At some point in the entrepreneurial grind, every high achiever faces the same question: Is all this hustle really building the legacy I want? Scaling a brand takes more than clever marketing and social media trends—it takes mindset alignment, financial literacy, purpose-led decisions, and a story that reaches beyond borders.

The 15 leaders featured here aren’t just building businesses—they’re dropping hard-earned wisdom that can change how you grow, lead, and impact. Each one shares a tip rooted in real experience, crafted to help you build an empire that actually lasts.

This list was curated by entrepreneur and speaker Taurea Avant, who brought together this group of extraordinary changemakers to be featured in the book Elevate & Empower, launching at the Legacy Leaders Workshop happening Thursday, May 22. We thought it only made sense to share their top leadership and business-building tips in this powerful article.

LaShana West: Your business can’t grow beyond your mindset. Before you build systems, scale strategies, or chase clients, address your internal roadblocks. Healing past trauma can unlock future income. When you lead from wholeness instead of hustle, your clarity increases—and so does your cash flow.

Too many entrepreneurs try to fix external problems without addressing the internal wounds driving them. Start with your belief systems. Mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation your business is built on.

Nichica F. Melton, M.Ed.: Clarity kills chaos. If your calendar is packed but your results are flat, simplify. Use time-blocking to control your week and commit to no more than three top priorities a day. Overwhelm isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a sign of broken systems.

Productivity is more about discipline than doing more. Focus isn’t about having time—it’s about making intentional decisions and protecting your energy like a high-value asset.

Lisa Stringer Bailey: Pay yourself first, always. If you’re waiting until the end of the month to see what’s “left,” you’ll never create real wealth. Automate a percentage of your income into savings or investments and treat it like a non-negotiable bill.

Money mastery isn’t about big wins—it’s about consistent habits. Wealth is built in percentages, not paydays.

Dr. Dominique Carson: Your body is your most valuable business asset. Prioritize physical restoration with regular breaks, massage therapy, and movement. A burnt-out body can’t build a booming business.

Physical health and business growth go hand-in-hand. Energy, focus, and endurance all start with how well you take care of your body.

Dr. Dawn Menge: Use storytelling to simplify complex ideas. Whether you’re teaching, selling, or leading, narratives create emotional connection. People won’t remember data—but they will remember how your message made them feel.

Leaders who leverage storytelling build deeper relationships, higher trust, and longer-term loyalty. Start every message with “why this matters.”

Naomi Carrington-Hockman: Speak with clarity and confidence. Rambling loses respect. Know your key point, say it early, and reinforce it with presence. Whether on stage or in a Zoom room, your tone, timing, and takeaways define your impact.

Great communicators aren’t wordy—they’re intentional. Influence is built when your message sticks and moves people to act.

Dr. Toccara Nicole Steele: Your book should be your blueprint. Don’t stop at publishing—build products, services, and offers from your content. Every chapter holds an opportunity to create value beyond the page.

Think of your book as intellectual property, not just inspiration. Extract and expand to scale.

Shanita Crafter: Your emotional health determines your business ceiling. Set boundaries, take breaks, and get support when needed. Healthy leaders build healthy legacies.

If you’re emotionally exhausted, you’re not equipped to serve others. Build emotional recovery into your business plan.

Crystal D. Woods: Healing is a business growth strategy. Don’t ignore emotional pain just because you’re meeting professional goals. When you confront what’s hurting you, you create space for clarity, creativity, and deeper alignment.

Running from your story weakens your brand. Stand in your truth and let healing shape your leadership, not hinder it.

Dr. Obioma Martin: Self-love is a leadership strategy. When you prioritize inner peace, your decision-making sharpens, your relationships improve, and your tolerance for nonsense disappears. Lead from overflow—not depletion.

Confidence starts with how you treat yourself. Model the grace and discipline you expect from your team and clients.

Ronald Holloway: Build with people in mind, not just profit margins. When your business solves real problems and serves real needs, revenue becomes a byproduct of impact.

Purpose-driven ventures create sustainable income and community trust. Listen to what your audience truly needs—not just what’s trending.

Taurea Avant: Your book should work harder than you do. Use it to secure media, land speaking gigs, build your list, and attract aligned clients. If your book isn’t getting you business, it’s not being leveraged correctly.

Authors don’t need more hustle—they need more strategy. Your message is your magnet. Use it.

Dr. Lena Payton Webb: Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s brand power. When you own your story, you create resonance. Curate your narrative with intention and share it consistently across platforms.

Authentic storytelling builds brand authority. You become the guide your clients are looking for when you show them you’ve walked the path.

