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Lynn Richardson

What would you like to accomplish within the next 5 years?

I would like to have a nationally syndicated talk radio program focused on financial literacy and building wealth through real estate. In addition, I would like to have my book published with a major house, have released a second book, and have bookings for national speaking engagements.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing your generation?
In my opinion, media-driven consumerism causes illusions of grandeur that are difficult and even impossible to achieve, poor financial stability, the need to have everything "now", and the watering down of basic values like hard work, tenacity, and perseverance.

What do you hope to learn from more established leaders?
I would like to learn how to more effectively utilize networks and partnerships to accomplish collective goals.

What do you think established leaders can learn from your work? Established leaders can learn how to communicate with underrepresented communities about finances at their level without being condescending, intimidating, and insensitive.

What is the most gratifying aspect of your work?

The most gratifying aspect of my life work is assisting families in realizing financial dreams and verbally sharing personal and other experiences relating to reaching one’s goals. I love talking to people!

What is the biggest challenge in your work?

Historically, the financial industry has failed to meet the personal wealth-building needs of underrepresented communities from an information, education, and relational perspective. Families in underrepresented groups have a general fear and or distrust of the financial institutions and the services and resources available to them. As a result, many do not believe that they can change their habits and establish new rules that lead to financial freedom.

What tools or resources do you need to help you continue your work?

1. Media Exposure to assist in spreading the word about the availability of financial literacy education in a format that is palatable to underrepresented communities.

2. Funding to establish and implement a global financial literacy educational program in elementary, high, and post-secondary schools in underrepresented communities.

What advice would you give to people under the age of 35 who are interested in social justice and social change?

Believe in your mission and your ability to take small steps towards the achievement of a great goal.

Define leadership.

Leadership is the ability to move people, places, and things towards the successful accomplishment of an agreed upon goal while creating a template and platform for others to follow.

Please discuss the importance of coalition/partnership building across racial, ethnic and generational divides in your work.

Though some ethnic groups may have established more wealth and long-term economic stability than others, financial literacy is a human issue since there are poor peoples of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and geographic locations. It is important to understand the differences while establishing foundational similarities if we wish to obliterate choice-driven poverty.