Leadership
Empowering Lives: A Journey of Financial Freedom and Personal Growth w/ Evangelist Bertha Winston
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www.facebook.com/bertha.winston
www.linkedin.com/in/bertha-winston
www.Instagram.com/winstonexperience
www.retiredanddebtfree.com
www.thewinstonexperience.com
www.destined2millions.com
Evangelist Bertha Winston is a renowned financial expert, writer, and international speaker whose influence extends far beyond her immediate community. She has graced the covers of prominent magazines like Forbes One, Black Woman magazine, Soigne’ + Swank magazine, Nspire magazine, and GLEBB magazine. Her feature on the cover of Women Empowered to Win Global magazine for Mother’s Day and her recognition on a billboard as one of the «2024 Top Women in Business and Ministry» underscores her widespread impact.
Bertha Winston’s literary journey is as impressive as her public presence. She has authored several bestsellers, including «Empowered To Win 4th Edition,» «UNSHAKABLE FAITH,» «Redirect, Redefine & Renew You,» «Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt,» and «Love, Lead and Let Go.» Her recent releases, «Women Empowered to Win,» «The Glory of His Presence,» and «9 Voices 1 Message,» introduced in Toronto, Canada, demonstrate her dedication to financial empowerment and personal growth.
Having retired from her position as an office manager at a prestigious law firm in the District of Columbia, Bertha has redirected her energies toward guiding people on how to create passive income streams and achieve a debt-free retirement. Her life embodies resilience and faith, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those striving for financial independence.
At the heart of Bertha Winston’s mission is her company, The Winston Experience and Destined2Millions. Through this platform, she guides clients towards achieving financial freedom and creating wealth. What sets The Winston Experience apart is its commitment to treating clients like family. «We don’t judge them, and they feel like we are family and are comfortable working with us because they know that we are going to fight for them to reach their financial goals,» Bertha explains. The company has developed systems that clients can plug into, providing peace of mind and the assurance that they are in good hands.
Bertha’s approach to financial education is unique and impactful. Her methods are designed to help clients grow their money faster and gain the resources needed to help their communities. The emphasis on personal connection and unwavering support is what makes The Winston Experience a standout in the financial services industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bertha Winston’s life is a testament to the power of faith and resilience. As a dynamic educator and influencer, she continues to inspire others on their journey to financial independence. Her ability to blend financial expertise with personal empowerment has made her a sought-after speaker and a beloved mentor to many.
Tell us about the latest books that you have published.
I’ve recently published three books that I’m very proud of. The first is «Women Empowered to Win,» which is a collection of inspiring stories from women who have overcome significant challenges and achieved great success in their lives. It’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of women from all walks of life.
The second book is «The Glory of His Presence,» which delves into the profound experiences and testimonies of individuals who have encountered divine presence in their lives. It’s a spiritually uplifting read that showcases the transformative power of faith.
Finally, «9 Voices, 1 Message» is a collaboration featuring nine different authors, each sharing their unique perspectives and insights on a common theme. It’s a rich and diverse collection that brings together a variety of voices to deliver a powerful, unified message,which was introduced in Toronto, Canada.
Can you share a personal story that exemplifies how you embraced change and discovered your true potential?
When I was 62 years old, I found myself at a crossroads. I wanted to retire, but I discovered I had not planned properly and was not financially in a position to retire; therefore, I had to work 10 more years before I could retire. I had always been passionate about helping people, and I enjoyed the moments when I could provide financial advice to friends and family, seeing how it made a real difference in their lives. However, the idea of retiring to pursue something uncertain was daunting.
One evening, I attended a seminar on financial planning, and the speaker’s passion was infectious. It reignited something in me. I realized that it wasn’t too late to make a change, and I decided to take a leap of faith. I enrolled in a financial coaching certification program, dedicating my evenings and weekends to studying. It wasn’t easy balancing work, studies, and family, but my determination grew stronger with each passing day.
Upon completing the program, I faced another significant challenge: building a client base from scratch. I leveraged my network, offering free workshops and seminars to showcase my expertise. Slowly but surely, word of mouth began to spread. Each client success story fueled my passion, reaffirming my decision to embrace this new path.
One particular client, a young couple burdened with debt and financial anxiety, stands out in my memory. Through consistent coaching and personalized financial planning, they managed to turn their situation around, eventually buying their first home. Seeing their joy and knowing I played a part in their journey was incredibly fulfilling.
Looking back, the decision to embrace change at 62 was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It not only allowed me to discover my true potential but also brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had been missing. Now, as a financial coach at 73, I continue to inspire others, showing them that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and make a meaningful impact.
