby parks. I allowed myself to be myself, even in the middle of a very extroverted environment.

Our Positive Academia PDW was a turning point. Being part of a space filled with generosity shared values, and scholars who collectively care, reminded me why I had made the journey. It was the one session we had planned for an entire year, and it represented not only a professional but also a very personal mission. Standing there in front of about 60 participants whom I mostly did not know, it felt so overwhelming. But I suddenly felt energised because I finally could share my passion and enthusiasm in my very own authentic way, using my voice in person. It felt amazingly comfortable, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Even a night without any sleep did not hinder me from doing this.

Additionally, the CYGNA Women in Academia Network dinner was grounding and comforting. I enjoyed getting to know new CYGNA sisters and meeting old friends. These were people I had grown close to online during the past three years, and connecting with them face-to-face brought a deep sense of belonging. We laughed, shared stories, and found comfort in each other’s presence. Indeed, I found that several other introverted academics felt exactly the same way! That kind of connection – built over time and sustained by care – made a big difference for me.

Purpose made it possible

In a large conference that can easily become overwhelming, my purpose acted as my compass. I did not come to AOM to collect people’s names or to ‘tick boxes’. I came to learn, to share, and to contribute to a vision of academia that is kinder, more inclusive, and more humane. This purpose gave me the courage to show up proactively – and the clarity to step away when needed.

I also came away with something unexpected – the joy of being an academic!

Not just professional stimulation, but actual joy in (re)connecting with people, in hearing ideas take shape, in those in-between moments that no virtual conference or online meeting could replicate.

AOM did not only stretch me – it made me stronger, more confident when interacting with others.

Tips for strong introverts attending their first big conference

If you are looking forward to your first in-person conference – especially if – like me- your academic journey started online, and you are a strong introvert – here are a few tips to help you find your way:

Give yourself time to adapt

Don’t expect to feel comfortable and grounded on day one. Take it slow, explore the conference center and its surroundings without the need to network. Let your senses catch up and allow yourself to feel a little bit out of place at first. Do not feel bad about yourself if you are surrounded by extroverts who naturally enjoy the buzz from the start!

Choose depth over breadth

Do not think that you have to do it all! One meaningful session (e.g. PDW that you lead or participate or a symposia) can offer more than five rushed paper sessions!

Find quiet between the noise

Escape to recharge zones – whether it is a quiet corner, meditation room, a bench, park or a quiet corridor. These small oases of calm can support you to reset.

Schedule rest like a session

Block out breaks in your calendar and stick to them. Your energy is just as important as your schedule.

Let purpose be your compass

Know why you are there and let that guide every decision, from which session to attend to when to say no.

Connect, do not perform

Networking can feel performative, especially when others ask you if you are fine when you look flustered. But real connection does not have to be performative. Focus on being real not impressive and accept how networking occurs even if it is not fulfilling at times.

Talk to fellow introverts

You are not alone! I have met several strong introverts who openly named their own discomfort. It can help so much and create a space of solidarity, laughter and honesty.

Say no without apology

Leave a session or reception early or do not attend at all. Skip a panel if you feel like. Go and take a rest. You do not need a reason to care for yourself.

Bring a grounding object

Something that comforts you during travelling (e.g. a journal, something you wear, something to watch) can help you feel rooted in unfamiliar spaces.

Celebrate your own way of showing up!

It is fine if you are not the loudest person in the room. Showing up with care, presence, and honesty is more than enough.

AOM 2025 was the first management conference I have ever attended, and I will never forget it. It was a fast-paced, very tiring, whirlwind of ideas, emotions, introductions, and personal and professional growth. But it also reminded me that even in loud and crowded places, there is space for quiet, inner peace, intention, purpose and authenticity.

Being a strong introvert in an extroverted space does not mean shrinking back – it means finding your own rhythm. It means trusting that your voice, even if it is quiet, matters deeply, and it means building the kind of academia where others can do the same! If you are preparing for your first in-person conference, I hope this reflection helps. The adjustment may take a day or two, but on the other side is something wonderfully worthwhile – connections, community, and a deeper understanding of your own academic path.

I am already looking forward to conferences in 2026 and hope to see many new faces joining our Positive Academia Collective Transformation, as well as connecting with my CYGNA sisters!

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Christa Sathish is a researcher of Organizational Culture & Change and a Lecturer in Management & Marketing at the University of Westminster. She is an all-around, transdisciplinary researcher who enjoys theoretical and empirical research using mixed-method research approaches, and digital methods. As co-founder of Positive Academia CIC (Community Interest Company) her passion is to make academia a better place for everyone.

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