What happens when decades of leadership experience meet the uncertainty of entrepreneurship? For Twanda E. Young, the answer lies in rethinking what it takes to build a business that lasts.
After a 33-year career in the United States Army, where she rose to the rank of Brigadier General, Young began a new chapter through LT3 Leadership Solutions. Her mission is to help aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly military members transitioning into business, turn their talents into sustainable ventures.
Her vision, Dare to Lead Differently, is rooted in a simple belief: people do not need permission to pursue their potential. They need the right guidance, confidence, and foundation to bring their ideas to life.
Through the Sovereign Leader Transformational Program, a six-month intensive, Young helps aspiring business owners move from idea to launch while developing the leadership and business fundamentals needed for long-term growth.
Why Passion Alone Is Not Enough to Build a Business
Young’s entrepreneurial journey was not without setbacks. When she initially launched LT3 Leadership Solutions, she relied heavily on passion without establishing the business foundations needed to sustain it.
“Passion doesn’t pay the bills,” she reflected.
Recognising the gap, she stepped back, sought guidance from experienced coaches and entrepreneurs, and rebuilt her approach. Market research, a validated business idea, a clear mission statement, and a stronger business structure became essential parts of her relaunch.
That experience now informs the work she does with others. Rather than encouraging entrepreneurs to rush into spending resources or using their professional networks, she emphasises understanding the market and building a sound plan first.
Overcoming the Fear of Success
Despite her distinguished military career, Young initially questioned whether she could achieve similar success as a solopreneur. The transition required her to confront an unexpected obstacle: her own fear of success.
Seeing the impact of her work helped shift that perspective. Her decades of leadership experience were translating into meaningful change, influencing how business owners lead their organisations and treat their people. Today, LT3 Leadership Solutions operates internationally with global partners.
For Young, leadership is not about authority alone. It is an opportunity to influence lives through dignity, respect, and meaningful support.
Execution Tip: Validate Before You Invest
Before committing significant resources to a business idea, identify the audience you want to serve, research whether a genuine market need exists, and develop a clear mission statement. A deliberate reset can prevent costly mistakes later.
Young also advocates what she calls a P3 mentality: Persistence, Perseverance, and Patience. She believes a reset is not failure; it is a strategic pivot toward the right target. Entrepreneurs should seek mentorship, ask for assistance, and give themselves room to grow.
Her guiding principle is to offer others “a hand up, not a handout,” using experience and influence to help more people succeed.
Through its storytelling platform, Humans of Fuzia highlights leaders like Young whose journeys offer practical lessons in entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable growth. Her story is a reminder that building a business is not simply about having a brilliant idea. It is about creating the foundation, confidence, and community to make that idea matter.
