512: How Leah Collins Turned Financial Mistakes Into a TV Show, Multiple Income Streams, and a Purpose-Driven Career

Leah Collins shares her powerful journey from 20 years in corporate finance to becoming a financial coach, TEDx speaker, and host of OWN's 'Maxed Out,' a reality TV show that confronts money conflicts in relationships. Despite being a financial expert in the corporate world, Leah faced personal financial struggles, including $40,000 in debt, which she paid off in 18 months after attending a finance bootcamp at her church. Her decision to call off her engagement due to financial incompatibility—despite the social stigma—became a pivotal moment that shaped her niche: helping couples and families navigate money conversations. She turned her pain into purpose, leveraging her personal brand, strategic networking, and a strong foundation built over a year before launching her business. Her TV show, which debuted in 2025, has become a platform for real, vulnerable stories, while also fueling her speaking engagements, book sales, and passive income. Leah emphasizes the importance of values-based financial planning, time protection, and building a business that aligns with life—not the other way around. She continues to thrive in her nine-to-five role while growing her entrepreneurial ventures, proving that stability and side hustles can coexist.