Career Levers – Gifted but GatedTo we will explore how to break through a career ceiling using your personal brand. Many people find themselves feeling stuck in certain careers or fields.Previously, we discussed the factors that can cause individuals to stagnate or face limitations in their professional growth.Today, we focus on how building a strong personal brand can help you overcome these challenges and break through career ceilings, regardless of your field. Developing your brand involves several key actions: enhancing your professional presence, positioning yourself for discovery and recognition, and ultimately, achieving success and celebration in your work. More importantly, it enables you to offer services that positively impact others while also being profitable.I will guide you through this process using what I call the ‘Five C’s’—a framework designed to strengthen your career brand, overcome barriers, and excel in your chosen field.The Five C’s for Breaking Career Barriers1. Courage“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ― Dale CarnegieThe first and most important thing you need is courage. You must build confidence in yourself and believe that you have what it takes to move ahead. This is the courage to say, “No, I am not staying in the same place—I am moving forward.”Without courage, you may have plans and desires, but taking the first step—which might feel shaky, wobbly, and difficult—requires boldness.That same courage is what allows scammers to carry out their schemes so boldly. Many scammers exhibit this quality, stepping out fearlessly even when they know they could be caught, jailed, or exposed.So, if you have real substance—true expertise and value—you must build courage within yourself. You need the courage to take the first bold step in your career, to believe in your abilities, and to break free from limitations.The first thing you need is the courage to do, the courage to be, and the courage to believe in yourself—building inner confidence to move from one phase of your career to the next. That is what you need. You must carry yourself forward with courage.Now, courage will help you make decisions.Once you build confidence, the next step is…2. CredentialsOne of the key factors that help build confidence and push your career forward is credentials.In many professional fields, credentials are critical. In the medical field, for example, a doctor studies for seven to eight years to obtain their qualifications. Lawyers also study for a similar period. Credentials validate your expertise and position you for success.One way to build credentials is through certifications. You might need to take certification courses to solidify your expertise in a field. You may already know, but formal credentials—such as licenses and certifications—add credibility to your skills and open doors.For example, in accounting, ACCA certification provides recognition. In certain professions, you must renew your license periodically to prove that you’re still competent. Doctors, teachers, and other professionals must refresh their expertise to maintain their standing.Credentials are very important in helping you move forward in your career. Even if you are talented, lacking formal recognition can hold you back.However, credentials must be legitimate; while others may forge credentials to deceive people to land them the jobs they need, it never ends well for such. That’s why you must earn yours the right way—through the proper channels. No shortcuts, no fakes—just real, solid credentials that validate your expertise.3. CredibilityThe next important factor is credibility.Credentials often help build credibility, but they are not enough on their own. A doctor may have the title, a lawyer may have the certificate,