We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr.Kel’li Sherrene Cole,M.S.C,Ph.D. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr.Kel’li Sherrene , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to teach real-life application—not just theory. Too often students graduate with degrees but without direction. We prepare them to pass tests, but not to pass through life with purpose, confidence, and strategy.

I believe schools should prioritize financial literacy, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and faith-driven leadership. Those are the tools that build legacies, not just résumés.

I’ll never forget sitting in class as a young student, realizing I was learning formulas I’d never use again, but nobody was teaching me about credit, investing, or how to own a business. I had to learn those lessons the hard way, through trial, error, and resilience. That’s why I’ve built my work to fill in those gaps—so the next generation doesn’t just survive, but thrives.

Dr.Kel’li Sherrene , 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 am Dr. Kel’li Sherrene Cole Kinnel, and everything I do is rooted in purpose, legacy, and transformation. My journey into this work wasn’t by accident—it was by design. Growing up in West Philadelphia, in a family of doctors, lawyers, and business owners, I was surrounded by excellence but also taught resilience. That balance shaped me into someone who could thrive in any room while still remembering where I came from.

I stepped into education, business, and consulting because I saw a gap—people were graduating with credentials but not with clarity. They had degrees but not direction, dreams but no strategy. My work solves that. Whether it’s through Good Life Christian University, where I lead students into faith-driven education, or through my business consulting and wealth strategy work, my mission is to empower people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build lives and legacies that last.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach theory—I live the very principles I share. I’ve built organizations, overcome challenges, and navigated setbacks. I know the grind of starting from scratch and the discipline it takes to scale. My clients and students trust me because I don’t just give information; I provide transformation.

I’m most proud of the impact—seeing a student walk across the stage with a degree they once thought was out of reach, watching a client launch a business that changes their family’s trajectory, or witnessing someone finally step into their calling without fear. Those moments mean more than any title or award.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: we are proof that faith, strategy, and legacy can coexist. My work is about more than success—it’s about significance. I’m here to help people not only achieve their goals but to create lives that reflect their God-given purpose.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been word of mouth. I believe when you provide people with a true transformation, they can’t help but talk about it. I focus on creating an experience that goes beyond the surface—one that shifts how my clients think, live, and lead. That impact speaks louder than any ad campaign ever could.

When someone’s life changes because of the work we’ve done together, they naturally become an ambassador for my brand. Their testimony carries more weight than marketing copy, because it’s real. That’s how I’ve grown—one transformed life at a time, multiplied by the power of people sharing their story with the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make came when I scaled too quickly. At one point, I was managing 16 doors, an event space, and a conference room. On paper, it looked impressive—but the reality was I moved faster than I was prepared for. That decision cost me $286,000.

At the time, it felt like a major loss. But what I gained from it was far more valuable than the money I lost. I learned exactly what not to do the next time around. I learned how to scale with strategy, not just speed. And I learned that sustainability is worth more than showing off a quick win.

The lesson was simple: don’t worry about losing in front of people who don’t even have what you’ve already accomplished. Every “loss” is just tuition for the next level. Since then, I’ve not only sustained but grown even more—this time with wisdom, discipline, and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegoodlifecu.com
• Instagram: Kel_li_sherrene/glcuonline
• Facebook: Kel’li Sherrene/Good Life Christian University
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/LNA_rA6JUZU

Image Credits

CJ Wolfe, Freako Shot Me