We asked founders and business leaders to share their personal experiences where wealth created positive change. From supporting local businesses to buying time for others, here are seven inspiring stories and the lessons they taught.

  • Support Local Businesses
  • Invest in People
  • Cover Medical Expenses
  • Fund Local Art Programs
  • Support Local Education
  • Invest in Employee Well-being
  • Buy Time for Others

Support Local Businesses

I reinvested my earnings into growing my marketing agency and supported local contractors with marketing services they otherwise couldn’t afford. By offering discounted or pro-bono work for a few small, struggling businesses, I helped them build their online presence, get more leads, and ultimately scale their businesses.

The biggest lesson I learned is that wealth doesn’t just mean money—it’s also about resources and skills. Helping others succeed through what you know can have an equally large impact. It taught me that giving back doesn’t always have to be in the form of a donation; sometimes, offering expertise or mentorship can create lasting positive change.

For others, I’d recommend finding ways to leverage your skills or resources in areas where you see the most need. It’s not just about writing checks—it’s about creating opportunities that can lead to sustainable growth for others.

Andrew Lee JenkinsAndrew Lee Jenkins
Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins


Invest in People

There was a time when I invested in a small business in my community—a struggling café run by a passionate but overwhelmed couple. They had amazing food but lacked the resources for marketing and a solid business strategy. I provided the funding for a small renovation and connected them with a local marketing expert. The café turned around within months and became a go-to spot. Seeing them succeed made me realize wealth isn’t just about having money—it’s about using it to create opportunities for others.

The biggest lesson? Money should be a tool for empowerment, not just accumulation. My recommendation: invest in people, not just profits. When you help others grow, it comes full circle—often in ways you don’t expect.

Bhavik SarkhediBhavik Sarkhedi
Growth Head & CMO, Content Whale


Cover Medical Expenses

A personal experience where my wealth created positive change was when I used a portion of my savings to help a neighbor who was struggling with unexpected medical expenses. I covered a few months’ worth of their medical bills, which alleviated their immediate financial stress.

The biggest lesson I learned was the profound impact that a relatively small act of kindness can have on someone’s life. It reminded me that even modest contributions can make a big difference to individuals in need.

My recommendation to others is to look for small ways they can support people in their community, whether through financial assistance, volunteering, or simply offering a helping hand. These simple acts of generosity can have a significant, positive impact on those around you.

Aseem JhaAseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro


Fund Local Art Programs

Investing in local art programs has been a deeply fulfilling way to use personal wealth for community benefit. These programs not only enrich the cultural landscape, but also bring people together, fostering a sense of community and creativity. The positive feedback from these initiatives has shown me how strategic investments can lead to substantial social and cultural benefits.

Bradley FryBradley Fry
Owner, PinProsPlus


Support Local Education

I think one of the most meaningful experiences I had with my wealth was when I supported a local education initiative. I funded a small scholarship program for underprivileged students in my community.

Seeing the impact of helping young people gain access to resources they otherwise wouldn’t have had was incredibly rewarding. Watching their confidence grow and knowing I played a part in their journey toward better opportunities—that was powerful for me.

The biggest lesson I learned is that wealth, no matter the amount, can create real change when it’s directed thoughtfully.

I realized it’s not always about grand gestures; sometimes small, focused efforts can have lasting effects. My recommendation to others would be: start local. Look around your community, find a cause that resonates with you, and contribute in any way you can—whether it’s money, time, or skills. The ripple effect can be surprising, and the personal fulfillment is immeasurable.

Josh BolstadJosh Bolstad
Owner, Niche Ranker


Invest in Employee Well-being

One of the most impactful moments for me came when I was running my telecommunications company. I had a solid team of 30 employees, and we were thriving. But I noticed some of my employees were struggling outside of work—juggling personal challenges that affected their well-being and productivity. Thanks to the financial success I’d built, I was in a position to offer resources beyond the usual salaries and benefits.

I invested in financial-literacy workshops, provided access to mental-health support, and even offered flexible working arrangements to help them balance their lives. Over time, not only did morale improve, but productivity shot through the roof. People were more engaged, motivated, and loyal because they felt valued and supported. This positive change didn’t just improve their lives—it also directly impacted the success of the company.

The biggest lesson I learned is that wealth, when used wisely, can create a ripple effect of positive outcomes. It’s not just about throwing money at problems; it’s about knowing where to invest it for the maximum impact—something I understood deeply through my years of coaching and business-strategy experience.

I recommend that others, once they’ve achieved a certain level of financial stability, focus on investing in their people. Whether it’s through education, support, or creating a more inclusive work environment, the returns will go far beyond profit. In the end, when your team thrives, so does your business.

Ronald OsborneRonald Osborne
Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach


Buy Time for Others

One personal experience where my wealth created positive change was when I used it to buy time—not for myself, but for others. A few years ago, I funded a local initiative that provided paid time off for small-business employees to focus on personal development, creativity, or mental health. The idea wasn’t to simply donate money, but to give people the opportunity to pause, reflect, and pursue something meaningful that they wouldn’t otherwise have time for.

The biggest lesson I learned was that time can be one of the most valuable gifts you can offer. By giving people the space to recharge or invest in personal growth, you empower them to come back stronger, more innovative, and motivated, which in turn benefits both their personal and professional lives.

My recommendation is to think beyond traditional avenues of giving. Consider how you can provide others with time or opportunities they wouldn’t normally have, whether it’s sponsoring a sabbatical, funding a creative retreat, or offering resources to help someone step away and gain perspective. It’s a unique, often overlooked way to create lasting positive change.

Vipul KumarVipul Kumar
Business Manager, ScoreDoc