Before you can build a consulting business, you have to answer one question: what would you even consult on? Your Zone of Genius is the fastest way to find it — the intersection of what you’re brilliant at and what the market will pay a premium for.
“Each of us has an inner imperative to express our genius fully.” — Gay Hendricks, The Big Leap
Why does your career stop feeling like enough?
Staying in the same place — whether in our careers, relationships, or personal growth — can leave us feeling unfulfilled, even when everything looks ‘successful’ on paper.
Maybe for you, growth looks like finally tackling blue runs at your favorite ski resort. Or pushing past the beginner Peloton classes and leveling up to intermediate rides. Maybe it’s learning Spanish before your next big trip.
But what about your career? What if your next level wasn’t just a hobby, but building something of your own — a consulting business designed around your expertise?
Whatever it is, one thing is certain: Growth fuels us. Learning, adapting, and stepping into our next level is what restores our energy.
And if you’re feeling that restless tug — that whisper that there’s more for you — it’s time to listen.
But here’s something we rarely stop to recognize: You’ve already made massive leaps before.
Think about it — so many of the things that once felt impossible, intimidating, or out of reach… you’ve already done. You’ve navigated big career moves, stepped into leadership, solved problems no one else could, and figured things out as you went.
At the time, those moments might have felt messy. Maybe you didn’t see them as a leap — but now, looking back, you can.
Your ‘Leap List’ exercise
Take five minutes to reflect on the following:
- Three times in your life when you took a bold step forward — even if it scared you.
- What you left behind to make that leap possible. Old habits, mastered skills, limiting beliefs, a title, comfort zones, etc.
- How that decision changed your life for the better. And if you could go back, how much sooner would you have made that leap — knowing what you know now?
Look at your list. These aren’t just wins — they’re proof that you’re built for growth.
You’ve already 10x’d before. You didn’t grind your way there. You didn’t inch forward by doing more of the same. You made a decision, committed, and figured it out as you went.
That’s exactly what you’re being called to do again.
Your genius is waiting — it’s time to trust yourself
What if you stopped holding onto everything you’ve done in your career and doubled down on the 20% that truly lights you up instead?
Because the truth is, you don’t need to monetize everything you’re good at. You only need to focus on the small, powerful part of your expertise that:
- Delivers the biggest impact
- Energizes you the most
- Makes you irreplaceable
That’s your Zone of Genius.
And when you build your consulting business around that — instead of trying to be all things to all people — you create something truly scalable, fulfilling, and sustainable.
What should you consult on? How to find your zone of genius
In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks explains that we all operate in four zones:
Zone of Incompetence — Things you struggle with that others can do better (Think tech headaches, legal work, accounting… ugh!).
Zone of Competence — Tasks you can do, but so can a lot of other people (Admin work, project management, process building, etc.).
Zone of Excellence — Work that you’re highly skilled at but doesn’t truly energize you (Maybe this is leading large teams, writing reports, or managing big initiatives).
Zone of Genius — The work that lights you up, comes naturally, and delivers the MOST value to others. (This is where you build your consulting business.)
WARNING: Most professional women are stuck in their Zone of Excellence. You’re great at what you do, and you’re rewarded for it. But does it excite you? Does it energize you? Or does it just feel like more of the same?
Trust me, staying here puts you on the fast track to burnout.
Your zone of genius exercise
Take 10 minutes to write down:
- The work that makes you lose track of time. What could you talk about all day and never get bored?
- The skills people constantly seek you out for. What do colleagues, friends, or even strangers ask your advice on?
- Your biggest career wins. What felt effortless for you but impressed others?
- What gives you energy instead of draining it? Think about tasks that make you feel more alive afterward.
- What you’d keep doing even if you weren’t getting paid. What do you naturally teach, create, or talk about?
Take a close look at your list. THIS is your Zone of Genius!
Own it. Share it. Step into it.
Your Zone of Genius isn’t meant to stay locked in a notebook. It’s meant to be shared, refined, and turned into something that creates real impact. So, here are your next steps…
1. Say It Out Loud. Tell someone — your partner, a close friend, your mentor — and pay attention to their reaction.
2. Ask for Outside Perspective. Sometimes, others see our genius more clearly than we do. Ask 2-3 trusted people: “What’s something I do naturally that you think is rare or valuable?” and “If you had to describe my superpower in a sentence, what would it be?”
3. Start Connecting the Dots. Now, ask yourself:
- How does my Zone of Genius solve a real problem?
- How have I already used this skill to create results?
- What kind of consulting offer could I build around this?
Your Zone of Genius isn’t just something you have — it’s something you can monetize, systemize, and scale.
Ready to turn your zone of genius into your consulting business?
That’s exactly what we do inside the How to Build a Thriving Consulting Business Masterclass.
In this 90-minute LIVE masterclass, you’ll confidently choose a winning business idea, craft a premium consulting offer, and pick the right pricing model — so you can stop overthinking and start building.
Because the world needs what only YOU can offer.
And remember — you were made to thrive.
Still not sure which niche
is yours?
Your consultant type is the fastest way in. Answer eight questions and get a personalized Consulting Success Report — the strengths behind your type, and the niche direction that actually fits them.