How are you helping people in the finance and credit world?
As a financial coach, I help individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of finance and credit through personalized guidance and education. My approach includes:
- Financial Literacy Education: I provide workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions to educate clients on fundamental financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. By enhancing their financial literacy, clients are better equipped to make informed decisions.
- Customized Financial Planning: I work closely with clients to develop tailored financial plans that align with their unique goals and circumstances. This includes creating budgets, setting savings targets, planning for retirement, and managing debt.
- Credit Improvement Strategies: I assist clients in understanding their credit reports and scores, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance their creditworthiness. This can involve disputing inaccuracies, reducing debt, and establishing positive credit behaviors.
- Debt Management and Reduction: I help clients develop strategies to manage and reduce their debt, whether it’s through consolidating loans, negotiating with creditors, or creating repayment plans. The goal is to alleviate financial stress and move towards financial stability.
- Investment Guidance: I provide insights into various investment options and help clients build diversified portfolios that match their risk tolerance and financial goals. This includes education on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.
- Ongoing Support and Accountability: I offer continuous support and accountability to ensure clients stay on track with their financial goals. Regular check-ins and progress reviews help clients remain motivated and make necessary adjustments to their plans.
Through these efforts, I empower clients to achieve financial independence, build wealth, and secure their financial future.
How has your experience as the eldest of eleven children influenced your approach to leadership and motivation?
While I am the eldest of eleven children, my upbringing was distinct as I was adopted and did not live with my biological siblings. This unique situation has still influenced my approach to leadership and motivation in several ways.
Knowing that I have biological siblings with different life experiences has heightened my awareness of diverse perspectives. This understanding helps me appreciate the varied backgrounds and viewpoints within my team, fostering an inclusive and empathetic leadership style.
Growing up in an adoptive family taught me resilience and adaptability. These qualities are essential in leadership, enabling me to navigate change and uncertainty with confidence. I encourage my team to be flexible and open to new ideas, helping them thrive in dynamic environments.
Although I did not grow up with my biological siblings, the knowledge of their existence instilled in me the importance of connection and relationships. I prioritize building strong, supportive relationships within my team, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect.
My unique family background has reinforced the significance of individual growth and self-discovery. As a leader, I strive to understand the personal and professional aspirations of each team member, providing opportunities for development and growth tailored to their needs.
Understanding the complexities of family dynamics, both biological and adoptive, has deepened my empathy and compassion. I lead with a focus on understanding and addressing the emotional and practical needs of my team, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
Recognizing that everyone’s journey is different, I motivate my team by understanding their individual motivations and aligning them with our collective goals. This personalized approach helps each member feel valued and driven to contribute their best.
While my experience as the eldest of eleven children is unconventional, it has profoundly shaped my leadership and motivational approach. I lead with empathy, adaptability, and a focus on building meaningful connections, ensuring that each team member feels supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
What advice would you give to someone who is facing a difficult period and needs to find their inner strength?
Facing a difficult period can be incredibly challenging, but finding your inner strength is essential to overcoming adversity.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Accepting your emotions is the first step. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. Acknowledging these feelings without judgment can provide clarity.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Breaking down larger challenges into smaller, manageable tasks can help create a sense of accomplishment and progress. Celebrate each small victory.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a support group. Talking about your struggles can provide relief and new perspectives.
4. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking time to rest.
5. Stay Positive: Focus on positive aspects of your life and things you’re grateful for. This can shift your mindset and provide motivation to keep going.
6. Learn and Adapt: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Reflect on what the situation can teach you and how you can use this knowledge in the future.
7. Financial Management: Since financial stress can exacerbate difficult times, create a budget and identify areas where you can cut costs. Seek professional financial advice if necessary.
8. Stay Connected: Maintaining social connections can provide emotional support and practical help. Engaging with a community can reduce feelings of isolation.
Remember, everyone has inner strength, and often it’s through facing and overcoming challenges that we discover just how resilient we are.
Leadership
From Book to Booked: Taurea Avant Shares How Authors Can Use AI to Land More Speaking Opportunities
For many authors, publishing a book feels like the finish line. Visibility strategist, international speaker, and bestselling author Taurea Avant sees it differently. In her view, publishing the book is often just the beginning of a much bigger opportunity.
Avant has built her work around helping authors, speakers, coaches, and experts turn their knowledge and stories into visibility, stages, media opportunities, and revenue. Through her “From Book to Booked” approach, she encourages authors to stop looking at their books only as products to sell and start viewing them as strategic business tools.
