Why Kids Should Start Businesses with Leah Ellis

What if the next generation of leaders didn’t have to wait until adulthood to start learning leadership? In this inspiring episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs (SoCE), a nonprofit helping children ages 6–17 build confidence, leadership, and real-world business skills through hands-on experiences. Leah shares how watching her own children turn simple ideas into action sparked a bigger vision: creating a community where young people are trusted with responsibility and supported as they develop real skills. Through business fairs, mentorship, and entrepreneurship curriculum, SoCE gives kids the opportunity to launch real ventures, learn financial literacy, and develop resilience through experience—not just theory. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why entrepreneurship builds confidence in young people How real responsibility helps kids develop leadership skills The power of environment and community in shaping mindset Why identity and self-belief are key to long-term success How small actions and habits compound into transformation Leah also shares the deeper philosophy behind her work: when children are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities, they rise to the challenge. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership development doesn’t have to start in college—or even high school. Sometimes it starts with a lemonade stand, a creative idea, and a parent who believes in what their child is capable of. Connect with Leah Ellis https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurs https://www.instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneurs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellis/ https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/ https://leahkellis.com/ https://bit.ly/m/SoCEHub