In 2023, I made a discovery that quietly shifted how I work and lead. It began with a simple personality test, the MBTI, taken during a management course while I was returning to school after a career change. The result came back as ENTJ.
At first, it made sense. ENTJs are strategic, structured, decisive. I love plans, clarity, and long term thinking. But something felt off. Even though I enjoyed leading, I was not the loudest voice in the room. I did not thrive in high energy group environments. I often preferred depth over noise. A quiet part of me was still unexplained.
A few years later, I took the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, recommended by Rachel Rodgers, and everything became clear. My top strengths were:
Empathy
Restorative
Individualization
Context
Intellection
This combination reflected a completely different version of me. One that aligned with the natural tendencies of an introverted entrepreneur. Thoughtful, observant, and deeply focused. In MBTI terms, these strengths connected more naturally with the INTJ profile.
And suddenly, everything in my entrepreneurial journey made sense.
The Truth About Being an Introverted Entrepreneur
The moment I acknowledged my introverted nature, everything felt more aligned.
I realized the following:
• I thrive in one on one conversations
• I think deeply before speaking
• I create my best work in calm environments
• I observe before acting
• I need quiet time to recharge and reflect
• Photography gave me a way to connect without performing
None of this was a limitation. It was simply how I naturally operate.
Introverted entrepreneurs are often encouraged to be louder, show up everywhere, and stay constantly visible. But our strength does not come from volume. It comes from clarity, intention, and depth.
Understanding that changed everything for me.
Why Self Awareness Is a Competitive Advantage
For years, I kept facing the same challenges in my business. Repeated misalignment. Draining collaborations. Confusion about direction. Environments that overwhelmed me. It felt like I was working hard without moving anywhere meaningful.
The turning point came when I accepted that the problem was not strategy. It was self-awareness.
When introverted entrepreneurs understand how they naturally think, plan, and create, the entire business shifts.
Here is what happens:
• Your messaging becomes clearer
• You attract clients who value depth and intention
• You make decisions more easily
• Your boundaries strengthen
• You stop forcing what drains you
• You start choosing what fuels you
Rachel Rodgers often says that success is tied to your zone of genius. For introverted entrepreneurs, this zone often includes deep thinking, intuitive communication, pattern recognition, and thoughtful leadership.
When I embraced these strengths, everything started to click into place.
Finding Your Zone of Genius as an Introverted Entrepreneur
By April of that year, I felt a renewed sense of clarity. I reconnected with clients who genuinely needed my help. I supported entrepreneurs who had been stuck for years. Some secured four and five figure contracts because their message finally made sense and aligned with their true strengths.
The lesson was simple.
Introverted entrepreneurs succeed when they stop performing extroversion and start embracing their natural strengths.
Your zone of genius is not loud.
It is focused.
It is intentional.
It is powerful.
And when your business reflects that truth, success becomes sustainable and authentic.
Final Thoughts
Self awareness is not a trend. It is a strategic tool for introverted entrepreneurs who want clarity, energy, and aligned growth. Once you understand how you naturally operate, you can design a business that supports you instead of draining you.
As you move forward, ask yourself this important question.
What is my zone of genius, and how can I build a business that allows it to shine
Happy World Introvert Day.
As an introverted entrepreneur myself, I see you. Your quiet power is real, valuable, and deeply needed.