“Writing the book is not necessarily the hardest part,” Avant explains. “The bigger challenge is figuring out what to do with the book once it is finished. A lot of authors publish the book, put it on Amazon, announce it to their audience, and then they are not really sure what comes next.”
According to Avant, what comes next should be a clear strategy for expanding the message beyond the pages.
A Book Can Become a Speaking Credential
For authors who also want to speak, Avant believes the book can provide an immediate credibility boost. It gives event organizers, podcast hosts, media outlets, and potential clients something tangible that represents the author’s knowledge and expertise.
However, simply being a published author is not enough.
“The goal is not to get on stage and spend 30 or 45 minutes talking about your book,” Avant says. “The goal is to identify the transformation inside the book. What can you teach? What can the audience learn from your story? What problem can your experience help someone solve?”
That shift in thinking can completely change how an author approaches speaking opportunities.
A leadership author, for example, can develop talks around leadership development, team building, workplace culture, or personal growth. An entrepreneur who has written about business can create presentations around sales, marketing, resilience, branding, or entrepreneurship. Someone who has written a personal story can identify the lessons within that experience and turn those lessons into keynote presentations, workshops, or panel topics.
Avant encourages authors to start by looking at something they already have: their table of contents.
“Your chapters can become speaking topics,” she says. “One chapter may become a keynote. Another may become a workshop. Another may become a podcast conversation. Authors sometimes think they need to keep creating completely new content when they may already have months of speaking content sitting inside their book.”
AI Is Changing How Authors Can Position Themselves
The rise of artificial intelligence has created concerns for many writers and authors, especially around originality and the future of publishing. Avant believes authors should pay attention to those concerns, but she also sees tremendous opportunity in using AI as a business and visibility tool.
“AI should not replace your story, your experience, or your voice,” she explains. “But it can help you organize and leverage what you already know much faster.”
For an author looking to expand into speaking, that could mean using AI to brainstorm presentation topics based on a book, strengthen a speaker bio, create podcast pitch ideas, develop workshop outlines, prepare interview talking points, or identify audiences that may benefit from the author’s message.
An author could take the summary of a chapter, for example, and ask an AI tool to suggest five potential keynote topics. From there, the author can decide which ideas fit their expertise, audience, and voice.
“You still have to bring yourself to it,” Avant says. “AI may give you an idea, but your experience is what makes that idea powerful.”
AI can also help authors think more strategically about where their message belongs. Rather than randomly searching for stages, Avant recommends first identifying the audience, the problem that audience faces, and the transformation the speaker provides. AI can then be used to brainstorm types of conferences, organizations, podcasts, associations, and companies where that topic may be relevant.
Visibility Often Leads to More Visibility
One of the biggest lessons Avant teaches speakers is that getting booked can often lead to getting booked again.
Event organizers and podcast hosts regularly research potential guests before making a decision. When they search a speaker’s name, they may look for previous interviews, articles, speaking clips, media coverage, and other evidence that the person has experience delivering their message publicly.
“People are going to look you up,” Avant says. “The question is, what are they going to find?”
This is why she encourages speakers to treat every opportunity as part of a larger visibility strategy. A podcast appearance can become a video clip. A speaking engagement can become photographs, testimonials, and social media content. An article can strengthen credibility when pitching another publication or conference.
Over time, those individual opportunities create what Avant describes as a visibility trail.
“The more evidence people can find that you are already speaking, being interviewed, and sharing your expertise, the easier it becomes for them to imagine you on their stage,” she explains.
That does not mean every opportunity needs to be massive. Avant believes many speakers make the mistake of focusing only on large conferences while overlooking smaller stages that may place them directly in front of the right audience.
“Thirty of the right people can sometimes create a bigger opportunity than 3,000 people who are not your audience,” she says.
Authors Should Think Beyond Book Royalties
Avant also challenges authors to think differently about how a book can generate revenue.
Most authors naturally think first about book sales. Yet the financial opportunity connected to a book can extend much further.
A book may sell for $20, but the authority created by that book can lead to speaking engagements, coaching clients, consulting contracts, partnerships, workshops, media appearances, and other opportunities worth considerably more.
“The book can be one of the least expensive things you offer, but it can be one of the most powerful tools for introducing people to everything else you do,” Avant says.
That is the core of the “From Book to Booked” philosophy. The objective is not simply to sell more books. It is to use the book to create a larger ecosystem around the author’s expertise.
When that happens, the book becomes the introduction, the speaking opportunity expands the message, and the business gives the audience a way to continue working with the author.
