Essential Components of a Successful Business

Sharon Lechter, CPA, CGMA

Entrepreneur | Author | Philanthropist | International Speaker | Financial Literacy Advocate

Sharon Lechter is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, international speaker, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and—most importantly—a mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed a 35-year career as a licensed CPA and is a lifelong education advocate. Sharon is the founder and CEO of Pay Your Family First, a financial education organization. Regarded as a global expert on financial literacy, she has served as a national spokeswoman and Presidential Advisor on the topic.

In 2016, Sharon was appointed by Junior Achievement as a JA University of Success Founding Chancellor, and in 2017, as Arizona Chairman for the 2020 Women on Boards initiative. In 2019, Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee appointed her to the Arizona Financial Literacy Task Force, where she serves as Chairman of the K-12 Committee. She has also served on the Advisory Board for Southwest Heritage Bank.

Sharon’s numerous accolades include the Independent Press Award, Trailblazer Legend Award, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. She continues to drive innovation through technology in collaboration with IQ Hall, a cutting-edge AI-powered educational platform endorsed by UNESCO and aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Career and Entrepreneurial Innovation

A pioneer in developing new technologies, programs, and products to bring education into people’s lives in innovative and engaging ways, Sharon remains deeply committed to financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

In 1989, she joined forces with the inventor of the first electronic “talking book” and helped expand the electronic book industry into a multimillion-dollar international market. Since 1992, she has dedicated her career to creating and distributing financial and entrepreneurial education books, games, and experiential learning tools.

In 1997, Sharon co-authored the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, launching a global movement in financial education. Over 10 years as Co-Founder and CEO, she led the Rich Dad Company into an international powerhouse, releasing 14 additional titles in the series.

In 2008, she was asked by the Napoleon Hill Foundation to help re-energize Hill’s timeless teachings during a turbulent economic period. Since then, Sharon has co-authored several bestsellers with the Foundation, including:

• Think and Grow Rich: Three Feet from Gold

• Outwitting the Devil

• Think and Grow Rich for Women

• Success and Something Greater (2019)

She is also featured in the 2017 movie Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy and the 2020 national TV production World’s Greatest Motivators.

Her 2021 title, Exit Rich, guides entrepreneurs in building value and scalability into their businesses. Most recently, her book HowMoneyWorks for Women (2024), produced in collaboration with WealthWave Media, empowers women to take control of their financial wellbeing.

Educational Impact and Advocacy

Sharon’s company, Pay Your Family First, created ThriveTime for Teens, an award-winning financial literacy board game that teaches money and life skills through experiential learning. The game has earned:

• Mom’s Choice GOLD Award

• Creative Child Magazine’s Game of the Year

• Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Product

• A 5-star rating from WTS Toy Reviews

She also co-authored Your Financial Mastery, a financial education college curriculum recognized as the 2015 Excellence in Financial Literacy Education “Book of the Year” by the Financial Literacy Institute.

In 2008, Sharon was appointed to the first President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, serving both Presidents Bush and Obama. In 2009, she was appointed to the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission, where she continues to serve as a national spokesperson. She also authored Save Wisely, Spend Happily in cooperation with the American Institute of CPAs.

Personal Journey and The Play Big Movement

In 2012, Sharon experienced the devastating loss of her son. Although she continued to work, she realized she had been operating on autopilot—no longer striving toward her fullest potential. This realization became the catalyst for her next project: The Play Big Movement.

The movement, which includes a book and online course, inspires individuals to rise above fear, reclaim their potential, and create lasting impact. Through it, Sharon teaches others how to take control of their time and money, live their legacy, and play big.

Philanthropy and Global Recognition

A dedicated philanthropist, Sharon gives back as both a volunteer and benefactor. She has served on the National Board of the Women Presidents’ Organization and on the National Board of Childhelp, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse.

She has also been an instructor for the Thunderbird School of Global Management, contributing to its Artemis Program and its partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program. Sharon also played a key role in passing Arizona SB1449 in 2013, ensuring financial literacy concepts are integrated into state education standards.

Her contributions have been honored worldwide:

• Spirit of the Children Award – Childhelp

• Arizona “Power Couple” (with husband Michael)

• Woman of Distinction – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

• Positively Powerful Women Award – Philanthropic Leadership

• 25 Dynamic Women in Business – Phoenix Business Journal

• Woman of the Year – National Bank of Arizona

• Gift of Wisdom Award – Florida State University

• Economic Empowerment Award – Women Presidents’ Organization

• Financial Educator of the Year – National Financial Educators Council

• Profilo Donna Award – Profile Woman, Italy

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Habitude Warrior International (2016)

• Lifetime Achievement Award – The Best You (2017)

• Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement Award – In Business Magazine (2018)

• Global Voice Award – World Woman Foundation (2018)

• Trendsetter Award – Trends Charitable Fund (2018)

• Gold Medal Award in Literary Achievement – Napoleon Hill Foundation

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Los Angeles Tribune (2022)

• Woman of the Year – Network of Outstanding Women (2022)

• Humanitarian Award for Financial Literacy – Powerteam International (2022)

• Distinguished International Innovaligy Lifetime Award – WOIII (2022)

• 100 Women to KNOW in America (2023)

• Author of the Year – International Impact Awards (2024)

• Independent Press Award (Women’s Issues) – HowMoneyWorks for Women (2024)