Ja-Nae Duane’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and exponential thinking. She has faced adversity head-on, pivoted with purpose, and unlocked extraordinary opportunities—not by waiting for them, but by creating them.

I first met Ja-Nae while helping a global business with a CEO event on Future Trends, where she spoke about the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and mindset. That event reinforced my own thought leadership in future thinking and exponential transformation. Her insights on adaptability and unlocking human potential deeply resonated with my work, and her story exemplifies what it means to move beyond limitations and into a life of impact.

Her journey from poverty to global influence is a powerful example of how exponential success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how you think, what you believe is possible, and how you capture pivotal moments along the way.

Unleashing Her Full Potential: From Survival to Success

Ja-Nae didn’t just grow up poor—she grew up in survival mode. At 13, she was not only supporting herself but also raising her siblings, often knocking on doors to ask for food.

Many who grow up in scarcity conditions develop a fear-based, hoarding mentality, afraid that resources will always be limited. But instead of letting scarcity define her, Ja-Nae made a conscious decision to adopt an abundance mindset—a critical shift that unlocked exponential growth.

She realized that the more she gave, shared, and created opportunities for others, the more opportunities would come back to her. This shift was foundational in unleashing her full potential—not just for personal success, but for lifting others up along the way.

Another defining Moment Pivot came when she realized how much external validation had influenced her decisions. She spent years seeking approval until she asked herself:

“Am I okay with what I am doing today and the legacy I am leaving in the world?”

That question changed everything. It freed her from comparison and self-doubt and allowed her to fully step into her purpose.

This is exactly what I teach in our ReStart Now! program, where we help individuals and business teams recognize these pivotal Moments and use them as catalysts for exponential success. If you’ve ever felt stuck or uncertain about your next step, learn more about how to shift your mindset here.

Moment Pivots: Embracing Change to Create Opportunity

Ja-Nae’s journey is proof that success isn’t linear—it’s built on bold pivots that turn challenges into stepping stones.

• At 13, she became a professional opera singer, performing at The Met and the White House.
• In 2008, the financial crash wiped out her business, forcing her to pivot into entrepreneurship.
• She built Wild Women Entrepreneurs, growing it to 55 chapters in just nine months.
• She became a global advisor on disruptive thinking, guiding startups and corporations through paradigm shifts.
• She authored SuperShifts, a book helping individuals and businesses navigate exponential transformation.

Each transition was driven by a key Moment—a realization that staying comfortable would mean staying stuck.

Ja-Nae didn’t wait for the perfect conditions—she adapted, expanded her thinking, and took action when opportunity struck.

Expansion Thinking: Why This Matters to You

If you’re feeling stuck in your career or business, exponential success starts with a mindset shift. Ja-Nae’s story is proof that breaking through barriers isn’t about luck—it’s about strategic thinking and taking decisive action.

Ask yourself:

• Are you waiting for permission to take action?
• Are fear and self-doubt holding you back?
• Are you recognizing the moments that can shift your trajectory?

In our program, ReStart Now!, I emphasize the importance of capturing these micro-moments of decision-making—because the choices you make in these moments will define your future trajectory.

Reframe Your Thinking:

• Instead of “I can’t,” ask “How can I?”
• Instead of “This is impossible,” ask “What’s the next step?”
• Instead of “I don’t have what it takes,” ask “Who can help me get there?”

This is how exponential thinkers approach challenges—they reframe obstacles as opportunities.

Your Next Step: Own Your Moment

Ja-Nae Duane is living proof that transformation is possible for anyone who chooses it. Her journey shows us that success isn’t about having the perfect conditions—it’s about:

1. Recognizing the power of exponential thinking
2. Taking bold pivots when needed
3. Embracing an abundance mindset
4. Turning challenges into opportunities

The next step isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about recognizing your Moments, shifting your mindset, and taking bold action.

What will you do with your next Moment?

This article is part of a weekly series on women who exemplify exponential thinking while capturing key moments to unleash their full potential.