Episode 56 | Inside the Society of Child Entrepreneurs: Teaching Kids to Lead with Leah Ellis

Where might you be underestimating what your child (or team) is capable of—and how could you give them a little more room to lead?In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, for an inspiring conversation on what it looks like to raise leaders by letting kids lead. Leah shares how the organization was born out of an unexpected pivot during COVID—and how her own daughter’s simple question (“Why can’t I start a business?”) became the spark that turned into a movement helping kids build confidence through entrepreneurship.Together, they explore what happens when we stop underestimating children, give them real responsibility, and create environments where they can practice leadership, decision-making, and ownership—while still being kids.In this episode, they explore:How kids ages 6–17 learn financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship by running real businessesLeah’s daughter’s first business (and how it surprised even the adults)Why children are often more capable than we assume—and what changes when we step backHow parents can guide without rescuing, fixing, or controllingThe power of “narrating the situation” so kids don’t feel ignoredProtecting what matters with clear calendar boundaries and family routinesWhat it looks like to intentionally say no—even to good thingsA practical rule for decision-making: the 48-hour waiting periodWhy true success isn’t just about numbers, but confidence and long-term impactThe hardest part of kids’ business fairs isn’t the kids—it’s the parents letting goThis conversation is especially relevant for parents and leaders who want to build strong, confident kids—and create a family culture rooted in intentional living, responsibility, and growth.Connect with Leah Ellis:Website: https://www.societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneursInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneursSoCE Circle:https://www.skool.com/socecircle