The Common Traits of Highly Successful People — As Shared on the Love Your Career Podcast

On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest explores the journeys of exceptional leaders from fitness, childcare, tech, and beyond. One question he often poses is:

“What do you think are the common traits of highly successful people?”

Across more than 50 episodes, clear patterns have emerged — characteristics that underpin growth, resilience, and meaningful leadership. These traits transcend titles, industries, and experience levels. In this blog, we dive into the seven most common traits of highly successful people, brought to life with quotes from a wide range of guests.

1. Relentless Self-Awareness

Highly successful people know themselves. Not just on the surface, but in a deep, reflective way. They understand their strengths, their blind spots, and how their behaviour impacts others. This self-awareness gives them an edge — in leadership, communication, and decision-making.

They seek feedback not for validation, but for growth. They don’t hide from uncomfortable truths — they lean into them, knowing that personal insight is the foundation for meaningful leadership.

“The best leaders know themselves first. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about understanding how you respond under pressure.”

— James Foley, Alliance Leisure

“You need to be intentional with how you're perceived. Perception isn't manipulation — it’s alignment.”

— Caroline Constantine, Right Directions

“I learned early that feedback is fuel. You don’t grow without knowing how others experience you.”

— Duncan Anderson, South Downs Leisure

2. Passion for Developing Others

Success isn’t a solo act. The most impactful leaders aren’t just focused on their own careers — they’re deeply invested in helping others grow. They mentor, support, and champion those around them. They create environments where people can thrive.

This people-first focus builds loyalty, engagement, and legacy. Great leaders are remembered not just for what they achieved, but for the opportunities they created for others.

“Watching someone grow into a leadership role is one of the best feelings in the world. That’s legacy.”

— Julie Allen, Active Net

“I always say, I’m not building a team. I’m building teams of leaders. That’s the real goal.”

— Aaron McCulloch, YOUR Personal Training

“Great leadership is seeing what someone can become before they see it themselves.”

— James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness

3. Lifelong Learning

The most successful people are hungry to grow. They read, listen, ask, and reflect. Learning isn’t a phase — it’s a lifelong mindset. Whether through books, podcasts, feedback, or formal study, they constantly seek new insights and ideas.

They’re not driven by fear of falling behind — they’re fuelled by a genuine love of learning. And they see every challenge as an opportunity to develop further.

“If you think you’ve ‘made it,’ you’ve already stopped growing. I’m a student every day.”

— Dan Edwardes, Parkour Generations

“I started a part-time degree while working full time. It taught me how to think differently.”

— Jo Matthews, Ten Health and Fitness

“It’s not about ticking CPD boxes. It’s about learning things that shift your thinking.”

— Steve Scales, Gladstone

4. Purpose-Led Thinking

Highly successful people don’t just follow the path — they know why they’re on it. Purpose gives them clarity, consistency, and conviction. It keeps them grounded when things get tough and energised when things go well.

This isn’t about fluffy mission statements. It’s about aligning your work with your values — knowing that how you spend your time needs to mean something.

“Every job I’ve taken has to fit with my non-negotiables. Family. Impact. Autonomy.”

— Natalie McGuire, Space and Place

“You need a reason to get up that’s bigger than the targets. Your why will carry you when the numbers don’t.”

— Craig Jones, Junior Adventures Group

“My why is to build a career I’m proud of, that reflects the values.”

— Chloe Kinch, Proinsight

5. Resilience and Bounceback

No one has a flawless career. Rejections, redundancies, mistakes, and false starts are part of every journey. What sets successful people apart is how they respond. They reflect. They reset. And they return stronger.

Their resilience isn’t about ignoring setbacks — it’s about learning from them and using them as fuel. They don’t just recover — they evolve.

“I was made redundant and didn’t know what was next. But sometimes, a blank slate is the best gift.”

— Maddie Cummings, Love Recruitment

“Failure is part of the process. The lesson is what you carry forward.”

— Duncan Jefford, Everyone Active

“I learned to be at peace with rejection. It’s a redirection, not a dead end.”

— Catherine Ferma, Gym Group

6. Honesty and Transparency

The best leaders are grounded in truth. They speak clearly, act consistently, and don’t hide behind fluff or ego. Honesty — with themselves and with others — builds trust, and trust builds teams that last.

It’s not always comfortable. But great leaders understand that truth, delivered with care, is a powerful tool for growth.

“People follow honesty. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll say it. If I mess up, I own it.”

— Jack Shakespeare, 4Global

“My team knows I’ll be direct, but fair. There’s no progress in politeness for the sake of it.”

— Elaine Coulthard, Consultant

“I don’t sugarcoat. I think feedback, even tough feedback, is the best kind of support.”

— Rob Christie, Airparx

7. Genuine Care for People

Behind every success story is a network of people — mentors, teams, clients, and communities. The most admired leaders understand this. They show up with empathy, humility, and heart.

Care isn't a tactic — it’s a truth. And in every sector, it’s the leaders who genuinely care that leave the biggest legacy.

“People remember how you made them feel. More than anything else, that’s what they carry.”

— Huw Edwards, ukactive

“Empathy isn’t soft. It’s strategic. When people feel heard, they go further.”

— Sarah Coghlan, Movember

“You can’t fake culture. If you don’t care about people, they’ll know.”

— Ty Menzies, Lift Brands

Final Thoughts

Across 50+ episodes of the Love Your Career podcast, these seven traits have appeared time and time again:

• Self-awareness
• Developing others
• Constant learning
• Purpose-driven thinking
• Resilience
• Honesty
• Empathy

None of them require talent or luck. They require effort, reflection, and intention.

🎧 Want to learn more from the leaders behind these insights? Listen to the full episodes at loverecruitmentgroup.com or search “Love Your Career” on your favourite podcast platform.

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