We recently connected with Dina Michael and have shared our conversation below.

Dina , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My journey towards advocating for financial education began with a realization: many people around me were struggling with basic finances. They faced uncertainties about saving for retirement, handling unexpected expenses, securing their families’ futures, managing debt and achieving their financial goals.
Witnessing these challenges ignited a passion within me to deepen my understanding of personal finance and share that knowledge with others. I saw firsthand how a lack of financial literacy could lead to hardships. This awareness not only drove me to grow my own financial skills but also inspired me to empower others too.
From a young age, my grandmother instilled in me the importance of financial preparedness by opening savings accounts for her grandchildren. Her vision provided me with a safety net as I entered adulthood. Growing up in a large family with my father working as a school teacher, I was determined to be self-sufficient and not a burden to others. These savings played an important role in helping me establish myself.
Encouraged by my grandmother, I pursued further financial education through classes and eventually embarked on an internship that ignited a lasting passion.
Through education, I came to understand that financial decisions impact every aspect of our lives—from our daily choices to our long-term goals. It’s about more than just numbers. It’s about achieving peace of mind, stability, and the freedom to pursue our dreams without the burden of financial stress.
This realization has fueled my commitment to advocating for financial education in our community and beyond. I firmly believe that by equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need, we can create a society where everyone can achieve financial security and prosperity.
It was at the very start of my internship that I met my husband, and together, over the last 2+ decades we’ve built a team of licensed professionals across the United States.
Our combined experience shaped our commitment to mentorship and support, which we continue through our current training programs, webinars, and workshops. Our team is dedicated to helping people with career opportunities in our industry, offering solutions in many languages and delivering practical solutions for everyday families and business owners.

Dina , 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?

Financial literacy is so important, yet it’s something many of us aren’t taught enough about. Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, and about 40% don’t have a financial plan for the future? It’s no wonder so many people are living paycheck to paycheck, feeling stressed and uncertain about what comes next.

I remember the moment when everything changed for me. One day after my college classes, I decided to join a money workshop. It introduced me to some financial concepts that were completely new to me, and it really opened my eyes. I realized that while so many people know how to work hard for their money, very few know how to make their money work for them. This was a game-changer for me, and from that moment on, I was hooked on learning more about finances and helping others do the same.

For the past two decades, I’ve been lucky enough to help people be more intentional about their goals, save for the future and protect their loved ones. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to have these meaningful conversations every day, helping others find financial security and peace of mind. It’s not just about managing money—it’s about giving people the tools they need to take charge of their futures and build a life they’re excited about. And for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Sometimes, when things are moving along at a pace that feels comfortable, it can be tempting to maintain the status quo. However, achieving something truly remarkable often requires the courage to take bold steps and embrace change. The COVID pandemic, while challenging, also gave us a valuable opportunity to completely rethink how we do business. With everyone working virtually, we had to quickly adapt our methods, and for that, we are grateful.

In business, we often depend on partners and systems to operate efficiently. While delegating tasks is important, it’s also crucial to understand the details and take ownership whenever possible. For a long time, we outsourced many parts of our operations, placing our trust in others. However, we came to realize that by bringing more tasks in-house we could gain greater control over the outcomes.

From there, we committed to improving both the agent and client experience and innovating with the changing times. Early on, we faced resistance from partnerships that were hesitant to adapt or unwilling to align. Keeping a level head is key. Change is never easy, but if you are truly committed to growth, you’ll stay grounded. The noise around you won’t distract you from your goals.

Also, by knowing enough about all the important aspects of your business, personally, you can better ensure that your goals are not only met but surpassed. We found that by taking ownership of the little things and the big things even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable, the success is that much more rewarding. Ultimately, the upside is much greater when you lead the change from within, and we are thankful for the lessons we have learned along the way.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Facing rejection and a lack of support in business is just a part of the journey, and it’s something to be grateful for, as it builds resilience. It’s important to develop a thick skin and stay focused on finding solutions, regardless of the challenges that come your way. Some people might appear supportive at first but may not truly have your back, and that’s all part of the learning experience. Not everyone who starts with you will stay the course, and some friends may not be as supportive as you were to them. That’s okay, and it’s important to appreciate the lessons they bring. The goal is to find those who genuinely believe in you and align with your vision. There will always be people who see your potential and become your biggest champions. As long as you remain positive and keep moving forward with gratitude, the right supporters will appear when you need them most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theiln.agency
• Instagram: dina__michael / iln_agency
• Facebook: Impact Leadership Network
• Linkedin: Impact Leadership Network
• Yelp: Impact Leadership Network

Image Credits

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