We recently connected with Edna Harding and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Edna, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

I want to share something deeply personal with you—my own rollercoaster journey through some really tough times. Imagine navigating a cutthroat corporate world, encountering deep betrayals within my church when I tried to blend faith with business, and facing severe personal trials, from enduring abuse to surviving an accident caused by a drunk driver.

These experiences tested me to my core. They brought along unwelcome companions: depression, rejection, and fear. During these darkest moments, when I desperately needed support, it felt like the world turned its back on me. I lost weight, battled stress-induced hives, and spent countless nights staring at the ceiling, wrestling with my thoughts.

The betrayal hit hard. Not just once, but twice, by people I trusted—my pastors—involved in shady real estate deals that eventually forced me to sell my home and file for bankruptcy. Can you imagine the heartbreak and chaos this brought into my life?

But then, something incredible happened at rock bottom. A friend introduced me to a trauma therapist, Patrick Wanis, who opened my eyes to a lot of buried truths. One session revealed a childhood memory of being bullied and accepting it as normal—this was a game-changer for me. It made me see a pattern where I allowed myself to be mistreated because I believed I deserved no better.

This realization was the start of a decade-long journey of self-discovery and deep spiritual work. I turned to prayer, seeking understanding and healing from the Holy Spirit for both my childhood and adult years. What followed was nothing short of a personal revolution.

Inspired by my own transformation, I developed programs that do more than just teach business skills. They’re about nurturing the soul, fortifying your mindset, and empowering you to make wise decisions and manage emotions with grace. These tools don’t just help overcome business challenges—they let you reap the well-deserved rewards of your hard work.

Through my company, Favor and Wealth, I apply these life lessons, blending nearly two decades of diverse industry experience with biblical principles. This isn’t just business; it’s a mission to transform the marketplace into a space where profitability coexists with doing right by everyone involved.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello! I’m Edna Harding, a Business Growth Strategist and Executive Life Coach with a deep-rooted passion for blending biblical wisdom with cutting-edge business strategies. My journey began nearly two decades ago in the high-stakes world of B2B sales, marketing, operations, and leadership. Through my career, I’ve had the privilege of generating over $500 million in business revenue, helping both my employers and my clients achieve remarkable growth.

My path into this industry was driven by a blend of necessity and inspiration. As a military wife and mother, I’ve faced numerous life challenges, including relocating frequently and managing a household while building a career. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience and adaptation—skills that I now pass on to my clients.

My Services:

At my company, Favor and Wealth, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small to midsize business leaders transform their operations and skyrocket their growth. We offer a range of services from one-on-one coaching to group workshops and even digital courses. These programs are designed to empower business leaders to double their clients, clarity, and confidence quickly.

Problems I Solve:

I address common but critical challenges in business, such as ineffective sales strategies, poor leadership communication, and underutilized marketing. More uniquely, I focus on overcoming the emotional and spiritual roadblocks that often hinder professional growth. Whether it’s dealing with rejection, fear, or the aftermath of betrayal in business, I guide my clients through healing and developing healthier business practices.

What Sets Me Apart:

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to integrating spiritual integrity with business acumen. My approach is not just about increasing profits; it’s about fostering an environment of ethical success and genuine connections. This integration comes from my deep faith and my belief that business, at its best, is a calling to serve others honorably.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I am most proud of the transformative impact my work has on the lives of my clients. It’s not just about business growth—it’s about personal renewal and empowerment. Many clients have not only seen their businesses flourish but have also experienced significant personal growth and healing.

For Potential Clients/Followers/Fans:

To those considering joining our community or engaging with our services, know that you’re not just signing up for business coaching. You’re embarking on a journey to reshape your business and your life. With us, you’ll learn to lead not just with smart strategies but with a heart of integrity and courage.

Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or seeking to elevate your business strategies, I am here to guide and support you. Together, we’ll tackle your hurdles and aim for a horizon where success is measured not just by the profits you earn, but by the positive influence you wield and the ethical standards you uphold.

