In a world where many students graduate without knowing how to manage money or start a business, Denise Smith is flipping the script. A nationally recognized entrepreneur and mentor, Smith is carving out a new lane in education—one that prioritizes practical skills, personal growth, and financial empowerment. We caught up with the founder of the Million Dollar Thrive Network to discuss her mission, her journey, and how she’s transforming classrooms and communities across America.
Q: Denise, your mentorship has helped so many young entrepreneurs create real income. What’s your approach?
Denise Smith: It all starts with recognizing the gifts and talents we already have. I coach people—especially youth—to see that their ideas, passions, and skills aren’t random. They’re seeds. My job is to help them plant those seeds in the right soil so they can grow income and purpose. Many of my students are now earning an income just by aligning with their strengths.
Q: And yet, you’re not just coaching—you’re reinventing education. Tell us about the Million Dollar Thrive Network.
Denise: The Network was born from frustration. I saw communities struggling without the tools they actually need—how to budget, invest, communicate, lead, or even pivot when life changes. So, we created a system that teaches middle and high school students entrepreneurship, financial intelligence, and how to adapt. It’s real-world education, not just theory.
Q: You’ve been through some serious adversity in your own life. How has that shaped your work?
Denise: I was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, and I’ve faced homelessness, abuse, rejection—you name it. I know what it’s like to feel stuck and invisible. But I also know the power of transformation. Adaptability saved my life. That’s why I teach it. Life will always throw curveballs, but your mindset determines how you hit them. My mission now is to teach the next generation how to swing with confidence.
Q: How are your programs different from other youth initiatives out there?
Denise: Our curriculum is interactive, hands-on, and deeply personal. We’re not handing out worksheets—we’re guiding real experiences. From building business models to creating financial plans, our students aren’t passive learners. They become problem solvers and leaders. And the best part? They start to believe they’re capable of more.
Q: Soon you plan to be back on the road, with the book, speaking at schools and conferences. What do you hope students take away from hearing you speak in person?
Denise: I want them to leave knowing they matter. That their dreams are valid. When I speak, I’m not just sharing information—I’m planting belief. I tell them, You are not too young, too broke, or too behind to begin creating your future today. Every room I enter, I look for the one student who needs to hear that they’re enough. Because that one student can change the world.
Q: You’ve talked about launching a school. What would that look like?
Denise: Imagine a school where every subject connects back to who you are, what you value, and what you want to build. We’d teach finance, yes—but also mindset, leadership, and even spiritual alignment. It’s not about just making money; it’s about making meaning. That’s the vision: a full-circle learning experience for the next generation of creators and changemakers.
Q: What’s your definition of success?
Denise: To me, success is the legacy you leave in others. It’s the lives you help transform. It’s the connections you build. Material things fade. But relationships, purpose, and impact? That’s real wealth.
Q: With national features already under your belt, where do you go from here?
Denise: I’m just getting started. I’ll keep traveling, teaching, and expanding the network. We’re building a generation that knows how to lead, adapt, and thrive—no matter what the world throws at them.
As Denise Smith continues to shift the educational paradigm, her message is clear: young people don’t just need inspiration—they need preparation. And with her vision, energy, and faith, she’s giving them both in abundance.
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