Lance's story is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of a positive mindset. Raised by his aunt in a modest home, he faced countless challenges growing up. Yet through her daily encouragement - “If you be positive, act positive, and think positive, positive things will happen to you and for you” - he discovered a truth that transformed his life.
Once a struggling student searching for direction, Lance became a scholar-athlete, a first-generation college graduate, and a respected business professional. In 2006, he earned his degree in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University, and by 2012, he became the first in his family to obtain a Master of Business Administration from Capella University.
Over nearly two decades, he built an impressive career in agricultural finance - advancing from loan officer to Regional Lending Manager in 2021, and later to Director of Strategic Alliances in 2024, becoming one of the first minority leaders in North Carolina's Farm Credit System.
But beyond the titles is a man who understands adversity - and the determination required to rise above it. Today, he uses the same life framework that shaped him - Be Positive, Act Positive, Think Positive - to help leaders, teams, and individuals build resilience, strengthen mindset, and grow with purpose.
“Positivity isn't about ignoring challenges - it's about believing you can rise above them.”
- Lance Wardlaw