Teri Thompson: Invest in the next generation. Teaching youth entrepreneurship plants seeds that grow into scalable, sustainable impact. Your legacy is measured by how many leaders you help raise.

If you mentor young entrepreneurs, you multiply your influence. Build a legacy that outlives you by pouring into those coming behind you.

Ernee Peppers: Don’t just speak—perform. Stage presence can 10X your perceived value. Walk in like the deal is already closed. Confidence sells before you even open your mouth.

Public speaking is a business development tool. The better you own the mic, the more doors you open.

Daria Rosen: Build your business to match your life—not the other way around. Create routines, products, and timelines that honor your season of life, especially during hormonal or emotional transitions.

Your business should serve your health, not sabotage it. Structure creates freedom when aligned with who you are now.

Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters. These 16 leaders aren’t giving fluff. They’re handing you the same insights they’ve used to build powerful, profitable, purpose-filled businesses.

Want more of their wisdom in the room with you? Join them at the Legacy Leaders Workshop in Dubai, where they’ll dive deeper into the tools, frameworks, and mindset strategies that are shaping the next generation of impactful leaders.

All attendees will receive a FREE copy of the book, Elevate & Empower—a playbook of tips, frameworks, and legacy-building strategies.

It’s time to stop grinding and start growing.
Lock in your spot at www.LegacyLeadersWorkshop.com
Grab your merch and books at www.AuthorAllstars.com/shop

This is your moment. Own it. Build it. Lead it.

In a world where financial struggles often feel inescapable, Anthony Potter Jr. stands as a beacon of hope, proving that transformation is possible no matter where you start. From earning a mere $27 paycheck to becoming a successful financial professional, speaker, and author, his journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of purpose.

Now, with his latest book, From $27 Paycheck to Purpose: 7 Steps to Transform Your Struggles into Strength, Anthony is on a mission to empower individuals with the tools they need to break free from financial uncertainty, master personal growth, and build a life of meaning and impact.

From Rock Bottom to Reinvention

Anthony’s story is one of perseverance. Raised in Lithonia, Georgia, he began his career as a pharmacy technician, but life had bigger plans. A near-fatal car crash became the turning point that ignited his commitment to personal development and financial literacy. Determined to create a better future, he immersed himself in the world of wealth creation, life insurance solutions, and financial education—ultimately transitioning into a career that would allow him to uplift others.

Through his experiences, Anthony realized that financial empowerment isn’t just about making money—it’s about shifting your mindset, investing in yourself, and building long-term security. This philosophy became the foundation of his book.

A Blueprint for Transformation

From $27 Paycheck to Purpose isn’t just another motivational read—it’s a step-by-step guide to turning life’s challenges into fuel for success. Anthony walks readers through a structured seven-step framework that covers:

• Personal Growth: Overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-improvement.
• Mindset Shifts: Viewing setbacks as lessons that pave the way for success.
• Financial Literacy: Building a solid financial foundation to create wealth and security.
• Investing in Yourself: Recognizing that self-education and skill-building are the keys to long-term success.
• Discovering Purpose: Aligning passion with impact to create a meaningful legacy.

Through raw storytelling and actionable strategies, Anthony gives readers the roadmap to not only survive but thrive—turning financial struggles and personal hardships into powerful stepping stones.

Beyond the Book: A Mission to Empower

Anthony’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his book. As a captivating speaker, he engages audiences across the country with his powerful insights on financial success and personal growth. His workshops, coaching, and wealth-building strategies help individuals break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living and step into financial freedom.

But his impact doesn’t stop at financial education. Anthony believes that true transformation comes from within. By fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and an unstoppable mindset, he helps people achieve not just financial security, but also a purpose-driven life.

Join the Movement

With From $27 Paycheck to Purpose, Anthony Potter Jr. is leading a new wave of financial empowerment and personal reinvention. Whether you’re struggling with money, searching for direction, or simply ready to elevate your life, this book provides the tools you need to make it happen.

Are you ready to turn your struggles into strength?

Get your copy today and start your transformation!

www.AnthonyPotterJr.com

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Website – www.NoreenNHenry.com

Noreen N. Henry is a Victorious Living Strategist known for her knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, along with delivering instant results. One of her passions is seeing lives transformed from defeat to victory. Noreen has faced many trials and tribulations in her life and has learned the tools to be victorious and overcome her circumstances. She has discovered that she can have joy, happiness, and peace amidst chaos while working through her issues. As a result, Noreen founded Victorious Living Culture, where products and services have helped countless people turn their situations into victory. She is a multiple #1 international best-seller, the creator of the Stuck Is NOT Your Story book collaboration series, the Victorious Living Experience conference, and will soon host her own TV talk show. Noreen has three children and five grandchildren (for now). She resides in NYC. Visit her here: www.NoreenNHenry.com / www.StartYourVictoriousLife.com.