The First Step Is Getting Clear
For an author who wants to begin landing more speaking opportunities, Avant recommends starting with clarity.
What do you want to be known for? Who needs your message? What transformation can you provide? What type of stage already attracts those people?
Once those answers become clear, the next step is consistent visibility and pitching.
“The biggest mistake is waiting for someone to discover you,” Avant says. “You have to start putting yourself in the rooms, conversations, interviews, and platforms where your message belongs.”
With the continued growth of podcasts, virtual platforms, live conferences, digital media, and AI tools, authors now have more ways than ever to turn one book into multiple opportunities.
The book may start the conversation, but it does not have to be where the conversation ends.
Learn How to Speak on More Stages
Avant is continuing this conversation through her How to Speak on More Stages Workshop, designed for authors, speakers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and experts who want to increase their visibility and create more speaking opportunities.
The workshop will cover how to position a message for the right stages, develop stronger speaking topics, leverage a book as a credibility tool, identify opportunities, and use AI to help make the visibility process faster and more strategic.
To learn more or register, visit www.HowtoSpeakonMoreStages.com.
Leadership
The New Leadership Skill of 2026: Knowing What to Automate—and What Must Stay Human
Artificial intelligence is no longer simply changing how companies work. It is changing what companies need from their leaders.
In 2026, the question is no longer whether businesses should use AI. The bigger question is whether leaders know how to lead in an AI-powered workplace without losing the human qualities that make organizations successful.
Recent developments across the business world make this shift clear.
Google recently reorganized leadership within its DeepMind AI division as competition among major artificial intelligence companies continues to accelerate. The changes included a new leadership structure, shifting teams and a stronger push toward commercializing its Gemini technology.
At the same time, companies around the world are searching for more workers with AI-related skills. In the United Kingdom, AI or related tools appeared in 9.4% of job postings by the end of June 2026—a record high—even as overall job postings declined.
These developments point to something bigger than a technology trend.
AI has become a leadership issue.
Leaders Can No Longer Delegate AI to the Technology Department
For years, major technology decisions could be handed to the IT department.
That approach will not work with AI.
Artificial intelligence can now influence marketing, customer service, hiring, research, operations, sales, content creation and strategic planning.
That means the CEO, founder or department leader must understand enough about AI to make decisions about how it should be used.
Leaders do not necessarily need to become programmers. They do, however, need to understand what the technology can do, what it cannot do and where using it creates the most value.
The companies that succeed may not be the companies with the most AI tools.
They may simply be the companies whose leaders know how to use those tools more intentionally.
Speed Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
One lesson coming from today’s AI race is that large organizations can have enormous resources and still struggle when decision-making becomes too slow.
Reuters reported that structural challenges, disagreements over resources and bureaucracy were among the issues cited by sources familiar with Google’s AI efforts.
That lesson applies far beyond technology companies.
Organizations must be able to test ideas, review results and make changes faster than they have in the past.
A leader who takes six months to make a decision about something competitors are testing this week could quickly find the company behind.
This does not mean making reckless decisions.
It means creating a culture where responsible experimentation is encouraged.
The Human Side of Leadership Is Becoming More Valuable
There is an interesting paradox happening.
As machines become better at performing tasks, the skills that make us uniquely human may become even more valuable.
AI can create a report.
It cannot replace trust.
AI can analyze customer data.
It cannot build genuine relationships.
AI can recommend a strategy.
It cannot take responsibility for the consequences of that strategy.
Strong leaders will need emotional intelligence, communication skills, judgment, creativity and the ability to bring people together around a common vision.
Technology can support leadership. It cannot replace leadership.
Leaders Must Decide What Should Remain Human
One of the most important questions executives should ask is simple:
Just because we can automate something, should we?
Companies should consider the customer experience before replacing every human interaction with automation.
The same applies internally.
A difficult employee conversation probably should not become an automated email.
A major client experiencing a problem may need a person rather than a chatbot.
A team facing major organizational changes needs leadership, communication and reassurance.
The winning organizations will likely create the right combination of technological efficiency and human connection.
Training Matters More Than Buying Another Tool
Businesses are already experiencing benefits from AI, but implementation remains uneven.
A 2026 Goldman Sachs survey found that 76% of participating small businesses reported using AI. Among those using it, 93% reported a positive impact and 84% pointed to increased efficiency and productivity as the main benefit. Yet only 14% said AI was fully integrated into their core operations, while 73% said additional training and implementation resources would help.
That gap is important.