Join us, and let’s turn your vision into a reality that benefits not just your bottom line, but the world.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

In business, it’s all too easy to get lost in the relentless pursuit of hustle and hard metrics. But the most profound advice I ever received shifted my entire perspective: “Your business does not define your value.” This simple yet powerful idea, deeply rooted in biblical wisdom, has become the cornerstone of my approach to growing my clientele.

Matthew 16:26 prompts us to consider, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Reflecting on this, I recognized that true success in business should never compromise our self-worth or integrity. Here’s how this understanding has shaped my strategies and contributed to my success:

Seeing Beyond the Entrepreneurial Identity: I learned to see myself not just as an entrepreneur but as a person of intrinsic worth. This shift in mindset brought peace and resilience, allowing me to face business challenges without them impacting my personal self-esteem.

Prioritizing Relationships Over Transactions: My greatest asset isn’t the services I provide; it’s the relationships I build. By investing in people—my team, clients, and community—I cultivate connections that enrich both my personal and professional life. Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” reflects my commitment to mutual growth.

Aligning Business Goals with Personal Values: I ensure my business activities resonate with my personal values and broader life purpose, focusing on work that not only drives profit but also serves others positively.

Embracing Rest and Self-Care: Recognizing the importance of rest, I observe principles like the Sabbath to prevent burnout. This not only preserves my well-being but also enhances my productivity and creativity.

Maintaining Humility and Gratitude: Staying humble and grateful keeps me grounded. I acknowledge that every success is a blessing, which helps me avoid the pitfalls of pride and complacency.

Defining Success by Impact, Not Revenue: I measure success by the positive impact I make on others’ lives, aligning with the biblical principle of stewardship where we are called to manage our resources and talents for the greater good.

Building a Legacy of Values: I strive to leave behind a legacy that is defined by values and ethical conduct, ensuring our business culture remains strong and aligned with these principles.

This advice didn’t just change how I run my business; it transformed who I am as a leader. It came from my chief advisor—the Holy Spirit—and continues to guide me every day. By placing value on integrity and personal growth, I have been able to expand my clientele not just in number but in the depth of our relationships and the quality of our interactions.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life came when I became a military wife and soon after, a mother of toddlers in my late 30s. These roles brought profound changes not only to my personal life but also to my professional trajectory.

The military lifestyle introduced a level of unpredictability and mobility that was both challenging and transformative. With frequent relocations, I quickly learned the importance of adaptability. Each move required me to re-establish our home, build new connections, and often, re-strategize my business approach to fit new markets. This constant state of change forced me to become more agile and responsive to the unforeseen opportunities and challenges that came my way.

Becoming a mother later in life introduced another layer of complexity. Balancing a new business with the demands of motherhood required a major recalibration of my time and energy. I had to prioritize ruthlessly, delegate more effectively, and often, put on hold certain ambitions to focus on my family. It was a humbling yet enriching experience that taught me the true value of patience, resilience, and the power of focused, quality work over sheer quantity.

In response to these life changes, I pivoted my business model to embrace more flexible, scalable strategies. I transitioned from primarily in-person engagements to leveraging online platforms, which allowed me to reach a broader audience without geographical constraints. I focused on creating digital courses and remote coaching services that could be managed alongside my unpredictable schedule. This not only maintained but actually grew my client base, as I could now serve clients globally, regardless of where my family was stationed.

This pivot wasn’t just about business logistics; it was also about embracing my new identities as a military spouse and a mom. I integrated these experiences into my brand, which resonated deeply with similar audiences—other military spouses and parents navigating their own professional and personal challenges. Sharing these personal stories and solutions helped strengthen my connections with my clients and followers, making my advice more relatable and grounded in real-life experiences.

The biggest lesson from these pivots was that embracing change, however daunting, opens new pathways. It taught me to be more innovative, empathetic, and strategic—qualities that have significantly enriched both my personal life and professional career. It underscored that sometimes, the best way to grow is to adapt, reflecting the timeless wisdom that flexibility and resilience are key to enduring success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.favorandwealth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ednasharding/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEstherpreneur
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednaharding/
• Twitter: https://x.com/EdnaSHarding
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@EdnaHarding
• Other: Podcast : https://estherpreneur.com/

Image Credits

Lizzie Studios https://www.lizziestudios.com/