Nancy Butler’s journey into the world of business is a story of courage, resilience, and determination. Her path was not traditional, but it was shaped by a strong need to create stability and independence for herself and her family. During a difficult phase in her life, with only $2,000 and no steady income, she made a bold decision to move with her two daughters and start a business in an industry she had no prior experience in.
Nancy Butler | Above All Else, Success in Life and Business®
Through focus, discipline, and consistent effort, she grew that business into a company managing $200 million in assets and later exited it successfully on her own terms. At EliteX, we are proud to have Nancy Butler as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Business, 2026.
Today, Nancy is the owner of Above All Else, Success in Life and Business®. She is known as an international speaker, award-winning author, and business coach who works across industries and countries. Her work is centered on helping businesses grow while also guiding individuals toward financial independence and personal fulfillment. She also contributes at a global level as a Delegate to the United Nations for the Commission on the Status of Women, where she supports initiatives that advance opportunities for women.
The right team will always multiply your results beyond expectations
Her decision to pursue business was driven by a desire for long-term stability rather than short-term employment. As a single parent, she understood the importance of controlling both time and income. Business ownership offered her the flexibility and opportunity she needed to build a secure future. This mindset became the foundation of her career and continues to influence how she mentors others.
Like many women in leadership roles, Nancy faced challenges early in her career. In the financial planning and asset management industry, she encountered situations where her abilities were questioned, and she experienced bias from clients and peers. Instead of allowing these challenges to limit her, she chose to focus on delivering strong results and maintaining high professional standards. Over time, her reputation became her strongest asset, allowing her to rise above these barriers and build lasting credibility.
One of her most significant achievements remains the successful growth and sale of her first business. However, her definition of success has evolved over time. Today, she measures success by the impact she creates. Through her coaching and speaking, she helps businesses improve performance, often increasing their results significantly, while also enhancing team satisfaction and client relationships. At an individual level, she works to help people lead more secure, confident, and fulfilling lives.
A key turning point in Nancy’s leadership journey came when she realized how much time people spend at work. This insight led her to focus on building environments where individuals can spend most of their time doing work they enjoy and excel at. This approach has shaped her leadership style, making it more people-focused and outcome-driven.
Nancy believes that strong leadership is rooted in the ability to build and retain the right team. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value tasks and not getting stuck in low-impact activities. She also encourages leaders to hire the right people even before they feel fully ready, as the right team members can significantly contribute to growth and efficiency.
To balance strategic thinking with daily operations, she follows a structured approach. She advises scheduling dedicated time to work on the business rather than just in it. Planning this time in advance ensures consistency and prevents it from being overlooked. She also promotes the concept of a model week, which helps maintain clarity, structure, and balance in both professional and personal life.
Preparation and planning turn uncertainty into opportunity
Networking and mentorship have played an important role in her growth. She approaches networking with intention, making an effort to connect with new people and learn from diverse perspectives. At the same time, she values contribution and believes in sharing insights and ideas with others.
Diversity and inclusion are also central to her work. She builds teams that reflect the diversity of the clients and communities she serves, while always focusing first on capability and performance. This balanced approach helps create strong, inclusive organizations.
Looking ahead, Nancy sees artificial intelligence as a major force shaping the future of business. She believes that organizations must learn how to use AI effectively to improve efficiency and decision-making, while also protecting their data and maintaining their competitive advantage.
Resilience, according to Nancy, begins before challenges arise. She believes in preparation and always keeps multiple contingency plans in place. This mindset allows her to adapt quickly and remain steady during uncertain times.
Beyond her professional work, Nancy is deeply involved in social impact initiatives. She serves as a Guardian ad Litem in Connecticut and chairs a committee working to establish the state’s first Family Justice Center model. Her efforts extend globally, including supporting mental health initiatives for women in Ukraine, mentoring young women in Ghana, and helping create educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan. She also serves on nonprofit boards and teaches continuing education programs for professionals. Her books further extend her mission of creating meaningful and lasting impact.
Nancy Butler’s journey reflects the power of determination, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. Her work continues to influence businesses and individuals around the world, leaving a legacy built on purpose, growth, and impact.
Success is not just what you achieve but the difference you create in others’ lives