Don't wait for the crowd to cheer you on when you know you're right. If God gives it to me, it doesn't matter who agrees. I'll do it anyway.
Joanna Walker McClain · In Her Own Words
In Conversation
Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Joanna Walker McClain: You keep on pushing yourself until you get the results that you are looking for.
What does being an Influential Woman mean to you?
Joanna Walker McClain: Hi, good evening. My name is Joanna Walker McLean here in Virginia and it's so nice to talk to you today about influential woman. What does it mean to be an influential woman? I can say so much on that topic. So much because when you go through life and you understand that you have a purpose, that God called you for something higher than you could ever possibly imagine or think. You are gonna go to the trenches. You are gonna go through situations that you wonder, what, God? Do I gotta really go through this? But sometimes you have to understand where God is taking you. It's important that you actually go through what you're going through. So don't, don't push aside the, the stuff that makes you grow and needs to prepare you for the great that comes into your life. So, what does it mean to be an influential woman? To be an influential woman is one that doesn't quit. You don't give up. It doesn't work today, get up tomorrow morning and do it again. It don't work, the next day, get up again and try again. You keep on pushing yourself until you get the results that you are looking for. You don't quit. An influential woman is determined. That means they won't quit. They are determined that they're gonna make it happen, they're gonna, they're gonna get it done, no matter how long it takes and how it, how hard it may be, I just went with my master's back in last year, last year, May, complete the course in August. And so I know that when you are pursuing your dreams, pursuing something that you wanna do. You gotta go forward. At the end of the day, it's building you a story. It's building you something that is valuable, that's not only going to be valuable for you, but for someone else. An influential woman is a person that influences others and be a good role model for others to follow. They're showing what it means to be, to be nice. That's something that we're missing today. Sometimes being nice is influential, just being nice that there's nothing looking back for in return, but I just wanna be nice to you today. I wanna show you kindness. I wanna show you love. These characteristics are very important to be an influential woman. You have to have an awesome love factor in your life that tells people it doesn't matter what you toss at me. I can take it because of the love of God and it caused me to understand that this is only an attack. It's not just gonna be permanent, it's temporary. An influential woman understand that life keeps on going. You go when the going gets tough and the tough get going and you go when it's easy or when it's hard. You keep on going that others can see your life and says, I remember, but look at you now. Oh my goodness, I wanna, how can you tell me how you got over, how you make it, influential woman, not gonna have it all the time. Great. Gonna sometimes be hard, sometimes be easy, but you take what you are given and you make something great out of it. So, an influential woman is one that looks on life in a greater perspective. They don't look on life as life is gonna be one level or one note. They look at life like life will be different, different levels. I can match up to the levels. I can sit and study, and I can learn and grow where I need to grow, so I can have the attributes and the substance to hold me in any way of life, in any department of life, in any ways of life. And what would I say to a young person going out to complete their dreams? I say, go forward. Don't look for it to be always be easy, but go for it. Don't look back, go forward. Something happens today, don't look back. You may learn from the lesson, but always keep moving forward that you too can be influential, that you too can have some, some, some treasures in your, in your treasure belt, right? In your treasure pot, and you can shoot all and say, this is how I make it happen. This is how I make it happen. I have 3 kids or I have 4 kids, but I still make it happen. And an influential woman, don't do excuses. There, there's no place for excuse. I'm not gonna have an excuse to make me feel good or look good. No, I'm gonna find what God wants me to know from what I've been through that I can learn and go forward. Young ladies, keep on going. Keep your eyes on the prize. Keep your eyes. E on your dream, build your dream up, have the, the resources and what you need to get that dream to where you want it to launch and be successful and be the best you can in everything that you do. Be the best. No mediocre can't be information mediocre. Be the best you possibly can and you will do awesome in life cause life is waiting for you. Go and make your mark on life.
Her Story
About Joanna
Joanna Walker McClain is a financial services professional, entrepreneur, author, and faith-based leader whose career spans more than two decades in the financial industry. After earning a bachelor's degree in Finance from James Madison University, she began her professional journey with BB&T in 2006. Over the course of 14 years, she built a reputation for leadership and client service, progressing from branch banker to managing multiple branches and nearly 20 employees. Her ability to connect with clients, develop high-performing teams, and navigate complex financial challenges laid the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others achieve financial confidence and stability.
In 2020, Joanna felt called to pursue a new direction and transitioned from traditional banking into entrepreneurship, founding Omic Consulting Firm while balancing the challenges of homeschooling her children during the pandemic. Following a period focused on health, family, and personal reflection, she entered the insurance and financial protection industry, first with New York Life Insurance Company and later with Global Financial Impact. Today, she helps families, professionals, and business owners develop strategies centered on retirement planning, tax-efficient wealth building, protection solutions, and legacy preservation. Her approach combines financial education with personalized guidance, empowering clients to make informed decisions that support their long-term goals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joanna is a passionate advocate for faith, family, and community impact. A mother of four, she is also an author, speaker, and church leader who uses her platform to encourage others to pursue their purpose with courage and perseverance. Through her books, ministry, and financial wellness work, she inspires people to overcome obstacles, embrace opportunities, and build meaningful legacies for future generations. Guided by a deep commitment to service, integrity, and faith, Joanna continues to help others create brighter futures while demonstrating that success is built through resilience, intentionality, and a willingness to follow one's calling.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success entirely to my faith in God and the relationship I have built with Him throughout my life. Every achievement, opportunity, and milestone I have reached has come through trusting His guidance and following the path He has placed before me. From leaving home at a young age with very few resources to building a successful banking career and earning my master’s degree while overcoming significant personal and health challenges, I have relied on faith every step of the way. Time and again, I have witnessed doors open when circumstances seemed impossible, reinforcing my belief that God provides direction, strength, and opportunity when we trust Him. Every success I have experienced, from professional recognition to personal accomplishments, is something I ultimately give glory to Him for.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have embraced is to pursue my purpose with confidence and not allow obstacles to discourage me. I believe challenges are not signs that we are failing, but often confirmation that we are growing and moving in the right direction. Every setback, difficulty, and period of resistance provides valuable lessons, builds resilience, and prepares us for future success. I have learned that persistence, faith, and consistency are essential to achieving any goal, and that even when the path becomes difficult, it is important to keep moving forward and remain committed to the purpose you have been called to fulfill.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to fear nothing and pursue their dreams with confidence. Obstacles and challenges should not be viewed as reasons to quit but as opportunities for growth and preparation. Every experience, whether positive or difficult, contributes to the knowledge, strength, and character needed for future success. I believe it is important to stay focused on your goals, remain resilient during setbacks, and never allow discouragement to define your journey. When you combine determination, hard work, and faith, you can accomplish far more than you may initially believe is possible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges throughout my career has been navigating major transitions and periods of uncertainty. After spending 14 years building a successful banking career, I made the difficult decision to leave a stable profession and pursue a new path that was more aligned with my purpose. Transitioning into entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges, including balancing family responsibilities, homeschooling, personal health setbacks, and rebuilding my professional identity. At the same time, these experiences created opportunities for growth, adaptability, and reinvention. They taught me the importance of resilience, trusting the process, and remaining open to new possibilities, even when the future is unclear.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith is the foundation of both my personal and professional life and guides every decision I make. Alongside faith, I place a high value on family, service, personal growth, and helping others achieve their goals. I am passionate about work that allows me to make a positive impact while maintaining the flexibility to be present for my children and family. I believe success is not measured solely by financial achievement but by the ability to serve others, contribute to the community, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Helping others find solutions, achieve financial security, and feel supported brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment and purpose.
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