What inspired you to become a Victorious Living Strategist, and how did your personal experiences shape this journey?

I was led to become a Victorious Living Strategist by my Divine Creator, based on my life experiences. Like many of us, I experienced numerous trials and tribulations that could have kept me stuck, but I learned the tools to be victorious and overcome my circumstances. I realized I could have joy, happiness, and peace while working through my issues to victory. It all began when I left an emotionally abusive relationship and started buying books and tapes on emotional healing. This was the beginning of my journey to victory. It became my passion to help women learn the tools to live victoriously, tools I didn’t have when I was going through all those issues.

Can you share a particular story or example where your strategies led to a significant transformation in someone’s life?

Where do I start? 🙂 There are so many stories of people’s lives being transformed after learning the tools from Victorious Living Culture’s products and services. One particular story involved a woman realizing that her perceived obstacles didn’t exist and that most of her excuses for inaction were rooted in fear. She is now putting in the work to live the life she has been dreaming of. Victorious Living Culture’s resources have helped her see that she must choose to live her dreams.

What motivated you to create Stuck Is NOT Your Story, and how has it impacted the lives of those who have read it?

Creating the Stuck Is NOT Your Story brand is another program I was inspired to develop by my Divine Creator. Many are stuck in mediocrity, brokenness, and depression, and don’t even realize it. I was once there, thinking I was fine when I was not. The Stuck Is NOT Your Story brand, now a global movement, encourages, inspires, and imparts knowledge and wisdom to its readers. The authors’ courageous and vulnerable stories help readers know they are not alone and that they too can change their circumstances—they don’t need to stay stuck. The word “stuck” itself is powerful, and many are drawn to it. When they read the powerful stories, their lives are greatly impacted in positive ways, realizing that lasting change is possible because Stuck Is NOT Your Story, and Victorious Living, It’s Possible.

Could you explain the key principles behind Victorious Living Culture and how they help individuals turn their situations into victories?

The key principles behind Victorious Living Culture are primarily based on a spiritual life to create victorious habits. The first principle is becoming aware of whether you are living victoriously or not. From my experiences and conversations with many people, so many are living beneath victory and don’t even know it. The second principle is gaining the right knowledge. There’s a lot of knowledge out there, but it’s not all right. The third principle is applying the right knowledge to your life. Gaining the right knowledge but not using it won’t help you live a victorious life; we have to put what we learn into practice. A fourth principle of Victorious Living Culture is wisdom. We make choices daily in our lives, and we must learn to make sure we are making wise decisions that will keep us on the victorious living path. Another principle is doing something different. If we don’t do something different, nothing changes; it either stays the same or gets worse, and I speak from experience. Following these basic principles helps us overcome our circumstances and live a life of victory.

What can attendees expect from the Victorious Living Experience conference, and how does it differ from other self-help events?

The Victorious Living Experience conference was designed to keep attendees engaged, entertained, and enlightened—all while having fun. Participants get to hear powerful speakers, engage in workshops, participate in raffles, and shop with our vendors. Some of the topics we address include awareness of victorious living, what gaining the right knowledge does for them, how to analyze their life, foundational keys to victorious living, and ways to obtain the life God has planned for them, plus more.

How do you balance your professional commitments, such as writing multiple best-sellers and hosting a TV talk show, with your personal life in NYC?

Umm, good question :). How do I balance it all? Like many of us, I have a lot going on, even more so now that I’m walking in my purpose. There was a time, just a few years ago, when I was working long hours every day and ended up in the hospital, so ill because I wasn’t balancing my time. Since that time, which I call a Reset, I plan my time much better. I set priorities, organize and plan my days, weeks, and months, and schedule everything on a calendar, including setting hourly goals. This helps me avoid overwhelm and complete tasks faster. I also have SOPs set up that eliminate repeated tasks, and now that I have a success plan schedule, my balance of time with my commitments, writing projects, etc., has improved even more. Overall, I take things one day at a time and enjoy my life as well.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of Victorious Living Culture and your upcoming TV talk show?

Recently, things have changed drastically for me, as I’m no longer working at a job. I will now walk in my purpose, and Victorious Living Culture has my full focus. I am excited about the impact Victorious Living Culture’s encounter will have on women to live victoriously with the products, tools, and services we offer. More books and programs will be created to enhance VLC’s offerings to make the impact needed for a global positive shift. Along with the upcoming TV talk show’s teachings and guests, we’ll help people know that they too can live the life of their dreams while overcoming their circumstances to victory. Great times and changes are ahead for Victorious Living Culture.