We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Delores Pressley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi DeLores, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My hero is my mother—or as I like to call her, my Shero. Though she is no longer with us, the profound impact she had on my life continues to guide me every day. She wasn’t the most confident person herself, but she had a remarkable gift for instilling confidence in me.

No matter what, she always reminded me that I was beautiful and capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. Growing up, I was teased relentlessly for being overweight, and it often left me questioning my abilities. But my mother’s words gave me strength. She would tell me to stand tall, no matter how I felt, and those affirmations became a part of me.
I vividly remember my mother telling me a story from my kindergarten days that has stuck with me ever since. She said that on the very first day of school, the teacher told her, “Your daughter took charge and taught the class!” Even at such a young age, my mother recognized the leader in me, and her belief in my abilities has stayed with me throughout my life.
The greatest lesson my mother taught me was this: live your dreams, even if they scare you. It’s a mantra I carry with me, and one I strive to pass on to others, just as she did for me.

DeLores, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m DeLores Pressley, a confidence strategist, keynote speaker, author, and life coach. Over the past three decades, I’ve dedicated my career to inspiring individuals and organizations to embrace their leadership potential, build confidence, and unlock new possibilities in their personal and professional lives. As the President of DeLores Pressley Worldwide and the founder of She Elevates, a nonprofit organization empowering girls to see themselves as future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders, I strive to make an impact that makes an impact through generations.

My journey actually began in the classroom as an elementary school teacher. Teaching gave me an early understanding of the importance of nurturing potential and cultivating a sense of self-worth. From there, I transitioned into the plus-size fashion and modeling industry, where I made history by founding one of the first plus-size model agencies in the United States. This chapter of my life was transformative—not just for me but for countless women seeking representation and empowerment in a world that often overlooked them. It taught me resilience, the value of challenging societal norms, and the importance of standing tall in your truth—lessons I now share with my clients and audiences.

As a writer, I’ve channeled my passion for storytelling and empowerment into books like “Clean Out the Closets of Your Life,” “Believe in the Power of You,” and “Empower,” alongside numerous articles on confidence and personal growth. Currently, I’m writing a children’s book, set to release in early 2025, focused on self-esteem and living a purposeful life, an endeavor close to my heart, as I understand firsthand how childhood experiences can shape our sense of self. Growing up, I was often teased for my weight, and those challenges became the foundation for my work in helping others embrace their worth. What sets me apart is my holistic approach to empowerment. Whether I’m delivering a keynote address, leading a workshop, mentoring a young girl through She Elevates, or coaching a client one-on-one, my mission remains the same: to help individuals realize their power to lead, influence, and thrive.

Through my work, I want people to know that confidence is not a destination but a journey. One that starts with believing in yourself. My brand is about helping people embrace boldness, lead with authenticity, and turn their challenges into stepping stones for success. Whether you’re looking to grow as a leader, inspire your team, or empower the next generation, my message is clear: You have the power to change your life and the world around you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I don’t often share this story, but it’s one that shaped me deeply. At a young age, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition that damaged my ovaries and left me unable to have children. I had just gotten married, and the news was devastating—one of the hardest moments of my life.

It took incredible resilience to navigate the pain and the stigma of being a woman who couldn’t give birth. But I found my strength through faith, leaning on the support of friends, and even having honest conversations with myself. I reminded myself of all that I had accomplished, refusing to let this one heartbreak define my worth.

And then, I found comfort in the realization that my purpose wasn’t limited to motherhood in the traditional sense. As a teacher, I was surrounded by children every day, pouring love and guidance into their lives. In a way, I was still fulfilling the role of nurturing the next generation—just in a different form than I had imagined. That perspective transformed my pain into purpose and reminded me that there’s more than one way to leave a legacy.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely, *Think and Grow Rich* by Napoleon Hill has been a game-changer for me. The book emphasizes the power of mindset, goal-setting, and persistence in achieving success—principles that have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy.

Hill’s focus on the ‘Definiteness of Purpose’ and the importance of surrounding yourself with a ‘Mastermind Group’ has taught me how to create a clear vision and build a team that aligns with my goals. The lessons on self-discipline and taking actionable steps toward success have become a cornerstone in how I approach both business challenges and opportunities. It’s a timeless resource that I often revisit when I need inspiration or a mindset reset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sheelevates.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheelevates_org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheElevates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-elevates/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1EFF8XTaJ38Zu2RjBTPu-A?themeRefresh=1