Be CEO Of Your Life!

August 22, 2025•3 min read

The conversation opens with R. Kenner French expressing his admiration for Sharon Lechter, crediting her work—particularly the book she co-authored—as a catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. He highlights the ripple effect of her influence, noting how many entrepreneurs have indirectly benefited from her teachings. Sharon immediately shares her core advice: focus on buying, building, and creating income-producing assets. She explains that while income is important, long-term financial independence is only achieved by building assets that can eventually generate wealth without requiring constant personal effort.

Sharon then reflects on her background, growing up in a modest household and initially swearing never to be an entrepreneur after working in her parents’ small businesses. Determined to pursue stability, she entered the corporate world as a CPA and became one of the first women in public accounting in Atlanta. Despite early success, she felt unfulfilled and took a leap into entrepreneurship after asking herself, “Why not?” That mindset—seeing problems and opportunities as challenges worth tackling—became the foundation of her entrepreneurial philosophy.

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She introduces her Personal Success Equation, which combines Passion + Talent, multiplied by the power of Associations and Action, and then infused with Faith. Sharon stresses that entrepreneurs often fall short not because of lack of knowledge, but because of fear or reluctance to act. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with the right mentors and peers who provide encouragement and accountability. This equation, she explains, has guided her through building three global brands, including Rich Dad and her work with the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

The discussion also covers Sharon’s current work as a high-level mentor. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs, she steps into her clients’ worlds to help them identify new revenue streams, strengthen systems, and build businesses that outlast them. She cites examples of clients who, through her guidance, better protected their intellectual property, expanded licensing opportunities, or eliminated debt that was holding them back. Sharon underscores that her mission is to help entrepreneurs not only achieve wealth, but also create legacies that benefit their families and communities.

Toward the end, Sharon reflects on her role in financial literacy advocacy, including advising U.S. presidents and pushing for financial education in schools. While she admits working with government has been frustrating, she remains passionate about making money education universal. She closes with her signature reminder that entrepreneurs must focus on assets, control their mindset, and take ownership as the “CEO of their life.” The interview leaves listeners with both practical strategies and a motivational challenge: to step outside comfort zones, act boldly, and build lasting assets that ensure freedom and impact.

Takeaways

Concentrate on buying and creating income-producing assets.

The journey to financial independence requires active effort initially.

Passion and talent combined with the right associations lead to success.

Taking action is crucial; many know what to do but don't act.

Faith in oneself and one's mission is essential for overcoming fear.

Surrounding oneself with the right people is vital for success.

Financial literacy should be taught in schools to empower future generations.

Your past does not define you; learn from it and move forward.

Engagement in high-level mentoring can significantly impact business growth.

Creating a legacy involves planning for the future and ensuring sustainability.

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