Tammy Durden is not just a business coach – she is a guide, mentor, and source of strength for women entrepreneurs around the world. For over 17 years, Tammy has built a reputation as an award-winning coach and authority in the virtual business space. Her work has always been rooted in helping women create businesses that fit into their lives, rather than forcing them to shape their lives around their businesses.
Tammy Durden | Founder & CEO | Fearless Business Boss
She is passionate about showing women how to grow beyond being a solopreneur by building teams or agency models that give them both freedom and impact. At EliteX, we are proud to have Tammy Durden as part of the edition- Five Trailblazers: CEOs Shaping the Business, 2025.
Her journey to becoming a CEO was not straightforward. Tammy admits she learned leadership “the hard way” – through difficulties, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. It was only when she began managing a team of subcontractors that she truly realized she had to shift her mindset. Leading a team pushed her to think differently and take on the role of a CEO, not just a service provider.
Tammy’s natural ability to lead has also been shaped by her personal life. As a Pastor’s wife, she has taught Bible studies and counseled women for many years. In business, she became a sought-after instructor for an online training school for freelancers and has spoken at numerous virtual conferences and summits. These experiences helped her grow into a respected leader in the virtual services industry.
“Business is a journey, not a sprint.”
Looking ahead, Tammy has a clear vision for her company in 2025 and beyond. She wants to stand out in a crowded digital world as a voice of honesty and trust. She believes business owners should always know they are receiving real, practical guidance instead of misinformation. Her mission is to coach women entrepreneurs to grow successful businesses while also developing their personal skills.
For Tammy, success as a leader is not defined by traditional markers like income or recognition. Living with chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus has reshaped her perspective. Success, for her, is being able to make a difference in women’s lives while managing her health and working limited hours. Her strength lies in proving that challenges do not stop someone from making an impact.
Like many entrepreneurs, Tammy sees challenges in today’s business world. For her, the biggest struggle is how businesses connect with the right audience at the right time. In an uncertain economy, she believes the key is keeping things simple and focusing on building genuine relationships. No matter how much the industry evolves, she insists that real connection is always the foundation of growth. Technology is another important area Tammy pays attention to. She acknowledges its power in the online service industry, especially with the rise of all-in-one platforms and AI. She views AI as a tool – one that can be positive if used wisely. The key, she believes, is understanding how and when to use it, while being mindful of its long-term impact.
Her decision-making as a CEO is guided by strong values: honesty, trust, and responsibility. Before making any choice, she asks herself if it will enhance her services, make her business stronger, and help her give back to the community.
“It always comes back to building relationships.”
Keeping her team motivated is also a priority, and Tammy believes the answer is simple: communication. By keeping conversations open and goals clear, she ensures her team stays aligned with her mission. She also continues to innovate, whether through training, new partnerships, or expanded service offerings. For her, growth often begins with learning something new and sharing that knowledge with others. Social impact is another area close to Tammy’s heart. She is especially passionate about empowering disabled persons to work from home, giving them a chance to contribute and thrive. She also believes in taking care of the environment and using resources wisely, aligning business growth with responsibility.
When advising young entrepreneurs, Tammy’s message is direct: don’t wait, just start. She reminds them that success takes time – attracting the right clients and building visibility is never instant. Patience and persistence are key to staying in the game. To maintain balance as a leader, Tammy keeps her priorities rooted in faith, family, and health. Business comes after these essentials. She does not measure herself by worldly standards of success but by whether she remains aligned with her values. This balance, she admits, is not always easy, but it helps her stay grounded and focused.
Tammy hopes her legacy will be one of resilience and impact. She wants others, especially those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, to see her story and know what is possible. She hopes they recognize how hard she worked to lift up other service providers and how much she valued the good in people.
“I hope others see me and know it is possible.”
Throughout her career, Tammy has drawn inspiration from many sources – from reading about entrepreneurs in Forbes and Inc. magazine, to learning from her own clients’ journeys. For her, inspiration is not one-sided; it is a cycle where she gives her best to her clients and receives motivation from their determination in return.
If she had to describe 2025 in one word, Tammy chooses “Determination.” It is a word that reflects not only her own path but also the spirit she hopes to instill in every entrepreneur she coaches. Tammy Durden continues to prove that leadership is not just about strategy and growth – it is about faith, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.
