Every day, people around the world discover their character strengths through the free VIA Survey, often arriving with a simple motivation: to better understand themselves, make clearer decisions, or feel more confident about how they show up at work and in life.
Behind those results are people putting their strengths into action in meaningful ways, shaping how they lead, work, and contribute to the world around them.
That connection between insight and impact is echoed in the VIA Survey Impact Study, which found that discovering and reflecting on one’s character strengths is associated with greater self-awareness, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of meaning. For many, that clarity becomes a catalyst, informing choices, strengthening relationships, and guiding next steps rather than remaining a static result.
Lisa Yarussi, ACC, SHRM-SCP, is one of those individuals.
A former HR executive and the founder of LAY-Up Coaching & Consulting, Lisa works with high-achieving leaders navigating change and complexity to build capacity. When she first reviewed her VIA Character Strengths results — Honesty, Love of Learning, Fairness, Social Intelligence, Leadership, and Zest — she gained language for what mattered most and a clearer lens for how she wanted to lead and contribute.
Below, Lisa shares reflections on discovering her strengths and the role they continue to play in how she approaches leadership and work today.
Have a strengths story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your impact story.
You’ve worn many hats — HR executive, coach, founder. How do you usually introduce yourself today?
I’m Lisa Yarussi, a former HR executive and the founder of LAY-Up Coaching & Consulting. I opened my practice in 2022 to support high-achieving leaders who are navigating constant change, market disruption, and workplace overwhelm. At this stage of my career, my work is really about helping people lead in ways that feel aligned, authentic, and sustainable.
Do you remember what it felt like the first time you saw your VIA Character Strengths results?
Clarity — that’s the word that comes to mind. Seeing my strengths helped me understand how I’m uniquely wired. It gave me language for my values, guided my decision-making, and helped me articulate my personal brand in a way that finally felt grounded and real.
Was there an “aha” moment — or something more unexpected?
It was both an aha moment and a reckoning. I realized I had spent years trying to fit into corporate environments that weren’t aligned with my strengths or beliefs. That misalignment led to exhaustion and burnout. Seeing my strengths helped me name that disconnect and gave me permission to choose work that allowed me to show up fully.
How did that awareness change how you show up day to day?
It gave me direction. Zest, one of my top strengths, became a guiding value for how I live and work — authentically and with intention. I now think carefully about whether my work and environments support my energy and strengths, instead of asking myself to adapt at my own expense.
What inspired you to start sharing the VIA Survey with others?
The impact it had on me. The survey is simple, accessible, and powerful. I use it in coaching to help leaders build confidence and articulate an authentic brand voice. I also use it in team development to create shared language so people can better understand themselves and each other.
You’ve also introduced character strengths to university students at California State. What stood out to you in that experience?
How meaningful it was for them to finally have language for what’s good in them. Many students realized they had been underusing, or sometimes overusing, their strengths simply because they lacked awareness. That insight alone shifted how they saw themselves and gave them more confidence as they prepared for what’s next.
What do you hope people take away when they learn about their strengths?
That they’re already equipped to contribute. So many people struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Character strengths help anchor people in what’s strong and true about them, and that awareness changes how they show up in teams, workplaces, and communities.
For professionals and organizations, what’s most important to understand about integrating strengths at work?
When strengths are integrated thoughtfully, they build confidence, alignment, and stronger relationships. Knowing yourself — and leading from that place — creates outcomes that are more meaningful and more sustainable for everyone involved.
For those looking to explore their strengths more deeply, VIA offers personalized strengths reports and on-demand learning experiences designed to support reflection, growth, and strengths use over time.