Written by: Roz A.Gee
In the words of Langston Hughes, life for Barbara Borders ain’t been no crystal stair. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to live life on her terms and empower others to do the same. In the early years, she was a stay-at-home mom raising three sons. She always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and while managing her home and raising her boys, she started several business ventures — some successful, others filled with hard lessons. SHEEN caught up with Barbara to talk about experiencing the highs of building her coaching business from scratch and the lows of navigating personal challenges, including divorce, all while trying to hold everything together.
SHEEN: Briefly share your story on how you became an entrepreneur/business coach.
Borders: Through my experiences, I realized there had to be an easier, more sustainable way to succeed in both life and business. I knew other women and aspiring entrepreneurs were dealing with the same struggles — juggling family, finances, and faith while trying to pursue a dream. That realization fueled my passion to coach others.
I spent years mentoring emerging leaders and small business owners informally before recognizing that this was my true calling. That’s when I founded Beyond Borders Business Coaching — to help business owners break past limitations and operate at their highest level. I wanted to be the voice and guide I wish I had when I started. Now, I get to help others build strong businesses while also creating balance in their personal lives. My journey is proof that you can rebuild, reinvent, and rise — no matter where you begin.
SHEEN: What are the top 3 problems you solve with those who are looking to be coached?
Borders:
1. Lack of clarity and direction — I help clients define their vision and build a practical roadmap.
2. Ineffective systems and operations — Together, we develop workflows and business models that increase efficiency and profit.
3. Mindset blocks — Many people struggle with confidence, fear, or impostor syndrome. I help them shift into a mindset of ownership, abundance, and leadership.
SHEEN: Through your coaching, share one of your clients’ success stories (how did you help her/him achieve success)?
Borders: One of my most memorable clients came to me feeling completely overwhelmed, exhausted from wearing every hat in her business and running on fumes. She had passion and purpose, but no clear plan. Her pricing didn’t reflect her worth, her services were all over the place, and she felt more like a hustling helper than a true leader.
Through our coaching, we got laser-focused. We refined her service offerings, created packages that aligned with her values, and built systems that gave her structure and breathing room. We also worked on mindset — helping her see herself not just as a business owner, but as the CEO of a growing, impactful brand. We built a team strategy that allowed her to delegate with confidence and reclaim her time.
In just six months, she doubled her income, cut her work hours in half, and — most importantly — found joy in her business again. She began showing up with boldness, clarity, and confidence. That shift didn’t just change her business — it transformed her life.
Her story is proof of what’s possible when you stop surviving and start leading. That is the kind of transformation most of my clients are looking for. I am honored when I get the opportunity to guide them through the experience.
SHEEN: Who is your ideal client?
Borders: My ideal client is a visionary — someone who knows deep down they’re called to do more, be more, and impact more lives, but they need strategy, support, and structure to bring that vision to life. They may be in the early stages of building a business and feel overwhelmed by everything it takes to get started, or they may be an established entrepreneur who has hit a plateau and needs help scaling to the next level.
What they all have in common is a hunger to grow and a willingness to put in the work. They are leaders at heart — purpose-driven, faith-centered, and determined to build something meaningful. They’re not just chasing profits; they’re building a legacy. My ideal client is ready to go beyond excuses, beyond limitations, and beyond borders to become who they were created to be — in business and life.
SHEEN: Share five (5) business leadership practices that you teach in your trainings and workshops.
Borders:
1. Lead with Unshakable Clarity – A strong leader knows exactly who they are, what they stand for, and who they serve. I teach leaders how to define and communicate their mission, vision, and values so clearly that it inspires action and alignment at every level of their business. It’s important to know your mission, vision, and who you serve.
2. Build with Systems, Not Struggle – Hustle has its place, but sustainability comes from structure. I guide business owners in creating automated systems and streamlined operations that boost efficiency, reduce burnout, and free up their time to lead strategically. Strong businesses run on systems, not just hustle.
3. Empower People, Don’t Just Manage Them – True leadership multiplies. I teach leaders how to develop and empower their teams to take ownership, solve problems, and lead confidently — so the business grows beyond the capacity of just one person. I teach them how to equip their team to lead, so they are not doing things alone.
4. Let the Numbers Talk – Emotions can mislead, but data tells the truth. I train my clients to track performance, analyze key metrics, and make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability with confidence. I learned the hard way that it’s not good to guess; we have to track the truth. So I teach my clients to track and adjust.
5. Be the Standard You Expect – Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence. I help entrepreneurs embody integrity, consistency, and excellence in every interaction, knowing that the culture of any organization starts at the top. Your integrity, consistency, and attitude set the tone for everything.
SHEEN: What is your favorite quote or business philosophy?
Borders: “Don’t shrink to fit places you’ve outgrown.” — This quote speaks directly to the journey of transformation that so many entrepreneurs, especially women, go through. It’s a reminder that growth often requires us to leave behind familiar spaces, outdated mindsets, and even relationships or roles that no longer align with who we’re becoming. Stretching into a new season of leadership, success, and visibility is part of the process.
SHEEN: What are your final remarks that you’d like to share with the SHEEN audience?
Borders: You were not born to play small. That longing in your heart for more — more impact, more freedom, more purpose—is not a coincidence. It’s a calling. And it’s proof that greater is already within you.
Don’t silence that calling out of fear or wait for the perfect moment to begin. Invest in yourself. Surround yourself with people who see your greatness, even when you can’t see it yet. Permit yourself to rise, to lead, and to build something that reflects who you truly are.
Because when you step “beyond borders”, you don’t just change your life — you open doors for generations to come. Your courage creates a legacy. And the world is waiting on the version of you that refuses to shrink. So, leap — you were made for this.
Photo Credit: Barbara Borders
For more information, visit Beyond Borders.
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