7 traits shared by 7-figure introverts

A decade-long study called the?CEO Genome Project, which aimed to identify the specific attributes that differentiate high-performing CEOs, concluded that while boards often gravitate towards hiring extroverts, introverted CEOs were more likely to surpass the expectations of their boards and investors. In other words, introverts tend to be more successful executives.

Other research substantiates these findings. For example, David Byrne's 2019 study found that many of those appearing on the list of the world's richest people were introverts who 'supplemented their natural strengths with the ability to lead and communicate strongly ' and the National Bureau of Economics study that concluded that introverted CEOs ran companies that outperformed those of their peers.

Some of the most successful people across history have been introverts - ranging from Einstein to Mandela and Musk to Gates. Companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and PayPal were all founded, or co-founded, by introverts and introversion does seem to be a secret ingredient in the success of many founders and entrepreneurs.

Yet it's a common misconception that extroverts are more successful, both in leadership and in life, than introverts.

Why? Because we tend to listen to those who shout the loudest.

Just as in the workplace, those who dominate meetings are often viewed more favourably than those who speak only when they are adding something of value; the societal bias towards extroversion doesn't recognise that whilst stereotypically extroverted traits tend to be favoured, they don't necessarily produce the desired results.

We may be underestimated, but we're thriving regardless.

The secret to success?

There are some common traits 7-figure, and most successful, introverts share:

1. They play to their strengths

Successful introverts know their strengths and focus on developing them.

Bill Gates, talking about succeeding in an extroverted world, said that introverts can achieve success by recognising, and taking advantage of, their strengths and tap into, or outsource, any skills they lack by hiring, or collaborating with, extroverts. Similarly, Mark Zukerberg has talked about how he surrounds himself with team leaders who complement his strengths

Focusing on your strengths is a time investment that allows these introverts to manage their energy levels whilst having maximum impact.

2. They leverage solitude

Warren Buffet, one of the richest people in the world, has attributed his success to his preference for solitude; it’s given him the focus needed to become an expert. Introverts require alone-time to recharge and process thoughts. The resulting depth of thought and level of self-awareness achieved means that introverts are uniquely positioned to solve problems, innovate and enact meaningful change.

Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, 'the monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.' Creativity is a common introvert strength and it makes sense that the time and space created by solitude would facilitate ideation.

Introverted children can often be forced into solitude due to being 'othered': Eleanor Roosevelt believed that this can lead to growing into a compassionate adult who’s sensitive to people’s differences. Being emotionally intelligent and attuned to the needs of others are real strengths both in business and in life.

3. They're comfortable getting uncomfortable

Leaning into failure is the quickest route to success, and taking imperfect action - really pushing their comfort zone - is something most successful introverts agree is key to their success.

Actress Meryl Streep uses visualisation to push past this discomfort, saying, “It’s a good thing, to imagine yourself doing something you think you can’t.”

And Michael Jordan infamously said, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

4. They love to learn

Bestselling author Susan Cain has a doctorate and is a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School; many successful introverts, in fact, possess numerous professional qualifications - often far more than they actually require. They simply enjoy learning.

Tim Ferriss infamously is a life-long learner who has spent decades mastering new skills, just because.

Typically, successful introverts are all voracious readers (reading is both a daily habit and source of enjoyment) and natural researchers, giving them both a business advantage and enhanced storytelling skills.

The more knowledge you have, the easier it also is to adapt and pivot; agility can provide a competitive edge in a fast-paced world.

5. They trust their intuition

Introverts tend to be highly intuitive, and will have a gut feeling about most decisions. Whilst many of us ignore, or doubt, our gut feeling, the most successful introverts are highly self-aware and trust in themselves.

For example, Elon Musk trusts in his intuition. He calls it: 'thinking from first principles'.?

Similarly, a 7-figure entrepreneur closed down a multi million pound business because it didn’t ‘feel’ right. Another ended their highly profitable passive income stream as it no longer aligned with their vision.

Whilst these decisions may have seemed illogical, both led to further success.

6. They work smarter, not harder

In addition to maximising their strengths, successful introverts preserve their energy through focusing on what's important and building systems to ensure they're consistently moving that needle.

They're clear about their values and goals, then utilise outsourcing, schedules and automation ensure that that progress can be made. Tim Ferriss is a great example of this and it's especially common amongst entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

Whilst most of the world is burning out, those who focus, schedule time for rest and preserve their energy, are those who are winning.

7. They listen

In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela spoke about preferring to observe during African National Congress meetings, rather than actively participating, saying he wanted to 'understand the issues under discussions, evaluate the arguments, and see the caliber of the men involved.' By truly listening, and observing, he was able to obtain a deeper understanding and act accordingly.

Listening is a vastly underrated skill that has a huge impact - including on success - and it's an introvert's superpower.

'If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.' --Vincent van Gogh

Living in a world of extrovert bias, it's easy for introverts to doubt ourselves; society tells us that we aren't leadership material; that we can't succeed; that we need to change who we are but this simply isn't true.

What's more, we're succeeding in a world where almost every aspect of the workplace is a hurdle to be overcome: from interviews to meetings to open office structures, we're succeeding in spite of being overstimulated, misunderstood, unappreciated and not given time and space to think.

Imagine what we could do if there was true equity in the workplace?

I'm on a mission to help create true intersectional equity in the workplace for introverts, but in the meantime let's start believing in ourselves and our potential; our introversion offers tremendous value to the world, and there is no limit to what we can achieve ?

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About Me

I help introverts develop authentic confidence, through coaching, training and digital products, so that they can thrive without having to change who they are, and companies through training, coaching and consultancy, to address the workplace bias towards extroversion.

Through developing my own authentic confidence I have been able to build a life on my terms, working part-time for full-time income, travel solo around the world, work with companies like Google and speak, with confidence, to entire auditoriums. I've already helped thousands of individuals, across 169 countries globally, to develop confidence and communication skills, as well as manage Imposter Syndrome and limiting beliefs. Helping others feel enough is my passion.

If you are an introvert looking to feel more confident, set boundaries to help you balance your time and be able to understand, and communicate, your value to others; a leader looking to better support your introverted talent; or a company committed to achieving intersectional equity and inclusion, DM me or?visit my website, to find out more about how I can help you.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to my email list for additional updates and inspiration; I periodically send out free tools and resources to my email subscribers to help with their transformation. Sign up?here.