Unlocking Your Natural Strengths for Career Success with Angie Callen
In the latest episode of Lift the Gate with Lift Business Resources, host Katie Santoro sits down with Angie Callen, the founder and principal of Career Benders. Angie is an award-winning coach, international speaker, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping individuals build fulfilling careers while staying true to their authentic selves.
This episode is packed with wisdom on how to identify, embrace, and leverage your natural strengths for success—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional looking for career advancement, or someone searching for greater fulfillment in your work.
Why Authenticity is Key to Career and Business Success
One of the core themes of the conversation is authenticity—the idea that the most successful and fulfilled professionals are those who lean into their unique talents and strengths rather than trying to fit into a mold.
Angie shares how many professionals fall into the trap of pursuing careers based on external expectations rather than what truly aligns with their strengths and passions. This misalignment often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a lack of motivation. Instead, she encourages listeners to:
Recognize what makes you unique – Your strengths, passions, and personal values should guide your career decisions.
Let go of traditional success metrics – Career success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about finding fulfillment in the work you do.
Embrace your natural strengths – The things that come easily to you are often your greatest assets.
How to Identify and Leverage Your Strengths
A key takeaway from the episode is that self-awareness is a critical first step in unlocking career and business success. Angie shares a few practical ways to identify and leverage your strengths effectively:
Conduct a Personal Strengths Assessment
If you’re unsure what your unique strengths are, start by reflecting on:
What comes easily to you? (Skills you excel at without much effort)
What do others compliment you on? (Feedback from colleagues, mentors, or clients)
When do you feel most energized? (Tasks that excite and engage you)
Pro Tip: Try using tools like StrengthsFinder, the VIA Character Strengths Survey, or the Kolbe Index to gain deeper insights into your natural abilities.
Apply Your Strengths in Your Daily Work
Once you’ve identified your strengths, think about how you can intentionally apply them in your role or business.
For example:
If you’re naturally analytical, lean into problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.
If you’re a strong communicator, focus on leadership, mentoring, or public speaking.
If you thrive in creative thinking, look for ways to innovate and bring fresh ideas to your work.
By aligning your daily tasks with your strengths, you’ll not only boost productivity but also find greater satisfaction in your work.
Overcome Challenges by Reframing Weaknesses
Rather than viewing weaknesses as obstacles, Angie suggests reframing them as opportunities for growth.
For example:
Instead of saying, "I’m not good at public speaking," say, "I haven’t had enough practice yet."
Instead of avoiding complex problems, lean on your strengths to collaborate with others who complement your skill set.
Your perceived weaknesses may actually be untapped strengths in disguise!
Taking Action: The Power of Proactive Career Growth
Angie also emphasizes that career success is not passive—it requires deliberate action and continuous learning. Here are three ways to start taking action today:
Stay Curious & Keep Learning – The most successful professionals never stop learning. Take courses, read books, or seek mentorship to expand your skills.
Build a Strong Network – Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Attend networking events, engage in professional communities, and connect with mentors.
Set Career Goals Aligned with Your Strengths – Define what success looks like for you and create a roadmap to achieve it, step by step.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Strengths & Take Charge of Your Success
This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain clarity on their career path, unlock their full potential, and create success on their own terms. Angie Callen’s insights remind us that success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out by fully embracing who you are.
Watch Episode 3 of Lift the Gate now!
