By Olivia Janssens
“What flows with ease and joy? That’s where your true power lies.”
We are all born with unique talents — natural strengths that guide us toward meaningful success. And yet, when I ask women, “What are you naturally good at?” I often get unsure responses like, “I’m not really sure… I don’t think I’m good at anything in particular.”
But what if your talents weren’t random traits — but clues to your soul mission? What if these gifts were designed to help you create a business that energizes you, rather than drains you?
Understanding the Difference Between Skills and Talents
A skill is not a talent. Early in my career in recruitment, I excelled at cold calling. My colleagues called it a talent. But it left me exhausted. That’s when I understood the difference. A skill is something you can learn. A talent is something that energizes you and comes naturally. If it drains you, it’s likely a learned skill — not a true talent.
Your talents are more than strengths — they’re the foundation of your business. If you don’t know or use them intentionally, you risk building a business that costs you more energy than it gives. You might take on tasks that deplete you, simply because they’re “part of the job.” But in doing so, you’re moving further from what you’re meant to be doing.
As your business grows, talent-awareness helps you make smart decisions. You’ll know what to delegate, which tasks to outsource, and where to focus your time and energy. Without that clarity, you may end up overwhelmed, holding on to things that don’t align with your strengths. If you’re unclear on your talents, you won’t be able to communicate your value. But when you can name and own them, they become the foundation of your brand story. That’s when people truly connect with your message.
Your talents are your unique business DNA. They are what make you different. You don’t need to fear competition when you operate from your true zone of genius — because no one else has your exact combination of energy, gifts, and purpose.
Uncovering and Protecting Your Talent-DNA
Many women don’t see their talents because they come so naturally. But ease doesn’t equal insignificance. Reflect on the following:
What are you good at?
What are you good at but drains you? → That’s a skill.
What are you good at and energises you? → That’s a talent.
What does the world need that you can offer with joy?
Stress distorts your talents. Under pressure, your strengths can become liabilities. A connector might become a people-pleaser. A strategic thinker might become controlling. That’s why self-awareness is key: you must understand both your talents and your limits. When you’re aware, you can protect your energy and stay aligned. Without it, stress will sabotage the very gifts you’re meant to share. Context is everything. Even the strongest talent needs the right environment to thrive. I once coached a woman with a natural ability to build bridges between people. But her work environment thrived on conflict and politics. Instead of growing, she burned out.
She had a choice: change the environment, or grow new skills to handle it. She chose the latter — learning to set boundaries, speak up, and stay grounded. The shift was powerful. Her health improved, and her ideas gained traction. Your talents guide you to your soul mission. They’re not just tools — they’re your compass. When you honour them, you align with your deeper purpose. Ignore them, and you’ll lose energy, clarity, and fulfilment.
Leading and Growing From Your Zone of Genius
Let go of what others think you should do. Others may admire what you’re good at, but only you know what fuels you. Stay true to yourself. Don’t build a business based on what works for someone else if it doesn’t work for you.
From alignment comes magnetism. When your business aligns with your talent-DNA, everything shifts:
You attract clients naturally
You delegate with clarity
You show up with joy
You sell with authenticity
This is what meaningful success looks like.
You were never meant to copy others. You were born to express your own unique DNA. Your talents are the code. Activate them. Trust them. And watch your business become a true reflection of who you are.
Olivia Janssens is a visionary entrepreneur, executive recruiter, mentor, and author with over 20 years in sales, marketing, and leadership. As founder of www.unitedtalent.be and www.successisnocoincidence.com, she has mentored hundreds of women in discovering their talent-DNA and building purpose-driven businesses. A trusted advisor to CEOs and female leaders, she is a sought-after speaker known for her insight, authenticity, and impact.
