Elaine A. Lankford is a passionate advocate for Christian female entrepreneurs and the founder of She Steps Forward Coaching and She Steps Forward International (SSFI). As a certified John Maxwell Team member, she combines expertise in speaking, leadership development, and entrepreneurial coaching with a faith-based approach to help women step confidently into their God-sized dreams. Through her coaching practice, she provides strategic planning and individualized support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, SSFI, her nonprofit organization, equips both American and African women to lead impactful ventures. The organization hosts annual women’s conferences across both continents and operates a Seed Money Grant program to support rising Christian female entrepreneurs. Under Elaine’s leadership, SSFI also conducts humanitarian work in Nairobi, Kenya, furthering its mission of empowering women globally.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
A female African elephant would be a meaningful mascot for She Steps Forward International, and here’s why:
- Leadership & Community: Female elephants are natural leaders who guide their herds with wisdom and care. They maintain strong family bonds and work together to protect and nurture their community—much like SSFI’s focus on women supporting women.
- Forward Movement: Elephants are known for their steady, purposeful forward motion—they rarely step backward. This aligns perfectly with our organization’s name and mission of helping women “step forward” into their destinies.
- Legacy & Mentorship: Elephant herds are matriarchal, with older females teaching younger ones essential life skills and wisdom—reflecting our organization’s emphasis on coaching and development.
- Cross-Continental Connection: African elephants symbolically bridge our work between Africa and the United States.
- Biblical Significance: Elephants represent strength, wisdom, and dignity in many cultures. Their gentle strength aligns with Biblical principles of servant leadership and stewardship.
- Memory & Sustainability: Elephants are known for their excellent memory and sustainable practices within their environment—connecting to our pillar of sustainability and long-term impact.
The image of a female elephant stepping forward confidently while supporting others would powerfully represent SSFI’s mission of empowering women to move forward in faith and purpose.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
I regularly schedule downtime with my family when they come home and, as a person of faith, attempt to honor a period of rest (Sabbath) at some point in the week.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
Unexpected detours should be seen as an opportunity to re-evaluate the current circumstances and brainstorm different solutions. Often, when we take a step back, breathe, and then reengage, the solution presents itself and is a better option than the one we were struggling with. Never be afraid to pivot—pivoting comes with the territory.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
I watch for transformations—big and small—and celebrate them. To see another woman transforming into the person God has created her to be is incredibly rewarding. When we see the twinkle in another woman’s eye because she is catching a larger vision than what she presented with, we know we just changed her life for the better! That is how we measure success.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
From the launch of our signature She Steps Forward International Women’s Conference, we knew we were on to something. Having 50-60 women attend our first U.S. conference in 2019 was incredible. Having a guest from Kenya at that first U.S. conference was amazing! But then, to proceed with an invitation to Nairobi, Kenya, and launch our conference platform there in February 2020 was beyond unbelievable! Seeing 60 women representing five different African countries that year confirmed the platform was the launching pad we hoped it would be. Indeed, we have seen several women rise to the occasion of chasing their entrepreneurial dreams after attending this event. Priceless.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship and coaching are incredibly important in the success of small businesses. Mentors and coaches help individuals map out their course, exploring all possibilities and potential obstacles. They expand an individual’s vision, turning their journey into a grand adventure. With their support, one can truly focus on the destination, transform obstacles into opportunities, and reach their goals in half the time they would have on their own. Investing in mentorship or coaching is investing in yourself.
I have had several mentors and coaches over the years, and every time I identify a new need in my journey, I try to find a mentor or coach with experience in that area. Be a lifelong learner—it will serve you well!
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
We are on a mission to launch aspiring Christian female entrepreneurs into the marketplace—one business, one ministry, one nonprofit at a time—because we know that when these women are lifted up, not only will it transform their lives, but it will transform the lives of those they serve! Female entrepreneurship is good for our communities because women bring heart to everything they do! We are proud to serve women across the United States and Africa at present and believe that one day we will be empowering and equipping female entrepreneurs across the world. And what a better world it will be because of them!
Social Links
- SSFI Website: She Steps Forward International
- Facebook: SSFI Facebook
- Instagram: SSFI Instagram
- SSFC Website: She Steps Forward Coaching
- Facebook: SSFC Facebook
- Instagram: SSFC Instagram
- LinkedIn: Elaine Lankford