Buying technology does not automatically create transformation.
Companies must teach people how to use it.
Leaders should create clear guidelines, provide training and identify practical ways AI can improve existing workflows.
The Leaders Who Win Will Be Adaptable
Every major technology shift creates winners and losers.
The difference is often not the technology itself.
It is how quickly people adapt to it.
The leaders who thrive in this next era will not necessarily be the people who know the most about artificial intelligence.
They will be the people who remain curious enough to learn, confident enough to change and disciplined enough to know where technology belongs—and where human leadership still matters most.
Because in an increasingly automated world, leadership may become more human, not less.
Leadership
Most High Achieving Women Are Overthinking Income, Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills Is Showing Them What Actually Works
Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills is challenging the way high achieving women think about making money. While many professionals spend months planning, researching, and second guessing their next move, she is focused on one thing, execution.
As a Visibility Coach and Strategist, Dr. Stevii helps high achieving women turn their expertise into income through strategic visibility and consistent action. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations and over 16 years as an entrepreneur, she has built multiple six figure businesses by committing to what works instead of overcomplicating the process.
That perspective was shaped through experience. After facing significant financial setbacks and rebuilding from less than zero, Dr. Stevii made a defining shift. She stopped relying on complex strategies and focused on taking clear, consistent action that produces results. That decision became the foundation of her work today.
She is the creator of the Click To Cash® framework, a process designed to help entrepreneurs and professionals turn attention into income through visibility and consistency. In addition to coaching and consulting, she is a prolific author with more than 30 published books, including Cultivating Your It Factor and Click To Cash. Her work and entrepreneurial journey have been featured on major media platforms including BET, CBS, FOX, and ABC.
Her message is simple but direct. Visibility is not about popularity. It is about positioning, connection, and creating opportunities that lead to revenue.
Simplifying Success Through Immediate Action
In recent months, Dr. Stevii has intentionally moved away from traditional, slow moving business strategies and toward faster, execution driven models. Rather than encouraging professionals to spend months preparing, she helps high achieving women move from idea to execution in as little as 24 to 72 hours.
This shift has led to the expansion of her Click To Cash® framework into short term, focused experiences designed to eliminate overwhelm and create immediate momentum. These programs are built to help women quickly position themselves, communicate their expertise, and begin generating income opportunities without delay.
She also demonstrates these principles in real time. Through daily content creation and TikTok Shop affiliate marketing, Dr. Stevii shows her audience exactly how attention converts into revenue. Instead of teaching from theory, she models the process as it happens, reinforcing that consistency is what drives results in today’s digital economy.
Another area of growth has been The Permission Slip Club, a community she co hosts with Dr. Marilyn Porter. With more than 30 members and growing, the space is designed to support high achieving women in making bold decisions, increasing visibility, and creating real time income opportunities. The focus is simple, take action, stay visible, and execute consistently.
Elevating Women Leaders and Expanding Community Impact
As her platform grows, Dr. Stevii is using her visibility to highlight other women who are making meaningful contributions in their industries and communities.
Among them is Rhonda Woolard, whose work advances child welfare and sexual abuse support through innovative programs and advocacy. She is also spotlighting Keisha Boatwright, a certified 200 hour yoga instructor and creative entrepreneur who combines wellness and crafting to build community centered experiences.
Dr. Stevii is also highlighting Faye Horton, owner of F S Horton Insurance Professionals LLC, who helps sales professionals scale their authority and impact through high ticket coaching and strategic sales systems. In addition, she is featuring Shawnise White, owner of Beauty Mint Studio, a luxury beauty lounge known for delivering elevated beauty experiences centered on confidence and professionalism.
Through these collaborations, she continues to reinforce a core belief, visibility creates opportunity, not just for herself, but for the women she brings into the spotlight.
At the same time, she remains committed to growing The Permission Slip Club as a space where high achieving women can take action, increase their visibility, and create new income streams through consistent execution.
More information about The Permission Slip Club can be found at signingmyslip.com.
Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills is not just teaching visibility. She is redefining how high achieving women turn what they already know into real income.
Her message is clear. Stop overthinking. Start executing. The results will follow.
Contact Information
Email: stevii@stevii.com
Website: www.stevii.com
Facebook: Stevii Aisha Mills
Instagram: @juststevii
Sponsors:
Shawnise White
Instagram: @beautymintstudio

Keisha Boatwright
Website: www.soulistickesh.com

Rhonda Woolard
Website: www.rjwguidingservices.com

Faye Horton
Website: http://fayesaxonhorton.com

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